Triple Triple

Wed. 24 August:  Triple Triple

Gould Lake:  start of the east side blue loop

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Whoever heard of a “triple triple” prior to Usain Bolt’s recent Olympic feat?  Of course, I’m not counting those Canadians who might think it’s a super-sweet coffee from Tim’s.

Well, today, the Gould Lake Blue Loop trails, already gold medal winners from last week, earned their “triple triple” status.  Three loops and three gold medals.  Today’s two loops both conveniently started and ended from the Gould Lake beach, the first loop heading out along the eastern shoreline of the lake, and the second loop the western side.  The sections of trail beside the lake were narrow and ideally suited to twist an ankle.  And there were plenty of stiff, short climbs to give the hiker a good workout.  Both return journeys were along beautiful old wagon or walking trails, through bright green woods.

The highlights were the various rocky lakeside viewpoints, of breathtaking beauty.  A pair of loons swam back and forth, looking for small fish to eat.  A lone kayaker glided across the rippling waters of the lake.  We took off our hiking boots to cool our feet, and the water was warm.

The rugged countryside around Gould Lake was once an active mica mining area.  There were plenty of dangerous holes to peer into.  Some were dry, one was filled with green water, and another was inhabited by a large porcupine.  Some of these pits had fences around them, but not all - beware this trail in winter!

Back at the beach, a party of kids was returning from a kayak trip.  This was the type of day that kids remember forever, and talk about in their old age:  “It was sunny all summer long….”, “I beat all the others back to the dock…..” and so on.

So many reasons to award the Gould Lake blue trails the highest award, and to put this little paradise top of the list for another visit. 

One of several idyllic viewpoints

These trails are maintained by the Rideau Trail Association

Time for a swim?

One of several mica pits

Here at Porky Junction the two eastern blue loops meet

Setting out on our west side loop

Here we joined the main Rideau Trail briefly, to cross the swamp...

...before turning right onto the Mine Loop

Bright green woods

Loon 

Our lunch stop at the end of a spur in the middle of the lake

Breathtaking

Only one house to be seen on the entire lake

More green woods

Another mica pit

This signpost to distant Ottawa gives hope to the weary hiker 

Porcupine happily living in the bottom of a deep mica pit

The kids return from a trip on the lake

This old mica mining building acts as the Gould Lake barn