One of the best parts about touring around the province and visiting so many parks is that you get the opportunity to find some really unique places, and Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park is one them. Situated just a few minutes outside Peterborough this small park seems to attract all sorts of people, especially in the fall. Keep reading.
Years ago, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park was one of the first places I ever went for a photo hike so it seemed only natural that I return as I start my journey back from my leg injury. Located just 80 minutes north of Toronto or 20 minutes from Orangeville this park is great for an escape from the city and gives so many options for trails and lookouts. While this park doesn't allow camping, it is great for hikers, cyclists and even horseback riders. During our visit we saw people of all ages and fitness groups on the trails and even a few strollers being pushed along some of the easier stretches. Keep reading.
If you're looking for a quiet getaway with a little sun and sand then Mara Provincial Park might just be the place for you. With a great looking beach and just over 100 campsites, this park just east of Orillia provides an escape to nature while also giving you a chance to work on your tan. Keep reading.
It was one of those double-edged moments. I was correct in guessing that it was more than just a sprain and I like being right. But after it sunk in, I really wished I had been wrong. Having to wear a cast for 6 weeks through the peak of summer seemed really cruel. It’s amazing how much stuff you can pack into 6 weeks. There was an upcoming camping trip with my friends that I had helped organize, I was going back to hike Forks of the Credit, I had picked out a few other new spots to visit and I had a few other yet to be organized trips brewing. All cancelled.
Then came last Friday. The first part of this unfortunate journey was over. The freedom to walk again felt amazing even though it was riddled with pain. The first time I took the garbage out felt like such an accomplishment. Having Molly come home was so uplifting even though I still needed help to walk her. All the little things in life you take for granted were becoming available again. It was such a relief.
I won’t lie and say that I’m not still angry about the way everything happened, because I am. But stewing about all the things I have and will miss won’t get me healthier any faster. Sure it helps at times when I need to focus on pushing myself and I need that extra motivation, but mostly I’ve been trying to look forward to fun that is to come.
A look forward has so much on the horizon: going back to Tobermory and visiting Flower Pot Island, trying the Cup & Saucer trail on Manitoulin Island, visiting what I hope will be a bearless Chutes Provincial Park, trying to brave “The Crack” in Killarney, many fall camping trips, and playing photographic bingo with Hamilton waterfalls.
This is the waterfall that started it all. I had always loved being outside but everything got a little more adventurous after visiting Beamer Conservation Area for a nature photography course. I was nervous as not only did I have someone following me around an area I had never been before, I also didn't have the directions written down anywhere! Thankfully we found the place fairly easily and the adventure began! Keep reading.