Keeping it Frank

As soon as you turn around the bumpy, gravel country road, you see the beauty of the Massassauga Point conservation area. The water crashing on the rocks, the array of trees, the wind whispering into the unknown. This peaceful sense of tranquility and comfort takes over. Reconnecting to nature in the best way – being submersed in it. There are many conservation areas in the region of Belleville, but the Massassauga Point conservation area has something special about it. Maybe it’s the smell of the air – crisp and clean, it almost teleports you to another province. The friendly people passed on every hike of the 4km trails encompassing the area.

            There are three main trails to travel – blue, green, and red, all branching off into different coloured trails with highlights of this conservation area. The red trail encompasses the entire area – so the full experience can be achieved. The red trail branches off into the pink trail which leads to a gigantic circle of limestone rocks standing 20ft tall. Standing below the rock cliff, looking high above, puts into perspective how small we are, and how ancient these rocks can be. The smaller fragments are fragile like glass while the larger rocks are strong but rough.

            One of the best highlights can be found on the blue trail. Hiding behind the old luscious oak, pine and elm trees is a rustic vehicle. The vehicle appears to be a Ford model, I’m no expert but I would guess from the 1950’s. Only the front of the vehicle is there, what once was a sedan became a coupe. The seats are torn apart with foliage from the forest replacing where the fabric used to lay. The frame is deteriorating, however remains in tact enough to get inside for a closer look. The steering wheel of the car is still attached. What used to be a creamy white, has now faded to a dirty brown. The glove box opens, there is nothing inside but bugs and leaves. It transports you to a different timeline and makes you question how the car got abandoned in such a remote location.

            There is a bench on the far North side of the area, facing the Bay of Quinte. During the daytime it is a place to relax and sit. This spot is optimal for listening to the footsteps of people walking, and the occasional dog that comes to say hello. At nighttime area transforms. You get a full glimpse of the city of Belleville at night. The lights illuminating the sky. They look like stars. The sunrises and sunsets paint the sky and touch the water.

            It truly is a magical area to wander.