Category: Campgrounds Page 2 of 4

Reflections on campgrounds we’ve stayed in.

Lincoln Lake

On 9th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.
Thich Nhat Hanh

After another 8 hour day of driving, we managed to find another beautiful state park; Lincoln Lake, Mississippi.

The campground staff were oh so friendly and helpful. We arrived just at closing so after a few stories about what she’s seen in the campground over the years (our favorite was the streaker in the woods!), she simply said “Go on down, find a spot and we’ll settle up in the morning”.

As for the beauty of the area, the pictures speak for themselves…

Davis Lake

By Momma Jo

On 8th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
SAINT FRANCes dE sALES

Mile Marker 243.1 : This absolutely serene setting was our first 2-night stay.

After eight days of constant driving, we needed a day to chill, and be a little silly. The morning sunrise was majestic… How does it get better than this?

The Drive – Week 1

By Steve

On 8th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the quote says, it’s the journey that, to me, is the most exciting part of traveling. Don’t get me wrong; I love visiting new places but thankfully I also enjoy driving!

And this trip has a significant amount of driving!

We met a couple at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee who were originally from Texas and when we told them we were heading to Texas they said “What part of Texas, it’s a big state”. My response was “Well, we’ve come a long ways so Texas doesn’t seem to bad…”.

When Jo meets someone on this trip and they ask where we’re from her response is “Nova Scotia, Canada” followed quickly by “north of Maine”. Not everyone in the US knows exactly where Nova Scotia is but they know where Maine is!

Anyway, week 1 has given us unseasonal weather so instead of directly south on the I-95 and then across on the I-10, we decided to go a diagonal route and visit the Shenandoah & Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. What a wonderful decision on our part as these majestic areas are beautiful any time of the year!

Hope you enjoy this short highlight reel below…

OMG – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Momma Jo

On 6th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir

We had planned on stopping in Gatlinburg to try out the recommended brewery. However, it was busy!!! Worse than Pigeon Forge and Jo couldn’t get out of there fast enough. So, off exploring the park we go.

Now you know how people always reference dogs being distracted by a squirrel. The drive was like that; every time you turned around you were captivated by another spectacular view, your head was on a swivel. There were a lot of OMG look at that…and That…OMG isn’t that beautiful. Even in the middle of winter there was a beauty to be found. The Kodak moments were abundant to say the least. Thank goodness for digital.

We walked the Kephart Prong Trail and found calmness in the sounds of the cascading river rapids flowing by. We dared to traverse over a very narrow foot bridge, okay a log to cross the river (over came the fear and did it anyway). Stopped at Newfound Gap elevation 5046 feet and grabbed the picture of the state lines sign. We climbed 165 stairs to view the Mingo Falls, highest in the park. We hiked the Three Falls Loop (3.5km) in Deep Creek. The falls were all full because of the recent rain they just had. Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.

The park exceeded all of Jo’s expectations. I believe Steve enjoyed driving the narrow windy roads…..maybe not, but he did enjoy the park.

This was a 2 day adventure with a quick overnight in Ela, North Carolina. After a quick stop in Bryson City North Carolina (very cute town) we headed back into Tennessee. The next stop was the Tansai Brewery in Chattanooga as a Harvest Host for the night.

Moonshine Lewis’s

By Momma Jo

On 4th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

I don’t know where I am going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.
David Bowie

Tennessee Bound today. I am not sure of what it is but there is a lure that has always pointed me towards Tennessee. Is it the landscape? Maybe it’s the country music. Perhaps it is going to Dollywood (not). I know, must be the Moonshine. No, it is the chance to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Today our target is Pigeon Forge, KOA; just out side the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pretty well drove straight through for 479 km! The Tennessee Visitor center was the highlight of the drive. Always a photo op with the “Welcome To…” signs. Because we are an RV we always have to park with the trucks; man those things are massive. Winnie looks so small!

Okay we reached our destination for the night. Pigeon Forge – it was definitely not the quiet spot we had thought it was. Man, it is like Niagara Falls on Steroids! Yikes!!

We decided to explore the area. In true Jo and Steve fashion we found ourselves… Yep you guessed it… sampling the vintages at the Mill Bridge Winery. Kevin was our server/host and he tried hard to find a wine or cider that Jo might like; but to no avail. However, he did point us in the direction of a couple of great breweries for our future travels.

