Eardley Escarpment

Rememberance Day in Ottawa is most often a cold and windy day. I guess that is somewhat fitting the sombre occasion and normal for the middle of November. Bryan and I usually take advantage of the day off to hike to some quiet part of Gatineau Park which I figure is as good a place as any to take some time to contemplate the day. Today, we were joined by Ken for a hike along the Eardley Escarpment and a visit to Lac Hachet. As this was the first hike with all three of us since Ken's 46er finish, we presented him with a custom designed, but not official, 46er t-shirt. A collector's item for sure!

We hiked some trails along the escarpment at the northern end of Gatineau Park which is less visited and quieter and for my money the more enjoyable part to hike in. There is a complex set of trails there that have the feel of 46er herd paths. The path is faint with just the odd cairn or paint splotch to keep you on track. This trail runs across the top of the escarpment with views looking west along the Ottawa River valley. These trails are best hiked at this time of year when the bugs are gone and the leaves are down so you get better views.

On the way back to the car we detoured to Lac Hachet which is one of many small lakes on top of the ridge. A small beaver lodge in the middle of the lake but little sign around the shore of beaver activity. We stopped a while for some refreshments and photography and surprisingly no one went for a swim! There was snow in the air and that cold breeze that said winter is on the way...one can hope at least!