TriGator for Kids

This morning we had the opportunity to attend the 2012 TriGator for Kids triathlon (ages 6 through 14) at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in nearby Elmira.  Grandsons Colbey and Drew (twins) and Parker were registered for the Swim, Biking, Running triathlon.

There was certainly a "family atmosphere" to the event with parents and grandparents everywhere, cheering on the participants and taking photos and videos.  Although not a a race, it provided an excellent opportunity for each participant to show what they could do.  Each participant also received a medal and had their name announced as they approached and crossed the finish line. Even the weather cooperated with seasonal temperatures and most importantly, no rain.

It was obvious that the event required a ton of organization and help from the many volunteers that seemed to be everywhere.  Kudos to Manulife, Canadian Tire Corp. and other sponsors, as well as to the many volunteers.

Sizing up the competition. Colbey & Drew are in the green swim trunks.

Drew and Colbey in the final stretch.

Colbey & Drew heading toward the biking lap.

Parker in full stride, finishing close behind the fastest participant. 

Proud of our grandsons

MacGregor Point Winter Program

To all the other Winter Warriors at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, it's now official... we'll be back for the 2012 - 2013 season on our usual site #61.

Grundy Lake Provincial Park

We left Chutes Provincial Park mid-day Monday and headed to Grundy Lake Provincial Park for a three day visit.  While filling up with diesel fuel in Massey, Judy got a nice shot of a butterfly on some Lilacs.

Upon arrival at Grundy Lake the park staff had posted a sign at the entrance stating "Active Bear in Campground".  On Tuesday evening while out for a walk Peter came upon a young bear in Trailer Campground.   Around 11 pm that evening a couple that were camping several sites away from ours, awoke to a thumping sound.  Realizing it was too loud to be a racoon, they turned on an outside light and saw a large black bear manhandling their barbeque.  The next morning they saw some very large paw prints on the side of their trailer as well as on the ground. 

Throughout the duration of our visit we periodically heard the loud drumming of a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker on a nearby washroom roof.  It sounded like a jackhammer at times and we never did figure out what this crazy bird liked about the roof.

Typically we visit Rondeau Provincial Park in mid to late May to observe the spring migration of birds.  However, we were amazed at the variety of birds in Grundy Lake Provincial Park at this time of year.  We will definitely be returning next May or June and oh yes, the mosquitoes and black flies have been quite tolerable.

Lilacs at Massey

Hwy 17 heading East toward Sudbury

Trumpeter Swan on Gurd Lake

Grundy Lake Beach

Tall, tall Pine trees on our campsite

Young black bear in Trailer campground

Pakeshkeg Lake

Camping and Chipmunks go together

Unusually close view of Pileated Woodpecker

Another view of Pileated Woodpecker

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker that enjoys "drumming" on washroom roof

Chutes Provincial Park & Massey Area

We began the day having breakfast with Maynard & Lorraine at the Crocks restaurant in Massey.  Across the street at the Motel and the gas sation were a number of "iron horse" artistic pieces made by some imaginative welder.

The remainder of the day was spent just touring the area and taking additional photographs.  On a sideroad we happened upon a Red Fox lying in tall grass beside the road.  For a moment we thought he may have been sick but as we approached him he awoke and ran full speed to a safe distance.



Maynard, Lorraine & Peter (the horse didn't have a name)

 

Blue Heron Resort on Spanish River

Red Fox caught (literally) napping

 















 

Elliot Lake

Today we had the opportunity to visit Elliot Lake to attend the memorial service for our friend Frank Spence.  Over the years we have heard a lot about Elliot Lake as a retirement area but since it's about a half hour off Highway 17, we had never taken the time to visit.

Highway 108 leading into the town is winding and hilly.  Much of the town sits on a hill overlooking Horne Lake on the East side and Elliot Lake toward the West. 

Hwy 108 heading toward Elliot Lake

Horne Lake



Miners' Memorial

 

Beach on Elliot Lake



Waterfall on Hwy 17 near Serpent River

Memorial Service for Frank Spence

On April 26, 2012 Mr. Frank Spence, a friend of ours died suddenly near his winter home in Elliot Lake, Ontario.  A memorial service was held for him on Saturday, May 26 at Trinity United Church in Elliot Lake.

Frank was responsible for stimulating our interest in Winter Camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.  We attended one of his & Lucy's seminars in 2009 and Arkay Design & Print printed his book entitled Four Seasons RVing.  Frank and Lucy were also the campground winter hosts for a number of years up to and including the 2009-2010 winter season.  Although they spent the last two winters in Elliot Lake, Frank continued to keep in touch with the MacGregor Point "winter warriors" via e-mail, blog and Skype.

A number of other winter campers also attended the memorial service.  We will miss him dearly.

 Some memories of Frank (see photos below)

Northern Trip - Day 1

We left Waterloo about 9 a.m. with a destination of Chutes Provincial Park in Massey, Ontario.  With our Jeep Liberty in tow, we covered the 545 km distance in about 7 hours, including a 40 minute lunch break about 30 km south of Parry Sound.  As can be expected along Highway 69, the rocky scenery is stunning.

There were a few light showers along the way, accompanied by some wind gusts that made the drive a bit challenging at times.  However, once we arrived at Chutes Provincial Park we appreciated the breeze as it helped keep the mosquitoes and black flies under control.

No, we were not driving on the "rumble strip|

Pickerel River

Bridges over French River

Approaching Sudbury

A tight turn as we approach campsite 48