POINT FARMS ONTARIO PARK

Monday July 9th 2012                      309664        10.15 a.m.

Finally the humidity broke Saturday night so it was time to load up and head out camping again.   This time we decided to head to Point Farm , near Goderich.

Weather was good for travelling and we had a good ride to the park.

Arrived about 11.30 a.m.  309769.  Picked site 206, which had really nice layout and the weather was perfect for us, bright, sunny, hot and NO humidity.

After lunch we took a walk to the beach and along the shore line to the south.   For the time of year it was very quiet here, much to our surprise.

We just took a slow relaxing walk enjoying the peace and quiet, and the wonderful sunshine.

It felt so good we could stay here for ever!

It appeared other people thought the same as us.

There was only one way UP from the beach - and it was 131 steps of it.

Very well constructed and extremely picturesque.

It was still another hour walk along the trail back to our site, where we awarded ourselves with a good cool drink.

We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, as that had been close to 3 hour hike, which we both really enjoyed.

My Chef did a fabulous dinner of Burgers and Beer.   Complimented the decor with a really good campfire, where we spent the rest of the evening.

Another great day in our life of camping.

Tuesday July 10th

Breakfast all done and another gorgeous day to plan ahead of us.   Already sunny and warm, but a slight breeze to keep us comfortable.

Some friendly squirrels came around to check if we had managed to leave them any breakfast.  So yes, they were disappointed.

We hiked the Old Farm Trail to the beach stairs.  Yes all 131 of them.

Just wandered north along the beach to the end of the park.

Fantastic walk, nice cool breeze of the lake, and as you can see no one else wanted to share the beach with us.

From there we found The Ravine Trail.  We had never done this trail so not sure what to expect.

All we can say is WOW!!!  

 The scenery was superb.  We were walking in the tree tops, and at times could not even see the bottom of the ravine.

You did have to keep your eyes open and feet secure on the ground - long way down!

Walked this trail until we met up with the Old Farm Trail again.  Then back to our site.  This is certainly a trail we are looking forward to doing again.

We relaxed around the site until later in the afternoon when it cooled off  a little.

Had a really nice relaxing afternoon then it was time to hike another part of the trail before dinner.

This trail took us down to the beach without taking the stairs, and certainly another pretty trail.

Slowly wandered the beach then back up the stairs and back to our site.


Spent the rest of the evening around the fire conjuring up all kinds of those silly camp fire stories we seem to enjoy telling.


Wednesday July 11th.   309769

Have to head home today, would love to stay for a while longer, but things to get done at home.

 Decided to stop off in Kincardine on the drive back.  As you can see this beach is very busy to what we had the last few days.

I thought it would be nice to reward my chauffeur and chef to a delicious lunch at the Erie Belle in Kincardine for allowing me to take these few days off.

How nice is that!

Catch you all on the next trip.

BUFFALO, NY and the rest of the journey.

June 24th the rest of the day.

After leaving the airport we took a trip through Buffalo - twice actually - we managed to take a wrong turn.  Luckily it was quiet and a very nice day for a drive.

From there we went to Fredonia for all our supplies before heading to Erie State Park. NY.

 All set up by 4. p.m.  (308506)

So sat around  and relaxed with some munchies for a while before exploring.

Very pretty park.  we hiked along the bluff over looking Lake Erie.  It was a perfect day, warm and breezy.  That allowed us to do further exploring along the trails in the park before we had our BBQ supper.

We had company drop by for supper too.

As you can see he was far more interested in the vegetation than our BBQ - clever bunny!

Later in the evening our site was alive with fireflies.  That really looked magnificent.  Too bad I couldn't get that picture.

We had a fairly busy week with Andrew and Penny and were on the road early today so decided to go to bed early.

Good job we did.  There was a huge Thunder storm about 11.30p.m. which lasted well over an hour.  Just a little scary, it was really close by.  Mike slept through the whole thing.  No idea how he managed that.

MONDAY JUNE 25th -  Oh yes, 6 months to Christmas Day!

The storm had all blown away, and left a  few clouds and lots of sun, but also left it very warm.

