On the Trail

 On the Trail

THE THREE TRAILS CHALLENGE COMPLETED!

 THE THREE TRAILS CHALLENGE COMPLETED!

Sharbot Lake station in more exciting days

I have now completed the Three Trails Challenge, reported in my previous blog entry.

Earlier this month, I finished the last leg of this 316 km circuit of three Eastern Ontario rail trails - the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail northwest from Smiths Falls to Renfrew; the K&P Trail south from Renfrew to Harrowsmith, and the Cataraqui Trail northeast from Harrowsmith back to Smiths Falls.

I did it by bike, in 22 out-and-back trips (i.e. I actually travelled 632 km), over a 22 week period this year. I've created a photo album on Google. The photos, in sequence, will show you why it was worth the effort. The photos were not all taken on this trip, but over the past 9 years, so I could capture the best examples of the route.

Here's the link: The Three Trails Circuit - Google Photos

Apparently, last April, an 'extreme hiker' completed the circuit in just 3 days and 20 hours, and at least one cyclist has raced around the same route in 3 days of hard-core cycling. This way of doing it suited me better.

By interesting coincidence, this latest challenge reminded me a lot of my first end-to-end hike of the Rideau Trail, exactly ten years ago: almost the same distance (roughly 330 km), and completed in 21 stages over 18 weeks.  And for a total of just over 13 km, the Rideau Trail and this rail circuit share the same route, along three different sections of the Cataraqui Trail.

See this report: The Passionate Hiker: The Rideau Trail: Reflections

Now I just need to look for my next major challenge, for when I reach my 80's!!!

THE THREE TRAILS CHALLENGE

 THE THREE TRAILS CHALLENGE

LATE ADD:  SEE MY LATEST BLOG ENTRY FOR THE PHOTO ALBUM OF THIS ROUTE.

Here's the link:

The Passionate Hiker: THE THREE TRAILS CHALLENGE COMPLETED!

The K&P causeway across Calabogie Lake

Here's another Challenge for you.

This 316 km circuit starts in Smiths Falls, following the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail northwards to Renfrew.  There it joins the K&P Trail for the long journey south to Harrowsmith, before picking up the Cataraqui Trail for the return to Smiths Falls.

You can do it as a hike or a bike trip, as one single marathon challenge or as a series of shorter adventures. I have been working away at it this year, and will be finishing off the final section this month.  I have been travelling by bike, as out-and-back day trips.  So when I'm done, I will have travelled the whole circuit twice!

Here's my working map of the full circuit, plus maps of three tricky areas where diversions/connections are needed:  in Smiths Falls, at Calabogie, and at Snow Road Station.  

I have also created a handy trip log, which is available upon request (can't find a way to attach it here).  A sample of page 1 is attached.  Also please contact me for trail conditions, which vary from excellent to waterlogged.

Perhaps someone can create another badge for this latest challenge?

The Passionate Hiker

Sample page of trip log

My working map of the full circuit

Waiting for Spring

Waiting for Spring

Everyone's on the lookout for Spring.

Is it just around the corner?  We shall see.

This picture was captured today beside the Cataraqui Trail south of Wills Road, in minus 7C temperatures and a cold northerly breeze.  No-one seemed to be bothered by my presence.  I suppose they were too busy looking for the weather change, or something to eat under the ice.