The KAPPS walk on Sunday was another in the set of the past four incredible walks. We began at the Barret's Chute end of Manitou Mountain and walked over to the Eagle's Nest again. This was about 10 km, including some interesting side-trails. It took us about 3-3.5 hours.
This trail was absolutely breath-taking. It was that time of year with flourescent yellow, golden brown and lime green foliage. The trail was almost obliterated by fresh leaf-fall. Fortunately we had the services of our loyal track-master, Josh, who sniffed his way to indicate where to go, when the blue slashes eluded us.
We climbed one lookout at Red Arrow Lookout. From there I thought we would walk below Manitou Mountain Lookout, but we actually walked right up onto it again. This put us back on the trail we did in August. It felt somewhat familiar, but with the changed colours, it had a freshness too.
We looked for a back access to Eagle's Nest and tried 2-3 different side-trails. Maybe we gave up too soon. Who knows. We never did find anything in spite of Doug's "theories".
Afterwards we all ate like starved children at Mumfords. Even Joshy got a half-sausage and some bacon trimmings.
Thanks to the whole walk team.
The other insight we got from the walk is how many more great walks are waiting for us on Manitou Mountain.
As a side-note, I attended a lecture at the Renfrew Library the weekend before. It was given by a wonderful Algonquin elder/dancer who described what indigenous life in the Valley was like 400 years ago. He made many references to the area around Calabogie, where he grew up and where his ancestors lived. This added some interesting dimension to our walk.
These old friends are retiring today.
These are my Keen walking shoes, can't remember the model name but they have been wonderful companions and earned their rest.
They have supported me through sun, rain and snow; beaches and mountains, trails and sidewalks. Their slim soles (souls?) taught me not to pound the pavement but to slip into each step. To feel the ground and roll along it.
You can tell that the lesson was not fully learned by the heavy wear pattern on the right heel. As is my pattern, this is more pronounced on the right than the left. The black mark on the left toe-cap is from the persistent wear/pressure from a small fungal growth that has re-appeared on my 2nd toe over the last few years. Sometimes its big and hard enough that it wore that hole.
This model seems to have disappeared, so I will go back to the Keen catalogue ( I wouldn't wear anything else) and find my next companions.
Went out on the Blueberry Mountain hike as advertised. Great to have Doug, Maura and new friend Pat along. And the Padakun Walkin' Dog too of course, who joined the other 2 dozen four-leggeds. A real mix of seniors, kids, families and couples. Nice to run into a few old acquaintances from our days in Almonte.
The approach is a gradual and flowing blend of the best of eastern Ontario Shield landscape. About 10 minutes from the summit it tilts upward and gives an exhilirating mini-climb, leading up to another spectacular view. Its similar to Eagle's Nest, only a bit higher. You could see all the way across the Valley to Bon Echo Park.
I'd never been at the Alba Wilderness SChool and I could now imagine it being a fine place to visit. Mr. Clifford Junior had a fascinating "soundscape" set up. He had micropones buried in pond mud attached to headphones. Lots of folks got to "hear" the many critters chatting away in the swamp. Cool!
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| Doug and his monocular |
