Cup and Saucer – This Ain’t No Tea Party

The plan was to head west today on Manitoulin Island. I had gotten up extra early as my day looked like a long one consisting of driving and hiking. I was excited as this was going to be my first real taste of life on the island.  It was an island which, so far, had my attention on beautiful scenery alone – lakes everywhere, miles of fields, cool old farm buildings and First Nation culture.  The people were friendly too, in general which always made for better researching.

The route I had planned was a circle driving route visiting with most of the general communities and First Nation villages. The west side is the more populated side of the island.  The loop route would take me to the communities of Little Current (main community on the island) and to Mindemoya plus the First Nation Villages of Aundeck-Omni, Shequiandah, Wikwemikong and Mchigeeng. Hope I spelled those right.. ugh.

Shequiandah was by far the most impressive village on my tour.  They developed a POW WOW centre with traditional buildings, celebration grounds and one of the most beautiful tipi (teepee) I have ever seen.  It was so well decorated and protected. It looked like sacred territory so I had to take a picture from far off.

But what really was egging me on was the anticipation of some of the hiking trails on the island and enjoying the many scenic views during my drive. Many of the trails were short ones, but none received more press than the Cup and Saucer Trail.  It was clearly the most popular trail on the island.  Lucky me.. it was just north of where I was camped and it was the first on my list.

I arrived at the parking lot and was surprised to see other cars. How dare they be as excited as me to hike this trail.  There were others that liked hiking and sweating before 9 AM.  At least someone else has broken all the spider webs on the trail this time. I am usually the one clearing the spider webs with my face while hiking. No matter how hard you try there is always one that gets you.

I geared up with my equipment. Plugged in the walkman and started to hike.  Then, in no time at all,  the walkman stopped.  I look – shaking my head – low battery again. Time for an upgrade as the walkman seems to not be holding a charge again. No worries, there were plenty of song birds in the forest keeping me company.

The trail was a breeze. Flat most of the way with the only danger being the high number of  exposed tree roots and boulders. Sucks to be me if I were to sprain an ankle.  Lucky me I consider myself a sure footed hiker.  The only tough part was a “suicide hill” just before reaching the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. The hill weaved in and out of crevices and over and around monster boulders.  At the top of the hill was a short trail leading to the cliffs and some amazing views.  And they were amazing. (main BLOG photo).

My day continued visiting village after village.  Locking and loading my photo gear in every one for visiting their parks and hiking their most popular trails.  The other trail during my day which was a pleasant surprise, because it did not receive allot of press,  is the rougher, more wild in the wilderness hiking and mountain biking trails in McLean Park near Manitowaning.

When I was looping back to my base camp on Lake Kagawonga I made some stoned-faced friends along the way. Unexpectedly, while I was driving I came across a giant Inukshuk.  I like Inukshuks for some odd reason.  Maybe it is because they are so Canadian.

I could not resist.  I had to stop and take a picture with them.  Especially since one was holding a Canadian flag.   If you cannot beat them then join them eh. What do you think, do I have the Inukshuk down to a science or what.