Now, the next stop was the Old Forge Distillery. We were here in 2016 and they couldn’t serve us because we did not have our IDs!!! Imagine getting carded at the age of 60! We made sure we had ID tonight. We tried 10 different types of moonshine some of it was really tasty or maybe I lost feeling in my taste buds. Maybe it’s in my blood after all the “Lewis” (Jo’s Mom’s side) have a history of making Moonshine….so the story goes.

All I know I slept well that night and my cold had improved greatly.

The Shenandoah Valley

By Momma Jo

On 3rd January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Adventure is worthwhile in itself
Amelia Earhart

Well, after that nerve-wracking drive yesterday a change of plans was definitely in order. We are taking a different route. Even though I said I would NEVER drive the I-95 again after yesterday, we had to take it to get to the I-66. We are heading to the Shenandoah with plans to take the Skyline drive.

Okay a question to all of you. Would you Pay $30 to drive the 105-mile Skyline Trail? I would guess YES! Next question; would you pay $30 to drive 5 miles of the Skyline Trail….. I would guess NO! Apparently, the Trail is blocked from recent storm damage so now you know why there is no pictures from the drive.

However we did decide to take Hwy 340 south which took us down the Shenandoah Valley. The drive was spectacular and the scenery was breathtaking. The drive was also a much slower more relaxing pace for Steve. Only one state and one map required for today; Virginia!

Now in true Jo and Steve fashion we found a local brewery in Lexington VA, Devil’s Backbone. We tried their “Crabcakes & Football” a Session IPA, and a “Spill the Tea” Golden Ale. And a take out pack of their “Naughty or Nice” IPA to try later.

After another long day our home for tonight was Douthat State Park. A lovely quiet spot in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.

Heading back to Ottawa, again!

By Momma Jo

On 5th October 2019

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been

Life is an adventure not a package tour!
Eckhart Tolle

Well, it is time to drive back to Ottawa, Winnie has her last visit to Niagara for the last warranty visit. Yeah!!!

Today the drive through New Brunswick was absolutely stunning with all the vibrant fall colours. The yellows where so brilliant, the reds and oranges were a blaze of colors. It was an absolutely spectacular drive and made the time go by quickly.

One thing we like to do when we travel is to stop before it gets dark. We read on someone else’s blog one day about stopping before dark so we have tried really hard to incorporate that in our daily travel limits. And we needed to stop because of the fuel situation …if you know what I mean. Today we checked out that iOverlander app again. There was this municipal park in Levis, Quebec on the river that only had a posted sign about no parking from “Nov to April” so we parked for the night. This little gem was an absolutely fabulous find. From this parking lot you had incredible views of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. We watched the cruise ships come down the St Lawrence and stop in Quebec. We walked to the Ferry terminal and down the boardwalk and also checked out the beautiful fountains.

We wanted to stop at Corsaire-Micbrasseri for a beer and supper, Unfortunately the deck was closed and they did not allow dogs in the restaurant. So, we checked out the little Café Bonte Divine! The food was good. All in all, this municipal park is definitely a spot to recommend to fellow travellers.

Kejimkujik National Park : Day 2

By Momma Jo

On 26th September 2019

In Campgrounds

In every walk-in nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

There was a magical and mystical morning fog that hung over the lake in a calmness that I can’t explain. The pristine quiet which gave you a sense of peacefulness. A sense of vastness that had you wondering what more was out there……

Once the fog lifted it was the most picturesque day you can imagine. While exploring Keji, our travels had us checking out the dark tea waters of Mersey River (apparently a historic river too). Biking, even on a board walk – which seems to be common in National Parks. We also watched the canoers leave Jakes Landing, from Whynot Adventures – I so wanted to canoe but my knee was not up for it. A stop at the turtle crossings looking for the endangered Blanding Turtles to no avail. Although while hiking we did see a rare snake and I must say much too close for my liking! We walked the Volunteer Walk of Honour – “Their Trail of Success” and lastly, we were captivated by the sounds of the rushing Mills Falls.

All in all, just what the doctor would ordered! Next year we will check out the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside which is a separate protected wilderness on the Atlantic Coast!

Kejimkujik National Park

By Momma Jo

On 25th September 2019

In Campgrounds

Mi’kmaw – Land of the Little Fairies
Mi’kmaq legends

Well, I finally made it. I am in my mid-fifties and have always talked about wanting to go there and finally I made it; and Kejimkujik National Park or Keji (as the locals call it) lived up to ALL my expectations. This picturesque National Park is definitely in harmony with nature. As you have noticed, I love to take pictures. Well this visit, was over the top. Over 1000 pictures; I couldn’t help myself. Good thing for digital imagery! Definitely made for some longer bike rides, (time wise anyway). Although I tried my best, the pictures do not give it any justice at all.

