The passionate hiker

The passionate hiker
Early days in the outdoors

Monday, March 28, 2016

Down Memory Lane

March:  Down Memory Lane


Memory Lane:  the conker trees


Earlier this month, The Passionate Hiker went for a stroll down memory lane.

In the four and more decades since he lived in this particular corner of the world, very little seems to have changed, yet everything has changed.   He visited places so familiar from childhood, and met old friends and neighbours who didn’t seem so old, and with whom he shared precious memories.

The full story is told elsewhere, for a smaller audience.  These few pictures will show how sometimes the reality can measure up to the memory.



Note: click on pictures for full size view.

The Edge

Light snow on The Edge

Daffodils not yet blooming in this hill country

The Homestead today...

... and 60 years ago - the author's brother seated at centre


The White House over 60 years ago....
...and The White House today


The sundial today

Same location
57 years earlier

The Winnats Pass

The High Peak: Kinder Scout plateau in the clouds

Peveril Castle

Peak Cavern

Bamford Edge and chimney pots of the village

Snowfall

Driveway to the ancient Hall

Snowy morning in the upper valley

The author once scored a "brilliant" try
in the near corner of this famous field

"Bangers and Mash"

A hasty Spring?

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Old Cedar

Fri. 18 March:  The Old Cedar


The Grandfather Cedar
There’s an ancient cedar hidden in the middle of the forest, which is known only to those few people who have travelled that way. 

It leans slightly to one side, as if it might be feeling its age a bit, after perhaps three or four hundred years.  People don’t pass by very often.  For one thing, it’s on private land.  But also, it stands in a low-lying damp boggy area.  This access to a source of water may have allowed it to survive for so long, while other trees have lived and died.

It has a name:  the Grandfather Cedar.  There is a story as to how he was named, involving the observant First Nations elders who passed by one day and recognized its age and its significance.
Ancient wrinkled bark

Today we were scouting new trails around this rugged part of the Lanark Highlands.   Our host, of course, knows this whole landscape like the back of his hand.  We were following his lead, in awe at the unspoiled beauty of the forest and of the ridges that we climbed.  Being off trail, we were glad of our snowshoes today.  

Our excitement rose as we completed our circuit, thinking how much our hiking colleagues were going to enjoy this trail, and the other connected routes which today are known only to a very few lovers of nature, and of this particular corner of Canada.

We have much to thank our host for.  This land has been protected for our lifetime, and for countless generations to come.

To whet the appetite, I include a few photos from our journey:

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

He leans over with age
Glad of our snowshoes

Up onto a forested ridge...

... a view which will be hidden in summer

A steep ridge sits behind this swamp

Shadows on the snow

This rock shows signs of bears trying to overturn it

A peaceful setting beside a tumbling stream

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

TREKKIES UNITE!


Race Roster

TREKKIES UNITE!

Here's a challenge to all hikers in the general area of Perth, Brockville, Ottawa and Kingston.

Do you know there's a great hike being offered this May?

It's the Settlers Trek, from Brockville to Perth, taking place from May 15-20.  This 103 km walk roughly follows the route taken by the first settlers to the Perth Military Settlement in 1816, and is a major event during this special Perth 200th anniversary year.

The Passionate Hiker has signed up, and he's not the only serious hiker who has done so.  I challenge you to come join me for this fun event.

SIGN UP TODAY!

Here's the link where you will find details of the trek:

http://www.portlandonrideau.com/special-events/settlers-trek-2016/

And here is the website for you to register yourself:

https://raceroster.com/events/2016/6788/settlers-trek-2016


See you on the trail.

The Passionate Hiker