One more time!

Well it's confirmed... we're going back to #CharlestonLkPP next week.  As the excitement builds we are anticipating that the fall colours will have started to show.  The weather right night and the week ahead looks marvelous so it is fingers crossed.
According to the OP's twitter feed, the colours are starting to show (now that wets our apetite).
You can view their pic here.

We have normally gone camping there in July and August.  This opportunity will provide us with a whole new perspective and some great pics (fingers crossed again).  We'll be staying with our camping buddies, Mark & Maureen, in a comfy little house trailer and look forward to seeing some familiar faces (fingers crossed one more time)

If I keep crossing my fingers they may become too sore to paddle #ourpurplecanoe .......NOT.

See you soon

#DIY Mosquito Control

Ran across this article on the Instructables website and I thought I'd share it with you. DIY Mosquito control He uses an electric fan and screen to capture the #mosquitoes . What do you think? Not sure I'd want to listen to the hum of the fan but it sounds like it may have some merit. Also, must be safer than using all those chemical sprays so I guess there is only one way to find out how effective it is - something to try on the next camping trip.

Otonabee River

On Saturday we launched #ourpurplecanoe at the #SquirrelCreekConservationArea .  It is a nice little day use park on the Otonabee River boasting a sandy beach and picnic area along with a boat launch.  Currently there is no charge for entry but I have a feeling this may change as it's use grows.
We were able to launch our canoes and kayaks here easily enough.  Being on the Otonabee has what I would consider just a minor drawback - it is part of the Trent system and some substantially large motor boats buzz on by, so if your in small watercraft like ours, be prepared to 'surf' some wakes.
They don't all slow down.
Once you get into a side creek it is sweet paddling.  We entered through the #DarlingWildlifeArea. map here, and once we got to the back of the large open pond stayed to the right.  The creek was maybe 10 ft wide in most places and did not present any major obstacles to impede #ourpurplecanoe . There was a noticeable current in creek and water was cool to the touch.  I am not sure if the level is always this high to allow for the passage of a canoe but today was fine.  I was surprised to see how far we were able to get.  Here are some pictures.

      

 

St. Johns Conservation Area

In between our paddling excursions there are a ton of things to do outdoors here in Niagara,  Today we went for a leisurely hike through the St. Johns Conservation Area.  It was a beautiful day, like the baby bear said, not too hot, not too cold, just right.

There were not a lot of people out hiking this afternoon when we were there.  What struck me the most was the 'quietness' of the forest.  This site is an area of old growth forest with tall trees and a beautiful canopy.  The solitude was not broken by any bird's song, which was disappointing - only the chatter of the odd chipmunk.  We were really hoping for more wildlife. 

 

Saw all manner of trees: triple trunks, quadruple trunks, joined at the hip and tipped over trees.

  

This is about all the wildlife we saw today - it mattered not - the day was exquisite!

It brings your soul a step back towards where it belongs...

Our #OntarioParks Free Admission Day July 17th #HPHP

Last week we got a call from Mark and Maureen who said come on up here to Cobourg on Thursday and we can go spend the day on the water Friday at #CharlestonLkPP.  You didn't have to twist our arms too hard and soon a plan was formulated.  The traffic was a bit slow through Toronto due to the HOV lane restrictions for the PanAm Games - should have put a dummy in the back seat, lol - but a fairly good ride nonetheless.
The plan was to use their watercraft so I wouldn't have to haul up #ourpurplecanoe for the day.  We arrived in the afternoon Thursday and proceeded to secure the canoe and kayaks onto the roof.

Ready to go - looks like it can fly.

The next morning we managed to get out by about 8:30.  Sandwiches for lunch, hot dogs for supper, packed, along with lots of water and juice. Of course the one thing I never thought of bringing was an extra set of clothes.  It would have been prudent in this case.  We made a pit stop in Gananoque at Tim's.  As you can see the hot chocolate I was drinking didn't want to stay in the cup.  NO backup t-shirt!

Suggestions 'poured' in - rinse it in the water, wear your lifejacket without the shirt and hopefully it will dry.  I decided a much easier, although somewhat costly solution, was to buy a t-shirt from the office when we got to the park.  So that is what happened.  Everyone else also decided to purchase a shirt.  Registration done, we headed over to Shady Ridge and the beach launch.  Found a parking spot, undid the canoe and kayaks and before you could say "I love CharlestonLkPP" we were paddling our way to the far side of Whitefish Island.  The sky was overcast and the water flat.  It looked like it could rain but it wasn't yet.  Funny, because a few days ago, the forecast had said sun and clouds for today.

