On Patrol

Wed. 5 August:  Rideau Trail:  Ferrier Road Circuit

I was tempted to draw a face on this cloud, but it doesn't need it, does it?

You never know what to expect when on patrol. 

Today my maintenance duties took me south along the Rideau Trail through rugged Canadian Shield country, starting at Ferrier Road; through the fields and woods to the boardwalk; then into the forest, following a twisting, undulating trail; over a footbridge; past a hunting camp, and then back along the quiet country roads to the start. 

I had travelled south from Ferrier Road a month ago, with weed trimmer in hand, but got only as far as the boardwalk. The trail had been badly overgrown.  So now it was time to check the section south from the boardwalk.

I’d recommend this route to any hiker wanting to sample the wilder sections of the Rideau Trail.  There’s plenty to see along the way.  Wearing my maintenance hat, there was definitely something to see – and it means there’s work ahead!  An overgrown trail along the boardwalk, fallen trees in the forest, prickly ash blocking the access to the footbridge. 

The downside of going out on patrol is that it means you are more than likely to be making work for yourself!  But who minds?  It just gives me an excuse to head back down that trail.

As for wild parsnip, I am glad to report that there was none at all until I came out onto the McLaren Road, where there’s plenty of this “obnoxious weed” beside the road.  But it poses no threat to hikers, as long as they stay out of the hedgerows and ditches. 

I might easily have strayed off the road, as I was enjoying the skies today.  Starting with a clear blue sky, I was fascinated to watch the clouds rapidly build, out of nowhere, until I was treated to a spectacular scene of dark thunderclouds above the open fields along Mackler Road. 

Five minutes after reaching the car, it rained.  But on patrol, you’re ready for anything.

Note:  single-click on the first picture above to scroll through the photos separately.  Also, see the Map at the end

Statistics:

Total Distance:      10.1 km (hike)

Height Gain:          Say 300 ft.

Time on Trail:        2 hrs. 21 mins.

Ferrier Rd end:          9.33 am

McLaren Rd (10A): 10.45 am

Stanley Rd:             11.10 am

Stile (10B):              11.47 am

Ret.  to car:             11.54 am

Temp:                  +18C rising to +21C

Weather:              Sunny=>rapid cloud build-up.

Rideau Trail heads south from Ferrier Road

Through a colorful field

Some fallen trees need attention

Prickly ash guards the exit from this RTA bridge

The first wild parsnip sits waiting for hikers on McLaren Road

Clouds building above this farm

Worst section of wild parsnip on McLaren Road

This so-called "obnoxious plant" has its eyes on this Rideau Trail sign

Rapid transformation from clear skies

Pretty scenery along Mackler Road

Today's route