"The sweet clarity of mind is found in the deep roots of the wilderness."  Nature photographer Robbie George said it well.  There is a bit of the wild in all of us, and I have been fortunate enough to explore that beauty a lot the past two years.  Enter Killarney Provincial Park: 645 square kilometres of silver mountains and rose granite with 50 crystal clear lakes...a UNESCO biosphere protected place where the Group of Seven painted regularly.

My friend Nancy is an impressive athlete.  Daily 100 kilometer bike rides are commonplace for her, and she just finished the Beaton Classic with a time of three hours.  Our destination this past week was Silver Peak, her favourite hike.  Silver Peak is the highest point in Killarney.  There are two ways to access the hike to the peak, both requiring paddling and hiking.  We accessed the peak via Bell Lake, where you can rent canoes and kayaks for the 3 kilometer journey over to the start of the hike.  Nancy brought her own.

The paddle was a good workout, and the water was like glass for part of the journey and choppy for the other part.  The scenery en route was tranquil.  There are very few cottages in the park itself, with those that exist having been grandfathered in from before it was designated.  Otherwise, there is no one anywhere for as far as you look.  We came upon a camp site along the banks, but when you paddle you are basically all by yourself in the absolute spectacle that is nature.  The trees line the route, the water is clear, and you are one with nature.

There is a dock at the launching point for the hike, along with racks for your boat.  The hike itself is apparently 5.5 kilometers each way, although Nancy's watch showed 7 kilometers each way.  The path includes part of the 80 kilometer La Cloche Silhouette Trail and is flat for the majority of the hike, rising steeply in the last hour of the hike to the peak.  We came upon fresh bear skat although we did not see any bears.  There were blueberries everywhere on the peak, and the topography was typical northern forest.  You were going pee in the woods because there were no port-a-potties to be found.  We came upon one other twosome on our way up the mountain, but otherwise had the trail entirely to ourselves.  We left at 10:30 am from Bell Lake Launch Point.

The climb to the peak was challenging, and you needed to be sure-footed.  The effort paid off.  At the top, the silver comes from the colour of the rock all over the mountain.  It is gorgeous.  You can see Manitoulin Island, Georgian Bay, the North Passage, all of Killarney Provincial Park, Sudbury in the distance, and glorious views 360 degrees around.  The best idea is to pack a lunch, which we did, and eat it while marveling at the vista.  We munched on grapes, guacamole, crackers, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, bananas, cashews, vegetables from Nancy's garden, gatorade and trail mix.  It tasted so good sitting on top of the world.

There were about 20 people at the peak, from Toronto and Ottawa, most of which were spending multiple days in the park, either at one of the cottages or back country camping.  Everyone we met was incredibly appreciative of the setting, the views, and the wonder of being in the park and experiencing the scenery.  There was a general feeling of good health and gratitude for being there.  The day was a perfect combination of sunshine and wind, and one side of Silver Peak is much windier than the other.  We ate on the side with less wind.

The descent was much easier than the ascent, and much more populated.  We probably encountered 30 people in total coming down.  When we arrived back at the dock, I stripped down and jumped in the clear as glass water of Bell Lake.  While swimming around in the water to cool down, I began expounding on how lucky we were to be in a lake with no one else around, enjoying the untouched and unspoiled waters, and was encouraging Nancy to jump in.  She was on the dock and cooly says to me, after listening to my exposition, "How do you feel about snakes?"  I sputtered and asked why she enquired.  "There is one heading your way now."  I was out of the water quicker than you can say "snake bite" and thankful Nancy warned me.  I love to swim in the lake, but swimming with snakes is not on my bucket list.

We arrived back at Bell Lake Launching Point and headed into the town of Killarney, about 30 minutes away.  Herbert's Fish and Chips is an institution.  It was dinner time and we were starving.  Fresh fish right off the boat, battered and fried, hit the spot along with their homemade fries and coleslaw.  We sat outside watching the comings and goings in the small town of 500 people situated in such a treasured location.  The fishing boat that caught the fish we were eating came into port while we were sitting there, and they began filleting the fish right in front of us.  No wonder it tastes so good.  It is almost still swimming.

With clear minds and full bellies, we headed back to Sudbury, having clocked 20 kilometers of exertion.  I understand why Silver Peak is Nancy's favourite hike.  It was a special day in an exceptional setting, and it stoked my desire to return to Queen Killarney again and again.  Next on my agenda:  The Crack.

Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada, with only 150,000 people living on the island encompassing just under 2,200 square miles.  Discovered by Cartier in 1534, the island boasts the red fox as its island animal.  I saw a mama and baby fox on the TransCanada Trail, which stretches 450 kilometres all around the island, where the railroad used to run.  We were there during lobster season so every lunch and dinner had some sort of fresh seafood.

The University of PEI Campus is in Charlottetown.  It is best known for its veterinary college, and the large animal program whereby horses are used for learning.  They are in the pasture beside the school.  With 5,500 students from 92 different countries, it is a beautiful place to learn.  I checked out the hockey rink, which boasts the Panthers, who pull up to 1,000 fans per game.

The island has over 90 sandy beaches, and from anywhere on the island the farthest distance to a beach is 15 minutes.  Think about the bounty that provides this little place.  A fellow I met on the plane moved there from Innisfil pre-COVID, bought a house and barn for $212,000, and has a view of the Atlantic Ocean when he awakens, as he goes about his day, and when he retires for the night.  It is no wonder the residents seemed very happy and relaxed...they are literally on island time.

Confederation Trail is a provincial treasure.  I cannot say enough good things about it.  Suitable for cycling, running or walking, and likely skiing in the winter, it is a world apart.  PEI is relatively flat so you can walk for miles on the trail in a natural environment that has only beauty.  There is no smog; no traffic; no noise.  There are birds, flowers, animals, salt marshes, red dirt, and beauty everywhere you look.  It runs through the entire island because it used to be the railroad line.  It is well maintained and literally filled with natural beauty.  One of my girlfriends loves cycling and I recommended it to her.  It is the perfect place to relax, exercise and enjoy nature in a serene, peaceful, stunning environment.  It takes a month to walk the whole thing, tracking about 20 to 25 kilometres per day.  Cycling you could do it in two weeks.

The island has 63 lighthouses, all looking out at gorgeous red soil coastlines, most of which are eroding.  The coastline is iconic.  PEI has red soil everywhere, and it is unique.  There is a lot of iron oxide in the soil, giving it a completely different colour than anywhere else on the continent.

Lucy Maud Montgomery looms large on the island.  Japanese tourists come in droves to see the homestead that inspired Anne of Green Gables.  The Anne of Green Gables Museum is well done, as is the preserved farmhouse that inspired the home of Marilla and Matthew along with the well-loved redheaded orphan.  The island is known for Anne of Green Gables, and there are numerous cabins and cottages all around Cavendish that are full all summer long with tourists from around the world.  We ate at a fish and chips place nearby that was delicious, again because everything was fresh.

The tulips were out in force when we were there.  The houses are wooden and brightly coloured, with a lot of charm.  Charlottetown is immensely walkable and many of the houses are lovely.  There are few mansions.  Most houses are modest, colourful and well-tended.

Charlottetown has about 50,000 people.  The houses on the ocean are well tended and lovely.  The ocean boardwalk is a wonderful place to inhale the salt water air and fully experience the joy of being next to a powerful body of water.  The underlying currents resulting in waves make you realize how small you are in comparison.  Cruise ships come into port, sometimes as many as three a day, during cruising season.  We met a number of Americans from Michigan and Massachusetts wandering the town and enjoying the ocean living.

Clyde River is about 14 kilometres outside of Charlottetown.  I rented a bicycle for the day and pedaled out, took photos of my husband's family gave plots, and cycled back.  The TransCanada Highway has a broad shoulder that makes biking easy.  Also, the island is not busy, so there is not a lot of traffic relative to a more crowded place.  The cemetery connected to the church was in alphabetical order and very old.  Churches are an important part of PEI culture, although even on the island, the churches are graying.  Across the street from where we were staying in Mt. Stewart, a church was playing rousing music prior to service, enticing me to attend the service.  The parishioners were welcoming and kind, and they discussed during the service how all the churches on the island are losing members.

I love seafood, the fresher the better, so I ate incredibly well all trip.  My girls tried lobster rolls but they preferred fresh shrimp and fresh halibut, especially with fresh cut fries.  I only ate local fare when there, and had the best meals as a result.  The clam chowder and seafood chowder was unbelievably good.  Spending 10 days in PEI was glorious, and I would definitely do it again.  As I write this, I am craving a fresh lobster roll.

