First Presentation

The first presentation about Hiking Trails of Ottawa will take place on Friday, April 16, at the Annual General Meeting of the Ottawa Club of the Rideau Trails Association.

Guests are welcome. The evening begins with a "Meet and Greet" at 6:30, followed by the business meeting at 7:00, refreshments at 8:00, and the presentation at 8:15.

For those who might wish to attend, the event will be held in the Woodside Room, the entrance to which is on the north side of the church.

Official Launch Scheduled

The official launch of Hiking Trails of Ottawa: The National Captial Region and Beyond, has been scheduled. It will be held on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the National Capital Commission's Infocentre at 90 Wellington Street, in the 2nd floor presentation room.

At the launch there will be a brief presentation about the book, followed by the opportunity to ask questions.

The event is open to the public, but if you would lke to receive an invitation reminder, please contact sbaker@gooselane.com.

See you there!

Spring Arrives Early

Most years, few who live in Ottawa pay much attention to the official arrival of spring. The city is almost always still snuggly wrapped in a blanket of snow, and the forests are still the realm of the cross-country skier and snowshower.

Not so in 2010. This has been the second warmest winter on record, and even though 2/3 of the normal average amount of snow has fallen, there has been little since January. That, coupled with record warm temperatures, and we find ourselves with a situation more common in mid or late-April. There is no snow at all in the city, and most of the trails have shed their seasonal cover.

Hikers will be tempted to get out, but they should remember that the paths will be wet and soft. Wear study, waterproof boots, and carry replacement socks and footwear for the drive home.

With luck, this great weather is merely the introduction to a superior year of great hiking weather. See you on the trails.