The Huron Fringe

trip reportI had been curious lately why the festival refers to the Huron Fringe.  I know that MacGregor Point Provincial Park is situated on Lake Huron, but what is the 'fringe'?  The Fringe is a bird migratory corridor that scans from Pinery Provincial Park to McGregor Point Provincial Park and the Bruce Peninsula and points in between.

  Late May many of the migrants are on their way to their breeding grounds and the resident birds are on nest, so birding can be interesting.  I thought it might be fun to do a Provincial Park Road Trip to see if I could note any differences and similarities between the areas.

Point Farms (307.57 ha)

It was a very cold 6C with strong N winds and light drizzle when I set out.  When I initially got into my trusty Honda at 5 am I wasn't contemplating doing the PP tour, but I came to realize, that as I'm getting older, why not live a little!  I stopped in at Point Farms just outside of Goderich, mostly to use the facilities.  I drove to the campers area where I saw campers bundled up against the strong winds, in the playground with their children...brave souls! 

Inverhuron (288.10 ha)

I next drove through Kincardine to Inverhuron PP.  I had never been here and was pleasantly surprised by the lovely beach.  I also had a nice conversation with a couple, we chatted about our travels and the lady, who was dressed in a robe and obviously enjoying her life, had just described how she did a dip in the lake!  She said it wasn't bad and its part of her healthy lifestyle!  Maybe a bucket list for me!

MacGregor Point (120.34 ha)
Blue Sky!

MacGregor Point was next on the way!  I had been here last weekend and it was only a little bit warmer!  The Festival was still going on and I reconnected with some birders , some who had been there all week, some who came for just a couple of days.  Birding has been good and the leader who did the 'Big Day' said it was one of the best Big Days at 151 species!  I enjoyed the camaraderie of my 'tribe' and after lunch I was on my way.  A fellow birder talked to me of Sauble Falls PP and she said it has a very pretty waterfall, the only waterfall that side of the Huron Peninsula!  I had to see it!


Sauble Falls (20.24 ha)

The sun was starting to come out as I drove through beautiful Southampton.  The temps were still low, 10C, but the sun made a big difference.  People were lined up to buy their firewood at the Park Office, and it was nice to see many newcomers enjoying the natural environment!

The Falls were a real treat!  There is a nice path beside the river and you were able to see the various elevations.  

I thought I'd check out Sauble Beach, as I was hoping there weren't too many crowds.  The beach touristy area was packed, but the beach itself was pretty empty.  Gorgeous waves!  

The weather was improving, though my tailbone was pretty achy as I can't seem to drive more than 2 hours without hurting my body...love getting older!  Anyways, I thought I'd try and visit my local PP, Pinery Provincial Park!  I just did a little drive to the beach as I was really wanting to get home by then.

Pinery (2532.19 ha)

The last stop was at Kettle Point to see if I could spot the American White Pelican that had been visiting lately, no luck.  Lots of lovely gull action and the water was glorious in the light, it definitely is a special place!

Got home to a very happy dog, and after walking her, settled in for the night!  I don't know if I'd recommend doing 5 Provincial Parks in one day to anyone, but it is nice to know that I can do it!  I also want to mention how much I love and appreciate my 20 year old Honda CRV, she covered 450 km with not even one hiccup!

Now that June is here I likely will not do too many more big road trips.  Atlasing is under way and the bird migation is past for the most part, more time to spend in my local haunts.


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