Pandemic response - Weeks 18-21

Well as you can see there’s been a pause in my pandemic blog posts I think primarily because, although we’re still living our lives under the same COVID-19 restrictions it somehow feels ‘different’ now that I’m on summer holidays.  Over the past few weeks I’ve explored a few different places here in Huron and surrounding counties, taken a road trip up to Tobermory, spent some time back home in Toronto, and of course still walking, and seeing things, here in Bayfield.

I’m going to break the past month into three posts - this one of things in and around Bayfield, then I’ll also do a post of my trip up to Tobermory and another post that’s photos from my time in Toronto.

Windmill Lake is an outdoor recreation park just outside Bayfield.  Nestled within over 80 hectares of forest, it’s a 16 hectare private lake offering a range of activities.  It is also an eco park because all of their activities are environmentally sustainable.  I went with the daughter of a friend of mine and she tried wakeboarding...while her mother and I happily watched!

Grand Bend is located about half an hour south of Bayfield. Although I know I’m biased and think Bayfield is the ‘better’ of the two communities, the beach at Grand Bend is still a nice place to spend time...safely, during a pandemic!

The Ausable River in Grand Bend

There was a good collection of ‘lost and found’ clothing here

Located about an hour’s drive away from Bayfield is Rock Glen Conservation Area, a unique island of nature within the Ausable Bayfield watershed jurisdiction.  Whether taking  a hike along the Ausable Gorge or within the Carolinian forest, you’ll see many trees, plants and wildlife that are provincially distinct to this area.

Certainly one of the most beautiful parts of Rock Glen Conservation Area is the 10.7 metre high waterfall.

Even here I can still find things for my collection

Ending a lovely day with a beautiful sunset!

Right on the edge of the village this year there is a very special field in bloom, it’s a sunflower field!  Thousands of bright yellow sunflowers are raising their heads to the sky to honour the memory of a little boy who fought every day of his very short life against leukemia.  Anyone who visits is encouraged to take photographs and for a small donation take a few home.

 

Another beautiful sunset tonight

And the next night too

Back to some flowers again - conditions are still pretty dry but when you look carefully they can still be found

As always, there are interesting things to be seen when walking:

This poor fellow found himself washed ashore after a storm

And more of the common theme this July - some spectacular sunsets, each one a little bit different