A Chilly Dip in The Lake!

Today was a hot one!  With temperatures reaching +33C, suburbia was not the place to be unless you're fortunate enough to have a pool to cool off in. 

Hubby and myself decided to find some relief out on Lake Ontario.  We anchored at the beach not far from our club and decided to cool off in the water.

I dropped down the swim ladder and was plenty surprised when I put my foot in the water.  It was COLD!  We took a reading, and to our surprise it read 14.7C. (59F).  We went for a swim two weeks ago, and the water temperature was 21C (70F).  What the heck happened here.. It's been scorching hot for the past couple of weeks.

I might have spent childhood summers on the Baltic Sea, but let's just say that I did not linger long in the water.  I took two quick dips and I could feel my legs going numb.

It was a very refreshing but chilly dip in the Lake!

Sailing Weekend to Lakeshore Yacht Club

During our 11 years of sailing we have visited most Yacht Clubs in the Toronto area.

Early in our sailing years, I remember other club members telling me that Lakeshore Yacht Club is nice THOUGH  it's a pain to have to cross the "road" to get to their club house, and it wasn't really somewhere they would visit.  So, we never did prioritize a visit to LSYC. 

We left our dock Saturday morning with plans to cross Lake Ontario but with a lack of wind, our plans changed and we headed for LSYC..

I love discovering new places while out on the lake so I was excited to go somewhere different, and when I have no expectations, it usually turns out much better.  Mind you, I prefer my glass half-full.

The visitors dock at Lakeshore Y.C. must be one of the best one's out there.  Lots of room and covered in bumpers from end to end..  No need to drop your fenders.

The basin has LOTS of room.  They have just added and additional 30 feet between their two docks.  Their docks are great, with long fingers and wide main docks.

YES, you have to cross the bicycle path to get to the clubhouse, but it's really not far at all.  As a visitor, this was not an issue for me.

The grounds at "Lakeshore" has got to be the most maintained on the lake.  Simply beautiful.  Their patio is very inviting with plenty of wooden picnic tables and umbrellas.  The children's playground is "heaven" for parents in need of some entertaining for their young ones.

Humber College is a short walk from the club, and you can even catch the street car on Lakeshore Blvd.

Nothing but positive feedback and we will visit again.  Perhaps for their Friday night specials of $5.

Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands has got to be the best summer venue that Toronto has to offer its citizens and tourists.  When my kids were small we spent just about every weekend at the Island for years.  While friends got in their cars and headed north for a long commute to their cottages, we set sail for Toronto Islands where the kids would enjoy the petting zoo, rides, biking, swimming and just being kids in their "cottage country".   Beautiful memories were created here!

We spent the past two weekends at the Island and I never seem to tire of it.  There's always something new to discover.  Last weekend, we stayed at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club with some friends from our yacht club.

We had such a good time; we biked the Islands from end to end which is about 7km, one way.   Hubby played some tennis while I went for a kayak ride, and afterwards we enjoyed the complimentary pool at RCYC.

Toronto Skyline from the entrance to RCYC

CN TOWER

 
Watching the panoramic view of Toronto's magnificent skyline from the cockpit while drinking my morning coffee is such a treat and one cannot help but feel privileged.

This weekend we brought our son with us and stayed at Queen City Yacht Club.  I love all the quaint houses on Ward's and Algonquin Island , and a visit to the Island would not be complete unless I go for my mandatory walk up and down the narrow streets.  This is one of my simple pleasures!

Houses on Algonquin Island

House on Algonquin Island

The weekend was extremely hot so the beach at Ward's Island turned out to be a must!  With temperatures nearing +36C; bright sunny skies; a sandy beach and sailboats drifting by; this Toronto beach could just as well be a beach in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

FANTASTIC sums up the past two weekends.

FUN FACTS:  In the early 1900's, permanent residents on Toronto Islands were in the thousands.  Here's a link to some history of the Toronto Island's Homes.   http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/to_stories_island1.htm

Youngstown - N.Y.

Small town USA has become one of my favorite sailing destinations on Lake Ontario.  Last weekend my husband and I sailed across the lake to the Village of Youngstown situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, which separates the international border of Canada and the United States.

We stayed at the public docks next to Youngstown Yacht Club (YYC).  From our boat we could see Niagara-on-the-Lake across the river, and where the river connects with Lake Ontario, one could make out the silhouette of Toronto in the far distance.  During this particular stay, YYC hosted a Regatta and by the end of the evening there were over 50 sailboats tied up to the docks.  It was a great sight! 

Stairs leading down to Docks at Youngstown

A climb up a fairly steep hill, or up the stairs, will lead you to the Village of Youngstown located at the edge of the riverbank.  This is such a quaint village; looks like it's been frozen in time.  

There is only one grocery store in town and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that it had received a makeover since last year.  I enjoy walking up and down the aisles looking for something different to bring home for the kids.  

I love biking through this quaint village where the streets are lined with houses reminiscent of yesteryear.  

While biking along Main Street, I passed a young family having supper at a small round table, covered in a white floor-length tablecloth, in a shady corner of their large Victorian front porch.  The lanterns were lit on their table, wine poured in their glasses, and a beautiful wisteria vine cascaded down the corner of the porch framing this perfect moment.   I wanted to stop and take a picture but felt that I would be invading their space.  

They have some very spectacular gardens in Youngstown; perhaps thanks to the garden club that's been active for more than 50 years.   
 

