It’s been almost a month since I’ve updated this space.
It’s not that I have given up on exploring the trails of this great country. It’s just that when the warm weather arrives, there are just so many other competing priorities.
In the past 5 weeks, Helen and I have managed to squeeze in only one day together, and in spite of the forecast for rain, we headed out to explore the Rockwood Conservation Area located about an hour’s drive west of Toronto near the city of Guelph.
I’m discovering that there are dozens and dozens of Conservation Areas scattered around the province. Some of them are large, while others – like Rockwood – are quite small.
We chose this particular location because of an article I had read about the cliffs, caves, and geological potholes which Rockwood was reported to have.
We arrived early on a Monday morning under gray and threatening skies. The trail, which rings the small lake, is less than 4 km long, but we stopped so often to admire the magnificent scenery, it took us almost 2 hours to complete.
I would imagine this is a popular and busy location in the summer months, however we had the trail virtually to ourselves, passing only the occasional dog-walker and optimistic fisherman.
I had hoped to convince Helen to rent a canoe with me to paddle the lake and explore the cliffs from water level. Unfortunately it started to rain heavily as we were finishing the trail and we quickly lost our enthusiasm.
The rain however didn’t slow down these young high school students who were on the lake practising canoeing skills. We never did cool stuff like this when I was in high school!
Helen is now away for the next 4 weeks, so I will be venturing out alone next week to spend 4 days cycling the TransCanada Trail in Quebec. I hope you’ll stay tuned!
what a good idea to have a separate blog for the trail exploring – 🙂
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It took a lot of thought before I finally committed to it. Now I’m struggling to keep up with 2 blogs instead of just one! 😉
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well I know exactly how that feels – but do keep in mind that you can post monthly or even every other month – the pacing of a blog can vary – ya know?
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Lovely scenery!
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It’s a pretty little trail and I am definitely interested in returning again to visit by kayak!
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No one could ever call you idle, Joanne. Your son’s wedding on Saturday, followed by this hike on Monday, followed by a 4 days cycling on TransCanada Trail next week. Very inspirational!
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The whole summer is going to be like this, Donna. I’m sure you must feel the same way with trying to squeeze in a lot of summer in a few short months 🙂
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Oh wow, I shall have to share this location with my daughter to go & check out as they live in Guelph. Hope you have a wonderful cycling adventure!
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Thanks Lynn. It’s going to be quite the adventure 🙂
Rockwood is very pretty and I do recommend it for a short hike. I’m guessing it would be stunning in the fall!
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Those cliffs are beautiful and I agree with you that it would have been nice to explore from the water. I’m sure you will do that eventually. Staying tuned – have a fun cycle trip.
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Thanks so much Karen. You’re right – I plan a re-do so I can explore from the water 🙂
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Looks like a lovely place to get away from city life!
I’m really looking forward to reading all about your 4-day cycling expedition, Joanne!
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Thanks! I’m excited and I’m nervous! This is a big step outside of my comfort level – travelling alone to undertake a solo cycling trip. If nothing else, it should make for some interesting stories 😏
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Can’t wait!!!
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I love the rocks and water views. That would be a great place to tour by canoe.
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In many ways I think it would be even more dramatic by canoe. I plan a redo at some point! The rock walls combined with the water are simply too irresistible.
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Definitely I am staying tuned! High school sure has changed, hasn’t it? 🙂
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Glad to have you along for the trip Lois!
I don’t think I could survive high school now! 😉
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Heck no! I know I couldn’t survive, either.
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What a beautiful location! I’m glad to know that you are back on the trails again.
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The summer months tend to be so busy for us that getting out on the trails is a logistical challenge. We thoroughly enjoyed this day among the rock cliffs!
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