A Sunday Hike

Cognizant of the scorching weather, we took advantage of the recent opening of the Quebec-Ontario border and headed into the shady forest of Gatineau Park.  I have never felt more like I was in Cuba - except when I was actually in Cuba.  The forest was sweltering - it felt tropical - hot, humid and moist.

Thanks to summer hiking conditions and with Ian accompanying us this time, we were able to complete the Carbide Willson Ruins and Meech Lake Falls trail that we attempted this past spring and had to abandon.  The water level was significantly lower today and the falls and trail across them much, much safer.  The fertilizer factory ruins were awesome and the boys enjoyed the waterfalls.

We hiked 8.5 km in the hottest weather we have experienced yet.  The trail near the ruins was busy upon our return trip but the rest of the trail was empty, except for oodles of mosquitoes (perhaps why other hikers turned back?).  Poor Alistair apparently has the sweetest blood in the family.

It was a great, though, very hot Sunday hike.