The Insatiable Explorer – Cornwall Outdoor Club

I married an explorer, a man who reads maps for fun.This is why I will never know my way home when returning from a trip. We never take the same route twice or so it seems; that, plus I have a tendency to fall asleep in the passenger seat. A husband who might have been an adventure tour guide in a previous life (if you believe in that sort of thing) means that there is usually an ulterior motive behind our travel destinations, i.e. scouting areas for Outdoor Club events. Not that I mind. I know that whatever and wherever it is, it will be memorable.

Our first vacation of 2020 is no exception. We are camping at Presqu’Ile Provincial Park, as its name implies, a campground on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Ontario in all its glory. There are no shortages of areas to swim here on a hot day if you can get past the breaking waves. There are beautiful spots to enjoy sunrises or sunsets which we do every single day, at times forsaking a campfire. A shared road around the point is perfect for an easy scenic bike ride and if that isn’t challenging enough, a ride in the drumlins (oval hills formed by glaciers eons ago) will solve that by taking you up and down through sections of the Waterfront Trail, the vineyards, and the Apple Route. Did you know that we are right on the edge of the Butter Tart Tour Route? Yes, it’s a thing, and yes we deliberately detour to Brighton to enjoy a treat on the way home.After all, we earned it with our arduous legwork.

Also on our itinerary is an excursion to locate nearby areas to paddle. Since we don’t have our canoe this time around, I am happy to paddle board anywhere I am taken. At the Government Dock on the residential side of Presqu’Ile it is possible to launch portable vessels for free but it is best to choose a calm day as Lake Ontario can be intimidating.

Next, we drive out to the Wellington boat launch to assess our next paddling option. West Lake is a pretty cottage area and quite peaceful today. Other than a couple of jet skis at the far end, I see no other traffic in the bay. Nearby, graceful mute swans eye their young cygnets as they feast on the aquatic plants in a shallow part of the lake. I am sure they do not mean to moon me as they inadvertently sabotage my attempts to photograph them; I don’t take it personally. In Prince Edward County swans are common but for me it is a novelty and I enjoy observing them from a respectful distance. On the shore I spy a set of rental cottages on the lake conveniently located across the street from a Tim Horton restaurant: Lakefront accessibility and quick access to breakfast. Delightful!

It can certainly be daunting to keep our club activity schedule fresh with new ideas but it is always fun to introduce new places to sightsee together. On this trip we have found inspiration and beauty for future camping, cycling, or paddling escapades. The life of an Explorer’s wife is filled with enriching experiences. It can keep you on your toes with its spontaneity and absorb your time with endless research and lists. It can be absolutely exhausting yet exhilarating, overwhelming yet fulfilling; but ask me and I will tell you that I wouldn’t want it any other way.

For information about the Cornwall Outdoor Club visit our website at www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca or like us on Facebook.