Author: JOYE

I am a single woman in her sixties still setting goals and working to achieve them. My kids are grown and doing their own thing. Swimming is both my passion and my chosen favourite form of exercise. I have two cats, love to read, colour and craft. Reading is great, except then I don't leave the house! So, read on as I share with you my journey, through my blog, of my goal to travel across Canada and swim at the 10 Best Beaches in Canada!

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches-Sauble Beach – Beach #6- Accomplished

July 2021

For all of us that call this part of Ontario home with Georgian Bay to the north, London to the west, Kingston to the East and Niagara Falls to the south, we are very blessed to have Lake Ontario, Lake Huron. Lake Erie in our backyard.

We also have 4 of the Best Beaches of Canada on our doorstep and a 2 hour drive from home. There is Sandbanks in Prince Edward County, Wasaga Beach in Collingwood, Singing Sands Beach in Tobermory and Sauble Beach in Owen Sound.

As a warm slightly overcast day as today is, the roads leading to Sauble Beach were packed with families, teenagers, friends etc all descending on Lake Huron to enjoy this beach and all of its amenities. We all were just “itching” to get back to normal. I was one of those people too. As I scoured the roads along the beach path, looking for a place to park, I had some concerns and anxiety that maybe I would not be able to accomplish my goal. Everyone in Ontario was here, it seemed!

Finally, I found a spot on the road. I parked my car and purchased a 2 hour digital parking pass. I grabbed my bag and searched out a place to change into my swim suit.

I had to pack light, as there would be no one watching my things while I went into the water. So only the bare minimum…..

I spread out my beach towel and perused the sandy beach looking for someone or a family, that I could approach to help me with my task.

I found such a family and after a few minutes chatting, the mom and I headed out to the water.

My phone was safely stored inside a waterproof phone case and we got ready to film…..In I went!

After a few circles and dunks underneath and some waves out to my photographer, I walked out of the water. Another beach done! I thanked my volunteer and wished her and her family a pleasant day.

I changed back into my driving clothes and gave up my parking spot to someone else eager to enjoy Sauble Beach for the day.

Next stop – Sauble Falls another #ontarioparks location.

I headed home on Tuesday July 20. Once I reached home, I checked the odometer and was surprised to see that I had driven over 1450 kilometres on this 6 day road trip through southwestern Ontario.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Stay tuned as I plan for 2 more Canadian beaches in 2022 – Singing Sands in Tobermory and Sandbanks in Prince Edward County.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Ont Road Trips – Outings #12- Harrison Park, Inglis Falls

July 19, 2021

My final full day in Owen Sound and it would be filled with park exploration, water fall sights and lake swims.

As has been my habit for most of my life, I was awake and up early. This would bode well for me today, as I had lots to do – lots of driving, lots of walking, sightseeing and swimming to get done.

I packed some nutritous snacks, stopped in at Tim’s for my favourite breakfast sandwich and coffee and headed to Harrison Park – a recommendation from the owner of my motel.

I discovered within this park a dedication to the Black History of Owen Sound:

After short snack break, I left the park and made my way to #InglisFalls, one of the waterfalls from #waterfallsofontario.

Now time to head to Sauble Beach, to conquer another location from my list!

Lo and behold, as I drove along the road to the Beach, look what I found! I had to stop in of course…..

I bought a coffee and a sandwich, some dutch licorice and mentos, and made my way to Sauble Beach.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Ontario Road Trips, Outings #11- July 2021

July 18, 2021

This is travel day to Owen Sound.

After stopping in to see the Liberation Monument, in Goderich, I made my way south back towards Grand Bend. I was blessed with another bright, sunny and blue sky day and wanted to soak in as much of the warm weather as possible. I stopped into a small town bakery near Clinton, then drove to the Village of Bayfield for a stroll along their picturesque Main Street.

Back on the road and an opportunity to add another #ontariopark to my list of accomplished sites – this one #macgregorpointprovpark.

The park was very busy – lots of families gathered on the beach. I couldn’t find a quiet spot for myself, so I did a quick walk and headed back to my car.

I stopped into a local tim’s for coffee and some lunch, then onto destination #owensound and my hotel #innon6th.

A quick dip was just what I needed. No one else in the water and I could revel in the quietness and the sounds all around.

Tomorrow I swim at Sauble Beach! Another one off my list.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman- Cdn Vacations-Road Trips – Goderich 2021

July 2021

Sat July 17 – I wrapped up my short 2 day excursion in Leamington and prepared the car for my trip to Goderich and Owen Sound. I picked up some groceries and snacks yesterday. I checked out of the motel and got on the road.

