Trails in the dark
Nordic night skiing beckons
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While you can cross-country ski in null For a short trip (perfect for novice skiers), ski-
many places in and around the city af- ing from P8 to P9 (the Doldrums) provides
and Enjoy
ter dark, the “queen” of locations is Gatineau gentle hills, a great view of Camp Fortune at
Park. If there’s snow anywhere, it’s up there. And night, and a feeling of real hush.
WintEr
it’s groomed for skiing. The park location clos- null For a longer ski – a climb and access to a cabin
Organic, Delicious and
est to urban life (and in my opinion the best for – P10 (Fortune Parkway) provides access to
Nutritious Food Mixes!
night skiing) is P3 or Gamelin – the spot where three cabins: Shilly Shally, Keogan, and Huron.
Gatineau Park cuts deepest into Gatineau city. Choose your night and your friends, and plan
Breads
There’s no cabin in this area, but for a lovely a potluck. (Include extra warm mitts for the
Biscuits
stretch on skis within minutes of anywhere in trip down to the parking lot.)
Muffins
Ottawa there’s nothing better. null For a special trip, P16 is a longer drive, but
Confident of its charms and thinking about well worth the five kilometres through Meech
Cookies
the grand hush of the trails and of moonlit Valley and up the trail to Herridge – a log cabin
Soups
nights, I’ve hauled a few people out to Gamelin, with lots of tables and seating and a glorious
Meals
shuffled them up the first hill and while they wood stove.
were still warm and exhilarated from the small
Seasonings
climb, spun them around for a spectacular view Some tips
Pancakes
of the city lights. I’ve converted a few to my way null Wear a headlamp. I use mine for getting in
Treats
Easy and quick to make
of thinking. and out of my bindings and rarely turn it on
at home or on the go. If you work fulltime and live to ski, you’re except on really dark nights (it can annoy
bound to be out there in the dark and the cold. It’s some people). It’s handy for the outhouse, or
Hand-mixed quality organic
something you can grow to love. if you visit a cabin.
ingredients!
To get to Gamelin from Ottawa take the null Wear smaller lights front and back so
Champlain Bridge and turn right onto Boulevard others can see you. If everyone wore lights,
Flavourful and wholesome, our foods
are designed for active people with
Alexandre-Taché (Aylmer Road). Follow it to the you could see them. MEC and Bushtukah
many different dietary concerns. High
Gatineau Parkway, and turn left, going all the have a fine selection.
protein, high fibre, high energy, low
way to Gamelin. null Ski with a friend, not alone.
fat and no trans fats!
null Buy a Gatineau Park winter trail map.
For other cool Nordic night skiing in Gatineau
(Sugar free and wheat reduced available).
Park, here are the best starting points.
null P3 is for all skiers, all abilities. It’s close, has
the distance for longer excursions, provides
“Cross country skiing is basically
opportunities to get onto smaller trails, and
jogging while wearing lumber.”
Arthur Black
offers that great view of the city.
With a harness, a line forward and a belt around your waist, you
and your dog can share fun of ultra-lite travel through snow. It’s called
Tom Haight
“skijoring,” and it means dog-assisted cross-country skiing. If you can ski
Box 248, 241 Bonnechere E.
and your dog can run, you have what it takes to start. You can’t do it on
Eganville, ON K0J 1T0 National Capital Commission trails, but you can find skijorers at the Larose
(613) 628-6688 Forest near Limoges, the Ferguson Forest around Kemptville and the Trans
Order online at
Canada Trail near Dwyer Hill. Learn on your own or join a local group such
countrycuisine-organic.com
as Sunday Drivers or Mush Larose. Check it out at
www.skidogs.ca.
14 OTTAWA >> WINTER 2007/2008
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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