Last night I was the victim of some serious squirrel harassment. They are by far the loudest creatures I've encountered in the wild. They make crazy chirping at each other over territory disputes and have no qualms about climbing over my tent and scaring me awake with their little claws raking across my tent. I've heard much larger creatures lumbering around but squirrels take the cake for most nosy and fearless bunch.
Before I could leave this morning I discovered another flat on rear again. Once again it was a small sliver of metal similar to a staple that I most likely picked up through some of the construction that was being done on the roads yesterday. It was easily fixed either way and I set off on a beautiful day along the reliable TCH. A couple of fellows must have seen me fixing the tire at a gas station a ways up the road as they asked me if everything was ok after and about my tour.
As the sun went down I hopped onto the Trans Canada Trail near Carleton Place. The trail was nice to ride on with very little loose stone and quiet surroundings with trees leaning in on both sides. By dark I was guided by my small bike light and at times when the trees cleared off I shut the lights off and followed the light of the moon. I never caught sight of any animals but I heard a few scurry off as I approached. Startling a bear or running into a deer were my only concerns.
The trail shot straight into Ottawa where I found an interesting area of sand and tall trees to put up my tent. For such a big city this was a nice little area to find and camp in with no old fires or beer bottles laying around to indicate it could be a hangout spot for teenagers or anyone else to be bothered by. It was incredibly dark and very quiet and only the occasional squirrel disrupted the silence. I was far enough off the path to not notice anyone that may be passing by late in the night. If ever you find yourself stranded in Ottawa, check this little spot out.