As you can see there was other watercraft about.







There was no plan to go for a big long paddle this time,  it was just paddling around the shore of the island and relaxing a bunch taking in the sights.  After awhile, it became apparent that there was a lack of bugs - mosquitoes and deer flies were absent - puzzling but we weren't complaining in the least.  Every little while it would sprinkle but it wasn't heavy enough to get you wet.

   

Couldn't help but notice though, that every time it sprinkled it lasted longer and was just a bit heavier.  We were not deterred.  Watched a mink running along the shore but couldn't get the camera focused soon enough.  Seems to be my nemesis, that mink.  Paddled over to a smaller rock island that is half park and half privately owned and was amazed by the number of red ants scurrying about - the place was quickly ruled out for our lunch picnic.  Ended up going over to a picnic table over near the dog swimming area.

After a stretch and sandwiches it was back on the water.  It was still smooth and the sky was overcast with a wee bit of drizzle in the air.  We paddled, pausing quite a bit along the shoreline.  My mind was clear - there is no better way to recharge and refocus than to have a commune with Mother Nature.
The drizzle was getting a bit more steadier now and around 4pm we headed back.  It took awhile to get everything back up to the van and secured, then it was off to the day use area for a bbq.  The drizzle forced us to bbq right by the van and eat inside.  We had hoped to take a walk out to the boardwalk and decided to go for it.

Wasn't much to see and we didn't have time to hang around and see what would show up because just after we got to the boardwalk the drizzle changed to rain and it really wanted to get us soaked.  Except for the open spaces, we received a lot of protection from the tree canopy overhead.

I guess all good days wind up sooner or later... the rain followed us half way home and then it was gone. Another great day with good friends and I will always smile contently when I look at my 'newly acquired' #OntarioParks t-shirt and reminisce about the day it entered my collection. 

Thank you Ontario Parks and Coleman for "Healthy Parks Healthy People" day.  Hopefully others were inspired to get outside and visit a park

Here is some of the wildlife we saw at #CharlestonLkPP

 

 

Baby King Birds
Osprey
Deer
Blue Heron
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black Rat Snake
Loon

#CharlestonLake
#OurPurpleCanoe

Paddling around is a great way to see nature.  With the exception of the snake, these pics were taken from the canoe paddling along the shoreline, mostly in the area around Whitefish Island.
On our last day there when packing up, we were fortunate to see the #BlackRatSnake slither acrosss the road right in front of our campsite - a nice way to end another wonderful camping experience at #CharlestonLkPP

Fishing Friday

A much nicer day today, lots of sunshine and warm air.  Spent a few minutes at the Landsdowne Farmers Market. Always talked about going so this year we finally made it. Not a lot to offer: some vegetables, herbal teas, jewelry, essential oils and some baked goods.  Maybe we hit a slow week but I did manage to buy an apple pie for supper's dessert.
As I type this we are out in #thepurplecanoe trying our hand at fishing.  Liz caught a nice bass, around 3+ lbs. I figure.  Will update with some pics when wr get back.  Whoops, thing I'm getting a bite...

Photo update:

Happy Canada Day

Waking up to the sound of raindrops however soothing, is not the best way to start Canada Day.  Clearing up or not, going to go out in #ourpurplecanoe .  The only drawback is the camera and keeping it dry.  If I don't take it sure as heck we'll see something special, it's Murphy's Law.
  For now, coffee and BobFM.

prepare the Purple Ness

Yesterday while thinking the day might be a wash,  the rain stopped and the sun peeked out between the clouds.  We rushed a quick supper and then it was onto the water.
Ended up to be a nice paddle.
Watched deer at the waters edge, a loon popped up not far from the canoe and then took a few pics of the osprey in her nest.  Looks like she has some young in there but they weren't peeking over the edge yet.  I will update with pictures when we get back home.

Photo Update:

Into every vacation a little rain must fall

Well that was an invigorating day and a half of rain.   Instead of paddling #ourpurplecanoe we spent yesterday in Brockville.  Nice town spread out along the water.  Had a nice late lunch at The Union Jack Pub, fish & chips for me and liver & onions for Liz, washed down with a Newcastle Brown Ale.
Came back to #CharlestonLkPP and enjoyed a full evening of rain, unfortunately indoors :-(

Campfires and kayaks

Yesterday, Friday, we went with our friends, Mark and Maureen, to Clearwater Kayak.  She purchased a new kayak, somewhat mahogany coloured.
In the evening she took it out on it's maiden voyage along with my wife, Liz, who was christening her new yellow kayak.
The water was flat and a successful paddle around the island was enjoyed - several deer at the water's edge, fish near the surface, an otter floating on it's back along with many birds were some of the sights accompanying the gorgeous sunset.
Topped off the evening with a campfire, some roasted hotdogs and a beverage.
A most enjoyable day.

