Landon's Bay - 1000 National Park

 

After a quick breakfast stop at a quaint little spot called Gray's beach, I headed east on a recent road trip passed a large sign "Landon's Bay - 1000 Island Nati

onal Park" and decided to pull off  the 1000 Island Parkway between Mallorytown and Ganonoque to have a look.  

The entrance to the park was closed off, but there were a few cars parked along the side of the front gate, so I did the same.  Not sure what to expect, I brought my camera along. 

I ended up spending a couple of hours here checking out the some of the trails.  The Donevan trail was by far my favourite with mythical features like hand-laid stone walls and bridges and an old 'wishing tree' like something out of a story book.  

The Landon's Bay 1000 Islands Tower which stretches 400 feet above the horizon of Hill Island,  Ontario is unfortunately closed off due to COVID, but you are still able to find enough of a view in the area.  I was told by a fellow hiker that the area used to be a campground, but I figured since it is so close to Hwy 401, it wouldn't make for a good night's sleep with the noise, so probably the reason that phased out.

Overall, this was definitely worth checking out and glad I did.  There are plenty of signs to get around, but I'd suggest more might improve the experience.  It's pretty unique here and in it's entirety is encompasses over 225 acres of forested walking trails.  I'd definitely recommend if you are passing by.

Heart Lake Conservation Area

Another birthday went by without being able to celebrate it in an ordinary fashion - but we did enjoy takeout in the car and discovered this little gem in Brampton/Etobicoke  called Heart Lake Conservation Area .  Despite the gloomy weather, it was still a great walk.  The parks may not be open for cars, but they still monitor the closing hours and we were fast approaching that.

Here are a few pictures I took while we were there though.  You'll have to go yourself and see it through your own camera lens!

Heart Lake is a gorgeous spot to visit and seems to have a bit of everything for everyone.  over 415 acres of parkland which includes the Etobicoke watershed, blocks of forest, and a beautiful spot of water (which if you look at it from an aerial view) is in the shape of a heart.  

courtesy of www.brampton.com website

 

The park opens in the April up until October and offers public fishing, hiking, swimming and even treetop trekking (which I've never tried and looks pretty dangerous from the pictures I've seen on their website).

We saw a few others around, but the park itself is closed to the public due to COVID, but there's a lot close by.

I think the most exciting for me anyways thing that I saw was a large snapping turtle who just froze as I approached it.  In fact, I didn't know what it was at first, but I knew it was something worth checking out.

When I got closer, I noticed it's eyes flinched and his head slowly turned to look at me.  I have to admit although he is slower than a sloth, it still spooked me a bit but I am sure he is a lot kinder than he looks! 

As the weather approaches summer, this would be a good spot to have a picnic as there are several great locations with picnic settings.  You'll have to check out the tree trekking!  

Scenic Falls - Chedoke trail

We went to Hamilton's Chedoke trail for a change of scenery from Toronto.  I personally went for a challenge to ascend that 300+step staircase I remember I used to have so much difficulty with.  

During the COVID pandemic, some of my work colleagues have complained about gaining so much weight.  For me - it was quite the opposite for I used this time at home to improve my fitness level.  Nothing too intense, but a lot weight resistance training, stretches and a bit of cardio was all I did usually on a daily basis just to keep myself active and alert. 

 

We parked the car at the Paradise parking lot and descended the staircase to catch the Chedoke trail at the bottom.  Heading towards Scenic Falls I was really hoping to see some flow this time as I had never been here when there was enough to see.   

Through the trees I noticed some young hikers bounding the broken bridge hopping from one end to the other, looking way down at the cliff below taking risks as young people sometimes do.

I could hear the quiet rush of the water and knew that this time I would get lucky.  Standing to one side of the 65 foot (20 metre) waterfall, I didn't like the angle from above, so I knew I would have to make my way to the bottom if I wanted to get a half way descent shot without the trees in the way.

A few shots without a tripod and up I went climbing the hill to the top.  We did a final loop around to top a bit, but the weather was getting greyer and I was afraid the skies would open up on us.

We made our way back towards the car and now for the moment of truth.  There I stood at the bottom of the steel staircase that once was so grueling for me - I did the first 100 steps without stopping.  I rested on the platform to take a swig of water and to catch my breath - but in no time I was working my way to the top again which seemed surprisingly close.  All in all it wasn't a piece of cake but it was miles easier than I remembered it.    I sat in my car feeling quite proud - and hey I scored another picture for my waterfall collection to boot.

Remember the secret to happiness is progress.  Happy trails

East Point Bird Sanctuary and Nature trail

We went for a nice evening walk after dinner to the East Point Bird Sanctuary the other night to get out and watch the sunset.  East Point Park (and Bird Sanctuary) together is one of Toronto's largest parkland areas along the City's east waterfront. 

It is a migratory staging area for monarch butterflies and over 178 species of birds. There are trails to explore and the park offers a two level softball centre pavilion, washrooms, showers, change-rooms, umpire room, indoor lounge and outdoor patio.  

We passed and greeted a handful of fellow nature lovers.  Even during these unprecedented times of the COVID pandemic, you need to explore nature and fill your lungs and head up with the fresh outdoors.  

In fact, the air quality has never been better since air transportation has been reduced substantially.  As well, if one of the outcomes of this virus results in the reduction if not the complete elimination of Cruise Ship travel with its disastrous affects on our oceans and marine life, it will be something good that comes from this incursion of illness that has plagued many around the world.

For many millions of us we have been fortunate enough to have never lived through a world war, famine, fire, plagues or diseases.  This year has been an emotional, physical and financial meltdown for so many.  

My husband and I have supported the local restaurant businesses within our community as well as the surrounding areas and commended the restrictive reopening of so many hard working men and women who are trying to stay afloat during these times.

Many of the family businesses we have known have since closed it's doors.  My husband has had to update the aycetoronto food blog many times to keep up with the closures.  We've lost many businesses like Tuckers and Frankie Tomatoes that have been around for over 30 years.  But through this all I have seen so much support and kindness for each other.  In fact I believe that through hardship and pain, lives the true spirit and strength in people they never realized they had.  

This is why it is so important to try and find some enjoyment in life that comes at a low cost.  Nature is free.  Enjoy it.  There are heroes living in all of us.

Happy trails!