2014 – 09 – 26: Day Three – Fall Colours In Muskoka - Parry Sound to Huntsville

From Parry Sound through Magnetawan and Burke’s Falls to Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville

Scenic route driving distance:  127 KM

I awoke to pain in my hand from the yellow jacket sting with grey fog surrounding the campsite. I procrastinated getting up for a while before getting to it.  

I sure was glad that I showered last night as there was a noticeable chill in the air again this morning. 

It looked like it might start raining even though it was not in the forecast so I folded up the bug drape and put it away just in case.  I decided to leave the camp site without breakfast and have a McDonald's breakfast with wifi.  That is as good a place as any to wait for the fog to clear.  

I looked up “Yellow Jacket” stings on the internet, and found I did the right thing – combination of Ibuprofen and Benadryl.  They also recommended ICE.   Since I am camping I don’t have access to that, too bad….the burning itching feeling would most likely find that very soothing.   It looks like I am in for 3 to 4 days of discomfort before it heals.

By 10 the sky was clear and I started my day’s itinerary. 

First stop was in Parry Sound, Waubuno Beach, what a pretty place.  

I enjoyed a walk along the water front trail and even found a place to soak my stung hand in the cool waters.  It was such a relief!   I just enjoyed splashing in the water, with a childlike spontaneity.  

I scrambled over the rocks and had a grand old time!

I was so relaxed and happy I started singing a child hood rhyme “one two three alary found my ball in the cemetery”.  I have to look it up for the rest of it.  I know we played a ball game with that rhyme bouncing the ball off the wall and doing various stunts.  I would love to recall more details. (some information)

roadside stop along country road 124 

Finding country road 124 was easy and then it was this most amazing beautiful scenic drive all the way to Magnetawan.  

I stopped so many times to take pictures!   For example, this roadside stop to take pictures of what must be the home of an early settler in the area. 

Or this leaning abandoned barn that stands as a reminder of bygone days. 

That is one of the reasons that I love driving on the back roads…it is so much easier to stop when there is no traffic behind you.

fishing by Ahmic Lake 

I even found a lovely place to park beside Ahmic Lake to enjoy the spectacle of fall colours and this couple fishing from the comfort of the lawn chairs. 

Bridge across the white waters to the Lock 

The roads in Magnetawan are under construction but that did not stop me from seeing the historic church and the lock and of course the Magnetawan River.  

View to Magnetawan River
from Centennial Park 

I spotted a park that was on the bend in the river and there I ate my late lunch and enjoyed a quiet moment just taking in the autumn beauty.  

I also read a couple of chapters of my latest book  “Jazz funeral” it is a mystery set in New Orleans and has lots of musical references. 
After packing up my picnic items I went over to the playground and decided to swing….I went as high as I could and just enjoyed the moment, free, playing and making a memory.

Panorama of autumn shades. 

It was after 3 pm when I headed toward Burk’s Falls along Country Road 520.  Once again I made several scenic roadside stops.

Entering the town of Burk's Falls I found the water falls on the Magnetawan River almost immediately as it was right on the country road 520 leading into town.  The welcome centre offers beside the falls also have these interesting sculptures.

Bridge crossing the river with views to the falls. 

The river front trail starts at the visitor centre and crosses the falls via a quaint wooden bridge.  

White waters of the Magnetawan River 

From the bridge there is a lovely view of the churning waters of the Magnetawan River.   This used to be the site of a Hydro Electric generating plant. 

Riverfront Trail in Burk's Falls 

It was a very pleasant and scenic walk along the rivers edge and I found a lovely picnic table in the shade to sit and enjoy the view to the Magnetawan River and read some more of my book. 

Arrow Head Provincial Park Roadway to the campgrounds 

After walking back to the car, I drove south towards Huntsville and reached Arrowhead Provincial Park just as a lot of week end campers arrived.  I booked a camp site for two nights so that tomorrow will be a rest day.  I plan to just enjoying the beach on Arrow Lake.   I might go for a short scenic drive somewhere if I feel like it…or not.  I do need to go to a dollar store through for some cup of noodles, I used the last one tonight.

Setting up camp was quick and easy as it is now a familiar routine.   My hand is throbbing but I want to hold off on the next dose of Ibuprofen until bedtime so I can sleep.  Just took the antihistamine though and am hoping the swelling will start to go down soon.  It is hard not being able to move that finger when every moment hurts.  My touch typing is very funny right now as I try to compensate so I don’t use that finger.  It is the itching that is the worst part right now.  My whole hand itches!  I have been rubbing some cortisone cream on it as well as trying the after bit stuff.  Nothing works for very longs.

Sun starting to go down over Arrow Lake 

My camp site is in the trees and so I can only glimpse the sun setting through the trees.  It is a short 5 minute walk to Arrow Lake.  I saw the sun low on the trees and gleaming reflections on the water.

It is Friday night and so the camp ground is alive with the sounds of families camping.  The high pitched laughter of excited children echos through the trees and reminds me of family camping trips we used to take.  It brings back memories of our family enjoying the fun of camping together.  I miss those days, even the bickering and complaining!  I used to dream of experiencing the joys of camping with my grandchildren.  Alas that was not meant to be.  So I live vicariously enjoying other people’s children.

As soon as the sun sets the chill of autumn is apparent.  After finishing my dinner I packed up, bear proofing the camp site and got into my cozy snug car camper bed. 

Too bad I forgot to bring a lighter…it would have been fun to light a sparkler tonight.  I have to remember to do that when I get home.

Renate Dundys Marrello 
2014 - 09 - 26 

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2014 – 09 – 25: Day Two – Fall colours in Muskoka - Port Severn to Parry Sound

From Six Mile Lake Provincial Park 
To Oastler Lake Provincial Park, Parry Sound

Scenic route driving distance:  148  KM 

I woke up early and chilled.  It got good and cold overnight, and feeling chilly is what woke me up.  I think I should have used both sleeping bags…but when I fell asleep it was not that cool.  Since I was already awake I decided to get up. It was still dark!  

Sunrise over Six Mile Lake 

As I walked along the road leading to the rest facilities I saw the bright planets still visible in the pre-dawn sky.  Then I walked over to the beach on Six Mile Lake and watched the sunrise, lovely shades of orange, until the sun rose above the tree line and full daylight revealed.

I boiled some water for oatmeal and tea and after eating my breakfast I packed up. I did not go take a shower because it was too cold must remember to shower in the evening when it is still warm.

 View to Little Lake, Port Severn
looking north from the lock entrance 

It wasn't even 8am when I left the camp ground and drove to Port Severn.   I parked and then took a walk to see the lock that in the days before cars made more recreational land

The Lock bypasses these rocky rapids 

available above the falls where the waters come cascading from Little lake into Severn Sound.  

Port Severn Park 

It was just a short drive to Port Severn Park and another view to Little Lake.

Port Severn Park had this lovely stone wall so I stepped up onto it and ran from end to end just as I would have done as a child.  The feeling foolish moment lasted only for the first few steps and then I got into the joyous moment of just playing.

I heard this thumping sound and looked up to see a woodpecker hard at work on a branch high up in the tree.  I got some pictures and some video            

I took country road 5 to Honey Harbour  and was at the dock for the boat to Georgian Bay Islands National Park by 9:30

While preparing a picnic lunch I was stung by yellow jacket wasp.  It was such a sharp pain that I yelped just as a reflex to the bite.  I took some antihistamine right way and even considered taking some pain tablets.  I don’t think I have ever had such a painful sting before. 

As I waiting at the “Day tripper” kiosk the park ranger came over to talk to me.  He told me that after Labour Day there is no boat trip on Wednesday or Thursday.   I must have missed seeing that on the web page. 

Gibson Lake 

So I decided to go on to the next day’s Itinerary  and started the drive to Parry Sound. 

On the way I went looking for Gibson River Provincial Park on country road 33.  I got all the way to the end of the road; which is where the map shows the park to be.  But there was no sign of any park.  

I did however find a boat launch site with a lovely view to Gibson Lake.   I sat on a conveniently locate rock and enjoyed sunshine the view and some reading.

Boat Launch area on Thee Legged Lake 

Then I drove on toward Parry Sound.  I stopped at Oastler Lake Provincial Park and got the instructions for the drive to Massassauga Provincial Park where I could at least see the boat launch area for Three Legged Lake. 

Scenic Road to Three Legged Lake 

Unfortunately this park is only accessible by boat.   





The drive to Three Legged Lake was very picturesque and I made several stops to take pictures. 

Railway bridge across Parry Sound Harbour 

From there I made my way to Parry Sound.   My first stop was to see the Railway Bridge across the harbour.  

Then I drove to Rose Point to see the single lane swing bridge to Parry Island.  

Stop lights at either end of the bridge control traffic.  

I took a short drive on Parry Island, which is an Ojibway (Wasauking) First Nation Reserve.   I was hoping to find the Band office to obtain permission to visit Deep Harbour, a ghost town on the island.  Unfortunately I did not find the Band office as the web site I visited did not list an address…and just driving about I did not spot it.

