ALGONQUIN PARK DAY THREE

Fog rolled in Monday morning and with rain in the forecast for Tuesday we decided it was a good day to leave. Since we didn't have to be off our site until 2 pm we decided to hike the Lookout Trail after breakfast and if the sun came out do our last afternoon down at the beach.

The foggy cool morning didn't bother Owen any as he did his Kung Fu moves while waiting for breakfast. He keeps us entertained.

First stop on our hike was our attempt to move this bolder; not an inch. I think it will be there when Owen brings his grandchildren by.

If you can't move it then climb it; that bolder has to be good for something.

Once on top we needed to put Owen on a short leash.

Time to enjoy the view with Oma. I wish we could just stop time at such moments. We might do this hike again in the fall when the leaves have changed colour; it's even more spectacular.

After lunch we packed the trailer and moved down to the beach for our last dip in the water. While I took pictures an unexpected guest was just about to appear.

At the campsite just behind me this guy was spotted going into the bushes.

A few minutes later we came face to face. Next time I'll be sure to bring my telephoto lens. That's often the way it is when spotting bears, totally unexpected and unprepared but it did make our last day extra special.

We went home full of memories and promises to return next year for more hikes and hotdogs over the fire.

Thanks for stopping by and keeping an eye on us.

ALGONQUIN PARK DAY TWO

Sunday morning started with Hide and Seek; that's way more activity I want first thing out of bed.

After breakfast we drive over to the Logging Museum which has a lot of hands on activities, perfect for an active six year old. This way he can run climb and I can sit and watch. He's happy, I'm happy.

Can you guess what this is? It's a snow plow with adjustable wings, used to build snow roads through the bush. This particular plow was used here in Algonquin Park back in the 1800's.

Imagine using this contraption to keep the loaded sleighs from losing control going down a hill. Looks primitive by today's standards but obviously was effective back when logging was done with horse and axe.

Did I mention he climbed on everything?

The museum explains logging in the park from the 1800's to present day operations. This skidder was used here in the 1950's.

Owen was more interested in climbing over everything and pretending he was working back in the bush. He has a vivid imagination and can easily get other kids to take part in his play ideas.

Off on the run to the next display ..........

where he climbed, yelled and pulled leavers while I sat and enjoyed the moment with my grandson.

Monday morning we awoke shrouded in fog so heavy you couldn't see across the lake. Owen thought they should have named Pog Lake, Fog Lake and this morning I would agree. Although we started off in the fog it would turn out to be the best day yet, but that's enough for this post.

Thanks for keeping an eye on us and safe travels everyone.

ALGONQUIN PARK REVISITED

Last Friday we headed north to Algonquin Park as Owen wanted to do more camping before summer ends. He thought the same kids might still be on the beach but of course there was a whole new group of campers. Here he is ready with his beach toys to head down to the water.

He was soon busy with new friends building castles in the sand.

Back at camp Oma had to look after those inevitable mosquito bites. They do seem to pick on Owen.

Racing Oma across the field was always fun, especially when Owen won.

Eating smores and leaving some on your face was another reason to smile.

Friday evening we attended the outdoor theater where we learned about black bears in Algonquin and also heard about a conducted hike around the beaver pond Saturday morning. Owen immediately asked if we could go.

The chance to collect bugs was the reason Owen was so excited about the hike.

All the bugs were placed in a pan full of water so the kids could get a close look at them.

Some bugs were placed in pill boxes to avoid any nasty bites.

The naturalists were so good to explain what was caught and its role in the life-cycle of the pond.

Wet feet didn't matter as long as you caught bugs. This little island of floating sphagnum looked like the perfect habitat for frogs.

Holding a slimy frog is no problem when you are six, as for me I'll take pictures and let Owen hold the frog.

Owen had so much fun he was all set to do the hike again the next day. Fortunately we convinced him there were other hikes, but that's enough blogging for now.

Stay safe and thanks for stopping by.

RENDEZVOUS

We left early this morning for Peterborough and spotted this flock of baby wild turkeys meandering up the neighbour's driveway. We also have a doe with two fawns in the area. The fawns are still spotted and stay close to their mother.

Our destination was the Peterborough Riverview Park and Zoo the perfect rendezvous spot on such a hot day.

The park has a splash pad and Owen and Kate had a blast running through the different water formations.

Kate was a little cautious at first preferring to back into the water and keep her face dry.

That soon changed when she realized getting soaked and kicking the water was much more fun.

While they played we found a shady spot to keep an eye on them and stay cool ourselves ............ without the water treatment.

The dragon shooting water was a lot of fun and you could actually rotate it to spray water at the other kids.

The human car wash was another popular spot with Owen as he ran back and forth getting totally soaked.

We finished the day with a picnic then loaded Owen and backpack into the truck and headed for home.

Summer is slipping away much too quickly. The good news is we have Owen for another week. Off to find a campsite in Algonquin tomorrow.

A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

Another beautiful morning here. A perfect way to start the day.

Yesterday we ventured north to the Combermere market. It's small and an hour's drive away but we love the vegetables from this farmer and enjoy the variety of vendors there.

You can buy the traditional farm produce along with: organic meat, eggs, local honey, homemade breads, jams, garlic, soap, paintings, homemade pet food, wood carved spoons, etc, etc.

This is a great place to start your Saturdays.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

WHEN IT'S HOT

On a hot day there is no better place than the lake.

The water was warm, and the weather was perfect.

Out in the water far enough to float but still touch bottom if needed. The noodles worked better than the floating chairs as we could maneuver much easier.

 Back home it was time for a glass of wine and a little relaxation.

 Don is thinking we should do this every day.

Supper was done on the BBQ; not KETO but still healthy and Mary's homemade mocha-chocolate ice-cream disappeared before I could get a picture. 

 The best days are those shared with family and friends.