Well, its been a long four months and I’m finally back on the road again. Yes, my options were somewhat limited, but never the less exploring somewhere new.
Strangely, although I’ve lived in Toronto for more that 30 years, I’ve never really explored outside the city. And more recently to Montreal for Zach and Waterloo where Sam is at Uni.
All of my trips have been overseas or to the US…
Tobermory is just over 3 hours north of Toronto, and sits squarely at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. This promontory separates Lake Huron from Georgian Bay.
It’s difficult to believe that I’ve never really ventured outside my comfortable little local bubble until now. 🙂
I guess there is a first for everything!
Deciding to stay at a small old fashioned motel was an easy choice given that few places are open.
I know that I’ve been so spoilt with all of my travels, and for those that know me understand that camping is not in my vocabulary.
I did my fair share of camping when I was younger but now need the creature comforts of a shower, AC and a comfortable bed…lol!
The drive from Toronto was relatively easy, with little traffic. Although as I drove north the clouds thickened and downpours ensued.
Tobermory is a quaint little village on the lake, and the perfect starting point for both sailing and boating.
The cool breeze was a welcome respite from the heat of the city.
As I strolled the docks and foreshore the wind was gusting in across the lake and deceptively cool, whitecaps danced on the tops of the waves out from shore. Simple pleasures I said to myself…
What stuck me was the rugged beauty of this area. What I wasn’t expecting was the lush, peaty smell of the bush as I wandered along the foreshore.
Quite aromatic I must say!
My friend Helga suggested on my Instagram feed that I should try the local whitefish, which I did at dinner. Delicious and tasty fish, especially with a local brew and a poutine. How Canadian can you get???
It was great to sleep in…all the way till 7:00 am! 🙂
I headed back into town for breakfast, which I found at the one of the many cafe’s. For the best coffee try Craigie’s Harbourview restaurant (4 Bay Street). However, if you want the best muffin and croissant check out The Coffee Shop (20 Bay Street).
Okay, I’m on holiday so I had a little from each place…. Lol!
It was the perfect temperature, neither hot nor cold with the gauge hovering around 21C and partly sunny it was ideal to sit out by the dock and watch the world go by.
I had booked my next part of the journey on the ferry service that runs from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
The original ferry service began operating in 1926 under the Owen Sound Transportation Company and was able to accomodate up to 150 passengers.
In 2020, the famed MS Chi-Cheemaun plies it’s trade three times per day from each location, and although not cheap it was a rare treat.
The Chi-Cheemaun began the route in 1974 and is capable of carrying some 600 passengers and 150 vehicles, and manages the crossing in less than two hours. Not too shabby for a 46 year old boat.
It was surprisingly chilly out on the deck, but got a few nice photos until the wind became too much and I was afraid my mask would blow off my face.
My afternoon was spent exploring Manitoulin island, and what I noticed most was the quiet and slow pace of life….
One thing that I wanted to see while on Manitoulin Island was Bridal Veil Falls. I discovered this during my research for the trip…seemed like a must see!
As you’d imagine, the escarpment plates have shifted over millenia to create a 10.7 meter (35 feet) drop.
The water smoothly glides over the limestone plates that form the base of the Kagawong River, before falling as if to create the perfect flow.
I was mesmerised by the perfect symmetry of the water as it flowed over the falls…just awesome!
I then made my way to the town of Little Current where I was staying the night. After dropping my bags I grabbed my camera and walked the 10 minutes into the town centre.
Quiet wasn’t the word I would use to describe the town, eerie is perhaps a better term.
Although I did have a conversation with a local when grabbing my dinner, the reason that the docks are all empty and no one around is that the American influx is obviously not allowed across the border during the pandemic.
This summer contingent swells the meagre 1500 people population to three times that number during any normal summer season.
I guess between the pandemic and the lack of tourists much of the town is shuttered…at least for the moment.
The one bright spot in my stay was the sunset and the steel swing bridge I discovered just five minutes from my accomodation.
For 30 minutes I captured one of the loveliest sunsets I can recall for some time. Such incredible colors and light.
However, the steel swing bridge was a huge surprise. I’ve always loved the ruggedness of the rivets and thick iron beams, and the sound of the cars as they rattle over the plates.
This gem, was a real throwback in that it was only single lane, and that every hour on the hour from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm each day it swings out to let the boats and yachts make their way into the bay.
Absolutely spectacular! I must admit its great to be on the road again.
Next week my adventures continue in Northern Ontario…
Until then
Ciao!
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