Looked outside to see how the world had survived, and from what I could see, it had done well.  There were lots of little bunnies running around and several families of Robins.

Perfect weather for cooking breakfast outside.

As you can see it is a really interesting park with some great walks.  The trails were great, and all fairly easy.  So we spent a lot of time walking around and enjoying the park and the weather.

After hiking it was time to sit and plan our route ready for tomorrow.  Then we just relaxed for a while.  In fact we had a very lazy afternoon.

Great campfire after dinner, so also a very relaxing evening.  It felt good to relax!

Tuesday June 26th.                                    308506     11 a.m.

BBQ breakfast - already hot and sunny.  The plan for today is to find our way to Findley State Park, Ohio.  But you never know what we might find along the way.  We have not travelled this area since early 199o's.

So all paced up and ready to hit the road by 11 a.m.

First though, it has to be story time.

Last night while we were sitting outside a Police Car rode around the past very slowly.  Not once but twice.   It didn't stop anywhere.  Shortly after that a red pick up truck did the same thing - twice.  Very weird!  Then, when leaving the park this morning we saw two jail guards supervising 10 prisoners when were doing the ground maintenance at the park.  Approximately a mile along the road we drove past the Correctional Facility.   Now we put 2 and 2 together and wondered if there was in fact a prisoner missing last night.  Well you never know do you?

So Back to today. 

                                                                                                                                   

 From the campsite we took the Sea Way Trail for as far as it goes along Highway 5.  went through the Vineyards in Westfield NY.   There were some really pretty towns along this route, and a lot of them were getting all dressed up for 4th of July.

Hudson OH. was a really pretty little town.  Unfortunately we didn't get pictures of it.  Now beginning to get quite hilly too.

We kept driving until we reached Findley State Park, which we had researched on the Internet and it seemed to be exactly our type of park - OK, so don't always believe what you read!  Rule # ????

It was a good place, clean and tidy, but not quite what we had expected.  We didn't even find any hiking trails.  The Park Office closed at 6 p.m.  We were there at 6.10 p.m.   No where to but wood for the fire, and no Camp Host available.     308877                  6.15 p.m.

So we checked ourselves in, had a good steak dinner and managed to keep the fire going with whatever we could find to burn around the site - picnic table next!  No just joking.

It was a nice evening but we will not be staying here tomorrow as planned.

That's the beauty of being "GYPSY'S".

Wednesday 27th June 2012                                 308877                   11 a.m.

WOW! Another hot clear sunny day.  So far the weather has been perfect.

After breakfast we decided we would go on to Proud Lake Michigan today, where we would meet up with Vince, Barb and Kayleigh.  We would be about 10 minutes from where Vince would be staying at the Lake House.

So all packed and on the road by 11 a.m. and just meandered along the country roads, through lots more very pretty little towns and villages, most of which were all decked out for July 4th Celebrations.

Arrived at Proud Lake just before 3 p.m.  309183.  

really great place, but to be honest we didn't do too much exploring as it was full sun, very little shade and, guess what?  It was 100 F.

As I mentioned Proud Lake wasn't too far from where Vince, Barb and Kayleigh would be and we had all planned to spend the weekend together.  But due to unfortunate circumstances all plans changed - a very long story!

Serendipity stepped in and we did get to have Kayleigh with us for the remainder of the afternoon.  That was heaven!

It was still too hot to go exploring, so we all sat around the site and caught up on all the news and stuff that had been going on since our visit last year.  Now that was well worth the drive.

After supper we did light the camp fire, not that we really needed it, although it did cool off a little through the evening.  Once again there were many fireflies and also one lone raccoon.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring the forecast is for a very hot humid day, temps around

105F  That is very steamy!

Thursday 28th June.
Yes, the forecast was correct.  It was very hot and humid. 
I was just starting to BBQ breakfast when Mike told me to look to my right.  Not even 10 feet from us was a skunk slowly wandering towards the bush area behind El Campista.
Too close for comfort!
After breakfast we took off shopping as it was too hot to try to hike, already 95F.
It was a pretty ride through the lake areas.
Naturally we spent to much. but did have fun.