One of my sons plays defence for the Windsor Spitfires.  They were playing the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday and I spent eight hours in transit to go and watch.  The seats were great; there were 2,936 fans in attendance; and the arena was small with good sight lines.  There were many younger children at the game just soaking up the Canadian hockey experience, meeting the mascot, and eating popcorn.  Rinks have an atmosphere all their own and a feel all their own.  I am fortunate enough to enjoy the smell of dried sweat and spilled pop in the crisp air that is a hockey barn.  That is lucky given how often I am in one.

Saturday was bright and sunny with blue skies, chillly but with no precipitation so a good day for driving.  I left at 8:30 am and rolled in front of the Owen Sound Best Western on the water at 12:30 pm, having listened to four hours of podcasts.  Seeing my son is a treat for me given his residence in Windsor from September to March.  We went to Montana's for lunch.  It is such a complete privilege to spend time one on one with him.  I had Pot Roast soup and House Salad and Conor had steak and fries.  I dropped him back to the hotel for his pre-game nap and began exploring Owen Sound.

Frank Lloyd Wright believed that houses should not be "on the hill" but "of the hill."  This beauty in Owen Sound demonstrates that concept.  It is of the landscape, not on top of it.  In admiring it, the house appears to be unoccupied at the moment.  Nonetheless, it was a lovely example of Wright's architectural style in the wilds of Ontario.

The Tom Thomson gallery is small, charming and full of gems.  For a $5 donation, his bust greets you as you walk into the exhibit.  All of the paintings are small but they evoke his style in its various forms and remind you how great a Canadian artist he truly was.  There is an epitaph of sorts after his untimely death at age 39 that speaks to the contributions he made to Canadian art experience.  I love his style as it evokes the Canadian wilderness in all its glory.  Adjacent to his gallery space was a space with old photographs of Owen Sound.  I chose a few that were interesting to me.

Sawmill Nordic Centre came calling next.  Given how warm the winter has been thus far, cross country skiing was ambitious.  More ice than snow in many spots, and some places sporting bare earth instead of trail, the 13 km trail was treacherous in parts.  Only my second time out this year, it proved challenging.  I paid $10 to go ass over teakettle twice, happy that I didn't hurt myself.  Nonetheless, the day was gorgeous and the exercise was needed given the decadent eating that happened thereafter.

The clerk at the Tom Thomson gallery recommended The Milk Maid.  I made it just prior to closing and bought a cheese sampler platter.  It is an amazing cheese shop with all sorts of different types of cheese.  Unlike the Monty Python skit, this shop had all flavours available.  Four of the five cheeses I had never tried before:  Double Cream Brie, Tricolour Gouda, Mango Ginger Stilton, Red Lion and a Chocolate Cream Cheese Truffle.  All five were unbelievably tasty, served with grapes and crackers.  Would strongly recommend!  

Mudtown Station was my next stop.  Although not a felicitous name, the food was delicious.  Curried cauliflower soup, a charcuterie board sampler platter, and corn bread with jelly.  This was also a suggestion of the clerk at the gallery, and a good one it was.  Far as I could tell, everything available was mouthwatering, all fresh ingredients with lots of local beers on tap.

The Spits lost 6-3 to the Attack, but I had an enjoyable day nonetheless.  This massive snowman, larger than the house in front of which it stood, waved me home as I headed east.  My day of scouting out Owen Sound over, I declared it a grand success and sang all the way home to stay awake.  It was a most merry adventure.

The ocean is powerful.  It has a mind of its own.  There is a rhythm, a majesty, an awe that sets in whenever I am there.  The Atlantic is the second largest ocean on Earth.  150 million years old, it was here before us and will be here when we are all gone.  The way the wind comes over the water, watching the waves form and ebb, and breathing in the salt water air is something you never forget.

We flew into Halifax.  There was both a business and a pleasure aspect to the trip.  The business aspect was to investigate shared office space in Halifax with a view to potentially opening an office in the east.  The pleasure was coming to watch my eldest son play in the CHL / NHL Prospects Game in Moncton.  Accompanying me were my two daughters, my nephew and my husband.

I am lucky enough to have twin boys who both play in the OHL.  This year is their draft year and one of them was fortunate enough to be chosen as a top prospect, to be highlighted in a game played in Moncton with 39 other top prospects.  My 10-year old daughter had never been on a flight before and my 15-year old daughter didn't remember the last time she was.  We flew into Halifax so I could do some business there, then drove to Moncton, a two and a half hour drive.

