Picking Up Steam

Sat. 16 April:  Picking Up Steam

Spectacular start for a hike:  Sharbot Lake

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Spring seems to have arrived like an express train.

As I walked along the trail this morning, I was suddenly surrounded by multitudes of tiny colorful butterflies.  The temperatures were climbing rapidly, from 7 degrees C at the start of the hike to the low twenties later in the afternoon.  Buds were opening up, unseen creatures were diving into the swamps with loud “plops” as I passed, and squirrels were chasing each other up the tree branches.  Everything was on the move.

I chose this scenic section of the old K&P railway line, north from Sharbot Lake, to try out a recovering knee.  This was an ideal route to stretch the legs and gather momentum, as I trundled northwards from the old railway station.  Here, steam trains once halted on their way North, South, East or West, for Sharbot Lake was once a busy junction.

The good news is that the Passionate Hiker is picking up steam, and is moving towards his first major challenge of the year, the 100 km Settlers Trek, in mid-May.  Stay tuned.

Heading north beside the lake...

...on the old K&P railway line.

Passing beneath the Trans-Canada Hwy #7

A lonely trail except  for the occasional polite travelers

Returning beside the lake on a perfect day

Imagine living on this island!

The railway line just south of my starting place

Today's map.