Day 55: Point Pelee National Park

 Dear Gilles, 

The fog continued in the morning. 

We took a 20 minute drive from our campground to Point Pelee National Park. We arrived at the gate at 10am - and had to wait in line for entry. We drove down to the point to the farthest portion allowed and were turned around because the parking lot was full. So we had to drive back up the road until we found an available parking spot for the beast of the truck. 

There are birders everywhere. They all woke up early with binoculars and parked their cars in premium spots at the visitor centre. 

Because of the numbers of people present, the Park had shut down the road access closer to the point and offered a shuttle service every 15 minutes to get people between the visitor centre and close to the tip. 

At the start of the trail to the southern tip of mainland Canada is a lookout tower. You can see it in the background with Luc on the trail. It was a really tall tower. On a clear day, I'm sure it would have had some great sights to see off over Lake Erie.

Along the path to the tip, Patric and cousin somehow got their feet wet. Hmmm... And once that happened it was a fun and easy time in and out of the water with wet running shoes.  

The walk wasn't long and it was good walking. 
All the birders were off the main path and up shore along the beach - looking into trees, comparing notes and sightings. 

The day dried out - and we had high hopes of our camp site drying out. Before exiting the park, we took a walk on the marsh boardwalk. Luc and I dawdled and talked to a local resident who knew there were baby beavers. We saw numerous turtles, gar (fish), a snake and a swan. 

Then we took a tour through the town of Leamington. We found the Municipal Offices, who had a huge living wall of plants inside. The were able to find one lapel pin for us in their 'vault' - so we thanked them very much and continued on our way. The Heinz facility is on the main road in the centre of town. 

Once back at our site, it was visibly drier - but not as dry as it will be later in the season. So, we learned where the muddier spots were and danced around them. 

The fantastically warm day turned cooler at night.