First stop was in Kingsville where I stopped into the Dutch Boys Chocolate store #dutchboyschocolate. I chatted with the owner, Cor, picked up some delectable truffles and bid him “tot ziens”.

My next stop was the Pelee Island Winery, where I bought two of their local wines, to enjoy when I got to my hotel, in Goderich.

It is now almost noon and the skies are blue once again and the sun is shining.

I was relieved to have a working driver side window again, as of last weekend, it was malfunctioning and I had it repaired the day before my vacation.

The drive northeast would take about 3 hours and I was in no hurry – I had all day to enjoy the scenery and the quiet roads and the 80/hour speed limit. I stopped in Chatham for a pit stop and a mid day coffee and got back on the road. After a couple of hours of solitary and scenic driving, I arrived in Grand Bend- home to Pinery Provincial Park and a few lovely beaches. I was eager to get to the hotel, out of the drivers seat and into a swim suit. First though a sit down meal.

I arrived at the Comfort Inn Hotel and with a recommendation from the manager, headed to the waterfront for dinner at the infamous #beachstreetstation restaurant. I enjoyed a well prepared fish and chips dinner and a cocktail.

Then a stroll along St. Christopher’s Beach boardwalk. Its so nice to see so many people out and about enjoying the views, the sun and blue skies.

I returned to my hotel, donned my swim suit and headed to the hotel’s indoor pool.

I touched on this non event, in one of my other posts – Canadians being a hearty bunch when it came to tolerating the cold waters of our lakes and ocean. This was the one time I could not enjoy the water – far too cool still…..

Tomorrow’s adventures will take me on a tour of the surrounding towns of Goderich and Grand Bend.

Stay tuned

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn vacations – Outings #10 – Edmonton, AB

August 2019

With only a few days to explore Edmonton, after my beach swim at Devonshire, I spent one afternoon strolling along the downtown shops and even discovered that donairs are popular here too, not just in Nova Scotia.

As I made my way back to my hotel, I stopped into the local aircraft museum.

The next day, was cloudy and overcast, so I hopped into my SUV and decided to get my steps in at West Edmonton Mall….well then, I certainly got my steps in!!! This complex is MASSIVE. I could not have fathomed previously just how huge this place was – a full swimming/wave pool, complete with water slides, the movie theatre, on the second level, with at least 6 different screens, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant ( Forrest Gump fame) and of course, the PIRATE Ship!!! right smack dab in the middle of the mall.

Now I’d seen everything! I picked up some souvenirs for the kids, stopped for a coffee and cinnamon bun and left the mall.

I also discovered a local community centre near by with public swimming, so I stopped in, paid $10 and enjoyed a refreshing, leisurely swim to give my tired feet a break.

Tomorrow I would head home, courtesy of Westjet Airlines.

Another beach done, along with a short interesting exploration of another beautiful province, Alberta.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn vacations – Outings #9- Edmonton, AB

August 2019

The hotel shuttle driver collected my bags on the morning of Aug 13 and we made our way to the Via Rail Station. We even had time to grab a Tim’s coffee and a small box of timbits for him and his co-workers at the hotel.

Waiting to head to the Via Rail station
Dome Car – great for additional sightseeing opportunities

You can read more about this train experience in my earlier post entitled Via Rail Excursions #3.

En route to Edmonton, AB

I arrived in Edmonton, shortly after dinner and hailed a cab to the local hotel.

I spent only 4 days in Edmonton before my flight home on August 17.

Stay tuned as I share some of the experiences and adventures while in Alberta.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn Vacations – Outings #8 – Saskatchewan

August 2019

This trip would be a solo journey and as I only had one week for vacation, I flew to Saskatchewan but would take the train from there to Edmonton, AB.

As has been my commitment to support local businesses, my first nights hotel stay was at the Park Town Hotel in Saskatoon.

Park Town Hotel

The next morning, I collected my rental car and made my way to Watrous, home of Manitou Springs Resort. The waters used in the pool come from the Lake and are believed to have healing benefits due to the natural therapeutic sales and mineral contents.

Manitou Springs Resort
Lake Manitou

Over the next few days, I would relax at the resort and enjoy the indoor pools. I also completed my beach swim in Lake Manitou.

pools at Manitou Springs Resort

I took one day to drive to Regina for a tour of Stone Hall Castle. That was quite the 2 hour drive – not a Tim Horton’s around until I got into the city…. I was craving my medium sized Tim’s…..lol..

Stone Hall Castle

While researching ideas and activities to do in Saskatchewan, I came across a page about the “Crooked Bush” phenomenon -https://www.canadianbucketlist.com/experiences/crookedbush/.

Crooked Bush Sign

Thinking this would be interesting and would make for a fun story, I decided to search for this location while in the province.