Keji has something for all, outdoorsman, hiking, canoeing, biking, bird watchers, historians, wildlife enthusiasts and Star gazers. They have Campfire programmes and an Outdoor amphitheatre, also some Aboriginal rock art that illuminates Mi’kmaw heritage. They have a Sky Circle that shows you the Dark sky preserves. On a dark night allows you experience the astronomical depth of this allowing you to gaze at the brilliant celestial bodies (stars) with the naked eye. It was Simply Amazing.

We spent a couple of days here at Jeremy’s Bay Campground, (unfortunately it will be closed for the 2020 season). We had a site that you could see the water through he trees, it was quite and peaceful and just what we needed a chance to slow down.

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

By Momma Jo

On 24th September 2019

In Campgrounds

Winnifred needs a special type of wheel alignment done and believe it or not there are not as many places out here to have it done. But there is one in Kentville, Nova Scotia at Family Tire which is conveniently located close to Rebekah! Any excuse at all to visit our daughter! So, another road trip down east, another 1500 km! I keep hearing the song “on the road again” going trough my head.

We dropped Winnie off for the day and decided to explore a little. Our first stop was Kates Bakery in New Minas for breakfast. Filled with beautiful colorful cupcakes, cookies, pastries, scones, pies and fresh bread to name a few. Awesome coffees and a decent cup of hot chocolate too.

But the highlight of the day was a late lunch at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard and Winery. Fresh woodfire roasted pizza, Tidal Bay wine, outside on a deck under a tent; still lots of warmth left to the days. Having lunch beside the vineyard just adds some amazing ambiance to the meal. The wine was good the meal amazing and the setting surreal and the company fantastic. Always great treat to take a student to a place she cannot afford to go herself! ……How does it get better than this?…….

Pinelopi’s Greek Kitchen

By Momma Jo

On 20th September 2019

In Campgrounds

Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.
Unknown

Well we are back in Ottawa just for a couple of days before we head out again to Nova Scotia. Since our time in Ottawa is limited, we seize the moment and try to spend the time with friends. So today we decided to try a new restaurant in the area and spend some time with our friends Ted and Kelly.

Pinelopi’s is a unique little Greek restaurant, in a tiny little strip mall in Barrhaven. If you are not actually specifically looking for it, you will miss it. It was an amazing find! The food was extravagant with unique flavours to tantalize your palate. They serve a variety of Classic and Modern Greek dishes, many different colorful drinks and of course unique imported Greek Beer (Yep you guessed it; Jo had the beer). Our favorite “awe moment” was when they brought out the Saganaki flaming Greek cheese as our first course. Traditional Moussaka, Penne Antonia, Santorini Chicken and the special lamb wrapped in phyllo pastry with veggies were a few of the amazing dishes we tried. And to end the meal we had a carrot cake cheese cake. Imagine someone put a carrot cake into a cheese cake instead of cream cheese icing; simply divine!

To top a perfect evening off, a special Greek drink on the house. It is always nice to travel with people who know people!

Definitely above a 10 on any scale!

, 33, 34 the Beer Quest is on

By Momma Jo

On 4th September 2019

In Campgrounds

We decided to continue along the Acadian Coastal Drive to the end of the scenic drive. With a stop in Bathurst to refuel, stock up and of course check out a craft brewery.

Now, a few months ago we mentioned that we had a goal of trying 100 different craft beer. It’s now September and we are well over that goal and are at about 154. So, we decided to increase the goal to a Beer Quest of 50 different Craft Breweries and 200 different types of beer.

You do realize that BEER is an acronym for Brew…Enjoy…Empty…Repeat…. After doing a little bit of tourist stuff in Bathurst, we found a brewery on Google and stumbled on one by ourselves. 13 Barrels is a newer brewery (our 33^rd for the year) but I have to say it is one of my favorites so far. The ambiance was great, the service was amazing, the server was knowledgeable on the brews and the history of the brewery. The outdoor patio overlooking the river, on a warm summer’s day was perfect. They were extremely well organized for us beer quest fanatics. The Miss Clara’s Kolsch has been one of my more favourite brews so far. The Tipsy Barrel Radler, was nice but I prefer a light and crisp flavor of the Kolsch. Steve enjoyed Rendez-Vous Rouge and the Wild Goose Stout. (Remember 4 x 4oz = a pint).

