It sounds as if summer like weather is on it's way for a few days, so here we are at Earl Rowe Provincial Park. A few days ahead of The Big May 24 Long Weekend.
At check in we were warned that the big ice storm that hit Ontario right before Easter had done a good job with some devastation around the park. Consequently there were a large number of landscaping companies trying to help clean up the fallen trees.
Our site had already been put back to normal. We could tell there had been damage as a great deal of small twigs and a lot of sawdust lay around the ground.
Not far from our site we could see how the ice had snapped off large pieces of branches from many of the trees.
However it did not deter the Trillium's from blooming and looking so good.
Further along the trail towards the lake we could see more indication of ice damage. This was accompanied by the chorus of chainsaws and chippers echoing around us.
The bridge didn't seem to show any indication of damage.
The river still looked pretty. A little murky after last night heavy rain though.
The opening on to Earl Rowe Lake showed very little ice damage to the naked eye.
The beach was quite clear and calm. Only a couple of geese wandering around. Not wishing to have their pictures taken.
From this part of the beach you could see the bridge we crossed over Fletcher's pond.
Some parts of the trail turned out to be quite an obstacle course to walk.
Other parts of the trail appeared to be completely immune from any weather damage.
There were views of the lake which were quite breath taking.
From the dam we wandered the grassy trail back to our campsite.
It had been a good walk and after 2.3 km we thought we deserved a nice 'cuppa' and cookies.
With the clouds it began to cool off so we had the campfire going early.
Luckily my Chef had not forgotten any of his BBQ skills, and dinner was wonderful.
That was followed by a relaxing evening around the fire, listening to a "sad" Blue Jays Game. Hopefully they can find their skills again and win tomorrow.
Thursday 19th May 2016.
Few clouds this morning but not cold. Breakfast outside was real good. Today's plan is to walk the Look Out Trail. We are hoping the clouds roll away, as is is so pretty on the Look Out trail with the clear weather. Mind you - it is a good work out.
Signs of spring along the Rainbow Run Trail with wild flowers in bloom.
This section of the trail looked normal not showing any indication of ice damage anywhere.
However, just a short distance along the Out Look Trail you could once again see the destruction the ice had caused.
Yes, you could see for miles from the Look Out Tower, and although fairly clear, you could not see the CN Tower good enough for a picture. It was barely visible, except with the binoculars
Now we have reached the summit of the trail we have to wander our way down the hill.
Once again the signs of spring were eminent with trees covered in blossoms.
It didn't take long to get back to the Rainbow Run Trail, then back to #274 where we sat and relaxed in the sunshine after our 5 km walk. And a very good walk it turned out to be.
We hung around the campsite for a while after lunch. That was my fault. I was reading a Mary Higgins Clark book "Daddies Little Girl" and guess what? I had to sit and finish it. It was too exciting o put down. As usual with Mary's novels.
Anyway, we managed another real nice walk a bit later in the afternoon. This time we headed over the bridge at Fletcher's pond and took the opposite direction off of the Rainbow Run trail.
It is a very picturesque part of the trail and a very easy relaxing walk.
Got back to our site after a couple hours.
Later in the afternoon the mosquitoes began to get very hungry so I sat inside while Mike got the fire going which sent most of the bugs away. And that is where we spent the remainder of the day. Right around the camp fire. Even cooked supper there.
It had been a very good day and a great way to end it.
Bonus - The Toronto Blue Jays found their good bats and won!
Friday May 20th 2016 155338
Decided we would try to get home around lunch time before the roads got too busy with the long weekend traffic.
That worked well and we arrived home about 1.15 pm in the warm sunshine. 155475
It was a really good trip and hopefully it will not be long before we head out again.
