Michigan + Ontario + Niagara Falls

Because of baby on the way, our late summer vacation this year was a little different. 

We headed back to Michigan and looped up into Ontario at Saulte St. Marie, around by Manitoulin Island, onward to Killarney, Ontario, and finally around the Georgian Bay through the Toronto area to Niagara Falls, NY. 

On our way up, we stopped for a walk in Ann Arbor and visited the famous Zingerman's, where we picked up provisions that lasted the entire trip!

Once in Charlevoix and throughout our stay, there were high, thin clouds and a haze because of the extreme humidity. At night, it did not cool down impressively, and everything felt damp. Despite this, we took walks along the water and on the North Country Trail. We spent time on the beach, in Lake Charlevoix, and canoed in the evenings. Sara Gay, Nancy, and Edguardo made us many fine dinners. One night we went out to a new restaurant, That French Place, that had unbelievably delicious savory crepes and incredible ice cream. We tried so many flavors, and I think baby was on quite a sugar high later that night kicking away. 

On Friday morning, we embarked on our circular trip home. It was great to be back in Canada. I'd forgotten how much I love the subtle differences: the accent, the international feel, the tea! We found a good, local radio station, Manitoulin Island's The Moose, and made it to Killarney Mountain Lodge in time for a sunset dinner on the dock in Killarney Channel. The next morning, we kayaked out toward the Georgian Bay and back into the Channel. We spent the rest of the morning sitting out by the water. 

Killarney Mountain Lodge
dock, Killarney, ON

The drive from Killarney to Niagara Falls was surprising. We left the Northwoods feel behind and drove through a scrubby landscape of vegetation, rocks, and boggy areas. There was little civilization between Killarney and Parry Sound. We did see some beautiful rivers and water vistas. Around Barrie, traffic picked up, and we made our way through the Toronto area without incident. 

Frank & Susan kayaking in Killarney
Channel, by the Georgian Bay, ON

In Niagara Falls, I was surprised to find it teeming with people, though Frank had predicted this! We joined the throngs and explored. Remarkably, at least half of the people were not North American: lots of Indian and Asian tourists and lots of Latino and African-American families. Impressively diverse. 

Niagara Falls, NY, at night

Our final day and drive home took us through the mountains of western NY and PA. With fog and a little fall color, a nice way to end the trip!