地下巖洞隧道 / Underground Caves and Passage (Lusk Cave in the Gatineau Park)

(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 地下巖洞隧道的其中一個入口 One of the entrances to the underground caves/passage )

(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 洞內濺起的水點和水氣,積聚在岩石上結成了雪花 The accumulated water droplets and vapour turn into snow flakes on the rock surface underground)

(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 結成冰的地下瀑布Frozen underground waterfall)

(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 懸掛在洞內的冰條 A hanging icicle inside the caves)
(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 封在巖洞入口,重約半噸的大型冰條 Guarding an entrance are gigantic icicles that weigh at least half a tonne)

(攝影圖片 Photograph above: 我在爬出巖洞之前,在內向外拍攝的角度相片 This picture was taken from the perspective of someone who was about to escape back to the outside world).

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回顧2007-08年冬天: 豐雪是好兆 / Winter 2007-08: Abundant Snow is Good

While city dwellers are worrying about an increase in property tax to cover the unexpected snow-removal expenditures incurred this past winter, farmer are actually quite happy to see the snow-covered fields in the country side. As long as the ground is defrosted before the start of the growing season, the melting snow will provide the necessary moisture in the soil for seeds to germinate and plants to grow.

As for skiers like myself, I am willing to foot my share of the municipal bill but will also try to get extra mileage (pun intended) out of the extended skiing season. Already under my belt are two week-long ski trips: To Mad River Glen / Sugar Bush in Vermont, USA during New Year; and to my Cree friend's hunting camp near Moose Factory at the southern tip of James Bay, Northern Ontario end of January. There have also been numerous day and moonlight ski trips to the hills and forests close to the city. I have done most of these trips solo, partly because I tend to make up my mind on the spur of the moment, but also because (and I am admitting it) I enjoy solitude in the wilderness.

My most recent cross-country ski trip was two weeks ago, when I stayed overnight in a wood-heated cabin in the forest and then visited some near-by caves and underground passage the next day. Cross-country skiing with a 40-lb backpack was a challenge when going both uphill (lack of traction) and downhill (too much speed). The visit to the cave area (without the pack) was most enjoyable. There was nobody else on the ski trail, the sun was shinning, and I was just flying !! I am sharing some of the photos I took inside the underground caves/passage and hope you will enjoy them.

Think Snow, still :)

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UPDATED 20150922:
Related link:  National Capital Commission / Gatineau Park
*   Lusk Cave / Underground map:  http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/sites/default/files/pubs/lusk-cave-underground-map.pdf
*   Lusk Cave / Description: http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/lusk-cave