Finding Holiday Beach

The Sunday of our two day trip to the most southern region of Canada. Was suppose to of been spent on Pelee Island. That plan was changed. Due to the very warm temperatures. Also there are only set times. That the ferry boat runs between Leamington and Pelee Island. So plan B included a drive heading further west along the coast of Lake Erie.

Our hostess Bea recommended a another nice recreational park named "Holiday Beach". So that was our second idea. Was to chill and relax in the Holiday Beach park. Also the second part of our good idea was tour the Pelee Island Winery. The main part of there operation is located in the town of Kingsville. Bea had given us a free pass for wine tasting and a tour. The Essex County area is now home to 16 wineries. So to enjoy some wine tasting and a tour is great idea, on a really hot day.

The swimming on Holiday Beach was disappointing. The temperature of the water was not the problem is was the cleanliness of the water. it was recommended to to submerge my head in the water. So I did not. I also had a shower after my short swim on the beach, to rinse off. The beach here is no as nice for swimming compared to Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

The first 5 pictures of this post are from Holiday Beach Park. The last picture is a picture of Pelee Island. Taken during our tour of the winery located in Kingsville.

Where Canada Begins!

Today I write this post from "Where Canada Begins". The most southern region of Canada. The most southern part of mainland Canada is "Point Pelee". Which is located at most southern tip of Point Pelee National park.

This weekend trip was very exciting for me. As I have the company of great friend and fellow traveler, Peter V/D W. Peter is enjoying the beginning of his North America holiday. It was my suggestion to visit Point Pelee National Park for the opening weekend of his trip.

We had a early start and arrived in the Ontario town of Wheatley, at about 10:45 am. After we enjoyed a sub, and regained some energy. We biked over to enjoy Wheatley Provincial Park. The park was nice and relaxing. But the weather was hot. The temperature about 32C. We enjoyed to be protected my the shade of the trees. I attempted to go into Lake Erie for a swim. But I was disappointed at the temperature of the water. The water felt frigid! So I did go in the water!

They we peddled back to our accommodation for the weekend. After getting checked in the B and B Bed & Breakfast. Then we were off to visit Point Pelee National Park. The experience was beautiful! This very interesting National Park has a lot to offer. The park is a sanctuary to various migrating birds, and the Monarch Butterfly. This park is located on the shores of Lake Erie, in Essex Country.

After arriving in the park. We arrived at the visitors center. We watched a 15 minute movie on the history of Point Pelee National Park. Which was enjoyed! We then started to watch a feature movie on the Monarch Butterfly. The movie was also very entertaining. But it lasted for 1 hour. So we decided continue with our day.

Our next move was to visit the most southern land in Canada. That would be the southern tip of Point Pelee national Park. Peter and I biked for 2 KM. And walked the final .5 KM out into Lake Erie. It was exciting to be out at the place "Where Canada Begins"!!!

Enjoy the pictures! They are; the top 7 pictures are from Point Pelee National Park, and the bottom 3 pictures are Wheatly Provincial Park.

Here is the link if you care to enjoy the documentary on the incredible journey of the Monarch Butterfly. http://video.pbs.org/video/1063682334/

Vermont Bumper Stickers

Here are pictures of 3 cool bumper stickers. That I photographed during my most recent Vermont vacation.
I have two more great Vermont Bumper Stickers to add;

Living in 3/4 Time!!!

I'm home now. Back to the reality of my real life. I just have to do the best I can, to survive. Until it is possible to sail away again! That is the way I survive! In this crazy, modern, and computerized world we all live in.

My 6th trip to Vermont was a real pleasure! Living in 3/4 time always is. Jimmy Buffett who I will always be a real fan of the man's music and persona. Sailed away to survive to Key West Florida, in 1972. Going to Key West was a real life altering situation for Jimmy Buffett. The peaceful and easy living life style. Also the beautiful natural scenery and atmosphere of the island. Always gives your body the natural endorphin's. That help to keep life fun and exciting. No matter what curve balls life throws your way. Key West helped Jimmy Buffett to create such fan favorite songs as; Tryin To Reason With Hurricane Season, Come Monday, Margaritaville, Cheeseburger In Paradise, and The Wino and I Know, etc! Jimmy was able to live his dream of being a popular and successful musician.

I have found the same peace and serenity traveling away to the state of Vermont. There are real similarities to what Jimmy Buffett found. Went he sailed away to live in Key West in 1972. To what I find in Vermont today. The Green Mountain State will relax, rejuvenate, and inspire you to live and enjoy your life. No matter what comes your way. Vermont will always bring you to a peaceful state of mind. Where you can depart your negative problems of the real world. Isn't that what special vacation time, should be all about?

I would like to thank for making this amazing summer vacation possible. The able and friendly staff at the Hotel Coolidge. You always go out of your way to look after your patrons. Second I would like to thank Kathleen and Rick. That run the "Gathering Inn" located in Hancock, Vermont. It is always a real pleasure to stay within your friendly confines. I would to thank Carol for being a great host. Carol owns and operates the "The Old School" B & B and hostel. Which is located on Vermont's version of Key West. The island is named "Isle La Motte". I have to keep paying tribute to my 2001 Corolla. You are my wheels that get me to where I want to be! Oh yes and thanks again to those Green Mountains. I will always dream about living life in the place they call "Vermont"!!!

The pictures posted are of; the original poster from the 1978 live Jimmy Buffett Lp "You Had To Be There", My rare copy of Jimmy Buffett 4th Lp "Living and Dying in 3/4 Time" (1974), and the final picture is of the gate-fold picture.

Sunset Over Champlain

Enjoy some photos I took of tonight's sunset over Lake Champlain. This magnificent lake is part of what makes the state of Vermont so special!

The Mountains Green!

Enjoy some great pictures of the "Green Mountains" I took. While I enjoyed my eating experience at Ruthcliffe Lodge. Pictures can speak more then a thousand words. A thousand green words, that is!

Skinny Tires & Wires!

Had the most amazing day. Enjoying the islands of Vermont. The weather is perfect, which translate into sunny skies, light wind, and temperatures about 80 degree's (26 C.).

After enjoying another nice breakfast at "The Old Schoolhouse". I set out on my Norco road bike. I cycled all the way to the General Store, located on North Hero Island. Then I turned around and peddled all the way back. The total distance covered was about 22 miles (36 KM). I enjoyed a very good chicken salad sandwich. At the Irving Gas station located where highway 2 meets highway 129. There is a nice general store located there.

I then returned to the Old Schoolhouse, and soon after set out for a second bike ride. The Isle La Motte is famous for having some of the oldest evidence located on our planet. The remains of a ancient reef. Which is millions of years old. I went to observe this ancient history at two locations on the island. I then rode West Coast drive back to to School Street. Then back to my digs at the Old Schoolhouse.

It was then time to just kick back and relax and rejuvenate. After I regained some energy. I spoke to Carol about my dinner plans. Carol recommended. A quality restaurant located on "Isle La Motte" named Ruthcliffe Lodge. Now, who am I to ignore good advise? When I hear it. So I went to Ruthcliffe Lodge and enjoyed the experience! I dined on crab cakes, served with garlic mashed potatoes and zucchini. The appetizers were a cup of tomato vegetable soup and tossed green salad. What a great way to celebrate what has been an excellent holiday!

The title of this post represents an excellent and not very well know song by Jimmy Buffett. The tittle of this great song is "Peddlers and Pushers". The song was written by Jimmy B. in 1973. About the gas shortage crisis. That happened in the U.S.A, that year. Jimmy Buffett loves to ride bikes and so do I! They will get you to the special places. That you really want to go!!!