Next stop we headed to Googles suggestion of Four Rivers Brewery. Tried a few; Blues d’la Baie, Belgian Amber, Timbersnip Milk Stout, and Rock Bolter- Black IPA. I have to say I much preferred the 13 barrels. Every brewery is different and caters to their clientele but if you only have time for one quick stop, I would definitely make the time for 13 Barrels.

Dark Night Skies

By Momma Jo

On 24th August 2019

In Campgrounds

The darkest nights produce the brightest stars
John Green

Blomidon Provincial Park – Found on the shores of the New Minas Basin. The towering high cliffs (600 feet) of Blomidon are home to some of the most spectacular views of the area. The description in the brochures say it is “rising majestically from the shores of the Basin”. After you see it and explore the area you would agree that it does seem to have a majestic feeling to it.

We did a few hikes in the park which showed us some unique plant life. Apparently, the park is home to a lot of wildlife, however we did not see any on our hikes.

The most amazing part of the park which we could not capture on film was the dark night skies. At night the sky was so dark, with no light pollution, all you could see for miles was the light of the stars. The vastness of this sight was mesmerizing and definitely made you believe the universe is massive. Definitely something everyone should experience at least once in their life time.

New York Central Fitness Trail & Red Umbrellas

By Momma Jo

On 26th July 2019

In Campgrounds

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
ALBERT EINSTEIN

Sounds exciting doesn’t it? New York, Central Fitness Trail – perhaps not as exciting as the name implies but it was a lot of fun!

From 1898 – 1957 this trail was the main railway track that commuted between Ottawa and New York. In 1979 the communities of Embrun and Russel changed it into a multi-use recreation trail that connects the two communities.

Today we met our good friends (Angela & Murray) in this little town called Embrun, ON at the trail head which conveniently is the old train station building that has been converted into a coffee/smoothie shop. The 12 km trail is paved, which makes for an easy drive and a great one for having conversations while catching up with good friends.

Now here is where the red umbrellas come in. After we finished the bike ride, we wanted to catch a bite to eat and a beer. Well on the way to the bike path Jo noticed the beautiful red umbrellas… So, we checked it out and you guessed it, it was a microbrewery. Man, I must have a nose for craft breweries!

Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery, claims to have Organic Craft Beer and locally sourced food, and we know they have bright red umbrellas. The flight of beer today had the Vagabond Blonde Ale, Notre-Dame Pilsner, Strawberry Milkshake and Black Creek – Black Pale Ale. The beer was good, the Strawberry Milkshake was interesting to say the least. The food and company were fabulous.

Biking, Beer and Red Umbrellas – How does it get better than this!!

Riding the Wave

By Momma Jo

On 24th July 2019

In Campgrounds

Today we headed out with our goal of making it to Parc national de Frontenac in southeastern Quebec. The park is close to Thetford mines and Halfway between Quebec City and Sherbrooke. We heard that they had some great bike trails, so off we went.

Now it was the middle of the week, so we quickly checked and saw that there was some availability, so off we went. The one thing we didn’t count on was the fact that the province of Quebec closes all construction down for the last 2 weeks of July! Meaning that there is a lot of people out on holidays and you guessed it, when we arrived at the park there was no availability! Our luck at riding the wave of cancellations was now officially over…. Darn. Well we did take the bikes off and go for a lovely bike ride around the lake. This looked like a beautiful park to camp and we will definitely try again in the future, maybe next time with a reservation.

Google, help!!! We lucked in and found a place not too far from where we were just on the other side of the lake. Marina Camping Le Grand Blue . They had a spot for us; Yeah!! This lovely little campground had mostly seasonal camping but did have a few spots available. The people were extremely friendly and spoke English too! It had a fabulous bike path on the paved road. A restaurant and bar in the club house that had the view of the marina. We walked around the marina and watched the boats come and go; we watched the waves turn into ripples then to a peaceful calm. Part of us wished we had a boat…. but we have our dream “Winnie” who is on wheels.

