We are dressed up and ready to go, and by dressed up I don’t mean evening gowns and stilettos, but sturdy footwear and multi-layered hiking apparel to take-on the great outdoors. We are nine ladies, and true to the Cornwall Outdoor Club, we are exploring in the best way we know, by hiking. The location in question is the quaint community of Westport, Ontario.
We start at the Spy-Rock Look-out on Foley Mountain, and to be honest, it feels a little like cheating. I can’t think of another hike where the reward comes before putting in the slightest effort. The expansive view from the granite cliff face is stunning. Below lies the panorama of the village known as Westport due to its location on the Upper Rideau Lakes. After a group photo, we head out to the start of the trail.
I hear the Blue Jays screeching, perhaps in warning of the hazards ahead. Although the trail starts on bare bedrock, it soon becomes very uneven. I move cautiously through the maze of roots and stones, some loosened by those before me, others hidden under a carpet of leaves. It soon becomes clear that bringing my poles was a good idea. On rare occasions, the rugged path smoothens, offering me the opportunity to let down my guard, if only for a moment.
We are hiking a loop using a series of interconnecting trails which are colour-coded with tree markers. We reach a clearing labelled “Jack Herbert Mobility Trail”, a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail and picnic area. Just a little further we find a small natural beach. Here, we take the time to have a snack and to make clothing adjustments.
Although we drove up the mountain to start our hike, there is still some elevation to climb. It isn’t drastic, but it gets the heart pumping a little faster. To complete our loop, we must switch trails to one that is mostly downhill and even more littered with rocks. I realize that I am clenching my teeth as I concentrate on my footing, and I am so grateful for the support of my hiking poles. This technical hike is a good physical challenge. Its demand for focus also generates an excellent exercise in mindfulness.
I am relieved when we reach the Rideau Trail section which is flatter and less strewn with ankle-rolling obstacles. It is the final stretch to our waiting vehicles and the hearty lunch that awaits us.
Down in the village, we walk up the stairs to The Cove Inn in anticipation. Known as one of Westport’s grand old houses, it was originally built in 1876 as a private home and converted into a hotel in the 1920’s undergoing several renovations and ownership changes throughout the decades. The inn is a popular place for residents and visitors alike to dine and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings. During its peak season, the lack of a reservation could leave you disappointed. Fortunately, we obtain a table for our group of famished ladies without issues. The cuisine is exquisite! Stuffed to the gills, we are anxious to walk around the village to visit the shops.
We mostly browse, admiring the array of items for sale, some of them rather unique. In the Life is Good shop, we spend some time examining the colorful and uplifting line of clothing. Just next door stands one of those oversized Adirondack-style chairs popular with tourists. Here, we succumb to the unspoken invitation to take yet another group photo. The Village Green Originals store, with its imposing size and abundance of stock, is overwhelming. Walking around the enormous multi-level multi-room labyrinth feels like a great-indoor hike, ensuring that I will more than exceed my steps for the day. I especially appreciate the creativity of the Past Time Decor store, our last stop, with it’s appealing repurposed wall-decor and accent furniture pieces.
I’ve enjoyed my ladies’ tour of Westport. It is always a pleasure to have the company of kindred spirits. I am a good-kind of tired and look forward to slipping out of my hiking attire and into my not-so-fancy evening wear in the form of a comfy nightgown and a pair of slippers. But first is the long ride home.
For more information about the Cornwall Outdoor Club, visit www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca or follow us on Facebook.
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