‘The Pathfinders’, as we are familiarly known, coincided with the building in 1991 of the Sir John Colborne Seniors’ Centre on Old Lakeshore Road in west Oakville. But it was largely due to Oakville resident Martin Franchetto’s enthusiasm for hiking that the Pathfinders came into being, and an executive formed.
On September 14, 1992 eight registered hikers set off along Bronte Creek on the group’s first registered hike, a modest beginning that soon expanded to an average of 20 ‘regulars’ enjoying a varied 30 hikes ranging from five to 10 kilometres in distance. Many of these hikes are still enjoyed by us today.
It was barely three years later that interest was expressed in hiking the 800-kilometre length of the famed Bruce Trail. The first ‘End-to-End’ leader was Peter Duynstee who guided six participants along this very challenging trail, completing it in one year – a considerable feat. Since then more than 780 Pathfinders have accomplished this goal, some more than once!
Interest in this healthy and enjoyable exercise grew in leaps and bounds over the years, adding more and varied local hikes, special hikes, pub hikes and even excursions to Scotland, The United States and Machu Piccu in Peru.
But it is not all boots and wet weather gear! Social events, community involvement such as the annual clean up of a section of Lakeshore Road, even environmental advocacy and support have down the years played an important part of the more than 150 strong …
Pathfinders Hiking Group of Oakville