 

Fort Niagara State Park

I continued my ride to Fort Niagara State Park, which has so much to offer.  There's a winding walkway that follows the riverbank down to Old Fort Niagara which stands on a bluff above Lake Ontario.  I didn't visit the Fort this time as my son and I spent an afternoon there a few years back.

The fort situated at the mouth of the river overlooking Lake Ontario

Next to the Fort is a great swimming pool with slides overlooking Lake Ontario.  It's almost like an infinity pool.  

The weather was fantastic; nice and hot.  There were so many families out enjoying the picnic grounds, and playing sports in the fields.   It brings back so many happy memories from when my children were small.

Sunday was Father's day so before setting sail for Toronto, we went to the local Village Diner for a full breakfast.http://www.outdoorsniagara.com/villagediner.htm  The place was crazy busy with people.  Of course, everyone was out celebrating Father's Day.  The diner has a beautiful view of the Niagara River and the sailboats participating in the Regatta were leaving one after another.  

Though I have been to Youngstown numerous times, I always manage to catch a glimpse of something new and unexpected each time.

On a front porch in Youngstown

Nearing the end of sailing season..

To us sailors, a sure tell-sign that summer is nearing its end is when the water levels are dropping drastically and we can barely make it though the basin gap that connects us to Lake Ontario without hitting bottom. This weekend, we decided to sail across the lake to Wilson, N.Y., one of our favorite sailing destinations as we wanted to show the quaint little village to our friends whom have never been there before.

We left our docks around 7.15 am and were surprised when the keel of our friends’ boat hit bottom going though the gap. They only draw 5.5 feet so that was unexpected. They quickly backed up and managed to swing around and we were on our way. It was a glorious morning, looking out across the lake the morning sun was sparkling like crystal against the ripples on the water. The sky was blue and we never lost sight of land during the 5 1/2 hour sail. The crisp cool breeze quickly filled our sails and we took turns at the wheel keeping the boat on course, at a steady 4 to 6 knots, as the waves built from 2 to 4 feet midway across the Lake. This was probably one of our most enjoyable crossings in a few years. We often have to use the engine, due to lack of wind. Today, the conditions were perfect.

We pulled into Wilson around 1:30 pm and were welcomed by our always so friendly "neighbors" on the south shore. We all went on a dinghy ride through the harbor and noticed how quiet and deserted it seemed compared to the hustle and bustle of boaters, cottagers, and tourists that normally inhabit this area throughout the summer months. We ventured up Twelve-mile Creek where we caught sight of numerous turtles lapping up the sunshine on the logs and debris floating by. Unfortunately, they were too quick to hit the water before we could snap a picture.

We enjoyed a late lunch at the patio of Wilson Boat House Restaurant  www.wilsonboathouse.com/. I could tell that the season is nearing its end as there were very few patrons in the restaurant, and the nearby boats seemed vacant pending their upcoming haul out in two weeks. None the less, we thoroughly enjoyed our luncheon with a terrific view of the harbor and the sun beating down on us leaving me with sun kissed skin the next day.

All the excitement and fresh air seemed to have taken a toll on the men, and they disappeared for the rest of the evening....szzzzzzzz.. My friend and I enjoyed a few hours of girl talk and truly felt fortunate to be able to live in the moment. Life can be good!!! After a delicious potluck breakfast we headed home in record time, 6-7 knots across the lake on a beam reach. This was another weekend to savor!

Almost Weekend

I love that "almost weekend feeling". It doesn't really matter how many days per week I work, or none at all, the anticipation of the weekend approaching is always the same. One with hopes for relaxation, socializing, good food, laughter, hobbies and having time to spare. Well, I can't say that each and every weekend turns out that way, but I do try to make the most of them.

Last weekend we "cruised" to Oakville www.oakville.ca/, a town on Lake Ontario (part of Greater Toronto area), with approximately another 15 boats and I had a fabulous time. Upon arrival, we gathered for our traditional club punch which was great, thanks to me. (Ratio should be no more than 1 to 3)... The punch was followed by a potluck supper and a surprise 70th birthday celebration for one of our members. We went to bed early after a full day in the sun.

I started the next day with a 45 minute power walk along the shore of Oakville. It was absolutely gorgeous out; sunny, warm, lots of people out for their Sunday walks, and beautiful architecture/gardens along the route. That walk set the pace for the rest of the day. I took my son on a bike ride before lunch, and then I decided to Kayak up Sixteen Mile Creek. I paddled along in a leisurely pace not realizing how far up the creek I had ventured until 45 minutes had gone by. Oops, I had to get back the same way, and my muscles were starting to complain. The creek is fairly deserted, and the water appears brown due to the muddy bottom so my mind started playing tricks on me. I kept a close eye on any other boats approaching as I was thinking up all sorts of stupid scenarios whereby I could be chased down the creek; or I'd had to abandon the kayak and run through the woods; or I would simply vanish. I know there's a reason why I don't watch horror movies, a vivid imagination!  I finally made it back safely, a little tired but relieved that my escapade up the creek was over. I think I'll bring someone along next time.

After such a busy day, I got treated to dinner out. Delicious! Overall the weekend brought laughter, excitement, good food, socializing and some exercise. What more could one ask for? This weekend, I'm going on a girls trip. Just me and my girlfriend at her summerhouse by the lake. Oops, that's sounds like a movie title......