Pinery Nov. 2-4 2012

Wind, rain, hail, sleet and SNOW were the weather conditions we faced this week-end. I think the weather forecaster got things wrong with there prediction of a sunny week-end!!! The Pinery was the target for lake effect weather all week-end. There were times it was dry but we didn't see the sun until we were driving home and even then it was very brief. Lake Huron was still very rough from the remains of hurricane Sandy that had passed through earlier in the week. There were many trees and branches down from the storm throughout the park. I wonder how many of the parks fury and feathered friends will have to be finding new homes for the winter?
Friday was an indoor evening and we forego any campfire due to the very wet conditions.
Saturday morning it was still raining off and on so our plan to ride our bikes through the trails and roadway in the park were quickly put aside. Duncan suggested we take a drive up hwy 21 since we had never driven that stretch and we could stop at Culbert's Bakery and get some donuts. Sounded yummy to me. Off we headed, only to pull up to the bakery to find a sign in the window that said "closed due to unforeseen circumstances". Well, no treats today. We headed back and stopped in Bayfield on the way. What a great town!!! It is almost like stepping back in time with all of the old buildings and wonderful shops that line the square. We spent a few hours shopping in some of the shops and were able to get a few gifts for Christmas. To our surprise we ran into Larry Lynch on the Main St. What a coincidence that was. When we arrived back at the park our supper in the crock pot was ready so we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and headed out to a campfire. Well, that didn't last long!! The rain and sleet returned and it was just to damp to be sitting out there for to long. It would have to be another evening of indoor fun.
Sunday we awoke to a light dusting of snow that would eventually melt as the temperature rose to a balmy 2 degrees. We had a bit of rain but it was much dryer than what we had the day before. I felt sorry for all the people who were in tents and there were a number of them. Just how do they stay warm when it is so wet and cold outside?
We did have a few visitors who enjoyed some peanuts but even they were looking rather wet at times. I would have to say that this was the coldest and wettest week-end we have had but it was still fun to be out enjoying what nature has to offer at this time of year.

Ice building on the windshield from a snow
squall we drove through on our way to the park

The clouds are getting darker the closer we get to the Pinery

Rough waters in Grand Bend

Out trying there luck at surfing.........crazy!!!

Fall colours along the Ausable Channel

One of many fallen tree's in the park

Sunlight on the oak leaves at our campsite.
It brightened up for just a few minutes

A very wet White Breasted Nuthatch tiptoeing in the rain

Enjoying his peanut up in the tree

Its dryer but now there is snow and ice

My first opportunity to photograph the Tufted Titmouse

A big nut for a small Tufted Titmouse

Are you looking at me?

Sunday visit from the Red Breasted Nuthatch

A very wet Downy Woodpecker

Trying to keep dryer in the trees

I look much better all dried off

Sunday morning SNOW!!!

Snuggled up in the tree 

The crows would visit every campsite after the 

people left hoping to find some leftovers goodies

The sun's rays shining through the clouds on our trip home