The Passionate Hiker: North to Clarendon

Sun. 1 November: On the K&P: North to Clarendon

Today's K&P collection

We collected enough bits and pieces off the old railway line to start a small scrap metal business!

It must have been the recent rains that washed away the surface enough to expose discarded spikes and bolts and other metal objects, buried like dinosaur bones in the gravel. These were easier to extricate. The only problem was that my backpack became increasingly heavy as the hike went on.

This intriguing section of the old K&P railway line heads out from Bell Line Road, just north of Sharbot Lake, into a lonely section of country. On its journey north, it makes two long sweeping curves, first west then back to the north, as it follows the swampy valleys, gradually climbing all the way to Clarendon Station.

One of the highlights today was a lively creek, or possibly two separate creeks, which followed the route of the railway line. These creeks had no name on the map, and served to drain the large areas of swamps. It is likely that the first stream ran south into Sharbot Lake, while the next, even more lively, stream, ran east to join Bolton Creek on its way to the Mississippi River watershed.

Another highlight was the striking color of the tamaracks which lined the route today. We walked through a short shower of tiny golden tamarack needles as the wind blew across the tree tops.

Timing is all important. Despite a heavy downpour in Perth as we gathered for today’s hike, the weather quickly cleared up, and it became a very pleasant, surprisingly warm, day. On the final stretch of line, a huge dark cloud gathered behind us and chased us northwards. Just as we reached the cars, the heavens opened. But we had won the race. We had just enough time to admire the old railway station, now a private home, before jumping into our vehicles to avoid the rain.

It had been a great day out. Now I have to decide what to do with all this railway junk – perhaps start to build something in my back yard?

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

Statistics:

Total Distance: 9.0 km (hike) *

Height Gain: 115 ft.

Time on Trail: 2 hrs. 26 mins.

Bell Line Rd: 10.03 am

Lunch stop: 11.32 am

Clarendon Stn: 12.29 pm

Temp: Rising from +11 to +14C

Weather: Cloudy, sunny breaks, shower at end. Warm.

*plus 1.8 km for non-drivers from Hwy 509 to trailhead