It is great to be back!

#CharlestonLkPP 241

#ourpurplecanoe

Tomorrow we roll

So looking forward to our camping trip to #CharlestonLkPP
I hear with any luck we may see some Northern Lights tomorrow night - fingers crossed.
Still going over the last minute packing then hopefully off to sleep.
It's going to be a long ride. See you all soon.

Preparations underway or as I like to say, crammin' it in

Here is a shot inside our hardtop this evening.  Everything seems to fit so far, what is strange though, is that we have a few extra items than we did last year but there seems to be more room available.  Either we are becoming better 'packers' or it is some sort of optical illusion (maybe a delusion...)
Tomorrow is supposed to be dry during the day so we will be able to button things up.  So looking forward to this camping trip to #CharlestonLkPP.  4 more sleeps but whose counting,

Looking skyward

One of the things we love about #CharlestonLkPP is observing the sky at night.  The air is significantly clearly than it is down here in Niagara.  This year as we gaze at the heavens, I will be thinking about little #philae and the amazing science behind the Rosetta mission.  Where is the comet now and what marvelous data will you be sending us to further our understanding of this great cosmos that we are a small part of?   So great to see you waking up!

A little preview

Here is a little slide show of a few things that keeps #thepurplecanoe coming back to #CharlestonLkPP - it just scatches the surface of things to see.

Lots to photograph

What's in a name?

The clouds were slowly rolling in after supper with the promise of overnight rain and thunderstorms. (who doesn't like a good thunderstorm).  We sat in the backyard within sight of #ourpurplecanoe and soon the conversation was about our upcoming trip to #CharlestonLkPP, how quickly the time was approaching and how much we had to do in preparation.  A thought then crossed my mind - I do believe it is about time to give our purple canoe a name.  Something was sticking with me from a previous post in which I had used the word purpleness...  "How about purple ness" I asked.  "Sounds O,K,, as long as it's two words, purple and ness, n-e-s-s-" she responded.  I smiled. We were on the same page.  Seems to me our purple canoe just got it's name.

Load testing the new battery.

Today we are running our new #trollingmotor for the fist time to see how much time the battery will give us.  The motor has 30lb of thrust. Looks like we may be good for at least an hour.  Don't want to use it all the time but it is a nice fallback when I get tired.
The battery is a U1 sized AGM battery (universal) with a 35 Ah rating.
If you have any questions, just ask - did a lot of researching before purchasing.

Just doing a little day-dreaming.

#CharlestonLkPP  -  Soon enough #thepurplecanoe will be doing a little paddling here.

(the sooner the better of course!)

I'm thinking water shoes may have helped...

Let me relate to you a little incident that happened to me while we were canoeing on #CharlesonLake in #thepurplecanoe last summer...
Our paddling was coming to an end that evening and we headed in to the canoe launch area to get out.  This launch is beautiful and works quite well for us with a nice sandy bottom and very gradual slope of the water.  It wasn't a particularly hot night so I had on my jeans.  Arriving at the shore I stood up and placed one foot into the water.  I was wearing flipflops.  I found out in short order that flip-flops adhere to the sand under the water like a giant suction cup.  As I tried to get out of the canoe my foot in the water stuck quite well and this caused me to lose my balance.  Trying not to fall, I managed 3 or 4 strides sideways on an ever increasing tilt until gravity got the better of me and down I went, splish splash, into the water.  One can only smile at this point for providing those gathered on shore with some entertainment.  Walking back to the campsite was tedious - those soaked jeans felt like lead weights. I'm thinking water shoes may have helped...

PanAm flame to visit Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park

If you canoe in Algonquin Park or even follow the Tom Thompson saga on twitter, you may find this interesting.

The tweet from Algonquin

It's finally here..

(I honestly think I will be able to post this year and get this blog off the ground)

#thepurplecanoe has awoken from it's winter slumber and the first order of business is to give it a nice wash.

It was a beautiful sunny day and and a good scrubbing was in order.  In short order thepurplecanoe was all shiny and showing off it's magnificent "purpleness"

Here she is with her camping mate in the background.