Turkey Tracks

Sat. 30 January:  Narrows Lock to Miners Point Road

Rideau Trail signs weren't the only markers on the trail

The forecast must have changed four times in as many days. 

We might have had snow, rain, or a mix of both.  But in the end, we had excellent hiking weather:  a few degrees below freezing, no precipitation, and a brief appearance by the sun through the thin clouds.  Luckily we hikers know not to put any weight on long-distance forecasts.

And talking about weight, today’s challenge relied entirely upon our being able to cross the dreaded beaver dam safely.  But it was no contest.  From Monday’s pre-hike we knew it would be safe, and so today we marched confidently across the gap, all eight of us in a curving line across the ice, with no cracking sounds to be heard.  In the end it was almost an anticlimax.  But we already had our minds on the lunch stop at Red Rock, so nobody felt any disappointment in the lack of drama at the dam.

Breezing past the beaver dam

Down at Red Rock we sheltered for a brief lunch at the beach, out of the biting wind off Big Rideau Lake.  But this was not a day to sit around too long, so we were soon on our way again along the lovely snow-packed road above the lake.

On the pre-hike, we had seen a turkey vulture flying low overhead in its ungainly way.  Apparently it’s not too common to see them at this time of year.  We also saw an otter sitting by some open water.  Today we disturbed a large flock of turkeys which made a disorganized retreat along the road ahead of us.

Almost back at our vehicles, which we had parked near the monastery gate on Miners Point Road, we were greeted by a friendly passing motorist.  He was in the midst of an interesting lecture on the local history and geology when another vehicle came up behind him – and so ended the talk!

Red Rock and Big Rideau Lake

We had completed almost eleven kilometres, largely along the Rideau Trail, with only moderate effort, but with – as usual – great conversation and good company.  And best of all, we can look forward to a whole program of hikes ahead of us.