This Old House

Wed. 8 April:  McParlan House Trail

Enchanting sketch of earlier days at McParlan House

Winter seemed determined to cling on to its slipping grasp.  The northeast wind had a bite to it, and there was still plenty of snow through Murphys Point Park.  But the forecast was showing the rapid approach of warm, sunny weather, and so this might have been our last wintry trip of the season.

Gathering at the Murphys Point gate, we strolled down the access road, past the entrance to the campsite, then onto the woodland trails.  We were surprised to see a cross-country skier making her way across the ice onto the grass.  She reported good conditions for this, her final ski of the season.

Turning left at the Rideau Trail, we followed the snowy path down past the end of Hoggs Bay to McParlan House.  We were grateful for the sturdy footbridge which crossed a noisy Black Creek, its waters pouring through the melting ice.  Just past the bridge, the beavers had been busy knawing at several trees, large and small.

The photo display inside this old house is always worth visiting, and tells the story of this area when, long ago, it was the site of a busy sawmill.

It may have looked like a winter scene, with the snow under foot, and a cool breeze, but the skies were sending a different message.  A change was on the way.

Note:  single-click on the first picture above to scroll through the photos separately

Statistics:

Total Distance:         6.0 km (hike)

Height Gain:             Say 40 ft.

Time on Trail:          1 hr. 57 mins.

Start (gate):             10.02 am

McParlan Ho:          10.55 am

Ret. to cars:            11.59 am

Temp:            +1 to +4 C

Weather:        Cloudy, cold NE breeze

Murphys Point access road (without snakes)

Perfect trails for a stroll through the woods

Intriguing rock with embedded thin layer 

Black Creek

Tree down - new trail sign needed. 

"Busy Beaver"

McParlan House and signs of green grass

Perth Courier advertisement from 1869

Returning over a noisy, active Black Creek (thanks to the RTA bridge!)

Final wintry scene - plus 18C forecast for later this week