Wednesday, June 04, 2014

BOONDOCKED ON THE BRUCE PENINSULA ALONGSIDE THE 3RD LARGEST FRESH WATER LAKE IN THE WORLD……'WOW’ :))

(This is Monday June 3rd’s post.  We have internet but not a strong enough signal to publish my post.  While on our explorations over the next few days I will watch for a WiFi hot spot to publish this)

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Checking our live weather radar first thing this morning we saw the rain front had missed us & moved East.  Despite ominous looking skies we loaded up the last of our stuff.  Seems strange heading off somewhere with two thirds of our bins empty.  Hooked up the Jeep & we had the big wheels rolling by 9:35 a.m.

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I had already picked out a nice traffic free scenic paved back roads route between Bayfield & the Bruce Peninsula & how nice it was on this beautiful early June morning just rolling leisurely through our southwestern rural country side.  Cloud shadows & sun splashes danced around us frolicking like happy little children dancing down the road ahead of us.  It all added to the magic of the morning.

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TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY ON THE BACK ROADS:))

Rolled through the little whistle-stops of Ben Miller, Carlow, Dungannon, Lucknow, Hollyrood, Kinloss, Glammis, Paisley, Dobbington, Tara, Allenford & Avenly.  Most of these places just consisted of maybe a few houses.  A stop in the village of Hepworth netted us a couple Tim Horton coffees, a leg stretch & a doggy walk.

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PHEEBS WATCHES FOR MOM & HERE SHE COMES NOW

Rolled right on through Wiarton Ontario which is known as the gateway to the Bruce.  Our destination was the Stokes Bay area about half way up the Peninsula.  Marianne from FRUGAL-RV-TRAVEL.COM had tipped us off on a possible boondocking site at Black Creek Provincial Park.  We had never heard of this place before & no wonder.  There are no signs anywhere telling one where it is.  We looked hard, were close, but it wasn’t until we stopped & asked a fellow that we found it at the end of a ‘no exit’ road.  Nice big beach here but no camping facilities.  Just a big turn around area & it is in that big turn around area where we are tonight.  Again a big thanks to Marianne for clueing us into this spot.

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WE KNOW BLACK CREEK IS AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE

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HAD A HARD TIME FINDING IT BUT AT LAST WE WERE THERE

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OUR SPOT FOR THE NIGHT……MAYBE LONGER

The drive from Bayfield to the Black Creek Provincial took us a little over 3 hours.  We are parked about 50 yards from the shoreline of Lake Huron.  White caps out on the bay are being chased inland by gusting winds coming in across the open  waters.  What a welcome change in temperature for us.  We had to scramble into our warm duds.  My biggest fear had been a hot & humid day but we needn’t have worried.  In fact we might even have to kick the furnace on a tad tonight.  Give me cooler weather any day:))

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VIEW FROM OUR SIDE DOOR LOOKING WEST

I was again soooooo pleased at how sweetly quiet & smooth this Triple E Commander drove today.  Despite heavy wind gusts we stayed the course & I think that is a combination of the Bilstein shocks, bigger 22.5 tires, rear air bags, & anti-sway equipment installed on the coach.  Just so happily satisfied with this rig’s overall road handling capabilities.

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Upon arriving at our secluded little spot alongside scenic Lake Huron we just kinda walked around with happy faces as we easily deployed a couple leveling jacks & configured the stationary coach  Unlike the Damon there was no chairs to move or tables to set up etc.  Just pop the 2 slides out, sit down, put our feet up & relax.  We again marveled at all the windows & how bright & cheery our roomy interior space was.  Even our side door’s window is clear & not frosted.  A blind can be deployed at night to cover it.   We could also walk around again without bumping into each other, no ducking down to enter the front driver/passenger area & lots of room on the couch for all three of us.  Kelly rustled up some grub & how nice to have a table to sit at again after about 5 years without one.  And in this coach the engine temperature while driving heats the hot water tank somehow so when we get to where we are going we already have hot water without the use of propane.  So nice to be back in a Class A again.  Are we happy campers??  Ya dam right we are:))))))))))))))))

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A school bus rolled in mid afternoon with a bunch of kids from a Celtic camp not far from here.  It’s a 3 day adventure for school kids around the area to experience the outdoors.  We watched as the organizers loaded a bunch in Kayaks & headed out into Myles Bay.  Others grouped up for a Yoga session on the beach while some just hung out around a few picnic tables.  A well behaved group.  Nice to see.

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HAPPY CAMPERS:))

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AND PHEEBS HAS LOTS OF ROOM TO PLAY WITH HER TOYS NOW

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KELLY SNAPPED THIS ONE OF PHEEBS CHECKING OUT THE SCENERY 

A school bus rolled in mid afternoon with a bunch of kids from a Celtic camp not far from here.  It’s a 3 day adventure for school kids around the area to experience the outdoors.  We watched as the organizers loaded a bunch in Kayaks & headed out into Myles Bay.  Others grouped up for a Yoga session on the beach while others just hung out around some picnic tables.  A well behaved group.  Nice to see.

