Tag: Napanee

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches – Sandbanks – Beach #8 Accomplished

July 14, 2023

Another glorious day, hot and blue skies! Not that I really like the heat, but as long as I’ve got an abundance of bottled water, a/c in the car and a pool or lake nearby, I’m good!

As I’ve done on my other summer beach road trips, I chose a local motel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn for my stay. The motel boasted a lovely small kidney shaped outdoor pool in the back and a local family owned restaurant across the street. With only 4 days taken for this short beach vacation, I had a lot of driving to do and a lot of exploring and walking to do…LOL..

With my Ontario Parks Daily Vehicle Permit pass already in the car and with my parking spotty guaranteed, off I went in search of sun, sand and beach. This beach – #SandbanksProvincialPark is VERY VERY busy in the summer. By the time I had arrived, the entrance to the park was 100 cars deep.

I unloaded my stuff from the car and hauled it all, first to the restroom to get changed and then to the beach to get settled. The place was packed! I settled in for a bit and then made my way out to the water. Having accepted that not all beach shorelines are created equal and that Wasaga Beach is one of the few, where one does not have to navigate and tip toe over thousands of tiny stones before one can enter the water, I donned my water shoes and headed in……Glorious!!! to say the least.

I swam for a bit to get a feel for the water and to cool off, most definitely!

I returned to my chair to grab my phone and waterproof phone case and now went in search of someone or a group of swimmers, willing to record my swim.

I came across a group of 5 women, frolicking in the water and who clearly were all best friends. I introduced myself, told them my story and asked for their help.

They were more than happy to oblige. Here we go!!

Sandbanks Beach now complete!

I thanked these lovely ladies and made my way back to my chair. It was now mid afternoon, the sun was blazing, and with not a cloud in the sky, I was feeling the heat. Plus my phone battery was low and I still had to drive back to Napanee, I worried too that having my phone in a dark hot duffle bag, may affect its systems.

I bid adieu to the ladies and made my way to the car. I kept my swimsuit on, with a t-shirt overtop and drove back to the motel.

Once I got changed and freshened up, I went for a drive through town and found a local Tim Horton’s and indulged in a coffee while sitting inside enjoying the view outside.

Tomorrow – a few additional Ontario Parks to explore.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacation- Road Trip July 2023

July 2023

Last years whirlwind vacation was hectic to say, none the least, with the planning, re-arranging, potential Via Rail strike, delays, cancellations, fires, etc.

So this year’s planned 4 day road trip, seemed rather, well, anti-climatic. This trip would only involve driving, eating, walking and swimming. I was only required to drive there, tour around, swim and drive home…. However, the accomplishment of swimming at Sandbanks Beach, in Picton Ontario, took me almost 4 years to complete.

The initial plan was to complete this beach in 2020, after Lake Manitou and Devonshire in 2019. But, we all suffered through the worst pandemic in our lifetime and we were all encouraged to stay home.

Here we are though! I did it! This road trip would not be complete without exploring a few more Ontario Parks – #Lakeonthemountain, #Presqu’ile, #CharlestonLake and #Sandbanks (of course).

With driving anxiety still something I struggle with and as this trip would take me from Mississauga all the east past Kingston, ON, I opted to travel on the toll highway 407 – its quicker, quieter, cleaner, well maintained and not all the trucks, transports, buses, motorcycles that clog up the 401.

Once on the 407, I engaged the cruise control at 105 km and enjoyed my coffee and the scenery.

I arrived in Brockville for my first vacation excursion – the Brockville Railway Tunnel.

Entrance to Brockville Railway Tunnel

After close to 4 hours of driving, I desperately needed to stretch my legs and this would be just the place for me!

The walk from one end to the other and then back too no more than 30 minutes but oh so interesting! I snapped a few photos about the history and the construction aspect, as I knew my dad would enjoy those.

I made my way to their local Tim’s for a coffee and got back into the car. Time to head back west and check into my hotel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn.

I finally arrived at the hotel just after 530 pm – I’d been on the road since 10 am this morning! Time for a sit down meal and a swim.

I had the benefit of a local family type restaurant #tammyscountrykitchen across the street and made my way there.

After dinner, I hauled the suitcase, the bags and the cooler out of the car. My room was right there – very convenient when one’s feet are tired…..lol…

I donned my suit, grabbed a towel and walked around to the back of the property and went for a quick dip…….ah SO REFRESHING and much needed.

Time to call it a night. Tata!!

Tomorrow: Sandbanks and one more beach off the list. Forecast is 27 degrees and sunny. Perfect weather for a beach stroll and a swim.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye