Ontario

It was a perfect time to visit. Both May and June turned out their best with weather that was close to that of early winter season in South Africa. Temperatures ranged from a low of 12C to a high of 30C.  The 30C was accompanied by the infamous Central Canadian humidity i.e. 80% but that was only for three days in May and 2 in June. The rest of the time the humidity dropped and the days were punctuated with crystal clear skies and trade wind style clouds.  Who could complain?

So here is a little collection of photos from our Ontario sojourn

Connie’s grandparent’s old pig house set in the heart of the backwaters of the Rideau                                                       on Westport Mountain

I know the picture above is a ruse. No we didn’t get snow but just thought I would chill your enthusiasm for sunny days with a photo of another photo to show the flip side of Ontario’s weather.

                          We love the old stone houses of eastern Ontario (Seeley’s Bay)

With prices in Ontario still reasonableit  is hard to not look at a small cottage for retirement but I don’t think we’ll ever be able to handle their winters.

                                       The quiet and peaceful Perth park

But then who can resist this bucolic scene. With sunshine and water flowing it’s hard not to be tempted by the thousands of streams flowing in all directions.

           Collingwood, on the banks of the Georgian Bay, is cottage country

Yes, the Ontario country side is filled with cottages but in May/June there aren’t many people around.

             Some of the old barns have been turned into artists’ studios 

Cottage country is also retirement country. With house prices in Toronto skyrocketing to unforeseen heights people are flocking to the towns a little further north. People are turning old barns into anything from pottery studios to Airbnb revenue generators.

                 One of the many cycle paths to the north of Toronto

One can cycle for 100s of miles along dedicated pathways throughout central north-western Ontario. Some are old railway tracks and others newly forged trails to attract adventurers.

              Coyotes on the cycle path that runs right behind my brother’s house

Yes, urban areas are not free of Canadian wildlife. While sitting in the backyard of my brother and his wife’s home 2 wolves sauntered by salivating at their newly purchased puppy.  Ummm, just another tasty urban morsel.

                                                    And these are truly vicious

Yes, this one almost bit my bike tire.

                                                            Gladioli season

                                                     The hard work on the farm

                                              A labour of love in Thornbury

And it’s the beginning of the flower season and the planting of crops to harvest in the fall. Everywhere the country explodes in new growth racing to take advantage of the warming weather and getting a head start on a short season.

                                                                   Salsa Blue

And yes, it’s the season for festivals. They come in all sorts, colours and sizes.  This was Salsa Blue at Blue Mountain with food, bands, drinks and crafts all free of charge