13th September 2017

Gordon Sutherland Parkway = 221km
Owen Sound

Our taxi arrived early at 6.20am while we were still finishing breakfast. We were chatting to our host Mark who had just returned from a hike into Algonquin Park. After a quick cheerio we were off as Rob our Taxi driver had picked a fare to dive someone 1100km to somewhere in Manitoba. Apparently their vehicle had broken down and they had to be there the close some real estate deal. That's one hell of a taxi run 1100km each way.

Rob deposited us Lundy Lane, our start point for yesterday, only this time we set off South instead of North. Today it was shock to the system day as we were back to full packs for the next 19km. We have been spoilt and getting used to our day packs. 

While walking up the road towards the farm up the road the farmer came around the corner on his quad bike and stopped to have a chat. He then commented that he better go back and lock up his dog as it would just follow us. We commented that we would send it home but apparently this does not work as the dog would still follow us regardless. We then asked would it not come home for food and again apparently not it would have found new friends and be quite happy to stay with us. Weird but very friendly dog. I had one like this in Spain that followed pilgrims for literally miles.

We did not see any blazes when got to the farm and were heading off in the wrong direction when a lady bolted out in her dressing gown to put us on the correct path. Seems like a rough day for the farm folk. Now pointed in the right direction it was but a short walk through the fields and then we were back on the Escarpment. Now we were given a reality check as we travelling with full packs and the escarpment is back in to tough and rocky terrain interspersed with occasional easier bits. It is so much more difficult with full packs as we have readjust our stride pattern to accommodate for the change in centre of balance. The mental grind of concentrating on where you place your feet and trekking poles detracts from enjoying the surrounding beauty. We are certainly improving and covering ground better but is a constant challenge. 

As we were crossing a road, Lari made a quick side step to avoid reasonable sized black snake. We did not get a real close look at it before it slinked away.  We were close to a lot of wetland so we assumed it was a local water snake.

The beauty of hiking through these woodlands is amazing as the light changes from the early morning horizontal sunshine to the overhead filtered light. The maples are starting to turn and we are seeing some fabulous colour in places. We stopped for a bite to eat sitting on a style to stay well away from them damned Poison Ivy. While there were heard the rat tat tat of a Woodpecker and Lari spotted a white breasted bird that turned out to be the Woodpecker, just not what we had expected. Then Lari spotted a wee Chipmunk approaching obviously sniffed out our wonderful Carrot cake Muffins. Sadly both Woody & Dale bolted before could get our cameras out.

Once again we are so thankful for the fabulous weather we’re having. It actually got quite warm today, specially when walking down the gravel road to our pick up point for today.

Sue, our hostess for the next few days picked us up and it was a brief 14 minute run to her B&B in Owen Sound where will be staying for the next 4 days.