May 2010 - MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Friday May 28th - 289656 - 10.30 a.m.
Left warm, sunny Durham heading to MacGregor Point.   Stopped in Port Elgin for a while to collect necessary "staples" for a good camping trip.  Did not wish to dehydrate in the gorgeous summer heat.   Arrived to be able to get one of our favorite sites at MacGregor # 57.

1 p.m. - 289742.  It is a large treed site, but there is plenty of sunshine to get through as well.


Had light lunch then headed off hiking.  First to the Turtle Pond.  Did not expect to see too much around there, but much to our surprise there was a lot going on.   We saw as many as ten turtles.  One very young "painted turtle".  Also saw several different types of dragonflies.  Did not see any deer around the pond, quite often we are lucky enough to see the deer around this area.
  

    
Black And White Dragonfly
                                                 


                          

                                                                                  Walked along some of the Old Shore Line Trail from there.  This area is so picturesque we never tire of it.  Today there were even small white caps on the lake.

From there we headed to the Swamp Trail along the boardwalk.  Heard lots of frogs, but did not see any.   It was very still and murky today. 

That led us back to the Turtle Pond then to our site.  Where it was time to relax in the sunshine until supper time.  It had been a very enjoyable afternoon.

After BBQ supper we just sat around the camp fire.  We saw a great many fireflies, like diamonds hanging in the trees.  What a great way to spend an evening - very warm evening too.

Saturday May 29 2010
Could not believe how late we woke up so had a leisurely breakfast in the brilliant sunshine.  Already comfortably warm and no humidity.   The camper was parked way in the shade so that was very cool under the awning.

After coffee we were ready for our hike around the Lake Ridge Trail.  For us this is the hardest trail there.  There are huge boulders to manoeuvre yourself around.  You walk to the bottom of the dead Lake Algonquin, which is 1500 years old.  Climb the stairs to the lake ridge.  Hike the ridge through areas where farming used to be, as late as the 1970's.

Past an historic well, which belonged to the farm.  Up and down rocky trails, past a very large quartzite rock which stands 3 feet high and close to 5 feet in diameter, just gleaming with Quartz.  It is very cold to the touch and estimated at being 200,000 million years old. 

  Not far from the rock is the end of the trail.  From there we headed to the camp store and rewarded ourselves with Ice Cream.   Ice Cream always tastes so good after that hike.  Now we had to finish the hike and get back to camp, rather weary too.  We had hiked approximately 15 km from 12 noon to 3.30 p.m.

Relaxed in the sun for the rest of the afternoon.  Resting up for our hike to Sunset Point.  Won't tell you why we went there, will leave that to your imagination.

To get to Sunset Point we had to go around the Turtle Pond again and this time it was so calm it was like a mirror image.  And still a lot of turtles swimming around.

The Calm Turtle Pond.


When we reached the point the sun was not yet set and there was no one around.  Very quiet and calming, just the lap of the water over the rocks.  The gulls were busy fishing.  

We did see a Merganser on the rocks too.

About 8 p.m. the Point began to get quite busy with campers all out to see the sun set.
As we like the quiet we decided to take a very slow walk along the shore line to watch the sun set.

All we can say is MAGNIFICENT.

Will let you see for yourself.

 

On the way back to the to the site we saw a fairly large Snapping Turtle on the side of the road.

Luckily it was not interested in us.

So back to site and supper.  Sirloin Burgers never tasked so good after such an active day.

Fantastic evening, the fire was great.  Sat around until 11.30                                              

GOOD NIGHT

Sunday May 30th  2010 - 289511 - 2.35                                                                                           

 Awoke late again.  It is far too relaxing here.    After breakfast we started packing up.  Do not wish to leave, but things have to get done at home. 

Once again it was a beautiful, sunny warm day.  Enough so it made us completely forget about the six feet of snow we had piled around the yards and driveway three months ago.                   

One more walk around the Turtle Pond and onto Huron Shore Line, then Finished packing and ready for the road again.                                                                                                                    

Good ride home to Durham.  The roads were very quiet.

Really super weekend.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

May 2010 Hope Bay Ontario

Sunday May 16th 2010.  - 289297 - 10.15 a.m.
Time to hit the road again for a couple of days break.  Bright warm sunny day.  This time we are heading to Hope Bay on the Bruce Peninsula.
Stopped at Wiarton on the way,  Had a nice wander around the town.  Checked out the Emporium Store and liquor Store.  Emporium Store very interesting, will go back there.

Arrived at Hope Bay Camp Site at 12.35 p.m. 289405.   Took Site # 50.  Very nice site, will definitely go back again.

The owners were in the midst of resurfacing a lot of the sites, and making new sites.

