We left Quebec behind, with a tinge of ‘je regrette’ . Ontario was calling. Our route would take us along the bottom edge of the famous Algonquin Provincial Park, famous because the Group of Seven painted here and their exhibits promoted the park.
We crossed the provincial border at Portage-du-Fort, where the road is perched on top of the dam that creates hydro power for the area and beyond.
This route passes through farmland in the Ottawa Valley. Although part of the rocky Laurentian Shield, the centuries of silt carried down the Ottawa River and the soil deposited by glaciers has made this area a rich enough farming area.
This is construction season in Canada. We had a long pause at one of the construction sites. OrangePekoe popped up and watched the view outside her window.
Granville watched from the other side of the vehicle.
The two of us enjoyed the scenery as well, thanks to the long construction pause.
Just past Barry’s Bay, we stopped at a roadside picnic site. It was an extremely hot day, but we enjoyed a brief pause, a bite to eat, and some cool drink in this pretty park.
We all wanted to splay out on the grass, in a bit of shade. The animals did that, or a variation of that. Granville under the table. OrangePekoe on the grass.
Although we have a GPS in the vehicle, both of us are traditionalists. Out came the map of Ontario for consultation. (Yes, we did have snacks with our lunch, but I assure you, our lunch was healthy food items.)
We were entering Algonquin Park landscapes – rocky outcroppings and cuttings at the side of the road,
and lakes abutting the road.
From our picnic site, we were soon at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, Ontario, in a neat, little site setting up our camp.
It was a calm evening, so we prepared the requisite BBQ supper. The calm before the storm because during the night the rain started, and it continued for all the next day. This was our window of opportunity, and we didn’t realise it. We just enjoyed the moment.
Arrowhead Provincial Park is within a couple or three hours of places in southern Ontario where family and friends live. We stayed here so they could visit us, should they choose.
Nephew David, and his wife Rena made a plan. They came up to Huntsville, and we all went for breakfast at a chain-restaurant in Huntsville. The menu revolved around breakfast-type entrees. It was a noisy place, with quick service, tasty food, and an ever-refilled mug of coffee. Fairly typical of such restaurants. What we liked best was our lively, laughter filled, anecdote replete conversation with David and Rena. We were thrilled that they made a plan to visit us from their home more than a couple of hours away.
Long-time friend Janet (58 years of friendship) came for an overnight visit. Initially we thought that she could stay in our trailer, but it was just too congested. Fortunately, she brought a small tent.
Unfortunately, it was a cool night. Janet said her temperature guage indicated that the temp dropped to 9 degrees, so the concept of comfort did not quite play out in reality. That being said, the company was warm, congenial, and filled with conversation and laughter – a perfect, far-too-short visit.
We three travelled in tandem for a few kilometres the next morning. Our paths diverged at Rosseau – us to a site a bit north, near French River, and Janet to a friend’s a bit south.
Arrowhead Provincial Park is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. It provides a variety of recreational activities as well as campsites. Those camping for longer may rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. Information is provided about water routes suitable for the specific craft. There are fishing sites within the park where a person may catch Rainbow Trout, Speckles Trout, and Large & Smallmouth Bass. Several swimming beaches are available to cool off on hot days. There are eight walking trails, ranging from easy to moderate exertion. It is a Provincial Park that seems to have something for everyone. Had it not been bucketing with rain during our stay we would have explored several of the walking trails. As it was, we took the dog for a few short walks
and the cat stayed on site, generally in the trailer.
At Arrowhead, we were fortunate with visitors, but unfortunate with the weather. Win some; lose some.
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