As COVID-19 lockdowns continue I really hope to get caught up to now, so that when the restrictions are lifted and new adventures begin, this blog can stay current.

While we were at home, and restrictions were eased up, we went out for a walk in the forest with a friend who has a musket and we wanted to see how that works.

We took our lovely dog Hector and he was able to play with his girlfriend Winnie and wander through the woods looking for squirrels.

We only saw one squirrel in the woods, though Hector managed to find and bark at something up a tree. I had to go to retrieve Hector as he would not leave it alone. He also found a porcupine…luckily too far into a log to be an issue.

With out travelling friends Kim and Diane we had managed to build this organizer for the back of the truck. That way the tent, the pet accessories, carpets, tables and various other camping accessories can be in the truck and accessible without having to rummage through.

We visited a friend to get some maple syrup and pick up a canoe. He showed us the kunekune pig which is a grazing pig. Such a fun beastie to have around.

Winnie, Hector’s girlfriend, comes over to visit every once in a while and they play quite rough – moving furniture, carpeting etc.. They both sleep wonderfully the next few days.

I realize that it might be worthwhile renting canoes at parks rather than loading and unloading one each time you want to go out. We are all loaded up are ready to head out. Even this late in the season at Ontario Parks we have to make reservations to be able to get good spots.

Algonquin – Achray campground has no electrical sites so we had to find a site that had good sun for the fixed panel on the trailer roof. Linda had picked a site near the boat launch and I thought it would be good this time of year as few people would venture out in power boats.

Since we had the canoe, we thought it would be nice to see if Hector would be calm enough not to get us wet.

Hector seemed stressed but did well in the canoe. More hiking was to follow.

I had hoped to find a similar site to Tom Thomson’s paining. This was as close as I got.

It’s always good to try different techniques to get good photos…some work and others don’t. With digital photography so easy to edit, we tend to take the shotgun approach and hope for the best; however, as time goes on, Linda and I have found editing in the viewfinder before taking the shot a better plan…still…we have way too many photos.

These days we try for waterfront sites and the photo is our site looking up from the lake.

Our hiking included going to Barron Canyon and the fog was heavy.

It’s interesting to hike a canyon in fog…the trail is visible but there is no concept of height.

The canyon was interesting but we decided the hike nearby to High Falls was in order, given the fog.

The hike to the falls is a good length and there is lots of space for a picnic once there. When we hike this again on the next visit, we’ll definitely bring one.

Once we returned to the car and the weather had improved, we realized we were close enough to Barron Canyon to return. It’s a short hike to the top.

From the beautiful canyon to one of the drop in points for canoes was a short drive.

A good hiking day with some lovely sites.

I felt confortable enough to have all three of us in the canoe and Hector behaved well enough that we are considering getting a canoe.

As our trip comes to a close we had to hike some more.

At this time of year (Fall) there aren’t crowds and the weather is unpredictable making for a wonderful experience on the trails.

We could feel the end of the season.

It’s almost never fun to pack up. The canoe gave us lots to think about.

I wonder what he’s thinking…I wish I was camping?

As we prepare to winter, the indoor garden is starting to take shape.

It’s kind of nice to be home and see the friends we’ve missed.