Field Trip to the Lusk Caves

Postponed till next Spring

Due to poor weather, the Cave Trip will be rescheduled to a later (and warmer) date.

The Senior group of the Macoun Field Club is going to the Lusk Caves in Gatineau Provincial Park on Sunday, September 28th. The caves are located at the south end of Lac Philippe. We will meet at the EMR parking lot at the corner of Booth and Plymouth (near the Xerox building) at 10 a.m. and return for 5 p.m. In the morning, we will drive from EMR to Parent Beach at Lac Philippe; from there, it is a 5 km walk to the caves.

The Lusk Caves are large enough to be exciting, yet small enough that it would be somewhat difficult to become lost. You can choose several routes through the caves; all involve getting your feet wet, but my favourite passage will get you wet up to your neck (the water never becomes deep enough that you would need to swim, and everyone can decide for themselves how wet they become). Be prepared for chilly water and vicious minnows.

What to bring: Make sure to take a flashlight (with fresh batteries; to be on the safe side, you may want to bring two flashlights). Bring clothes you do not mind getting wet, as well as a change of clothes. A towel is a good idea. If you want to bring a hard hat or helmet, you certainly may, but I have not found them necessary on previous trips. Pack a lunch.

Note: The weather forecast is calling for light showers on Sunday, with a high of 18ºC, so make sure to bring warm clothes, and rain gear for the walk.

The National Capital Commission has a web site for the caves at this address:

http://www.capcan.ca/gatineau/nature/luskcaves_e.asp

Please call me (Jon Hickman) before 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, if you would like to go; I will need the extra time to arrange rides (please ask your parents if they can drive). My phone number is 739-1964. I can also provide directions to the EMR parking lot and Parent Beach. Thanks! See you there!