Fresh lobster rolls are an East Coast tradition.  Moncton has a restaurant called Skipper Jack's and it didn't disappoint.  Fresh calamari, fresh lobster rolls with mayonnaise, fresh buns, fresh fish...fresh everything.  The lobsters were hanging out in a tank just waiting to be eaten.  The meal was outstanding.

The 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton was a spectacle.  Forty boys, all draft eligible, all born between March 21, 2005 and September 6, 2006.  Three of the original players were injured so three additional players were added to the mix.  18 were from the OHL; 17 from the WHL; and 5 from the QMJHL.  The boys flew in on Sunday, January 21st from all parts of the country, some arriving as late as 1:30 am Monday morning.  They had four days of comraderie with off ice and on ice testing, a couple of NHL presentations, a lot of food, and much socializing.  The game itself was a defensive contest held in the Avenir Centre, built by the Irvings in 2018 and boasting a capacity of 8,800 fans.  The event drew 7,500 fans.  Team Red won 3-1, with the goalies and defencemen shutting down the offencemen in a low scoring game.

At the Halifax airport, we enjoyed local chocolate, including Peace By Chocolate and Anne of Green Gables chocolate.  The plane ride home was a chocolate-tasting extravaganza.  Nothing like a trip to the Atlantic Ocean and inhaling all that saltwater air to leave you feeling peckish.

Killarney is a town on the northern shores of Georgian Bay that is a national treasure.  With a year-round population of approximately 500, it is small and charming.  Yet it possesses one of the prettiest provincial parks in the country.  Full of rock and trees, it evokes Canadiana in its best form.  We decided to explore the town on New Year's Day.  What a great way to start 2024.

Setting out from Sudbury around 3 pm, we arrived at Killarney Mountain Lodge at 4 pm.  On the way, we lost complete cellular reception for about 30 of the 60 minute drive.  I was driving my truck and we had a quarter tank of gas.  In hindsight, I should have ensured there was a full tank because if you ever were stranded on that road without cell service, you would be waiting in the truck for a while for someone to come along.  During our drive from Highway 69 along Highway 637, we encountered a total of four vehicles en route to Killarney.

Killarney Mountain Lodge was closed for the season, but still grand in its scale and architecture.  You can imagine many a beautiful wedding and lots of great parties being held in this place.  Adjacent to Canada House, on the grounds of the Lodge, there is a hiking trail to the Lighthouse.  It is five kilometers long and takes you into the forest full of pink rock and quartzite.  You then traverse along the shore of Georgian Bay.

The lighthouse itself is modest, in white wood with red accents along with a beacon atop.  The true treasure is in the natural setting.  Sitting on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, with its vast beauty and remote wilderness, you experience the wonder that always comes to me when I am in nature.  The day was crisp and just above zero with sun and a sunset that we captured along the water.  There was some ice on the trail, but it was rare and we were beneficiaries of the mild winter thus far which made the trek safe.  I wouldn't want to walk the trail in the snow.  By the time we arrived at the lighthouse, night had fallen.  We had to leash our dog near the ice because none of the lakes were frozen through and they just had a layer of ice on the top, if anything.  Given nightfall, thankfully there was an access road to the lighthouse and we trekked back to the lodge via the country roads.

We had worked up an appetite so headed over to the Sportman's Inn where the pub was open.  We were the only guests in the large, 200 seat restaurant.  Apparently we were a day late for the party.  They hosted the Polar Bear Dip folks the night before until 3 am and apparently had a full house.  We enjoyed the quiet and luxury of having the place all to ourselves.  Given the lack of snowfall to this point, there were no snowmobilers or skiers as there typically would have been in other years.  We were literally the only car in the parking lot.  Given the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the poutine, caesar salad, burgers, fries, nachos, fish tacos, and the chicken pot pie.  I would strongly recommend the chicken pot pie - it was just delicious.  We also splurged on some toffee cake which my youngest daughter enjoyed.

I thought Killarney lived up to its billing as an absolutely beautiful place in the wilderness, gateway to the North Channel.  I would imagine a visit in the summer would be even prettier.

Boots and Hearts is Canada's largest and North America's second largest music festival, attracting upwards of 45,000 people daily over four gorgeous nights in August.  Started in 2012 by Stan and Eva Dunford, it has morphed into a legendary four days of summer fun and fabulous music.  The couple's daughter, Brooke, books the talent and this year had no shortage.  Friday August 11th was sold out for the first time ever with rock band Nickelback as the headliner and hard-core country music star Hardy as the artist just before them.  It was a brilliant strategy, combining rock with country on a gorgeous Friday night in August.

