Port Burwell, July 4-6 2014

Well, we finally made it to Port Burwell for a weekend of sun, fun and relaxation on the beach. We always enjoy our time at this park because we spend so much time at the beach listening to the waves roll in. It was a warm and humid weekend so the breeze was great for being at the beach as well as causing lots of surf. Saturday we took a drive into Port Burwell and were surprised to see a few hundred motorcycles in town for a fundraiser and concert at the legion. We enjoyed two wonderful warm evenings at the campfire which is always so relaxing for both of us. Whats better than the crackle of a fire and Duncan with a tea and me with a flavoured hot chocolate. I could do this every evening of the year if it was possible. Sunday morning I went for a hike on the Ravine Trail and found lots of fungus growing throughout the forest. We spent the afternoon at the beach before heading home late in the afternoon.

There were lots of young bunnies enjoying the greens

Evening sunset through the trees at our site

Caterpillar on a tree on our site

Killdeer down by the beach

One of 5 Turkey Vultures resting in the trees

Surfs up on the lake this weekend

Flowers in bloom at the park

Light spored fungus on my hike

Lots of this bracket fungus on the log

Turkey Vulture flying overhead

View from the lookout on the beach trail

I put my lens cap on the fungus so you could see how large it is

Close up of the large bracket fungus

Frog on a log along the creek

There were lots of Caspian Terns on parts of the beach

Awenda, June 27-July 1 2014

We had a wonderful 4 night long weekend away. The weather was hot and humid but with so much tree canopy in the park it was quite an enjoyable weekend. I have to admit that the mosquito population was dining on me much more than Duncan. We kept our bug light and candles going most of the day and that helped to keep them away. Our Monday walk on the beaver trail was a quick one as the mosquitoes were out in full force after the brief downpour we had. Friday we spent time at Kettle Lake and watched the loons with there little one. The evening was spent enjoying the flicker of the campfire. Saturday we went to Wye Marsh and toured through Midland and Penetanguishene. There was a tall ship at the harbour in Midland so spent some time checking that out. Sunday we met up with Mike and Wendy and went for lunch at the Quarterdeck in Victoria Harbour. They had not found that restaurant before but will add it to there list of places to go. We then drove to Honey Harbour for a visit and back to Penetanquishene to spent time at the marina. It was a great afternoon and we will try and meet up again in September. Monday was a relaxing day in the park and an evening at the fire. On Tuesday we did one last tour around the park to check out the sights and spend some time at the lake before packing up and heading home in the afternoon. We always have great memories when we visit Awenda.

Our weekend hideaway

 

A wee toad to greet us at our campsite

 

View across Kettle Lake

 

Reflections in the water

Dad & Mom Loon with there little one

Yuck!! I don't like those skins

The inner membrane on the owls eye is used to protect & clean the eye

 

A Northern Saw-Whet Owls upper eye lids

A young groundhog out for an afternoon nibble

Natures chair

Trumpeter Swan

Bath time at the marsh

Drying off the wings

Fully extended and almost dry

The pond lilies were in full bloom

The ferns cover the forest floor by the marsh

A male hairy woodpecker looking for food

One of two young chipmunks at our campsite

Her fur is fluffier and more pale in colour

The tall ship Peacemaker at the Midland Harbour

View of the rear sails

Evening reflections at Kettle Lake

Young raccoon by Kettle Lake

It was very photogenic

Rays of light above the clouds

 

Sunset over the bay

A cell tower on our way to Honey Harbour

This Wood Thrush was a regular visitor at our site

Baby toad in the evening sunlight

Hairy Woodpecker in the tree canapy

 

And there has to be a mushroom pic from Awenda

Selkirk, June 20-22 2014

Selkirk is a park we had not been to so we decided to check it out this year. It is a smaller park and there is only one trail to hike. Our campsite was spacious and there were a few large willow trees on it for shade. We took our bikes and did some riding through the park. On Friday evening we had neighbours for the night that were from B.C. but the rest of the weekend we were the only campers in our area so it was a very peaceful week-end. Saturday we drove to Rock Point P.P. to check that park out since we were in the area. This park is a little bigger and has a larger beach. We asked for a park guide when we arrived but even with that in hand we had a hard time following it through the campsites. Even Duncan who is good with directions decided it was not a very good replica of the roads in that area. If we had to be in this area for a weekend we would try to get a sight at Rock Point but other than that we much prefer many of the other parks. On Saturday we drove the Lakeshore Trail on our way back from Rock Point and stopped at James N Allen P.P. to check it out. It is a day use park which was busy with people enjoying the water. We had a relaxing & restful weekend.

The park is known for its Shagbark Hickory trees

I found a heart shaped stone at the small beach

There is a grey squirrel with a red tail at the park

 

I saw Mr. & Mrs. Downy Woodpecker and there young 

one out looking for dinner on Friday evening

The robins were busy feeding there young

 

Wild Iris down at the marsh area

Purple is my favourite colour of irises 

Lots of webs on the vegetation at the marsh

Saturday evening company. 

I think he smelled the bacon Duncan cooked for our breakfast on Sunday

We enjoyed two long evenings at the campfire

Sights From Our Saturday Adventure

A larger Snapping Turtle crossing the road

We had to stop to let it cross safely

Lots of people fishing at Port Maitland

A Belted Kingfisher at the Welland Feeder Canal near Port Maitland

Lily pad flower at the canal

Giant Hogweed by the canal. 

This is an invasive plant and if you come in contact with its sap can 

cause blistering of the skin and severe burns if exposed to the sun.

The flower is similar to Queen Anne's-Lace but much larger.

It can grow up to 5.5 meters tall.

Flowers growing by the canal

Golden flowers by the beach at James N Allen Park