Sat around in the shade when we got back to camp as it was really hot 110F + humidity.
The forecast was for this to hang around for quite a few days yet with all weather records already being broken.  So we decided it would be best for us to pack up tomorrow and head back to Durham.  Unfortunately it would mean we would not get to spend much time with Vince and family. 
However, they also came to the same decision.  They were ready to head home Friday also.
Too bad things changed and we couldn't spend the time we had planned but we can always do it another time.
Did not light a fire, far too hot.

Friday 29th June 2012                    309254                    10.30 p.m.
After breakfast, and all packed up we headed to Novi for a visit with Vince, Barb and Kayleigh.   It was still very hot.  We had a great visit before we all headed to our vehicles and started our journeys home.
Vince and Barb were dodging Tornadoes nearly all the way the back to Charlotte.  So not such a good time for them.
We did some extra shopping then crossed the order.  Once again another lucky crossing, took about one minute to line up and cross from Port Huron into Sarina.

From there we headed into Kincardine to the Erie Belle for a combined lunch/dinner.  Sat inside as it was so hot outside.

It was fabulous and a great way to end the trip.  Too bad it didn't turn out as planned, but what the heck we all had fun anyway.

Arrived in Durham 8.45 p.m. - and yes it is still hot here in the Great White North.

Catch you next time!!!

 

JUNE 2012

Tuesday June 19th 2012.     9 a.m.     307568
Today we headed to Niagara Falls to meet Penny and Andrew, who had left Australia in May and were now in our part of the world.   

It was a great day and a good drive, for the most part.  We just took all country roads and managed to stay off the highway as much as possible.  However about noon hour "Mike the Mechanic" had to get to work.  El Campista had a few complaints, and decided that it was time for the brakes to play up.  I think El Campista was just retaliating with regards to the temperature suddenly rising to +40c.  Other than the heat the roadside repair was not too bad.  There was a nice breeze blowing so it was almost bearable.  And Mike the Mechanic did another great job and we were back on the road in no time.

Once back on the road we continued our journey on to Ridgeway for a surprise visit with Grant and Myrna.  It turned to be quite a surprise, as they were out!  Oh well, better luck next time.  And there will be a next time.

We headed to King Waldorf's Camp Ground.
Nice place and not at all busy at that time.

Our site was close to the river and quite spacious. 

Had a really later lunch and relaxed  for a while before heading into the Falls to meet up with Andrew and Penny.   It was still very warm and quite humid.



We managed to park in town quite close to Falls View Casino, where Andrew and Penny were staying.   We walked around the casino to try to find them but no luck.  Thank goodness for texting!  Within a few minutes we were all together.

OK!  Now how about this view.   This is the view from their Hotel window - all we can say is Spectacular!

We spent an hour or so just chatting and generally catching up on all that has been going on over the last five years.  Which was the last time we were together.  It was a great start to the next 5 days, when we take them to Buffalo Airport for their flight to their next destinations.  I think this will a very busy few days.  So much to see and not much time to see it all.

About 7 p.m. we wandered off to find a bar for refreshments and then dinner.   We had a great evening, and we are looking forward to the rest of the visit.  

Time to head back to the camp site, which was only about 10 minutes way.

We sat outside for a while as it was still very warm.

Other than the brake problem it had been a great day.   307834.

Wednesday 20th June    307834                                  

Hot steamy morning, wonder what the rest of the day will like.

After breakfast and all packed up we went back to the Hotel to pick up Penny and Andrew.   Left Niagara about 11 a.m.

Once again we stayed on the country roads rather than the highway and it was a really pretty drive back - hope we can remember that again.  Decided we should stop in Guelph for lunch when we got there.  So headed to The Shakespeare Arms.  Now who wouldn't stop at "The Shaky" for lunch?
Good as ever!!

After lunch we went to Fergus to meet Jeff at the Brew House.  It was a great visit, just a little short.  Once again very hot and humid.

 Good ride all the way back to Durham, 7 p.m. 308085.

Just relaxed on the front porch still catching up on the last five years.

Natalie called in on her way home o show off her new car.  Very nice, blue, Ford Focus.

Ended the day, and started the next day sitting at our bar, memories and story telling.   Now 2.30 .am. - How did that happen?