The beach was literally across the road from the camp site.  Very nice beach to walk along, but not enough of it.  You will see from the pictures how clear the lake is.  It is incredible.

After getting all set up and had lunch we went off exploring the area.

Cliffs on the Bruce Trail from the beach.  Here you can see the clear water.

We walked the beach, which was not at all busy.  May be because it was still a little cool, although very bright and sunny.

I collected many tiny delicate shells.  I had never seen so many tiny shell and all in perfect condition.  These shells would be wonderful to make jewelry.  If only I was that talented.

There was a beautiful patio at the Camp entrance where you could sit and look out over the bay, but this afternoon it was just a little cool in the shade.

Still nice in the sun.

After our walk along the shore we headed back to camp and read a few chapters of our books while we could still sit in the sunshine.

Before dinner we explored some more of the camp site and headed back to the beach.

Beautiful clear Lake.

After dinner we lit the campfire and luckily it went very well.  Which was a good thing as it had turned very cool through the evening.   That did not deter several dogs from swimming in the lake, and even some of their owners went in.   Bit too cool for us to go in.

We stayed out around the fire until about
11.00 p.m.  and fell  into bed exhausted, hoping that tomorrow will be a nice sunny warm day.


Monday May 17th

It turned out to be lovely morning, nice bright, sunny, but still very cool.   After breakfast we headed out along the Bruce Trail to the right of the camp site.  The section of the Bruce Trail runs along the road which is along side Hope Bay.  It was very interesting and different to the trails we usually hike.  There were some gorgeous homes and docks all along the beach, but most of the beaches were private, so we could not walk those. 

                                                  

  

          Hope Bay

Part of the beach we could walk on.  There were a lot of seagulls and ducks on the lake.

After about an hour and half along this part of the Bruce Trail we headed back for coffee, then lunch.

It began to get quite a bit warmer in the afternoon so we decided we would attempt the Bruce Trail to the left of the Camp Site. This time the trail was through woods and fields.  Far more like the hiking trails we are used to doing.  Very interesting trail which ran along the cliff area.  Certainly not an easy trail, but well worth the effort.  There was a lot of climbing.   We found huge Trillium Patches and many wild flowers blooming, also a lot of animal trails.

Trillium Patch

                       Wild Flowers

Part of the trail.

So far today we saw Rabbits, Swallows, Ducks, Sea Gulls, Chickadees, Robins, Sparrows, Blue Jays, Grackles, chipmunks and squirrels.  We did hear what we believe to be a Whip O Will.  Did not see it though, so will have to research that one.  Oh Yes and Frogs.

Wonder if it will turn into a  Prince if kissed!

        

On our return we stopped off at the beach again and I found even more tiny shells.

  

      After such a great afternoon we decided we needed to reward ourselves with a nice relaxing drink before dinner.  So Mike, forever being the best Bar Tender, went to get the drinks.  Then, here it comes, another "Hiker Mike" Story.

This time it was do or die for "Hiker Mike".  Mike was opening my wine and broke the cork screw!

Knew we should have bought the usual "cheap" stuff.   He got out his trusty knife (the one he keeps in case he is confronted by a bear).  After what seemed like hours he had managed to remove half the cork.  Now I was getting really thirsty and his beer was looking awfully good!  He managed to punch out the remaining cork and pour the wine perfectly.   Good Job "Hiker Mike" was with me I guess.  I may have had to go find

someone (big and strong) to help me and then join me for wine.  Yes camping has it's moments.  

We had another great camp fire and spent the evening relaxing there.

Tuesday May 18th - 289405 - 10.45 a.m.

Warm sunny morning in Hope Bay - shame we have to pack up and leave.

Had good ride back to Durham 12.15 p.m. 289511.

Very warm now.   Should have stayed CAMPING!

 Soup can still holding in.

                                                                                                                     

March 2010 The Carolina's - On the road again.

Thursday March 18 2010. 285550

This is the first "real" trip since selling our business and house in 2008/2009.  Economy hit bottom so it all took a while to fall into place.  Through 2009 we managed quite a few very interesting and enjoyable long weekends away.  Now for the real thing!  We are heading to Charlotte, NC to see Vince, Barb and Kayleigh.  Also stay at Lake Marion SC.

Being a "poor" semi-retired couple we were lucky enough to get Mike's three work days changed to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, enabling us to leave early Friday Morning.  Well, BONUS, Mike got finished early Thursday, so we finished packing and were ready to leave at 4.45 p.m.