The atmosphere is one of a carnival, and the people attending are all having a really good time.  Booze flows freely and the air is ripe with the smell of marijuana and cigarette smoke.  Given the outdoor venue, though, nothing is unpleasant or overwhelming and the concert goers are all focused on one thing - the absolutely great music.  Everyone attends the concerts, whether you are dancing in the pit like my eldest the entire weekend, or sitting on the lawn enjoying the show from your folding chairs like my other three.  We made it a family event, with all six of us each attending at least one day.  My daughters attended the first three days with my eldest most excited about Nickelback and my youngest most excited about Kylie Morgan and Danielle Bradbery.  I attended all four days with my sons and their girlfriends.  My husband came to see Riley Green, and my nephew and his girlfriend joined us for three days and my niece joined us for one.  It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Thursday night was a tribute to Canadian artists, with Owen Riegling, Josh Ross and Tim Hicks revving up the crowd as the featured acts.  They all three put on really good shows, and I notice my children are listening to more of their music since the festival ended.  The exposure for all artists at the festival was significant.  Friday night was a huge party, with a sell out crowd and Bailey Zimmerman and Cory Marks warming up the crowd for Hardy, who was incredibly authentic and beloved by the country crowd.  Nickelback put on a truly amazing show replete with fireworks and pyrotechnics, noise and banter.  They resonated with everyone there, being blunt, real and immensely talented.

Saturday night featured Lauren Alaina, Breland, Dallas Smith and Keith Urban.  Smith was a great warm up to Urban, and Urban was electric, winning over the crowd with his Australian charm and great music.  He is a true showman, and at 55 showed little signs of slowing down, engaging the crowd at their level and revving them up to enjoy a superb show.  As the weekend progressed, the outfits went from skimpy to cozy, and the age went from mid-20s to a lot more mid-50s, such that by Sunday I was feeling perfectly at home in my "mom" outfit and my lawn chair on the grass.  Tim McGraw obviously attracted an older crowd, and the mid-20s partygoers were all exhausted by Sunday and thus a little more subdued.  Travis Denning was amazing, connecting with the crowd, and Riley Green was a complete stud in all aspects of the word, making the women swoon and the men jealous.  He put on a top drawer show with great music and even greater stage presence.  The closing act, Tim McGraw, at 56, did not disappoint.  He rocked and rolled, crooned and cajoled the crowd into thoroughly enjoying his show and his stellar music.  Everyone was singing along to Live Like You Were Dying and Humble and Kind.  Even the sky gave a benediction, breaking into a spectacular sunset to close out the weekend of great music, family, friendship, and fun.

Starving by the time the festival ended, and completely exhausted in that wonderful way of having swayed to great music all weekend long, we went to one of the only places open for food - Domino's in Orillia - and "waited in the truck".  The pizza hit the spot and it closed out a wonderful weekend of country and rock.

Our family of six moved to Sudbury in September 2022.  As a result, we have been privileged to explore parts of Ontario where few venture.  The latest destination was Manitoulin Island.

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world.  With a population of 13,500 permanent residents and likely double that in summer, it's land mass is half the size of Prince Edward Island.  It has a Cape Cod-like feel, with many white cottages and water everywhere.  Surrounded on all sides by Lake Huron, there are also three large interior lakes and numerous smaller ones.  Every road leads you to water.  The breezes off the lakes moderate the temperature, and the sound of waves lapping on shore is very relaxing.

It is an hour and a half from Sudbury across the swing bridge to Little Current.  From there, central Manitoulin is all within a 45 minute drive in each direction.  We explored Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong.  A stunning setting, you can swim in the water underneath the waterfall.  We hiked the Cup and Saucer trail.  There are gorgeous lookouts that show you the Niagara Escarpment.  Wildlife abounds, with numerous rabbits, deer, butterflies, and wildflowers.  We even had a chicken coop where we were staying.

Lake Mindemoya is a beautiful lake in which to swim.  Splashtown has fabulous floaties in the water and for $20 each, adults and children can play there.  The water is warm and clear and the topography very pretty.  Many pleasure crafts troll the waters, with kayaks and canoes along with fishing boats.  The town of Mindemoya boasts two laundromats, a general store, a grocery store, a library and a couple of car repair and towing places.  With a population of 1,730, it is the second largest town on the island after Little Current.

