TAY RIVER OUTING – PERTH TO BEVERIDGE LOCKS
- Details
- Created: Thursday, 21 July 2022 16:13
Tay River Outing – Perth To Beveridge Locks
July 16 2022
On a hot, sunny summer day, July 16th, 8 members of the RACCC set off for Last Duel Park in Perth, one hour west of Ottawa. Our destination was the Tay River Canal and ultimately, the Beveridge Locks along the Rideau Canal. Total trip distance was approximately 20 km. Little did we know that the day would end in music at the annual Stewart Park Music Festival!
Our crew was made up of two kayakers – Wendy C. (who joined the club the day before) and Cheryl S., Anthony V. in a 12 ft. PACK canoe, and the large canoe with Tracey V., Alice G. and Simon P. Henry L. and Jane M. rounded out the team in a regular Kevlar canoe. Given the hot sun and high temps the paddlers took no chances and were well covered with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing.
The initial Tay Canal was busy with local paddlers but once we entered the Perth Wildlife Preserve, we were largely on our own. This is a beautiful area for bird watching and we were able to get a birds-eye view of the marsh from the lookout on the NW side of the wildlife preserve.
We found Parks Canada staff at the Beveridge Locks although traffic was pretty sparse. After a good lunch under the shelter at the locks we headed back to Perth and arrived at Last Duel park around 5 pm. At that point we discussed the possibility of taking in some of the Music Festival before heading home. We were all in except for one tired paddler. After a tasty Mediterranean dinner we caught a few acts at the Crystal Palace and finished off with Cape Breton fiddler, Natalie MacMaster and her husband Donnell Leahy at the Main Stage. We finally called it a day around 8:15 pm. and headed for home, arriving back at the boathouse around 10 pm. Thanks to all for a wonderful, very eventful outing.
Jane M
