Spring, bring it on!

I don't know why I didn't publish this...
It's from March 25th!
We've had many spring storms, but it is different than winter. The snow melts and makes it easier to scrape it off. The sun peeked through the clouds. It was above freezing and it wasn't a bad storm after all!

Muffin Muncher and Sir John are ready for Easter.

Hooray for shovels!

I moved 8cm of snow off of a driveway 100m x 3½ m, and needed a good shower!
I'm sure I could figure out how much snow that is, but I'm too tired.

Poor old Frosty looks a little the worse for wear. He's going to have a fresh paint job in the summer!

Sir John climbed the Dorset Lookout Tower!

Yes, he did! It was a bitterly cold day and the last weekend it is open for the season. Me an' Sir John were happy to be wearing coats. I had on my gloves and scarf!
It is a beautiful view. The tower closes for winter, as the road is a bit steep! To quote my kids, 'Last One!'
The leaves were wonderful, but were much better a few weeks ago. That said, after driving 4 hours it was good to get out of the car. My tendonitis precludes me from walking too much but climbing was a different thing.

I was on my way to Bondi Village to stay with Nancy whilst attending a conference put on by the Circle of Friends in nearby Huntsville. We are volunteers who help cherish our Ontario Parks. Nancy writes about the tower:
The tower at Dorset was built in 1922. The original external ladder that lead to the top was 82 feet high. In 1967 a new Tower was constructed, complete with the current internal stairway. It should make you feel safer as you ascend... 


View Larger Map
Dorset Lookout Tower from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
Marvellous walking trails, as well as a beautiful view!

Prince Edward County - Marine Museum

Next we found the Marine Museum in Weller's Bay. Fort Kente was built to participate in the defense of British North America in 1812.

Prince Edward County Marine Museum

 For all of the Museum photos

Sir John went to The Waring House

We stayed at The Waring House, Inn, Spa, Cooking School, set in wonderful old buildings. The newer buildings, where we stayed, have huge bathrooms, which Sir John adored.

The Waring House Innkeepers have solar power, and feature fabulous soaps from Britain, in recycled packaging. The soap, they provide in a wee bag, which you can take home with you so as not to waste the bath bar!
The only issue we had was the wonky wireless internet connection. I had to wire in directly. Sure slowed me down!

Art in the hallway,
by the artist in residence,
danielis.com

Happy Anniversary!

Sir John at breakfast

You have to be tough
to be a pioneer woman!

       

The Waring House Click here for all of my photos!

#229

Sir John went to Prince Edward County

We took Sir John along on our 10th Wedding Anniversary trip to Picton. Never having been to Prince Edward County, despite having lived my first 25 years in Toronto, we went upon recommendation of another Jennifer Anne! Prince Edward County, Ontario

Prince Edward County is a single-tier municipality and a census division of the Canadian province of Ontario. Wikipedia 

Prince Edward County Trip

What I noticed most is the battle between those who want wind energy and those who don't.

Wonderful wines and restaurants

  

Camping 101 - Sir John goes to Murphys Point Park Beach

First the car ride

Sir John gets around. He's been here and there. Today he went to Murphys Point Park. I rented a canoe at Murphys Point Park, surprised the kids. They have been camping for the week on an island.
Here are my blog posts:
Packing, unpacking, filtering water, setting up the tent, cooking lunch, beach time!

I've learned so much about camping, never having been. We cottaged July and August in Muskoka every year.

Next the canoe ride.

Like learning a new computer, it helps to have a pro or mentor there to give you pointers. Many of our Ontario parks have Learn To Camp programs. Two-day events to teach you the basics.

It was a delightful trip on Rideau Lake.
I interupted breakfast. That was OK. Caitlin and Isabelle shared some bacon with me!

Early morning, fisherman in the background.

We washed the dishes, examined the damage from the raccoons. (Two beer cans punctured- they loved them and put punctures in the water filtration bag. Note to self: put everything fragile in the tent!)

Everyone was going to the beach.
First up: get dressed, brush teeth, pack up lunch, assemble in the canoes.

 We surprised Jofee at her campsite. 

Making a moat

Zebra Mussels

Water and sand play - nothing better

Isabelle is so happy she did a headstand or 'Downward Dog', happy as a clam!

Mother/daughter moments

While we prepare for beach time,
the girls play by the water.
Caitlin took these photos with my camera.

All done for the day.

Push harder, Isabelle!

Bug watching

  I took Sir John home, but first we popped into the Visitor's Centre.

Au revoir!

After his big trip,
he checked out the Mica Display at the park
For more information...