Deeply Connected – The Trans-Canada Trail

By Momma Jo

On 15th July 2019

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been

Our travels today have us stopping at the République Provincial Park, New Brunswick. Now I know we have mentioned this park before but this little gem is the perfect stop. It is the half way point between Ottawa and Nova Scotia and this is a drive we have done many times and will be doing a lot more until our house is done. The park is nestled on the Madawaska River, and offers access to some beautiful views of the river. It is also next door to the New Brunswick Botanical gardens and a train museum, if that is the sort of thing you like to do.

This time however we actually took the time to venture out on the bike path the “Trans Canada Trail” – “The Great Trail”.

It is where we all have a connection to the Trail – It connects places and it connects people. In 1992 two visionaries, Bill Pratt and Pierre Camu, were inspired to create a multi-use recreational trail that would be a thread to connect Canadians from coast to coast. By 2017 they created the world’s longest network of multi-use trails. Both Steve and I donated to this cause many years ago, but I honestly think this is the first year that we have taken advantage of this trail. We picked up the trail-head just outside of the campground and headed west towards Quebec. This part of the trail has some views of the Madawaska River, weaves through some forested areas, and some residential areas too. At one point it actually goes under the Trans Canada Highway. The border crossing between Quebec and New Brunswick is very well marked with signs that welcome you to their provinces. Depending on which direction you are heading you will be welcomed into the province with a huge sign.

“You are now entering Quebec/New Brunswick the people of Quebec / New Brunswick welcome you and invite you to enjoy the natural beauty and blessings of this part of the Trans Canada Trail. It is a lasting living legacy to our love of nature our land and our people”

My only wonder now is if all the provinces have the same sign, guess that gives us a reason to explore some more bike paths. Due to time constraints on this visit we only did 31 Kms. But I assure you that the next time we are here we are heading further into Quebec.

Childhood Dreams

By Momma Jo

On 7th July 2019

In Campgrounds

I always dreamt that I could make a cookbook. And when I was a kid, I would pretend I had a cooking show. Watching my daughter grow, we had hours of videos of her pretending that she too had a cooking show.

Now that I am retired, I still dream and love to cook. However, unlike the cooking shows I don’t have the dish that comes out of the oven 1 minute after I put it there.

So, every time I come up with a flavor combination, I Google it; then try and create and adapt the recipe a small pinch!! I tell you; it is really watching too much MasterChef and reality cooking shows.

There is a sense of accomplishment when you can start and finish something in the same day. How many of us start these projects or have jobs that is a never-ending feat? And let’s not forget the satisfaction of a good meal too or the simple fact that I like FOOD!!

Today was Chicken Tetrazzini, Mexican Diablo cookies, Toffee Crunch Blondies, and Lemon Blueberry Streusel Muffins. Now the blondies are a family favorite. The Tetrazzini was because I had a craving! The Mexican Diablo cookies were because I and Rebekah remembered having them in San Antonio, Texas and we tried to recreate them. And how to you beat a lemon and blueberry combination?

Everything tasted much better than the pictures! – Just sayin’! I don’t have photo shop LOL. Well, enjoy the pictures.

Cooking at home is different than when you are on the road. Please remember that a little meal prep does go well in freezer of the RV!

South Dundas – The way business should be…

By Momma Jo

On 21st June 2019

In Campgrounds

OK, I’ve been baking again! Time for another day trip. Today the “and Steve” is in Newfoundland, so our good friend Kim is my accomplice. Our mini road trip took us to Prescott, ON. I really wanted to check out the Newport Bakery and have their Pulled Pork. Now coincidentally it is located right beside the Windmill Brewery and the Kings Lock Distillery! Imagine that…

We arrived early so we took a walk down to see the windmill from the historic 1838 Battle of the Windmill. Today it was closed but for you history buffs there is a number to call to have someone open it. However, there are some plaques that explain what happened here.

The Newport Bakery & BBQ was almost another disappointment…… Now this was our second time attempting to eat here and we had just drove an hour to check this out! Last time they ran out of pulled pork and today they had no buns. Maybe I am not meant to eat here! We ended up trying the pulled pork on a taco shell. Very messy, but at least we can check that off our list.

Now next stop was the Windmill Brewery where we tried the 1838 Pilsner and the Barracks Black. Yep-only the two samples. Behind the next door is the Kings Lock Distillery. Their philosophy is “Live Life in small Batches”. Interesting place – took a private tour learned a lot about vodka vs. rum and moonshine. The owner Rob, was so nice and very informative. There were many types of distilled spirits to sample – even a garlic vodka; apparently good to cook with – no thanks – I will stick to beer! Rob then suggested that we visit a few other small businesses in the area, so off we went.

