Job Done!

Sun. 23 October:  Job Done!

The Frontenac Challenge completed

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Job Done!  I had set myself a goal, and today I achieved it.

Not that you’d call the Frontenac Challenge a “job”, but as its name implies, it does require some organization and determination to succeed.  This has been a team effort, and several of us completed our two final loops today. 

It had been raining and blowing for a couple of days, and the overnight temperatures had dropped to around freezing, but today was perfect for hiking.  There was still plenty of colour on the trees and at our feet, but there were also many bare trees.  We had completed our task with a week to spare, the deadline being the end of October.

The Passionate Hiker finds it quite impossible to take on a hiking challenge without resorting to statistics!  Here are some examples:

• The official eleven loops were completed in seven hiking trips. 
• The total distance hiked was 120.1 kilometres.  This included the loops themselves plus the access trails from the nearest parking lot. 
• We had as many as seventeen hikers on a trip, and as little as two. 
• Our average speed was remarkably consistent, ranging between 2.63 km/hr. and 2.99 km/hr. and averaging 2.85.  This might surprise many people who figure that four or five kilometres an hour should be easy.  Let them travel the Frontenac Park trails, with a group of hikers, and then they might understand this statistic.  Our goal was always to enjoy the experience, not to break speed records.

Within Frontenac Park lie many gems.  Not precious stones, but precious places.  Perhaps everyone has their own favourite corners of the Park.  This author certainly does:  spectacular viewpoints, scenic lakes, green swamps, turtle-covered logs, sturdy boardwalks, dogs with back-packs, friendly fellow hikers, the breathtaking transformation into red and gold.  And so much more.  These are memories which will last.

Now all that remains is to return one last time to join in the celebrations.  Perhaps we’ll see you there too?

Our leader pointing out today's route, a low sun glinting through the trees

Lakes of molten silver...

...with golden trees

Anglers brew up beside Tetsmine Lake

Hidden gem on east leg of Hemlock loop...

...Fall colors still at peak here

Heading beneath a golden canopy

Lunch beside a swamp, the gusts of wind racing across its surface

One lone turtle takes a final breath of air before heading into hibernation

Load-testing the bridge over Moulton Gorge

Clearwater Lake

On the final leg

Above Kingsford dam

The hiker's code:  leave no trace but bring chocolates!

Today's route:  the last two loops

The joys of Fall in Frontenac Park