Headed into Fergus to leave Joey [our Killer Budgie] with Natalie.  He sang all the way.  Guess he likes vacations too.  After a nice supper with Natalie we left Fergus at 6.45, heading to Buffalo to cross the border.   It was a good evening for a drive, nice, bright and not too busy on the roads.  Arrived at the border at 9.15 p.m.  That crossing took all of one minute.  From there we headed to Angola NY for the night.

Friday March 19th - 285843 - 8.15 a.m.,
Woke to a nice bright, but cool morning.  Took toll road to SiIver Creek Exit then into PA [9.30 a.m.].

From here we decided we would try to stay off the Interstates for as long as possible.  We took the road running along the side of the Allegheny River and Mountain Range.  Very picturesque area.  Something different to see around every corner.

   Travelled through small villages, and lots of narrow mountain "Z" bend roads.  The weather was perfect too.

Oil City PA

 Franklin PA - Town Hall / Court House

Getting nice and warm now.   Headed into West Virgina to Flatwoods KOA for the night.  Been a very good day, beautiful scenery, even managed some shopping, but it was tiring.  Now time to relax.  Supper time, a couple of drinks then off to bed to wait and see what tomorrow will bring.  286452

Saturday March 20th - 286452 - 10.45 a.m.

Really nice warm. sunny morning.   Stopped in Summersville for some shopping.  That was good too, some deals to be had here!   We still want to stay off Interstate if we can.  Our next stop was New River Gorge.  So nice there we did not need jackets now.

                                                                  




New River Gorge.

Our Camper

From the Gorge we headed onto the Interstate to Virginia and Wythville KOA.  We had to go through tunnels first.  Once again a great travelling day, the weather almost perfect.

  Virgina

Tunnel

Sat around in sunshine, relaxed before supper.  Chatted with Natalie on Sype - it was snowing in Fergus. Didn't chat with Vince, because we hope to surprise Kayleigh Monday.  After supper we sat around the camp fire before retiring for the night.

                                                                                                                   

Sunday March 21st - 286714 - 10.30 a.m.

Another beautiful sunny, warm morning and they still have snow in Fergus.  After breakfast outside we got all packed up and headed to the Interstate.  Still quite hilly in this area.

 By the time we reached Fort Mill SC it was very cloudy and rain was threatening.  It was nice to relax for a while even when the rain started.  2.30 p.m.

288953.

Chatted with Natalie in Fergus, still snowing there, and Andrew in Australia.  No snow there.  Watched some TV before trying to sleep through the heavy rain and gusty winds.

Monday March 22nd -286953

Very cool damp morning so we took our time doing some cleaning and then planning the rest of the day.  Weather permitting we hope to surprise Kayleigh and turn up at her soccer practice at 6.00 p.m.

Headed out at noon to Charlotte to go to the Hendrick's Motor Sport Museum.  It was fantastic, well worth the visit.  Being Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon fans we did manage to get quite a few pictures.

      #5 Mark Martin

       Jeff Gordon # 24

Still wet and cool when we finished there, so headed to Lowe's Speedway.  Bit too damp to go around the track - too bad, it would have been my third time around.  Whole section of clearance goods there, so we did very well.

Headed back to camp for late lunch.  Got text from Vince letting us know the soccer was cancelled due to the weather.  So we went to their place to surprise Kayleigh.  Kayleigh answered the door when we got there, and yes, she was really surprised.  She has grown into a lovely young lady.   Spent a great evening there catching up on everything.  Had a lot of fun.  Headed back to camp and decided to stop in at the Pub on the site [very civilized camping here].  Did some e-mails and skyped Natalie as this will be the last "internet" day until the weekend.   It had been a fun day, although the weather wasn't the best.  And we look forward to the rest of our trip to Santee and Lake Marion.  Then returning to Charlotte for the weekend with our kids.  

Tuesday March 23rd - 287120 - 11.15 a.m.

Weather much improved today. Took leisurely drive to Santee SC and to Santee State Park, Lake Marion.

287364, 3 p.m.  Beautiful Park.   Many different sounding birds around here.  We will be needing the bird book!

Lake Marion.

Our site overlook the lake.  How beautiful is this?

Firewood was not for sale at this park, so we had to find wood ourselves for the campfire in the evening.  That proved to be a lot of fun. 

About 6 p.m. the lake went really calm, and the wind dropped some.  The weather much nicer here, but still cool.

We could here the raccoons being very busy hunting for their supper.  After our supper we had a great evening around the fire.

Wednesday March 24th - CAMP DAY

Finally a day to relax, well for some of us!  Very warm. sunny morning.  BBQ breakfast, bit later than our usual breakfast time.  Then we have to have a "Hiker Mike" story.  For those of you who are familiar with the "real" Hiker Mike - this is not he.  It is not Mike Kirby, it is Mike Clements.  But the title fits.

