Lemoine Point Conservation Area (The Woods)

We just wrapped up a very busy week. Yesterday was my younger daughter’s 15th birthday. Exactly one week before that was my older daughter’s 20th birthday. And my wedding anniversary. The day after the 20th birthday and the anniversary was the adoption of Dany, the sweet cat that I wrote about last week (I’ll be sharing more photos of her soon). Friday evening, my daughter’s best friend came to stay with us for a few days because her parents were on a much needed camping trip now that her mom is in remission after her battle with cancer (you can read all about her experience on her blog). And Sunday morning, my brother and sister-in-law came down for an overnight visit. On Canada Day.

It’s been busy and crazy and loud. There have been cakes and dinners, and doors opening and closing, and lots of people, pEoPLe, PeOpLe and pets, pEtS, PeTs, and noise, nOiSe NoIsE! And hubby and I, both being introverts and all, had to find a way to recharge our batteries somewhere in there in a quiet, qUiEt, QuIeT location...or...else...go...absolutely...positively...mad, mAd, MAD!

So, Monday afternoon, long after the out of town guests had left, we ran away from home, literally. We considered heading for the airport, but since minors are involved, we (grudgingly) decided instead to head over to Lemoine Point Conservation Area; a recreational area bordered by Lake Ontario and Collins Bay. It is 136 hectares of forest, field and marsh, with a spectacular waterfront. A great place to relax, get a glimpse of wildlife, take photographs and --- most important of all --- HIDE! No matter how hard they tried, ‘they’ couldn’t find us.

Below are some photos of our blessed, peaceful outing in yet another beautiful section of Kingston. Because there is so much to see, I divided this conservation area into two posts. Today it’s all about the woods; tomorrow I’ll share photos of the waterfront.

Let’s get started...

There are many trails to follow, most of which are quite flat and easy to stroll along on. Several of them are wide and smooth enough to be wheelchair accessible.

Along the way there are several benches to rest and meditate on.

And picnic tables to have a bite on while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

As you stroll along, you’ll catch glimpses of male cardinals...

...and females.

There are plenty of grey squirrels...

...and black squirrels...

...and squirrels carrying out their squirrely antics.

Of course, a nature walk is never complete without my favourite little critters...chipmunks.

The squirrels and chipmunks are awfully friendly in this area. Many of the individuals walking through feed them, so they’ve come to appreciate seeing people.

There are fallen trees...

...and cut trees...

...and logs...

...and trees with holes made from woodpeckers.

There are quaint objects along the way...

...as well as pretty flowers...

...that attract the tiniest, most precious creatures.

But the best part of the whole walk through this glorious place is getting to share it with the love of your life...

Believe it or not, this was our first visit to Lemoine Point. We had no idea that it was this vast and beautiful. We went to check it out because one of the students in my photography class recommended it. It certainly won’t be our last visit.

Come back tomorrow for a glimpse of the waterfront...

Lemoine Point Conservation Area (The Woods)