into her car and drove North out of New Hamburg. The day was cool
and dull but our chatter and excitement inside the car counteracted
the weather outside. We sped away from the cities and towns, past
corn and bean fields, many harvested already and others standing brown
or silver in the fields. Before long, we were enjoying the forests, lakes
and beaver ponds that sing of quintessential Ontario North.
Connie had prepared us a wonderful picnic which we enjoyed beside a
Bulrush-filled pond along a logging road off the highway. The sun
managed to push through the dark grey clouds a few times but the
temperatures remained quite bitter.
.
I wanted to take that home for a backyard sculpture.
We settled in to the comfortable Spring Lake Resort situated
just outside Algonquin Park. It had rained most of the night
and morning brought more light drizzle and cold air.
We needed to supplement our breakfast so headed to Henrietta’s Pine Bakery
where we bought incredible, mile-high, hearty loaves of bread and some dreamy sweet
buns. The Moose alerts were posted regularly along Highway 60 as we headed into
Algonquin.
Growing up in Madoc, close to the park Connie and her
Dad made several trips to Algonquin in all seasons and she knows
all the trails, marked and unmarked and has the insider’s info on
where to see what. We began at Canoe Lake where so many
adventures into the park by boat, begin.
I have not seen colours like this in years!
Mumma Bear meets Algonquin Black Bear.
Not fall tree reflections but safety vests of park workers.
Incongruity
As we drove on into the park, Connie stopped along the way so we could
enjoy a closer look at the lakes, rocks and trees.
We had some sustenance before our drive up to Beaver Dam Pond
and to hike along the old railway path. I think the photos adequately
show the variety of natural sights, smells and sounds we enjoyed.
“Cathedral pass”
The Puffball Triplets.
Mini Spruce line the path.
Cheerleader-tree
Moss growing on mushrooms?
Covered in rain, looking like varnished wood slices.
Ookpik mushroom
So cool feeding the Canada Jay.
Old turtle nests and shells left from the Spring.
No boosting, the colours WERE that vivid!
Oak leaves are always the last to change colour.
My personal favourite photo in the park.
Fed by hand until helping himself to the food bag.
Canadian Beaver Float Plane
Yes, we were so lucky to see a Moose!
We nosed around Killarney Lodge before and after dinner there.
The quaint cottages and beautiful garden settings added the perfect
punch of colour to the slate grey lake and skies. The lounge and dining
rooms were so cozy, we returned for lunch the following day.
Perusing the curved-bark menu.
Lodge makes up lunches & dinners for daytrippers.
Took this photo while standing on my head. Photo-yoga.
If you loan me an electric blanket, I will consider sitting here!
Finally hearing the loons’ echoing calls made the trip complete!
Guard dog….soooooooo scary! he he
Propane “Pig”
We preferred the live ones.
Prize winning RED tree!
We had a couple of short walks in the rain on our way out
of Algonquin and stopped at the lovely Art Gallery where
we enjoyed works by many Ontario artists including some
carved stone bears by friend Fred Hummel. We also picked
up a few treasures to bring home after asking the clerk
“Do you have anything with a Bear or a Moose on it? “ NOT!
Thanks Connie for a wonderful Birthday trip!
We were greeted at home with Paul’s fun sign.
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