Members of the Rideau Trail Association Central Club recently completed the entire 104 km Cataraqui Trail over a series of eight hikes. Pictured left to right are: David Batchelor, Jack Tannett, Peder Krogh, Mary Robinson, Andrew Hannah, Tom Pearcey, Beverley Pearcey and Howard Robinson.
RTA Central Club members started their hikes of the Cataraqui Trail in Smiths Falls in April 2015 and reached the end of the trail in Strathconca in November. During three seasons and through all types of weather, they hiked this historic rail line, crossing limestone plains and cutting through the Canadian Shield, forests, fields, lakes and wetlands. For the photographer, nature lover, or history buff this trail has it all: hamlets, villages, farms, old mills, historic bridges, forgotten mines, the Rideau Canal, migrating and local birds, other wildlife and breath-taking scenery.
The RTA Central Club will continue to hike or snow-shoe throughout the winter on the Rideau Trail and at other locations. Our hikes are planned for various ability levels. If you are interested in hiking with the group, you are welcome to join us. Weekend activities usually consist of day hikes lasting up to six hours (including travel time) while mid-week hikes are shorter and less demanding. Our meeting place is at Conlon Farm in Perth on Saturday, Sunday or Wednesday mornings and the departure time is usually at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise specified. If you want to learn more about the Rideau Trail Association and its upcoming hikes, please check out our new website at: www.rideautrail.org or call Mary Robinson, RTA Central Club publicity director, at 613-256-0817.
