[2023 – Ontario, Canada –387 km – 7 days – Kingston to Ottawa]
It’s well marked, and I follow the orange triangles diligently.
I travel lightly because I anticipate I’ll be able to resupply every day or two.
The trail connects many villages, towns, and a couple of larger cities.
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I still lose the trail from time to time.
It’s because I lose focus on the trail.
The walking is automatic and I’m often lost in other thoughts.
That’s okay, except when the trail takes an unexpected turn; that’s when one must be paying attention or there will have to be some backtracking.
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The mosquitoes are reasonably light and the trail’s in excellent shape, so I am enjoying myself immensely.
There are so many paces to stealth camp that I never worry about being found, though I still ensure I practice the fundamentals of minimizing my presence.
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The Rideau Trail is a dream compared to many other trails in Ontario.
There are numerous water points, so one need not carry more than a litre of water.
The many excellent views make hiking up the hills worthwhile.
The occasional bits of civilization are not a nuisance, but a chance to explore fascinating Canadian history.
And there is much about the history of the Rideau Canal that is interesting.
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The end of the trail in Ottawa comes too soon.
I’ve really just been getting into the spirit of the trail.
And for the first time in a while, I meet other through-hikers, albeit heading in the opposite direction.
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I linger around Ottawa for a day, cleaning myself up in a public washroom and making myself presentable.
I get enough grit and odor off myself to be accepted in a proper restaurant near the Parliament Buildings.
Before I head back to Kingston, I pay my pilgrimage respects to the great Canadian, Terry Fox, whose statue modestly stands opposite the Parliament grounds.