I made my way to Hafford and took a short walk along the boardwalk.

And so ended my short trip to Saskatchewan – the next day I would board my Via Rail cabin for 1 for the 8 hour trip to Edmonton, AB and the swim at Devonshire Beach, Lesser Slake Lake.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn Vacations – Outings #7 -East Coast 2018

August 2018

I recognize that I’m bouncing back and forth with my dates and my trips from the last few years. There is a method to my madness ( one of my favourite sayings) and these posts will make more sense as I expand on my adventures. I’ll need to segue to other topics as, soon my beach swimming posts will be complete.

This post is about the trip to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI, with my BFF. I would complete the beaches in New Brunswick and PEI.

Stacey and I only had 4 full days of exploration time during this trip. We arrived by train in Moncton, NB on the Monday and would return to Ontario, via Air Canada flight on the Friday.

So with so little time available to us and so much time needed for driving, we visited the following places:

Magnetic Hill Winery, we drove backward up the Magnetic Hill (which the blue beast did all on its own!), we visited Hopewell Rocks after the tide had left, we toured Halifax and visited the Titanic Museum (which had personal significance for her), we visited the Pier 21 Immigration Museum, I swam at Singing Sands Beach and Parlee Beach and we even visited a lady in PEI who taught us how to make bracelets with sea stones. We spent an hour in Charlottetown and for dinner we tried the infamous Donair pizzas. I drove across the Confederation Bridge from Nova Scotia to PEI and then back again, while Stacey took pictures of the stunning sunset as it settled over the water on either side of the bridge.

As we made out way into Nova Scotia, we stopped in at the Visitor Centre and asked for directions to the town where Viola Desmond was born. Alas, no time to make that journey.

Pier 21 Immigration Museum
Magnetic Hill Winery New Brunswick
Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn Vacations – Outings #6 – Liberation Park

July 18, 2021

I’m already halfway through my short road trip and today I’m in Goderich.

The drive to #OwenSound will only take about 1 1/2 hours, so today was a local exploration day. Then a leisurely drive north on hwy 21 to Owen Sound and my final hotel stay, at #Innon6th.

I had a continental breakfast at the hotel, checked out around 11 am and made my way to the centre of Goderich.

I discovered previously in my tourist research, a dedication park , celebrating the Liberation of the Netherlands from Germany, was located in Goderich. I had to check this out on behalf of my parents.

#LiberationMemorialPark Goderich, ON

My parents belonged to a choir, in the late 1980’s, known as the #Liberationchoir and they performed throughout Ontario and traveled to the Netherlands to perform with dozens of other choirs for this same purpose.

Just as I cherished my earlier visit to #Pier21 in Halifax, NS to see the passenger manifest of when my dad came to Canada, being able to walk through this memorial was equally important to me.

With this visit complete, it was time to get on the road.

Next stop – Owen Sound and #Innon6.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s passion – Canadians are a hearty bunch

July 2021

After being on the road for most of the day with blue skies and sunshine, I arrived at my stop over hotel in Goderich, ON. This hotel boasted an indoor pool and I was thrilled to be able to go for a swim later that evening.

Well, as most hotel chains were just starting to re-open after many lockdowns, getting the pool water to the right temperature takes more than turning on the heater that afternoon.

I returned to my room, after dinner at the #BeachStreetStation restaurant, donned my swim suit, and headed to the pool. Well then, the temperature left a lot to be desired and I found myself unable to submerge myself in the water – it was frigid cold…..not “polar dip” lake cold, but uncomfortable enough that I could not enjoy it. So I would have to wait until my lake swim at #SaubleBeach, before I could revel in the warm, therapeutic, calming effects of the water.

I’ve spent my entire life in the water- as children, we were blessed to have an outdoor pool in our backyard, summers were spent at Bluewater Beach and/or #WasagaBeach on #GeorgianBay, indoor pools at our fitness gyms and most recently at our community centres, where I’ve been a regular lap swimmer for the last 13 years. The average temperature of these pools is usually around 85 degrees celsius….

For many years, in spring and fall, my bff’s and I would travel north to the #ScandinaveSpa to enjoy the scenery, the wooded areas, the saunas, hot tub, steam rooms and the lovely lounge areas in front of the wood burning stove.

Only two of my lovely friends, had the courage and gumption, to jump into and submerge themselves completely in the Nordic waterfall or the cold plunge bath. Nope, I could not do it – I headed to right to the Hot Baths…..lol…

Most of the lakes in Canada are not the warmest and unless our summers are super warm, the temperature rises to about 20 – 22 degrees celsius. So, we’ve all learned to cope with it……eg – those that take the plunge in Lake Ontario for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Ice dip…..not this Canadian…..sorry…

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye