Bye, for now, Esker Lakes

We packed up this morning and it wasn’t raining! Windy though!

It was a cold night but we were in the tent for about 12 hours and slept ok! The guys who rolled in last night, nearby, were up at 4:20 and made noise until they rolled out at 7:30. They kept starting their car so I’m guessing they were cold and wet.

We packed up the extremely wet and sandy rain fly, as we have done so many mornings, and are grateful it continued to do its job!

I drove slowly out of the park this morning. Reflecting on what this place means to me. If it will continue to, or if its time has run its course. Will I be back? You just never know.

We had no destination today. Could we have stayed in Kirkland Lake? It was possible. But with the butt warmers on in the front seats, we dried out nicely!

We stopped in Kirkland Lake for a glimpse at what the free self guided tour signs were about.

There are still head frames to be seen, from its gold mining past.

The wind was COLD!

So that concluded our tour. Back in the warm truck!

Onwards to Paul’s New and Used! This store will mark 80 years in business in 2026! The owner took it over from his parents. His 98 year old mom was still in the store checking on him!

He is so helpful and showed me some Canadian brands of things he carries. He really prides himself in promoting. Canadian made products. I bought a pair of wool socks, and a pair of long Johns, because if we camp tonight, the forecast is for 3C!

I also bought a duffle bag. I packed my clothes for this trip in two reusable shopping bags and the disorder they have unleashed upon my back seat peaked today when I couldn’t take it any longer. Problem solved, thanks to Paul!

We weren’t ready to quit our adventures today so we headed towards Timmins.

Random picnic area stop:

We didn’t feel like staying in a hotel in Timmins either, so we proceeded to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park!

Since we don’t have to have Cathy home until this weekend, she would very much like to see Lake Superior again. So that’s what we shall do!

We didn’t have a site booked at Ivanhoe, and maybe that was a good thing! The wonderful gal at the gate house put us on one of their best sites that was recently vacated. I think there are lots of people booking Ontario Parks campsites for the month if not the entire summer.

We are right on lake Ivanhoe! Look at this huge spot!