On our way down here we had a muffler problem.  I had to save the soup can from our lunch for repairs.   Mike jacked the camper up and progressed to repair the muffler.  He had soup can, muffler tape and clamps.

 Did not take long and certainly sounded like it was working very well,  Will find out when we are on the road next.

After coffee we went off hiking around the lake.  This really is a beautiful area to camp.  Nice and warm now too.   Had to go hunting for fire wood again too.

      The Prize.

Lit the fire after supper and had a fun relaxing evening.  It was a fabulous day.

                                  Nice fire.

Thursday March 25th.  [9 months to Christmas Day - thought you might like to know that]

Woke to another great day.  Cool to start but soon got very warm.

Decided to walk to the Office to go through the Nature Room there.  It was very interesting with many fabulous displays.

So far at this park we have seen Blue Jays, Cardinals, Robins, Mourning Doves, Chickadees, Cat Birds, Tufted Titmouse, Fly Catchers, Red Headed Woodpeckers and a variety of ducks.

Our Site at Lake Marion.

Had light lunch then ready to sight see before we met up with Duane and Marylou in the evening.

287365 3 p.m.

Stopped in Elloree SC.  Very small quaint place, but very quiet.

Main Street, Elloree SC.

Met up with Duane and Mary Lou about 5.30 p.m.  Did some catching up before going out to supper.  Then back to their place for a visit.  We really enjoyed meeting up with Daune and Mary Lou again.  We had a lot of fun. 

Headed back to camp about 9.45 p.m.   On the way back to camp we saw 5 deer along the road and woods and 1 Bob Cat.  Very interesting day.

Friday March 26th - 287486 - 10.30 a.m.

Guess what - another spectacular day!

Not in a big rush today, so took 2 lane road into Charlotte, which was very pretty.  Quite hilly too.

     Heading to Charlotte.

Stopped for late lunch at PJ O'Reillys Irish Pub - great place!  Did some shopping before heading to Vince's.  5 p.m. 287761.

We chatted and enjoyed a nice hot dog BBQ supper. 

Mike and Kayleigh challenged each other with TV games.    

 Spent evening chatting and being silly like families do.

Saturday March 27th

Cooler today, but still sunny.  Barb, Kayleigh, Mike and myself took the train to down town Charlotte.  Very interesting and enjoyable. 

After lunch Mike helped Vince in the "studio" before Kayleigh took us for a walk to her school.  That was fun - we had Kayleigh to ourselves!

  Fun afternoon!

Barb cooked a great Rib Supper, then we spent the evening lazing and just having family fun again.

Sunday March 28th

Rain in the forecast for today.  Not sure whether to get going today or stay until tomorrow.  Check the weather a bit later to decide.  

Forecast of storms on the way, so decided to stay.  Got very windy and cool and threatening skies.  Hung around the house all day.  By mid afternoon there was a Tornado warning for Charlotte.  Supper time funnel clouds had touched down in north Charlotte.  There was some damage, but nothing too bad.  Mid evening the funnel clouds had touched down around Charlotte airport and Concorde.  Pineville area seemed clear of it - lucky for us.

Had interesting evening listening to all the reports on the police scanner.  Then played cards with Kayleigh.  By bed time we had the thunderstorms, but nothing very bad.

Monday March 29th - 287761 - 7.45 a.m.

Up and after Good Byes on the road at 7.45 a.m.  After last nights storm the weather wasn't too bad, very misty though,  damp and cool.  Traffic not too bad.  Rain on and off all day.  We stopped a few times along the way.Charlotte in the morning mist.

Cloudy mountains, but still nice to see. 

Pulled into Washington PA for the night.  6.00 p.m.  Weather not too bad, but with in an hour it had got very cold.  E-mailed kids and let every one know where we were and how our day had been.   It was a good day, although a bit tiring.  We do have the same distance to travel tomorrow too.  288482

Tuesday March 30th -288482 - 9.45 a.m.

Very cool, bright sunny day.  Stayed on Interstate for quickness.  Did stop at Grove City to shop - always fun!  Picked up liquor in Fredonia NY.  Good ride though Buffalo NY.

         Buffalo NY  

Crossed Border at 4.30 p.m.  Very good crossing, not very busy at all.

 Now have to head on home.  Pulled into Fergus about 6.45 p.m. Had nice visit with Natalie, collected Joey and on road again to Durham.  Got home at

8.15 p.m.  289157.

This has been a fantastic and interesting trip.  Really looking forward to the next one.  But now we really should get some work done around the house and gardens.

We have done 3600 km in 12 fun filled days, can't wait for the next trip  on the road.  

Oh! By the way, the soup can is doing a fantastic job.