Always worthwhile getting the annual pass for Busch Gardens. The season ticket types have changed. Be certain to renew in person for the best deals: seniors discount and a discount for renewing.
The Christmas Town sites, shows and sounds were amazing.
Christmas on Ice fantasy skating at the Moroccan Palace:
Stanleyville Theatre Christmas carols:
As well as all the other amazing sights on site:
One of my favorite places to go walking in Florida. Free entrance and free parking. There is a water feature for young children, a playground, picnic areas and tennis courts. The birds aren’t afraid of people so it’s a photographers’ paradise. Sunday afternoons the snowbirds set-up and play music.
Squirrels looking for treats greet visitors.
Ibis are plentiful.
The majestic Woodstorks love to pose.
Little blue heron or tri-colored heron fish in the shallow waters.
This is the first time I’ve seen the black bellied whistling (tree) ducks.
Anhinga or snake birds hang their wings to dry.
Great white egret, cattle egret, white peacock butterflies and monk parakeets were also spotted today.
Tuesday after Canadian Thanksgiving and not another kayak to be seen on the Old Ausable Channel.
The stillness broken only by the geese warning each other that someone is here.
A Blue Heron doesn’t move on it’s perch.
Turtles admire their reflection.
There are several different boat lines that will take you from the main land to the island. The glass bottom boats cruise down Big Tub Harbour so you can get a view of the sunken ships.
On-leash dogs are welcome on the boats and throughout the park.
Once you land on Flower Pot Island you’re in for a wonderful hike. Be certain to take water and snacks. The distance may not seem very far, but the terrain is challenging. I only saw 1 small garter snake and it was much too fast for me to get a picture.
The walk from the dock to the flower pots:
Amazing walk to the lighthouse and observation deck:
The Loop trail is very challenging with steep stairs and large rocks. Rickie was fine going up the stairs but wouldn’t go down.
Marl Bed Trail was the last trail Rickie and I hiked going to the far end of the island and past the campsites. I think I’ll add camping on the island during a full moon to my bucket list. Backpack only. No campfires are permitted. But you get a private waterfront platform site.
The perfect way to spend one of the last days of Summer.
We made the most of our day pass to the Bruce National Park hiking to the Grotto in the afternoon then to Singing Sands to watch the sunset. Bruce National Park is Dog friendly so be certain to take your leash and your dog to enjoy the hiking.
Singing Sands was now open with it’s renovations and new boardwalk. Watching the sunset was well worth the return trip to Tobermory, Ontario.
Always an amazing tour to attend. Starting with the purchase of tickets at the Middlesex County Library:
There were a total of 8 gardens to visit this year.
Jerry & Kathy Pawitch
525 Dewan St, Strathroy ON
Jim & Cheryl Losch
49 King St., Strathroy ON
Joe Eagleson and John Van Geel
7 McKay Street, Poplar Hill
Jim and Mary Copeland
62 Hickory Blvd. West, Strathroy ON
Joyce Callcott
377 Beattie St, Strathroy
Bruce and Barb Fonger
249 Park Street, Strathroy ON
Larry & Marlene Dejonckheere
23693 McEvoy Rd., Mt. Brydges ON
Charlie Eliot
2248 Gore Street, Mt. Brydges ON
The hot hazing days of summer are just starting and made for a perfect early morning walk through the Strathroy Conservation Area.
My dog Rickie enjoyed the walk and our adventure chasing the sunbeams.
We were even lucky enough to see a deer in the field.
Then back home to enjoy the garden.
A quick trip to visit Big Tub Lighthouse and the Bruce Trail. Shopping at the local stores. Then sitting on the back porch where a Red Squirrel demanded more peanuts. The Canadian Geese were looking for bread, Mallard Ducks posed and an early morning Blue Heron was fishing.
Lady slippers were among the flowers that adorned the roadside for a couple of perfect days to welcome the beginning of Summer in Tobermory Ontario.
We tried to go to Singing Sands beach, but construction of the new boardwalk meant we weren’t able to access the area. Across the road we found Purple Pitcher Plants in bloom. I’ve never seen these amazing plants and flowers before so plant identification came after we were home. I’m looking forward to my next visit to walk on the new boardwalk.
We ended our visit by going to probably the only sandy beach in Tobermory.
My favourite season, spring is finally here in Strathroy, Ontario.
Walking along the trails at Strathroy Conservation Area, Trilliums are finally starting to bloom and everything is turning green.
At home the signs of spring are just as beautiful.
Be certain to add this State Park to your “Places to See”.
What a deal. Only $13.50 for adults for the day at Weeki Wachee State Park. Included in your entrance fee are 4 amazing attractions:
