Thurs.
6 September:
The
Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes:
18.
Burritts Rapids (14B) to Roger Stevens Drive (15B)
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| Close-up of the Earthstar Trail, twisting and turning through the forest |
Note: click on pictures for full size view.
An enchanting journey through the forest.
Perhaps that should be “enchanted” - I always feel
there is another dimension involved in a successful traverse of the Marlborough
Forest. Time and distance seem to warp,
and strange things can happen. But
today’s two hikers made it through safely, and were indeed enchanted.
In the heart of the forest lies the circuitous Earthstar
Trail, a narrow path making its seemingly random way through the trees. But there is method in its madness, and we
found ourselves safely deposited at the Earthstar Shelter, the ideal stopping
place for a rest – or for a night, in bad weather or difficulty. This is one of only two shelters on the main
Rideau Trail, and would be a welcome sight in a storm.
Hikers will be impressed by the new boardwalk, just to
the south of Paden Road. This was
completed just recently, and is an example of the passion of its members - all
volunteers - that makes the Rideau Trail Association such a special organization
to belong to.
And lovers of the blue side trails will be excited to
learn that the Stoney Steps – a hidden forest gem – are now linked to the main
trail by official blue markers!
Much to celebrate – but we need to complete the final
sixty seven kilometres into Ottawa before we can enjoy our really big celebration.
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| Turning north from Burritts Rapids towards Ottawa |
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| Entering the forest |
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| Now an official Blue side trail! |
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| Magnificent new boardwalk built by RTA volunteers |
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| Good trails through the forest |
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| Typical scene, even after a long, dry summer |
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| Start of the Earthstar Trail |
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| Random poem beside the trail... |
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| ...whose author describes herself as "walker, teacher, poet" |
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| Tree art-work |
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| Approaching the Earthstar shelter... |
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| ...which is in good shape (we packed out a few bits of garbage) |
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| One of only two shelters on the main Rideau Trail |
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| A dry path through the enchanted forest |
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| Almost like a painting |
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| Rogers Pond is very low at the moment |
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At Roger Stevens Drive:
kudos to the RTA for creating such a well-cared-for trail |
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