ALGONQUIN PARK

Algonquin Park has always been a favourite park of mine. I have many fond memories of canoeing and camping there over 50 years with family and friends. It was only natural for me to take Richard to see a part of Ontario I enjoy so much. Richard is from Liberia, Africa where we met 12 years ago when I did some work there with the YMCA

He was fascinated with the displays at the visitors' center and since it was early in the season we didn't have huge crowds to contend with.

Usually by the middle of May all the ice is off the lakes and the snow is gone, so  I was surprised to see snow in some of the campsites. Yes, there were folks camping and many still using tents. Just goes to prove we are a hardy bunch here in Canada.

Another must destination while in the park is the Opeongo store and canoe rental.

They have canoes and kayaks of every shape, size and colour available to rent or buy.

Our final stop of the day was the Logging Museum near the east gate of the park. It depicts the logging operations in Algonquin from the earliest methods to present day operations. Here Richard checks out a bunkhouse used by the loggers back when everything was done by manual labour or horse and the men worked from 5 a.m. until the sun went down.

It was a great day and Richard thoroughly enjoyed his time in the park.

Hope you too get a chance to spend time in Ontario's largest park so close to Toronto yet a world apart. You won't be disappointed, especially if you plan your trip when the fall colours are at their best.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.