Our annual Victoria Day hiking was took place in Bob Hunter Memorial Park in Markham, Ontario. The Park has ample parking spaces so the drivers do not have to worry about as in other areas. There were 50 alumni and friends enrolled for the hike originally. However, we encountered extreme weather this year as the temperature forecast will rise above 30C in the afternoon. For safety reason, some alumni called or messaged us in advance that they will skip the hike. However, we still have a group of 40 people showed for the challenge. This year, with the cooperation from all of us, we managed to take our group photo and started the hike on time at 2:00 pm., a record for us. A big hand to you all.
The trail is about 4.5 – 6.5 km. The first challenge we faced at the very first was the Tallgrass Trek, though paved (easy to walk) yet an open space. The sun was so fierce that we tried getting to Monarch Trail (woodland and trees) to avoid the heat. We took break during different spots and enjoy the scenery. After we got out of the woodland, for safety concern, we took a short section of Tanglewood Trail, then followed Reesor Way back to the parking lot in 20 minutes instead of taking the longer loop which will take another 50 minutes.
Because of the high heat, we have a few minor incidents that hikers had to return within half an hour after start. Some had to carry on slowly as they already past the half way mark. With the help of other group, we managed to take them back to the parking lot by car once they were out of the woodland. Luckily, all of them recovered fully after resting for a short while. Forty people joined the delicious dinner in Crown Jewel Fine Dining afterwards.
Here, we have to thanks Dan Lam, Evelyn Lam, Cindy Chow, Tristan Lau, Franki Cheng and Ken Leung (Lilian’s Ma mentee) for their help in making the event successful.

Reported by Romeo Au