A bit of a cool-down exercise to stretch the legs, I decided to scout out the remains of Aultsville village from land. This of course meant travelling down Aultsville Road and through the Bird Sanctuary.
On the way to the river's edge, just happened to catch a couple of busy Beavers preparing for winter. Apparently their efforts have increased with the layer of ice forming over the past two nights. I'm told that their swimming back and forth keeps a path of open water from freezing, at least until later in the winter.
Today's journey to Aultsville led to a dead-end. Beyond the bike path, the old Aultsville Road disappeared into the willows and beneath the river, with nothing to be seen. A couple big rocks from a lone foundation may have been visible, but old Aultsville was still underwater.
Could have sworn that I saw a relatively large canine immediately after sunset. Too dark to tell for sure, but I'm sure it was a Coyote.
At least I didn't waste a trip on the water, searching for a place that doesn't even exist anymore.
Aultsville is like something from Pirates of the Carribean...
"that which cannot be found except by those who already know where it is."
Loosely translated in English:
"This road bridge of ancient Highway 2 is situated on the west side of the [Lost Village] of Aultsville... The concrete bridge is 2 metres high by 4 metres wide by 13 metres long. The opening of the tunnel is 3 metres wide by 1 metre high...
Following the old Nelson street just to Old Highway 2. Turn right and follow Highway 2 to the bridge."
In all the years trolling for Smallmouth Bass over the Old Highway #2, I never even knew this existed.
Check their website for a couple more pictures of this underwater bridge.
https://www.scubapedia.ca/index.php/Aultsville_Highway_2_Bridge