Month: August 2024
Paddling the Gananoque River
The Gananoque River flows through the town of Gananoque and is part of the larger St. Lawrence River watershed. The river passes through the town’s center, where there are parks, walking trails, and historic sites that offer views of the water. Due to the dam in the town, you cannot paddle to the centre of town. The river’s mouth at the St. Lawrence River is close to the Thousand Islands, a famous archipelago of more than 1,800 islands that straddles the U.S.-Canada border.
The river has beautiful scenery all along the paddle. Turtles, fish jumping to eat, birds galore, just a beautiful paddle.
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We found a great spot at the end of River Rd to launch from, right beside 417 River Rd. Gananoque, free on road parking as well. The launch area was shallow and easy to launch from.
Millcroft Inn and Spa, Alton, Caledon
Millcroft Inn & Spa is a charming country inn located in Alton, Ontario, Canada. Originally built in the late 1800s, the property was once a woolen mill and has since been transformed into a luxurious retreat. The inn is well-known for its rustic charm, picturesque setting, and top-notch amenities.
The inn offers a range of accommodations, including traditional guest rooms, suites, and private chalets. Many of the rooms feature cozy fireplaces, and some offer views of the surrounding landscape, including the inn’s tranquil pond.
he on-site Headwaters Restaurant is a highlight, offering gourmet cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant setting and seasonal menu provide a fine dining experience for guests.
he Millcroft Spa is a major draw for visitors. It offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa also features an outdoor hot spring pool, providing a relaxing experience amidst nature.
Located in the scenic village of Alton, the inn is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including forests, rivers, and hiking trails. The grounds themselves are well-maintained, with gardens, walking paths, and a waterfall.
he building’s history as a former mill adds to its unique character. The preservation of original features, such as exposed beams and stone walls, gives the inn a distinct historical ambiance while still offering modern comforts.
Millcroft Inn & Spa provides a serene getaway with a perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting.
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Iphone Tip…Timer for Selfies
Knowing how to use the iPhone camera self timer will enable you to take better selfies and group portraits. It’s best to opt for the three-second option if you’re taking a simple selfie and the 10-second option if you’re photographing a group with you in it.Â
How to use the iPhone camera’s self timer
Tap the upward arrow
First, open the Camera app on your iPhone. If you have an iPhone X or earlier, skip to the next step. Otherwise select either Portrait or Photo mode and tap the upward facing arrow that you’ll see located at the top of the screen.
Select the timer
A row of icons will be displayed. Select the timer icon (it looks like a clock).
 Choose a time
You can opt not to make use of the timer after all or you can either tap 3s or tap 10s depending on whether you want to set the timer for three or 10 seconds.
Take the shot
Tap the Shutter button and get into position. The timer will count down and automatically take the shot.
No more stretching your arms and fingers to push the shutter button or the buttons on the side of your iPhone.
Paddling Duffins Creek, Ajax
Heard about this lovely creek on the Durham Kayaking facebook page. Not far from us we decided to make a day of it and head over.
The entry point was at the Ajax Rotary Park, there is a dock for canoes and kayaks.
***Keep in mind*** you DO NOT want to stand in the water at that dock, get into your boat off the dock. When you go there you will know exactly what I am talking about.
Toronto Island’s Paddling
It was a beautiful afternoon to paddle around the Toronto Islands. Starting from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) on Toronto Island we headed to Blockhouse Bay. The RCYC is nestled on the northeastern tip of Island Park.
Leaving the RCYC behind, we paddled through the inner channels of the Toronto Islands. The serene lagoons, surrounded by lush greenery, offered a peaceful start to our journey.
While passing a number of renters in kayaks and canoes, we were asked by two floating up against the shore not able to navigate away from the shore. We paddled over, gave them a nudge and a few quick lessons on how to paddle a canoe and off they happily continued.
Past St. Andrews by the Lake Church, past the boat house, continuing under the Centre Island Bridge we could see crowds making their way onto Centre Island.
After a pleasant and steady paddle, we approached Blockhouse Bay. The bay islocated on the southwestern side of the islands near Hanlan’s Point. Its calm, sheltered waters provided a perfect place to continue our paddling. Scooting out to the harbour gave us a great view of the airport and the Toronto Skyline. The return trip was just as adventurous with bird sightings, crowds in the parks and a few passing boats. It was a great few hours on the water with some beautify scenery.
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