Rolling in the Doldrums

The NCC have already closed the parkways that are used as xc ski trails for the winter. As such these roads are now the exclusive domain of roller blades, roller skis and road bikes. I took advantage of a sunny afternoon and came after work to roller blade along a shortish flat section of parkway, called the Doldrums. It is awesome to have the network of roads almost all to yourself. The leaves have mostly all fallen and the color has pretty much gone but I did have fun taking photos as the light was bright and you could see all sorts of reflections in the various ponds. As I returned to my car there was a kids xc ski team heading out for a training session, getting an early start on the xc racing season!

Wolf trail

On sunday I went out for a hike on the Wolf Trail in Gatineau Park. I was hoping it would help me kick the nasty cold I have had for the last two weeks. Also it was a sunny day which is something you have to take advantage of at this time of year! The Wolf trail is always a nice walk heading up from the parking area at the end of Meech Lake to the top of the escarpment with a lookout over the Ottawa river valley and then back. It seems this was a popular hike as the parking lot was almost full and the trails were crowded. The NCC had recently closed all the parkways for the winter (c'mon snow!!) so the trailheads were limited. On the plus side the trails were very muddy which I think discouraged some people and so I had some nice quiet time sitting on the open ridge soaking in the rays and cool breezes. I had a nice chat with a crow that floated up on some thermals. At least I thought it was talking to me but then another crow appeared and they soared off into the distance. It was several weeks too late for the autumn colors but as always a nice hike.

Leaf peeping - Mt Van Hoevenburg

This has not been the best leaf peeping season as it has rained repeatedly since the leaves started changing. So I headed down to get in one more peep before returning to work next week and before the hordes of Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving peepers who will be out in their peeping thousands this weekend. Todays target was Mt Van Hoevenburg. It has all the hallmarks of an excellant leaf peeping peak: short hike, small elevation gain and sweet view across terrian populated with deciduous trees! This is the kind of peak you can carry a picnic lunch to and then after sit and smoke a cigar (if you smokes cigars), all the while taking in the views from Cascade, Big Slide to the MacIntyres and Street and Nye. And I think it also has the most awesome view of Mt Jo.

The leaves were in their orange, yellow and red glory today. Not to be outdone the mud was also outstanding. While the trail to Mt Van Ho is only 2 miles, at least half of it is either mud or wet that looks like mud or at least dark water. At the trailhead I asked a couple who were returning from the hike what footwear to use. They seemed confused but waterproof ankle boots are the only way to go. Sadly the cloud cover was sitting at about 3500 feet so the colors in the valleys was spectacular but many of the peaks were hidden from view.

Definitely a spot worth a return visit when the skies are clearer but don't forget your waterproofs boots and gaitors if you have em!

Leaf peeping

Hiking outdoors produces karma instantly, 'nuff said!!

ps Leaves are peaking and it feels like winter on the summit so bring a toque and gloves!

Jack Pine stroll

I went for an afternoon walk on the Jack Pine trails in the greenbelt. It has been frustrating to see rain, rain and more rain in the forecast for the last few weeks. And now snow has already started accumulating on many of the high peaks. I figured it would be nice to get out to see some colors and Canada Geese activity on these trails that I usually avoid in the summer due to black flies, mosquitos and panhandling chickadees. The ducks in the beaver pond were quite active but there was not a lot of activity in the pond with all the heron nests (sometimes there are hundreds of geese in there). I saw a few deer and was hastled by a chipmunk for some food.

Lets hope we get some indian summer soon so I can get a few leaf peeper hikes in before I have to go back to work.