The plan was to use their watercraft so I wouldn't have to haul up #thepurplecanoe for the day. We arrived in the afternoon Thursday and proceeded to secure the canoe and kayaks onto the roof.
Ready to go - looks like it can fly.
The next morning we managed to get out by about 8:30. Sandwiches for lunch, hot dogs for supper, packed, along with lots of water and juice. Of course the one thing I never thought of bringing was an extra set of clothes. It would have been prudent in this case. We made a pit stop in Gananoque at Tim's. As you can see the hot chocolate I was drinking didn't want to stay in the cup. NO backup t-shirt!
Suggestions 'poured' in - rinse it in the water, wear your lifejacket without the shirt and hopefully it will dry. I decided a much easier, although somewhat costly solution, was to buy a t-shirt from the office when we got to the park. So that is what happened. Everyone else also decided to purchase a shirt. Registration done, we headed over to Shady Ridge and the beach launch. Found a parking spot, undid the canoe and kayaks and before you could say "I love CharlestonLkPP" we were paddling our way to the far side of Whitefish Island. The sky was overcast and the water flat. It looked like it could rain but it wasn't yet. Funny, because a few days ago, the forecast had said sun and clouds for today.
There was no plan to go for a big long paddle this time, it was just paddling around the shore of the island and relaxing a bunch taking in the sights. After awhile, it became apparent that there was a lack of bugs - mosquitoes and deer flies were absent - puzzling but we weren't complaining in the least. Every little while it would sprinkle but it wasn't heavy enough to get you wet.
Couldn't help but notice though, that every time it sprinkled it lasted longer and was just a bit heavier. We were not deterred. Watched a mink running along the shore but couldn't get the camera focused soon enough. Seems to be my nemesis, that mink. Paddled over to a smaller rock island that is half park and half privately owned and was amazed by the number of red ants scurrying about - the place was quickly ruled out for our lunch picnic. Ended up going over to a picnic table over near the dog swimming area.
After a stretch and sandwiches it was back on the water. It was still smooth and the sky was overcast with a wee bit of drizzle in the air. We paddled, pausing quite a bit along the shoreline. My mind was clear - there is no better way to recharge and refocus than to have a commune with Mother Nature. 
The drizzle was getting a bit more steadier now and around 4pm we headed back. It took awhile to get everything back up to the van and secured, then it was off to the day use area for a bbq. The drizzle forced us to bbq right by the van and eat inside. We had hoped to take a walk out to the boardwalk and decided to go for it.
Wasn't much to see and we didn't have time to hang around and see what would show up because just after we got to the boardwalk the drizzle changed to rain and it really wanted to get us soaked. Except for the open spaces, we received a lot of protection from the tree canopy overhead.
I guess all good days wind up sooner or later... the rain followed us half way home and then it was gone. Another great day with good friends and I will always smile contently when I look at my 'newly acquired' #OntarioParks t-shirt and reminisce about the day it entered my collection.
Thank you Ontario Parks and Coleman for "Healthy Parks Healthy People" day. Hopefully others were inspired to get outside and visit a park
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