MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

74 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 41 WEEKEND TRIPS Snorkel Nellie Lake Legend tells of a killer swim spot in the northwest corner of Killarney Provincial Park with water so clear that it makes Georgian Bay’s Grotto look like a mud pit. Deep in the backcountry of one of Ontario’s most treasured provincial parks lies Nellie Lake—a idyllic body of shallow water iconized by Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson in 1933. The white quartzite that makes up the Canadian Shield topography of the ancient La Cloche mountain range is very acidic. As a result, Nellie Lake’s pH of 4.7 means very little marine life can thrive here. (The Lake’s relatively high elevation is also believed to contribute to the water clarity.) With roughly 30 metres of underwater visibility, the experience of snorkelling here nears Caribbean quality, in a northern Ontario oasis. To access Nellie, you need to be a dedicated paddler and hiker. The 28km loop includes a doozy of a portage (the longest of four an approximate 2100 rugged metres). The three-day trip is an environmental marvel, fraught with La Cloche landscapes, lookouts, and campsites. Book early—your Grace Lake entry point to access Nellie is a popular spot that fills up quickly. —Nelson Phillips DIY: ontarioparks.com/park/killarney Nellie Lake’s pH of 4.7 means very little marine life can thrive here. DALE RODDICK/FLICKR Everyone has fun September 15 & 16, 2018 Racers Race, Riders Ride. ! Everyone has fun September 15 & 16, 2018 Racers Race, Riders Ride. ! RACERS RACE, RIDERS RIDE. EVERYONE HAS FUN! SEPTEMBER 15 & 16, 2018 Visit centurioncycling.com for more information. • Pick your Start Wave based on your riding goals and ability • Choose from Timed “Race” Waves or Untimed “Tour” Waves • Plenty of space between start waves for a safe roll-out • Limited entries in 1st and 2nd Time “Race” Waves • Option to save on your entry with our “No Frills” options without a t-shirt, timing or post-ride meal. Everyone has fun September 15 & 16, 2018 Racers Race, Riders Ride. ! Everyone has fun September 15 & 16, 2018 Racers Race, Riders Ride. ! Everyone has fun September 15 & 16, 2018 Racers Race, Riders Ride. ! Four great distances on offer: • New 120km Route • The Popular 80k • Return of the classic 40km • Unique True Grit events for the adventurous rider