Providence Bay had a fireworks show on July 1st at 10:15 pm, one of the only places in Ontario granted a license because of the province-wide fire ban.  The fireworks were launched from a barge in the water and the night was clear and beautiful.  Providence Bay Beach is lovely in the daytime as well...sandy with shallow gradual water that permits all ages to enjoy.  The small town flavour was in evidence on Canada Day with the town offering free cake - chocolate or vanilla - made by Mum's Bakery along with lemonade to anyone who wanted it.  The Ribfest was on all Canada Day weekend in Mindemoya, and we went two days running the food was so good.

South Baymouth has the ferry depot.  We bought some lovely necklaces at the Trading Post and viewed the lighthouse.  The ferry is large and takes people from Tobermory to the island and back.  In the summer, you need to book a couple of months in advance to secure a berth.

Gore Bay also boasts floaties in the water along with Buoy's Eatery.  The stuffed crust pizza was excellent.  There is also a small chocolate factory in town along with a library and yacht club.  Most of the towns have fresh fish and chips, and Gore Bay's restaurant overlooks the water.

A week was the perfect length of time to spend on the island.  We enjoyed every community that we explored, and found island life slower and more relaxing than mainland life.  We ate well, from fresh fish and homemade chips to fresh baked goods. There are many Amish on the island, and we were fortunate enough to buy the best homemade cinnamon buns I have ever tasted from a lady who made them without electricity.  The people were almost all friendly, and the natural beauty everywhere you looked on the island was good for the soul.  Other than Meldrum Bay and boating the 160 mile North Channel, we saw everything we came to see.  I would highly recommend you make the time to explore the island.  It is truly an Ontario treasure.

​I have done my share of driving over the past decade as a mom of hockey players.  It wasn’t until we moved to Sudbury in September, though, that I began living the Stompin’ Tom song “I’ve Been Everywhere”.  The north is vast and most small communities are a significant drive away.  One of my sons plays in the NOJHL, taking him to Sudbury, Espanola, Powassun, Hearst, Cochrane, Timmins, Elliott Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Noelville, Kirkland Lake and most recently Blind River.  I try to see as many of his games as possible and my most recent adventure was to Blind River.

​Blind River has approximately 3,500 residents.  In this town, you can still buy a house for $100,000.  The largest industry is uranium refining.  Uranium was discovered in 1954 and Cameco has been running a large uranium refinery since 1983 processing uranium from around the world into uranium trioxide. There is a golf course beside Cameco called Huron Pines Country Club on the river, along with Lauzon Aviation offering fly-in fishing and hunting wilderness vacations.  

​There is also a hockey team, the Blind River Beavers.  The mascot in the arena is a beaver puppet sported by a super fan.  The arena would seat about 300 people maximum and was more than half full the night I went.  The team is good, ranked third out of six teams in their conference with a record of winning 2/3 of their games.  The players billet with local families and play hockey from September through April, providing a significant source of entertainment for the town residents.

​The drive from Sudbury is just under two hours along Highway 17.  I made plans to arrive around 5 pm so I could do some exploring before puck drop at 7.  Situated on the North Channel, a fabled waterway in Lake Huron that many Canadians have on their bucket list, water is everywhere.  In summer there are an abundance of beaches to enjoy.  There has been a post office in town since 1877.  The Canadian Pacific railroad expanded into town in the late 1800s bringing people and causing it to incorporate as a town in 1906.  A logging company started and flourished there for many years logging white pine until a big fire in 1948 burned all the trees down.  

Pier 17 is a local sports bar, known for fresh food and good times.  It was fully renovated two years ago from a fancy restaurant to a sports bar and when I was there on a Saturday night, it was doing a brisk business.  The pool tables were busy and the tables were almost full.  The waitresses were friendly and the food was incredibly good.  The special was fried pickerel, which was fresh and delicious, which I finished with a chocolate eruption cake.  A large summer patio overlooks the water.

The Espanola Paper Kings lost to the Blind River Beavers 3-1.  My son drove us home along Highway 17, noting deer along the highway but no hitchhikers.  He played country music the whole way.  It was an enjoyable Saturday night, adding to my own version of “I’ve Been (Almost) Everywhere.”

