I just picked up my summer pass for the Pinery Provincial Park. This has become a welcome Spring ritual. This year the rate is $89.15 and is valid April 1, 2008- Nov. 30, 2008. The pass is good for all Provincial Parks, not just the Pinery. It is a great deal if you live nearby. Without a seasonal pass, a day pass will cost you $12.00. This can add up during the season as it is always on the list of things to do when friends & family visit.

Last week the Heritage Trail (2.5km) was the only trail open and access to the beach was restricted to walk in traffic only (Park at the Heritage trail and walk to Beach area #9). I expect this will change in the near future as the weather continues to warm up. This time of year they also do controlled burns, usually in the early morning hours. This might restrict access to some areas as well.

The Pinery beaches are my personal favorite. Most of the season they are sparsely populated. It only gets really busy on weekends in the heat of July/August. You do want to come prepared for the day. It’s not like Main Street, you can’t walk a few feet from the beach for a snack or something cold to drink. The park concession store is located some distance from the beach areas (near the canoe & bike rentals) and is closed until summer season is in full swing.

If you are thinking of hiking one of the many trails, be sure to make the Wilderness Trail a priority. It is the longest trail in the park at 3km. The forest growth is spectacular, bring a camera and at the mid point of your hike you come to an overlook of Lake Huron. On a sunny day it is breathtaking!

See you there…

We are looking forward to sunshine and warmer temps this week. This picture was taken on Sunday at the Main Street Beach pier.

More pictures taken around town this weekend. The sun was out and the coats are coming off.

Thanks to Tracy Wolfe for the pics.

Picture at the pier courtesy of Tracy Wolfe