View toward Parry Sound from Pleasant Point 

From there I drove to Pleasant Point where I had a lovely view to the town of Parry Sound to the east as seen across Parry Sound Bay.  

Look Out Tower

Leaving the point,  I returned toward Parry Sound and followed the signs to the “Lookout Tower” by the Parry Sound Historical Museum.  

The tower used to be part of the fire watch tower system used to spot forest fires.  Now with airplane surveillance and satellites they have taken a place in history.  This one is open to the public.  (it has been rebuilt with safety barriers in place)  and if your are not afraid of heights, you can climb to the top for an amazing view to the Bay and surrounding areas. 

View to Parry Sound from the harbour

My next stop was the Parry Sound harbour.  Here I enjoyed a stroll along the pier and found myself a sunny place to sit and enjoy the view. 

(Boat tours to the 30,000 Islands are available from the harbour for those interested in exploring the islands.)

Sunset over Oastler Lake 

With the sun now low in the sky I made my way to Oastler Lake Provincial Park and got a delightful site with a view to the Lake.  

I took my folding chair to the waterfront and enjoyed the lovely view to the lake and the setting sun.

In the fading light I cooked my dinner and then went for my shower.  With darkness just settling in I climbed into my car and worked on my travel notes and pictures before reading some more of my book. 

My yellow jacket sting throbbed all day.  By evening it was swollen and hot to the touch.  It is really hurting, I took antihistamine as well as Ibuprofen for the pain.  It seemed like a really long time before the pain subsided a bit and I was finally able to get some sleep.  

Renate Dundys Marrello
2014 - 09 - 25 

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2014 – 09 – 24: Day one – Fall colours in Muskoka - Cold Water to Six Mile Lake

From Toronto 
To Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, Georgian Bay 

Scenic route driving distance:  200 KM 

The morning of the first day on a new adventure always seems to evaporate in last minute packing and getting ready.  Organizing the car in preparation of camping requires thought and planning.

Once that is taken care of it is time to get on the open road.  I am pleased to say that this trip started with me leaving the driveway by 11:00 am. 

The first part of my trip was along the old Hwy 27 to Barrie.  I have traveled this route many times and it was delightful to see so many familiar hills and crossroad.

View of the Humber River in Kleinburg Ontario 

I found a little country road that I have never been on before and  just took a turn to explore.  I was a very short road to a dead end but there was a delightful old bridge making for a great first photo opportunity of the trip.

I made a quick stop at Costco in Barrie to top up the gas and get a few groceries.  Then I noticed the tourist information centre for the Muskoka region right next door so I stopped in.  I was able to get a really great map of the area and additional information for the Muskoka region.

My first stop was in the town of Coldwater where I bought a late lunch snack, fresh made poutine at a roadside snack stop. 

I walked around enjoying the old town charm. Many of the historic buildings remain well maintained and welcoming inviting tourist business.  The Old Mill, on the Coldwater River is now being used as a restaurant.

The bridges over the Coldwater River are all decorated with flower baskets offering wonderful contrasting colours to the scenery.

I am so thrilled that the weather forecast for today was accurate…warm and sunny, it is such a pleasure to be walking out doors. 

I look forward to each roadside stop opportunity to get out and enjoy the day.  

Heading north on highway 17, also known as Big Chute Road, I stopped to enjoy the character of old barns.

I also had to get out and see this beaver lodge and the fall colours reflecting in the clear waters. 

Severn Falls boat launch 

My next stop was in the cottage area. Being late September, and a week day, it was peaceful and quiet. 

I arrived at Big Chute Marine Railway just in time to see the railway car for boats being brought out of the water for winter storage.

A short hike brought me to the shores of the Severn waterway where I enjoyed the lovely view of the late afternoon sun shimmering on the water.

Continuing on I found another delightful spot to stop at the side of the road to enjoy the beauty of fall colours. 

Swimming area at Six Mile Lake Provincial Park 

By now it was 5 pm and so I decided to head to Six Mile Lake Provincial Park to set up camp for the evening.   

I spent the last part of the daylight hours walking about and enjoying the beauty of the lake.  

I noticed this monarch butterfly feeding on the clover in the fading light of the end of the day.

I passed some time enjoying some knitting and some Sudoku, before cooking my dinner and last rays of the setting sun brought a chill to the air. 

My final task of the day was carefully packing up all food items for the night.  It always pays to pay attention to details when in bear country.

Snug in my car bed I spent some time on the computer working on notes and pictures of the past day.  The shorter days are already noticeable, I even have some reading reading time before lights out!

Renate Dundys Marrello

2014 – 09 – 24

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