Ottawa Adventure 2008 Part 1: Gatineau Park
So I drove to Ottawa last week. It only took about 8 hours to get there and I didn't get lost once (which is a major accomplishment for me). The return trip only took about 6.5 hours since I was a bit more familiar with the route.
On my first stress-free, fun-filled day, I went to Gatineau Park and had a wonderful time. I met a park ranger there (though they may have a different title)--I believe her name was Marie. Anyway, she sent me on the most breathtaking hike I have been on since Grouse Mountain Vancouver. It was tricky because all the trails were still covered in several feet of snow or a complete muddy mess. So the hiking was on hard-packed, very slippery snow and super messy mud and it didn't help that I feel through the snow a few times. But it was completely worth every sore muscle.
So my first stop was the ruins at Mackenzie King Estate.
Then I went on this trail which runs along this rather high ridge, the Eardley Escarpment.
I need a better camera than the one on my cell phone, but I do intend to return and I will bring my nice Nikon with me for my return trip (and my kayak too). The pictures are not doing justice to the view.
I am completely and utterly in love with this park. I have to go back
Also, good news for asthmatics, Gatineau park is so big and perfectly located to actually keep Ottawa and the surrounding areas very well oxygenated (Shout out to Marie for all the useful information). I didn't have to take anything for my asthma for 6 days!
On my first stress-free, fun-filled day, I went to Gatineau Park and had a wonderful time. I met a park ranger there (though they may have a different title)--I believe her name was Marie. Anyway, she sent me on the most breathtaking hike I have been on since Grouse Mountain Vancouver. It was tricky because all the trails were still covered in several feet of snow or a complete muddy mess. So the hiking was on hard-packed, very slippery snow and super messy mud and it didn't help that I feel through the snow a few times. But it was completely worth every sore muscle.
So my first stop was the ruins at Mackenzie King Estate.
Then I went on this trail which runs along this rather high ridge, the Eardley Escarpment.
I need a better camera than the one on my cell phone, but I do intend to return and I will bring my nice Nikon with me for my return trip (and my kayak too). The pictures are not doing justice to the view.
I am completely and utterly in love with this park. I have to go back
Also, good news for asthmatics, Gatineau park is so big and perfectly located to actually keep Ottawa and the surrounding areas very well oxygenated (Shout out to Marie for all the useful information). I didn't have to take anything for my asthma for 6 days!