Kayak the Old Ausable Channel - Hike Sand Dunes Ridge, plus a final sunset on Lake Huron, ON

Old Ausable Channel

Running right through Pinery Provincial Park is the Old Ausable Channel so we take the opportunity to paddle through this unique environment. 

Even though the water is slightly organically brown as we put the kayaks in, it is super clear with all sorts of wildly interesting growth down there :)

Lily Pad haven

We paddle upstream about an hour and then stick ourselves in the Lily Pads and enjoy our lunch. 

Turtle sunning himself on a log

On the way back I spot a turtle warming itself on a log. In the fall as temperatures begin to drop, turtles become more active as they enter a state of winter dormancy called brumation, which is similar to hibernation. Their metabolism slows significantly, allowing them to spend the winter submerged in lakes and ponds, often in the mud at the bottom.

Sheila enjoying the sights below the surface - including a turtle

Chris spies a huge turtle swimming in the water. He must be at least 1.5 feet across the shell. I cautiously paddle close by and watch him move up and down in the water. We need a polarized lens to take pictures underwater, which our cameras don't have. They are graceful animals who can swim a long time underwater before popping the tip of his nose up for air. Amazing to watch. 

Animal crossing indicator :)

After kayaking we head out on the Sand Dunes Ridge hike. It's a nice hike through the woods and a bit of sand, but by no means sand dunes like at the beach. 

Back home we have these sorts of signs indicating fire hazard warnings. Here they are for the animal crossing activity. Being September heading into fall, it's extreme, but we only see squirrels and chipmunks darting across the road.  

7:12 pm

We have an early supper and are on the beach by 7pm to take in our last sun set on Lake Huron. What a gorgeous night it turns into. 

7:17 pm

We both enjoyed a swim yesterday, but tonight only Chris heads out for a swim while I take creative sun set pictures :) I figure I would freeze after the sun set and we have a 12 minute bike ride back to our RV.

Thinking of you every day Sophie 7:20 pm

7:32 pm

7:33 pm Sun sets on another day - Good Bye Lake Huron