Next stop, Dentz Berry Farm for freshly picked Strawberries – these were awesome. Then recommendation number 2 the Upper Canada Creamy – Biemond fresh curds and cheese and organic natural yogurt. Really nice family-operated farm and dairy.

Now what goes well with cheese but wine! On the recommendation of Biemond we headed a little east to the Stone Crop Winery. By Now Kim is running out of steam, but being a great sport we tried a few wines here. The 2016 Frontenac Gris/Vidal (White), a 2018 Frigio Reisling (White), then a 2017-Frontenac Noir-Cabernet Franc (Red), and lastly the 2016 Fronenac Noir-Cabernet Sauvignon. I have to say this was the cheapest stop at a winery that I have ever done. Hmmm… Maybe because Steve wasn’t here and I don’t like wine.

The thing that impressed me the most was that these individual little business support and recommend each other – that is that way business should be done.

Dare to be Different!

By Momma Jo

On 17th June 2019

In Campgrounds

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.
Benjamin Franklin

Happy Birthday Momma who? An adventurous spirit is not only related to travel but to every aspect of life. The bike ride / hike today took us on some of the paths less traveled. Today we actually explored Beryl Gaffney Park. Took some side paths; had to walk the bike through some water, over some boulders and of course up some hills! But we did have a chance to see some pretty scenery and places we never knew existed that were just in our back yard. I am so glad we found this path!

The house we are renting has grey colors everywhere – it is so depressing and blah! Now I can’t change that, but I can change the grey in my hair. So, on a whim while getting my normal hair cut, I thought why not- the salon was not busy – they had time, so let’s do it! I actually had the three girls at the salon choose the colour – not sure if that was the best idea, but it is only hair and it will grow out. I have to be honest when she first started to put the colour on, I was like OMG – but as my mother-in-law would say “What odds?”. Now the colour looked nothing like the sample and the grey colour hair now looks neon – but it will get some reaction from people and it is not permanent. I have to say it was a lot of fun to see the reaction of some people and the non-reaction of others LOL. I am not even sure the dog knew what to say!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention; that for some more change I decided to re-pierce my ears. That’s all – no tattoos and no body piercings. Finished the day at the Metcalfe Golf Course, with Beer (Cracked Canoe), and Cake. It will be interesting to see what one will do for a milestone birthday. Happy Birthday Momma Jo!

Advice from a Stranger

By Momma Jo

On 8th June 2019

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been

Don’t Listen to what they say Go See!
chinese proverb

While having a discussion on the ferry yesterday, about how to avoid Hwy 401 back to Ottawa, a fellow traveler overheard us. He was so excited to share his travels and experiences. So, today we decided to go to Ottawa via Lake Huron, and see some of the places that he told us about.

The Caribbean like blue colored water of Lake Huron, definitely caught our eye. Wow it was stunning! While trying to find a place to stop and check out the lake we stumbled upon the little village of Bayfield. Bayfield was incorporated as a village in 1876 and was the most peaceful and pleasant stop. It still had a lot of that old town charm. Here we enjoyed some ice cream from the Copenhagen’s Ice Cream shop; a pink lemonade from the Pink Flamingo Bakery & Boutique and showed great restraint in their boutique and did not buy the Santa. And if you know Jo, that is GREAT RESTRAINT!! Exhibited even more restraint when she only took a picture in the chocolate shop!

We then walked through the peaceful Pioneer Park which had access to the beach on Lake Huron, and of course we had to put our feet in the water! The “mission and purpose of the Pioneer Park Association is to promote the health and enjoyment of the Bayfield area” and we have to say the park certainly accomplished it’s mission for us. While meandering around Bayfield another couple encouraged us to go to the town of Goderich. Enough said, next stop Goderich!

Apparently, Goderich is “Canada’s Prettiest Town”. They have a beautiful board walk that hugs the lake, with lots of areas for picnics and also some nice sandy beach areas. It is the home of the Goderich Mine “The World’s Largest Underground Salt Mine”. The town has also converted the old train station into a restaurant with great views of Lake Huron. Here we walked around and just people watched and enjoyed the view of the blue waters of Lake Huron.

Our stop for the night was Inverhuron Provincial Park. Apparently, home to some of the best sunsets on Lake Huron. I have to say we sat on the beach for hours watching this beautiful scene develop. And as we always say; “How does it get better than this?!”

Category: Campgrounds Page 2 of 4

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