Where Eagles Dare

I managed to persuade my tired family to take the canoes and kayaks out one last time on recommendation from MrsBorrower. Huffle wasn't too keen but after the kids emptied the boot and we loaded the kayaks in the back (tying it up with a piece of string), Huffle drove over to the river, literally 200m and then we both carried the canoe over.

Flora and fauna and canoeing

Small and I took the kayaks again and Capt Smallest and First mate Huffle took the canoe. This time we leisurely paddled towards the Pinery Provincial Park and instantly spotted a Bald Eagle at the top of a tree, guarding her young. A boat went past and told me that there was a fish in trouble near by and if we waited long enough we might just see the Eagle fly down to catch it. We didn't but the Eagle did fly over us and land in a tree further up River.

The Eagle flying overhead

Beautiful reflections

We spotted more turtles (and one tried to climb my paddle while I was still) and lots of fish. We saw some interesting birds and heard frogs. It was fabulous but it was very very hot and we found it difficult to keep I n the shade of the overhanging trees. The water was so still and clear, unlike the part of the river we went on before.

Eventually we came to a bridge and a small waterfall. Apparently you can get out here and go on the other side and keep going until you get to Grand Bend (not today!!). We stopped for a break of water and HobNobs under the bridge and then set back off again. It only took us about 35 minutes one way and we went very slow. When we got back, we all jumped out and swapped boats. Smallest and Huffle went in the kayaks and Small and I took the canoe. The canoe was really hard and unsteady and we nearly toppled it a couple of times. I like kayaking much better. Smallest got on really well in the kayak by himself though he said he preferred the canoe (probably because his First Mate paddles hard for him).

We loaded the car again with the kayaks and Huffle took them home and came back for the me and the canoe. Then we came inside the air conditioned house and had a cooling drink before we got ready to go out for lunch.

We decided on Fish and Chips at Robs Chip'ewa Truck but it said it was closed on the website so we went to the pizza shop instead as we were very very hungry and didn't want to wait (we chose a different pizza shop which was very good and very fast and we were soon on our way again). On the way past Rob's though we noticed it was open - maaaannn!

At my request (again) we went in search of the Concretions which were supposed to be on the lake side and include some amazing rock structures which are spherical in shape. We didn't find any (except on a piece of grass) and to be fair, they were amazing but not quite like the photos on the internet. We weren't sure if we were in the right place so we followed the coastline of the lake in the car but we saw nothing so we headed for the beach.

We stopped for a last ice cream on the way (no one could have done that long uphill walk today it was far too hot). We must have been to this same shop too many times because the woman called me by my most favourite ice cream flavour! The temperatures got to 32* and it was stifling.

Our normal parking spot was full so we parked on the car park which meant we were on the other side of the beach. We found a spot not too far away and the kids jumped into the water immediately. Because we have been in swimwear for the last ten days, the boys are suffering with chaffing of various parts and so Small wore normal shorts to go out in today and forgot to take his swimming shorts. Silly bear had to go swimming in his good shorts.

Smallest felt a bit ill today, a bit sicky, tummy ache and I felt very weak - I think it must be the sun. We had lots of swimming, diving, throwing, collecting stones, reading (my book is now finished BOOOO) and finally our last tea on the beach. We came away a bit earlier than normal because everyone is tired and it was too hot to stay on the beach any longer.

Back in the house we started washing and sweeping up sand and had our showers. MrBorrower came over to say that we didn't need to move the kayaks as someone else wanted to use them and he brought me a nice cold beer. AAHHHHHHHHHH lovely. Much later MrsBorrower came over and asked if we wanted to have a drink with them. That was nice though we didn't because we had just put the kids to bed and didn't want to leave them, despite the fact it is next door.

Tomorrow we go home. It has been a lovely holiday. We have had 3 days of kayaking and canoeing, ten days on the beach, a day out in London (Ontario), a cinema trip to see Minions, a meal out every day, nine ice creams and lots of relaxing, game playing, reading and swimming. Fabulous. We all think this is the best place (in Canada) we have Summer Holidayed so far.

 

 

 

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