The coffee creme formed a protectant layer over the caffeine laden nectar. Each rain drop that found the cups opening formed a perfect circular hole, which was quickly enveloped in the milky foam. The small shower sounded as if it was a Caribbean steel drum band as it orchestrated a tune on my pot set. No drone of the motorboats, just the wild things speaking... A crow squawking, two song birds chatting to one another and a squirrel who was alerted of my presence as I slapped a mosquito mid sip embedded into my thigh........The hours passed as I sat at the base of Oiseaux rock.
My weekend plans were a great idea that for various negative reasons didn't come to fruition. Finally Sunday's coffee number three propelled me out the door to black bear beach; no plans...as they seem to be opportunities for disappointment.
I decided to follow the golden sand beaches of Allumere lake heading west along the riverbank. Soon enough I decided I would head up to Oiseaux rock following the shoreline. I could have taken a direct route, however I was in the mood to interact with the shore line.
The geese were gaggling around together, it funny to think that one of these are the mothers of these once little chicks from earlier the year. How the time flies.
The Mergansers paired together in a few coves, washing themselves next to many songbirds doing the same. The flat calm water allowed them all to converge on the shore, dipping and ruffling their feathers.
I stopped at the top of the lake and took in the view. Behind me was CFB Petawawa and sturgeon lake was off limits; it did however offer a nice view into the past. The way it looked since De Troyes came through here. The islands tightly packed together made a beautiful scene.
I came across a nice little bay on the south side of Ramsey island. The cabin living in harmony with it`s surroundings lured me in to take another look. Many would look at this old shack and NEVER consider living there. It spoke to me.
Built in 1933 according to the realtor's site. I learned later that night the island is for sale for 499,900; thus destroying any day dream of where I would put my solar panels. Of how the wood stove smoke slowly and thickly escape the rusty pipe; lingering in the cedar branches on cool windless mornings.
The lighthouse on deep river islet was quite a bit bigger than I remembered... I decided I would check it out on my way home.
Kayaking was starting to become symbiotic with spending gas money, driving to put in and further picked up at takeout. Paddling along this "familiar shore" made me realise how close new things are right in my back yard. From the new lilly pad's to the ever changing river banks.
With Oiseaux rock in site my heart began to sink as Seen a beach full of people. No sweat I figured. While human interaction was the last hankering I had in mind; I find paddling solo the impecuniousness of human contact becomes greater. Usually after 2-3 days. I was pleasantly surprised that instead of human interaction my eyesight is failing, and I was looking at picnic tables stoically sitting on the beach. No humans.
I had heard rumours of "improvements" being made to Oiseau rock. Which caused me a bit of grief honestly. Human improvement on nature is usually a oxymoron. However I have to say Iwas very pleased with the information provided and how it was laid out along the trail.
Some trail work had been done as well, but just enough to make the walk one where you could pay attention to your surroundings and not having to watched every foot placement.
Yeah I know my ankle has no tendons, and yeah it's not a pretty thought to think about crawling down off the mountain....but what the hell. I'd worry about that if it happened.
I got quite a kick out of the new signage. Something about a guy falling sign with a arrow pointing in it's direction I found humorous.
The view from the top as my heart pounded out a ever slowing bass drum tune in my ears was awesome experience.
I sat and took in this magical place.
There is a tarn right on the back of the mountain which I had visited before but never swam in. The water was crystal clear and a bit cooler than the Ottawa.
I looked at the large knoll behind the pond and wondered if this is where Alexander sherrif took his prospect many years ago.
I walked along the side of the pond. Startled once by a chipmunk in the dead leafs on the forest floor. I came along a little cliff with what appeared to be deep water below....AND A SWING ROPE!!! Being alone and able to hear (and maybe smell) humans for quite some time I decided getting clothing wet was one option or another would be to get buck naked and swing on out.
Naked I went flying through the air into unknown unexplored water....yeah I could have hit a rock..and yeah an adult would normally check for such danger. however I'm naked after running up a mountain...need I say more?
I done a few cannon balls and a quick dive off the cliff...not once able to reach the bottom. What a awesome little spot.
I drank some homemade iced green tea on the picnic table sitting next to the waters edge, lower body wrapped in a towel. re hydrated and rejuvenated by the mountain I made my decent back to grab some supper and carry on.
A quick meal of freeze dried chicken and vegetables and then I sat. 2 hours I just sat. Coffee cupped in my hands. Watching listening enjoying. I dunno what Iwas waiting for, or even if I was really waiting.
As the sun started to set a thick rainbow lit up over deep river islet. I packed up and began my slow paddle home.
As my Greenland paddle cut through the water I had a perfect mirror I was paddling on.
The sunset behind me was best viewed lying onto my back deck and tilting my head back.
I decided to stop at the lighthouse for a closer look. I had never actually stopped here.
The foundation was pretty rough and I wondered if the old wooden lighthouse had stood on the same leg's as this new metal contraption. There seems to be some great little tent sites on this island, and mused what it would be like with a large flashing light circling the island.
Darkness set and son the million little strokes of the Greenland paddle pushed my bow onto black bear beach.
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Still down with the flu. Although it's the bearable sort today. Had all intentions of going for a paddle today, however once I got to the put in behind my house....I realised I had forgotten my supper I was going to bring with me. I sat at the beach for a bit amazed at how much the water levels had come up! At least 15-20 feet since the last time I was out. I'll get some pic's up maybe later this week.
Tomorrow I'm going to an appointment in Ottawa so on my way home I'm gonna stop by Bellows bay in Westmeath provincial park for a paddle. I spent this afternoon rearranging my kayak kit and packed all my stuff up for tomorrow. The fall chill is in the air and the tree's are brilliant here now. Hoping for a good paddle and some nice pic's to share with you all tomorrow.
