The Passionate Hiker: Mid-week Mayhem

Wed. 18 February: Murphys Point Trails: Lally Homestead to McParlan House

Out on the Murphys Point trails

Mayhem! Just down the trail from Lally Homestead was a large pile of feathers in the snow, and a set of catlike tracks leading from the scene. It was obvious that a terrible event had occurred recently. We concluded that a nest of grouse had been attacked by a predator and all residents massacred.

This was not the only sign of activity in the woods. We could see many other tracks on the snow, some identified as otter, and others as tiny critters running around the forest floor. There was a tiny cache of nuts (called a midden) and signs that a squirrel had jumped down from a tree, visited its hoard and then jumped back up the tree.

Next to the footbridge at McParlan House was the greatest amount of destruction visible. A beaver had come up the bank from under the ice of the lake, and had gnawed away at a tree, needing only a few more bites to topple the tree down the bank. It had made a start on another tree closer to the lake. Who says the woods are empty? This place is full of industry, activity, and murder at night!

Our party was nicely divided into the cross-country skiers and the snow-shoers today. The skiers took the lead, but the ‘shoers were not far behind. The trail undulated through the woods, from the Lally Homestead down to McParlan House. Much of the route was packed down, these being part of the Murphys Point trail system. For a change, it was not so bitterly cold this morning, and the sun was shining in a hazy sky.

The skiers took a longer route back from McParlan, and arriving at the Lally hut, we found that the kind-hearted snow-shoers had started the fire inside. It was a comfy place to relax for a hot drink and a chat.

Now after seeing the results of the mayhem along the trail, I think I will postpone any plans for a night-time skiing trip!

Note: single-click on the first picture above to scroll through the photos separately

Statistics:

Total Distance: 7.0 km (XC Ski)

Height Gain: Say 40 ft.

Time on Trail: 1 hr. 32 mins.

Start: 10.07 am

McParlan Ho.: 10.50 am

Lally Homestd: 11.39 am

Temp: Minus 10C rising to Minus 7C

Weather: Sun, some hazy cloud. Hardly a breeze.