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AND YEP ONE OF THEM DUMPED THEIR KAYAK….CAN YOU SAY ‘ICY COLD WATER

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EXERCISES ON THE BEACH

Other than a short walk along the windy shoreline we pretty much hung around the rig.  It was just nice to sit back, relax & take in the great Lake Huron shore stretched out before us.  Quite a change from our Arizona desert scenery.  I worked away at my post & edited another batch of photos.  Kelly caught up on her reading.  Soothing ambient music on Sirius Satellite Radio.

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Our heavy cloud cover cleared by late afternoon taking with them the gusting winds.  Nice to soak up a little sunshine without all that oppressive heat & humidity.

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GROANER'S CORNER:(( Senior Ads seen in a Florida newspaper.....…………..

MINT CONDITION:  Male, 1932 model , high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn't in running condition, but walks well.
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LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, looking for someone to round out a six-unit plot.  Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.
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SERENITY NOW:I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean,
yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let's get together, take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

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WINNING SMILE: Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a
dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.

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BEATLES OR STONES? I still like to rock, still like to cruise in my
Camaro on Saturday nights and still like to play the guitar. If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen, let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

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MEMORIES:  I can usually remember Monday through Thursday. If you
can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let's put our two heads together.
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FOXY LADY:Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4' (used to be 5'6'), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.

19 comments:

  1. Looks like a wonderful place to spend a few days. We love being close to the water.
    Enjoy!
    Kathi Boozer
    arlonboozer.com

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  2. Just reading your blog today made me feel good, seeing how much fun and good times you are having. Me thinks this will become a monthly adventure for you, such paradise. More pictures, please. It looks so peaceful.

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  3. Darn near an ocean view…that's a big lake.
    Box Canyon Mark

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  4. Everyone needs those once in a while getaways. The Hitch-itch starts to set in after you sit too long.
    If you need extra internet and don't want to pay for it. Most fast food places and even Timmy's have WiFi so you can prewrite your blog in a quiet setting then stop in for a snack or coffee to enjoy while you post.
    From Mark's comment I can tell he's never been around the Great Lakes.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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  5. You all look so happy to be in the new rig. I can't think of a better place to go for your first trip.

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  6. Great spot near the big pond. I like watching people exercise and Kayak also. That is a wonderful rig you have there.
    On my old rig the heater hose runs back to the water heater and then connects to a tightly wound pipe that covers the water heater tank. Then a big insulation blanket covers all of it. When we would do long drives, one of us would shower at the lunch stop and then the the other at the end of the day stop. The 8 gallon heater held enough hot water to do this. Nifty idea.

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  7. I think I have Boon-docking envy. Looks like an awesome spot. Have a grand time.

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  8. I'd love to be anywhere Lake Huron right now. I'll have to get out my Ontario map and check out all those towns and crossroads you're mentioning.

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  9. We also have boon docking envy! To say nothing of slide envy.

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  10. seems to me that the Bayfield Bunch is 'happy happy happy'! enjoy your time away!!

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  11. Al,
    Remember I entered my choice for the name of your new rig as " SWEEET RIDE " !!! I think that was very appropriate, don't you ???
    The maiden voyage is to such a beautiful spot .... And you all seem so relaxed and happy .... Had a good friend pass away today at 84 ....one of his best pieces is advice; " if it seems right, go for it " ... Sure glad you all went back to a class A that seems sooooo right for the three of you !!

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  12. A perfect spot to hang out. Love the Georgian Bay. Spen about 10 summers of my childhood on the water and along the shores of that wonderful part of the great lakes. Have fun.

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  13. And forgot to say I have explored almost every side road of the Bruce peninsula as well, such beautiful country.

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  14. The big windows and other features in the EEE look very much like our 35 Alfa, which is actually 36' long.

    I like the light feeling very much.

    Glad you have a chance to take her out.

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  15. Thanks for pointing this spot out Al. Looks like you're having a great relaxation episode.

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  16. Thank you for all the small town names. This route fanatic really enjoys following how you GET from 'A' to 'B' not just that you went from here to there.

    "There are no signs anywhere telling one where it is. Just a big turn around area & it is in that big turn around area where we are tonight." That sound like a boondock spot to me and would be a very apt description of those places that you found in the Southwest.

    You have a double posted paragraph of "A school bus...."

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  17. I confess. I'm green with envy, but I'm so happy that you and Kelly are enjoying your Class A and traveling. I have many happy memories traveling and living in one, too, so your words bring back many happy memories.

    I don't know how many times I can say how beautiful your pictures are, but you just outdo yourself every single post. Thank you for sharing.

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  18. A friendly reminder for people reading this post. Camping at Black Creek Provincial park is prohibited

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