​The August long weekend was upon us. Once all the fun and frivolity with my children’s friends ended, we struck out on the Civic Holiday to explore Thunder Beach and environs. I had never been there before and had only just heard of it in the past few years when my brother bought a house fronting the bay. Initially registering Thunder Bay, which is more than 13 hours away, I was happy when he clarified it was the beach, not the bay where he had settled. Thunder Beach likely secured its name due to the ferocity and intensity of the storms that come into the bay.

Thunder Beach is a community of just over 300 owners surrounding and fronting on the bay. My brother and his family have been enjoying the community for the past few years and have remarked on how sociable, safe and friendly it is. There are no hotels, inns or suites for rent on the beach anymore because everything is privately owned, so unless you know someone with a cottage on the bay, you may have never heard of it. My friend Kevin and his wife Sally had invited me to their cottage in Penetanguishene a few years back and it turns out their cottage is actually a few doors down from my brother’s cottage. Small world. Thunder Beach is the northernmost part of Tiny Township, the township having a population of about 12,000. Thunder Beach revels in its community events. They hold an annual concert and an annual Lobsterfest. This year they also had an art exhibition. Everything is centered around family and friends. Adults are encouraged to compete in tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball tournaments throughout the summer months. Children attend camp and play baseball, flag football and run cross country.

Setting off from Toronto at 10 am, we encountered some traffic heading north. Highway 400 generally runs well but once you duck off at Bayfield onto Highway 26 turning into 27, you slow down significantly. Although the posted speed limit is 80 km per hour, most folks go a little slower than that. Hence it is a true country drive from Barrie to the Beach.

Arriving around 12:30 pm, we immediately boarded my brother’s speed boat and went zipping around the bay, exploring the coastline, engaging in wakeboarding, and surfing off the back. My eldest daughter is great at wakeboarding and my eldest son gave it a go. After face planting twice, he was able to keep himself up the third time around and enjoy a nice tour around the bay. My niece surfed behind the boat, and everyone jumped in the water at one point or other and swam to shore. The beach is shallow and sandy a fair way out.

We ate cheeseburgers from the Friendly Corner Store and Restaurant. We were starving and the grub hit the spot. We then swam in the water and played in the sand in front of their cottage for a few hours. My youngest daughter drew the beachscape. My two boys went golfing with my brother at the local privately owned five-hole course, which they thoroughly enjoyed. As afternoon turned into evening, we played football in the water and swam to the buoy and back. The water was crisp, temperate and clear, making for an incredibly enjoyable beachfront experience.

Heading home, we stopped in at Wasaga Beach. Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, stretching 14 kilometers over six beach zones. It is remarkable how rich Ontario is with its many lakes and rivers...over a quarter of a million of them. The water itself is beautiful and there are many sandbars as you wade out. Sunbathing and beach volleyball are popular. Always jammed on long weekends, we caught the tail end of the crowd. Although Wasaga Beach only has a permanent population of approximately 25,000, over 2 million people visit the beach each summer.

Although the sand is smooth and silky, the downtown strip is seedy and squalid. A massive fire wreaked havoc in 2007 and the town has been trying to rebuild without success ever since. There is a casino under construction. The cottages at either end are lovely; the town itself is not. The cottages are not located on the beach but instead sit on narrow lots fronting the streets between the homes and the water. The beach itself is owned by Ontario Parks and is protected. There are over 50 kilometers of hiking trails that can be accessed summer and winter, along with the Nottawasaga River for canoeing and fishing.

We left the beach strip behind and played mini putt at Wasaga 500 on our way out of town, where one of the boys’ hockey friends worked the go-carts. Thereafter we decided to split. En route home and in need of food, we hit Kelsey’s on Bayfield Street in Barrie. The meal was delicious for a late-night dinner. We had broccoli cheddar soup, potato skins, quesadillas, chicken fingers, and Caesar salad, all of which were tasty. We then rolled home with full bellies and sun kissed skin. It was a good northern day trip and a wonderful end to the August long weekend.

Our final destination of the night was Maple Lane Farms in Bracebridge, a 40 minute drive.  There we met up with Amy and brushed, tacked, saddled up and rode four beautiful horses in the ring.  Zara, Lincoln, Harley and Luna accommodated us for an hour.  Walking, trotting and cantering at various times, the experience was earthy and rewarding, although my thighs complained for a few days thereafter.  The rain came in torrents while we rode and the sound of it hitting the tin roof was like soothing music. 
It was a wonderful romp through part of the north…our first of many more to come.