Bruce – the Peninsula

Try saying “Chi-Cheemaun” 5 times fast. Doesn’t it just make you want to dance? It means “big canoe” and suits its bearer perfectly well. The Chi-Cheemaun ferry takes cars and passengers from Manitoulin Island to the nautical Cape Cod-ish town of Tobermory at the north end of Bruce Peninsula and I’ve heard it’s a lovely trip. I can vouch for the ride but as for the lovely part, I’m sorry to say that thick fog prevented us from seeing much. The two hour ride allowed me time to catch up on my hand-quilting so all was not lost.

 Our daily trip to the market, this time in Tobermory, felt like something out of a New England novel: a sensory feast of sorts with a collection of whitewashed store fronts selling fish, shells, diving lessons, fudge, chocolate and ice cream. The crowds were tremendous too with more people than we have seen in two weeks!

We spent most of the afternoon hiking the Bruce Peninsula National Park along the Niagara Escarpment, which is lined with craggy shores, 1000 year old cedars and the clear waters of Georgian Bay. It’s strange to me to encounter such an extensive body of water (and very little life at the beach) that lacks the scent of the sea. We are undeniably old salts and will feel more at home when the ocean is near.

I have included a photo of our campsite as it’s just too pretty not to share. These little ones were returning a turtle they caught this afternoon to his home for bedtime. Oh, the joys of living out of doors!

Yesterday was my parents’ 51^st wedding anniversary and I know you will agree with me that that’s quite an accomplishment. Hats off to you both and Happy Anniversary!

On another happy note, we send love and kisses to our great niece Lila on her very 1^st birthday. Happy, Happy Birthday, sweetie!