Thursday 21st June - 24th June 2012.

Although not actually away camping there was lots going on - holiday time!

Thursday 21st, another hot day, and today Natalie took the day off so we all went for a family drive.

We headed to Kincardine, and walked the beach and marina.  Weather was great.  A nice breeze from the Lake.  Here is Mike, Andrew, Penny and Natalie.

Had lunch at the Erie Belle - another favorite haunt of ours.

From there we headed towards Port Elgin, where storm clouds begin to boil up, so continued into Southampton to the market.  Where we took shelter from the storm.

Nice ride back to Durham and a great visit with Natalie on her Deck for some time, before going home to more story telling and a few snacks while sitting around the bar until, yes you guessed it - another 2.30 a.m.  Night Night!

Friday 22nd

Really nice day.  Mike did the final brake repair on El Campista, so we are all ready for out trip at the weekend.

We all had a few things to do anyway, so it worked out fine.

After lunch we took a scenic drive to the Highest Point on the Bruce Trail, another of our favorite spots.

It was great to show Andrew and Penny these places as they had never been north of Fergus on previous visits.

We continued our sight seeing drive into Thornbury, staying as close to the lake as possible.

Always a fabulous drive, through all seasons.  Andrew and Penny enjoyed it too.

Took a nice wander around the Marina.

From there we took pretty drive to Bar Head Pub and Grill .  Spent a good time there on the patio as the weather was perfect for that.

Then home for BBQ and Natalie joined us after she finished work.  She wisely left before we all headed to the back yard for a camp fire.  A lot of singing and stories there.  Actually it was quite an early night for us all - 2 a.m.  Not too bad!

Saturday 23rd June - Happy Birthday Mike!

Today is pack up day for the four of us, so the morning was pretty busy.  Mike and I packed El Campista ready for our little trip through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio then into Michigan for a visit with Vince, Barb and Kayleigh.



After a leisurely lunch we decided to show Penny and Andrew our hiking trail through the park.  It was a perfect day for a walk too.  Not too hot and a slight breeze.

This is a shot from the Falls in the park.

Here we are almost back into town. and just about time for Happy Hour.   Especially as we were all very thirsty now.






When Natalie returned from work Andrew treated us all to  Birthday Dinner for Mike.  It was so good.  Thank you both Andrew and Penny, and thank you Natalie for driving us all, and in your nice new car.

Back at home after dinner Kayleigh and Barb called on Skype.  That was fantastic.  Kayleigh and Barb were getting ready for their 11 hour drive to MI, where we would meet them next week.  Great to chat with them and everyone.

Weather was still very good, so we all sat around the deck relaxing and enjoying our last evening together for a while.

Retired early, midnight.  Long day ahead tomorrow.

Sunday 24th June. 2012                                   308087    9.00 a.m.

Left a cloudy but very warm Durham heading to Buffalo Airport to drop Andrew and Penny off for the remainder of their trip.  it has been a short but wonderful visit, and we look forward to being able to do it all again.

Once again we took as many country roads as we could and arrived at the Border about
1.00 pm.  There was quite a line up, but no problem crossing, the customs officer was great, and enjoyed hearing about Andrew's trip over on The Queen Mary.

Not too far from there to the airport and all went well there.  Very sad to say "See you later" - not Good bye!  But truly a great time had by all of us.

Here's to the next time!

Camping 2012

OK.  Sorry we have not been blogging for a while.  Just been too darn busy around the house recently.  However, that is a good thing, the improvements are great.  Like living in a new house now.  We have been camping a few times, starting in March, which I will get to, but let's start with the most recent trip right now.

WEDNESDAY MAY 23rd.     10 am left Durham,  307269

Took all country roads heading into Inverhuron Provincial Park, and what a pretty drive it turned out to be.  Just a few fluffy clouds, nothing at all threatening in sight.

Arrived at the park about 11.15 am (307350).  Luck was with us and we managed to get the same camp site as we had last year, #76.  As you can see from the picture the view from the site was fantastic, as was the weather by then too.

We relaxed around the site for a while after lunch then walked over  the boulders along the "scenic drive trail". 

There were many different wild flowers blooming to hat we had been seeing in Mac Gregor on our last trips.

Also there were quite a few butterflies, squirrels, blue jays, robins and as we walked along the trail high in the trees we heard and saw a "murder" of crows.  The calls they were making were quite deafening and very scary sounding.  No wonder it is called a murder of crows!

 The weather was perfect now, at least for hiking.  Bright and sunny with a soft breeze, keeping us cool while wandering the trails for a few hours.

Back at the camp we settled into some reading, writing and listening to The Toronto Blue Jays, who unfortunately lost. 

Lit the campfire, where we cooked our supper.  Sat out with our usual silly stories until bed time.

Great Life.

Thursday May 24th.      HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB!

Beautiful morning, sunny and warm and quite the breeze coming off the lake.

Took our time with breakfast and planned our walks for the day.

Hiked the beach to the southern perimeter of the park.   It was so nice to wander along the shore with the tiny waves lapping at our feet.  However, very cool water!

From there we headed to the rainbow bridge over the Small Sauble River.  Very pretty spot to stop and enjoy.

Then along the boardwalk onto the trail and back to camp, after  another two hour hike.

Late lunch and relaxed for a while before hitting the trails again.  This time heading towards the northern perimeter of the park.

There were quite a few different birds along the shore and the trail, and we also found this "space ship".

OK, so it's not a space ship, but it makes for interesting reading.

Didn't actually time this hike, but it must have been about three hours, as we arrived back at camp about

5 pm.  Very good timing - Happy Hour.

It was getting extremely windy, although not at all cold.  By the time BBQ was done the winds were so strong we could not light the campfire.

Just sat around enjoying the peace and quiet.  May be not so quiet tonight, in the gale force winds.

Friday 25th May.     307350

Can you believe 7 months to Christmas Day!

Suddenly caught the sound of thunderer through the sounds of the very strong winds, so we hurried outside to close the awning and put all the outside things away before the rain and storm actually hit - made it just in time too.

So today breakfast was cooked inside and by the time we had finished the storm was over and the sun shinning again.

The lake was really noisy to what it was yesterday so we took a walk to the shore.  Very different day on the lake again, but still beautiful.

All packed up ready to leave about 12 noon, and already trying to plan our next trip.  So many places to explore, we are spoilt for choice.

To try to finish off this perfect little trip we made our way into Kincardine for a walk along the beach and marina.  Then to the Erie Belle for lunch.  Fabulous - you should the fish and chips there.

Home by 3.15 pm.    30744.

March 19th 2012   306650

This was our first camping trip for this year.  We could not believe the weather for the time of the year.  Already had a week of record breaking weather and the forecast is for the same for another few days.  So El Campista all packed up ready to leave for MacGregor Point.  Had to choose there as that is the only local park open all year.  No problem we love it there anyway.

May 4th 2012.  307085

This was our second trip of the 2012 camping season.  Once again off to MacGregor Point.  We never get tired of this park.  It seems to change each time we go.

Both of these trips gave us really good weather,good camp sites and lots to see and enjoy.

Due to the very warm weather for the time of the year we were lucky enough to catch sight of this snapping turtle on the road way having just woke from the winter snooze.

Yes- he was quite the size!

If you look closely at the log in this picture you will see several turtles sunbathing.

It was certainly a good time for viewing the turtles.  You should have been with us Sandy.

In fact we saw as many as 23 turtles in March, and another 15 in May.

I was not quite so excited about seeing this piece of nature along the trails.  But once again, very early to see this in March.

The camp fires were excellent both in March and May.

Not sure if you an make this out or not, but this is the "Super Moon".

May 4th.  Needed a much better camera to get the shot, but it is listed in the "memory bank".  Fantastic to see.

The May trip allowed us to view many different species of butterflies.  We must invest in a "Butterfly" book.

Speaking of butterflies, what do you think of this Caterpillar nest?

Could not believe the size of it.

Another beautiful sight.

And so this was a condensed blog of two trips to MacGregor Point.  I will do my best to keep this kept up to date for the remainder of the camping season.  Which we hope continues through to at least November!

Catch you all in a few days -  we hope!