The back 40

Ahhh wouldn’t it be nice to have a back forty? As a former country mouse turned town mouse I think about all the things I would do if I had a back forty. I’d ski, hike, forage, maybe even have time to plant an orchard. I just think how great my life would be, breathing the country air and living the country life. If only I had a back forty. Oh wait I do have a back forty, well not me personally but not far from my stoop is a provincial park just waiting to be explored. This town mouse can dump all the country chores and enjoy the outdoors straight up.

Way back at the beginning of December my tour guide Mr. F, took the fam on a hike of some of the trails near the gun range at the Eagle Point Provincial Park. It was a natural obstacle course. There were steep ravines, iced covered creek beds, log jams, all under a forested canopy surrounded by bird music. It wasn’t an orchard but it was a feast for the senses.

Back a few years ago the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council reclaimed some ATV trails in the area, they made heavily used ATV trails into a family friendly route they even installed several eye catching red bridges on creek crossings. These trails are just a few in a large network of trails in the area.

In the summer this area is a go to place for ATV activity but in the winter it is magic. The trails are not overly hiked so seeing anyone else is not impossible but it hasn’t happened yet. You are more likely to see a deer than a human.

These trails are not well marked and so to explain where we were would take gps coordinates. However it doesn’t really matter where we were exactly because the trails are unsigned and so the best way to become familiar is to just start exploring, and remembering where you are so you can find your way back to your car. Two landmarks that make orienteering a little easier is the river to the West and the Buck Creek road to the East.

If you head out to the Park I encourage you to frame your exceptions around the same principles that make a road trip so fun. 1. There is no specific destination 2. Slow down 3. Be spontaneous, with no map, let your curiosity be your trail guide 4. Stop, and check out anything cool that catches your eye 5. Be mindful on the journey.

Over the years the one thing I’ve learned to do is appreciate and learn about the small and up close vegetation and animals you will see. When you hike trails in our region you are not hiking for a destination as there aren’t waterfalls, or mountain sightings. So if it isn’t about the destination it is about the journey.

Along the journey you may encounter birch trees and you may wonder, “What are the health benefits of birch bark tea?” Or “Can I make pancake syrup out of birch tree sap?”. Turns out you can and birch bark has many health properties. You may wonder why the side of the tree facing the sun is a different colour than the North facing side? Getting curious and close to your surroundings on your hike elevates the interest level 100% and because you are not gunning for a destination you can dawdle and still have a good time.

On our back 40 hikes I always come home with more questions than I left with and each time I learn a little more. Journey hiking is a little micro adventure that doesn’t need upkeep, and is always there when you are ready to explore.

This town mouse does enjoy the amenities of living in an urban centre but whenever the country calls we look no further than our back 40.