Daytripper: To Bonfield, the Grand Desert way

Getting to Bonfield via Hwy 17 East is very straightforward, but after you have done it several times it becomes just another exercise in flowing with the traffic. There is an option though, and this trip is anything but straightforward. Ever been to Grand Desert?

We head south on Hwy 11 to Hwy 654 where we turn towards Astorville. At Astorville South we continue straight through town, following the paved road and signs to Clear Springs Golf course. This day there were no left-handers on number two tee who sometimes drop balls onto the roadway. Continue south on the gravel side road past the first intersection where the Chiswick church can be seen on the left. At the next side road/concession road intersection you will see a sign indicating the way to the Boy Scouts Camp Wirribara.

We follow Pioneer Road some 9 kilometres to Little Clear Lake where the Scout camp (www.geocities.com/thirdwiddifiled/wirribara ) sits among the pines. Immediately past the Camp Wirribara entrance you will cross a ‘hogback’. It is worth a stop to investigate the unusual land formation as both sides of the hogback drop over a hundred feet to the forest floor. This day there seemed to be a convention of yellow-shafted flickers along the road, but they may have been eating the last of the wild raspberries.

Do not be confused by the blue and white signs pointing to Mattawa, as these are snowmobile trail signs. There are lakes in the area, but most are off the main road. The road turns to the left (north) and you are approaching Grand Desert. This area was very sandy when I used to frequent these trails 40 years ago, but it has grown up over the passing years. There are a number of farms in the area and the sandy soil is evident.

We are now well east of Bonfield, in fact closer to Rutherglen, when we come to the old Grand Desert cemetery and church. We turn right at the stop sign, but turn left after that at each intersection until we come to Farmer’s Road where there is a sign pointing towards Bonfield. The forest gives way to farms where hay is stored wrapped in its white covers.

Turn left (west) on Development Road and follow it until you come to Bonfield. Bonfield is well known for its Sea Pie dinners at St. Bernadette's church. There are more photos and info on Bonfield at the Township website: www.ebonfield.org. We follow Hwy 531 past the sports field where I played fastball for Powassan against Bonfield, oh so many years ago! Hwy 17 west takes us to North Bay in about 20 minutes.

The paved roads are in good condition as is the gravel road through the back country.
Total Distance: 115 kms round trip
Time for the trip: All the time in the world but allow some time to check out the names on the headstones at Grand Desert.