The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 22. Corkstown Road (18G) to Lincoln Heights (19C)

Mon. 8 October: 

The Rideau Trail 2018 End-to-End Hikes: 

22. Corkstown Road (18G) to Lincoln Heights (19C)

I was in a hurry today. 

Having missed the official end-to-end hike two days ago, I was playing catch-up.  Being early morning on Thanksgiving Monday, traffic was light, and the pathways largely empty.  So in less than two hours I sped another ten kilometres closer to the end of the long journey by foot from Kingston to Ottawa.  This was my fastest speed along the entire trail, averaging over five and a half kilometres an hour. 

There was a keen easterly breeze in my face, giving me the incentive to keep moving quickly.  But of course I took time to snap a few shots along the way, despite the dull, overcast morning.   

The Rideau Trail makes its way into the heart of Ottawa on shared trails and sidewalks.   Soon after crossing Carling Avenue, I had my first glimpse of the Ottawa River, over two kilometres wide at this point.  At Britannia Beach, I strolled through the attractive parkland down to the water’s edge.  The trees are quickly turning and the water looked uninvitingly cold.

Reaching Lincoln Heights, I walked up onto Richmond Road.  It may have been a quiet morning of a statutory holiday, but Ottawa's public transit system was working smoothly.  Seventeen minutes and two buses later, I was arriving at the Moodie bus stop, having travelled at lightning speed out of the city.  From Moodie, it was a pleasant stroll of a couple of kilometres up Corkstown Road back to the car.

I had caught up.  And now for the finale next Saturday, the triumphant eleven kilometre march into the heart of Ottawa, and the end of the Rideau Trail.

North from Corkstown Road

Finally the trail makes a sharp right turn and now heads directly towards the City

Empty pathways

Flooded section near Moodie Drive easily bypassed...

...past a sea of geese ready to fly south (and one gull!)

The path might be in the deep countryside...

...if it wasn't for the constant sound of traffic
on the 417 Hwy just behind this gigantic barrier

A beautiful stroll into the city

Crossing Holly Acres Road

This well-used trail, quiet so early in the day, will soon come alive

Carling Avenue

At last:  the Ottawa River ahead

Apartments with great views of the river and the Gatineau Hills of Quebec

First glimpse of the river

A delightful city park

You never know what might cross your path in Canada

Britannia Park

Ottawa River from Britannia Beach

This bench is dedicated to Bruce Henderson of the RTA
"Avid Hiker and Poet" (1950-2015)

Not far to go now

Handy bus stop on Richmond Road at Lincoln Heights

Just seventeen minutes and two buses later, I am back at Moodie Drive. 
Thank you Ottawa Transit for a great Thanksgiving Holiday service.