It was an icy, muddy day but I was pretty impressed with my visit to Limehouse Conservation Area. The park is near Georgetown, Ontario in the tiny hamlet of Limehouse. The park is located along the Bruce Trail, a hiking trail that runs from Niagara-On-The Lake to Tobermory.
The remaining ice on the smooth rock of the Niagara Escarpment proved to be pretty hazardous, especially when ascending or descending. The potential was always there to slide helplessly into one of the many crevices and fissures in the rock.
This is a typical view of the many crevices in the rock. This is found often along the Niagara Escarpment and often at much greater depths.
In dry conditions in the summer, it would be a challenge to navigate across the rock islands formed by the crevices. With ice still lingering into April this year, the task would be downright dangerous.
Cedar trees and the Niagara Escarpment have a very intimate relationship. Some of these trees are known to be as old as 1,000 years and more. Many cedar trees are perched precariously on the side of the cliffs and out of the way of the destructive species known as ‘man’.
This arch is the remnants of a large building – I’d assume a mill – straddling Black Creek. Limehouse is known for the ruins of, well, limehouse kilns. There are two kilns that are being restored. Formerly they were used in the processing of limestone.
Another view of the arch. I had to screw on the Polaroid Variable Range ND filter to get these long exposure shots at mid afternoon. One of the published features of Limehouse Conservation Area is photography and I can see why. This area, as long as the water flow is maintained, will be even more spectacular with some foliage.
Looking the opposite way across the arch. There is a length of wall still standing in the background. The structure of the arch and wall are quite strong and show no strain or movement when walked on (even though you’re not supposed to).
Looking upstream from the arch at the babbling Black Creek. There is a walking bridge just downstream from the arch. The bridge is part of the Bruce Trail. There are several side trails in this area that will be a pleasure to explore when the snow and ice have finally gone and the muddy trails dry up.
Black Creek again. This time, a little upstream. The shot was taken from on top an old steel drain pipe left over from more industrious days.
And, to finish off, a random long exposure, water blur image from Black Creek at Limehouse Conservation Area.
This is a video taken the same day:
