Soon we arrive in Ontario – the state of lakes. And Mosquitoes.
From the shores of French Lake we paddle out on to Pickerel River in our canoe. This river has no current and links two lakes, so it is perfect for a relaxed tour through the land of beavers.
After dozens of lakes we arrive at the shore of the biggest lake by surface. Lake Superior holds 10% of the fresh water of the world! Beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Every now and then we have to remind ourselfs, that this is not the sea.
We really enjoy the area. If it is the spontaneous visit at a garage of a Volkswagen-Lover with a Stretch-T3 with Dubble-Pop-Top or the visit at Winnie the Pooh’s birthplace (the real bear who was model for the story) or the spectacular sunsets at a beach… It all makes a perfect journey.
From beautiful Manitoulin Island we get to the Bruce Peninsula by ferry. The National Park at the Peninsula is well known for it’s Grotto. It is so well known, that there is now a parking system with certain time slots. To avoid the masses we decide to bike into the park and enjoy the Park between two of these time slots, and our plan works great. Just as we arrive at the Grotto, most people head out and we can enjoy the area and the again crystal clear water with only a few people left.
From the lake to the mountain. Or so. We head up to the Blue Mountain Resort, a skiing area with a hill with an elevation of 200(!) meters. We wouldn’t call it mountain but it has over 20 Skilifts! But of corse the snow is melted and hikers and bikers own the hill. While Barbara explores the „mountain“ by foot, I discover the hill by bike. After a whole day on the wheels I even take part in the weekly race. After the summer thunder storm the track is slippery and the locals now how to race, but even though I manage to make a 3. place in my category.
After all this, we and Emma need a break. Laundry must be done, van and bikes need care and stuff needs to be put away properly. Even if we are on holidays, cleaning needs to be done every now and then 🙂
written by Nick