2022 Trip 4: PEC is always wonderful ~ Route Alto 80

Our annual jaunt to The County, which we have been doing for decades. We have seen the area evolve in many ways, and continue to enjoy every visit.

Again, securing a site in the park is a frustrating challenge that took weeks to accomplish. As I have ranted here many times before, it is a damn annoying exercise to obtain sites in Ontario parks, and Sandbanks has to be the most difficult. Changes need to be made, to all aspects of the reservation system, from the length of stay allowed, the cancellation policy, and the adoption of an out of province surcharge. We have heard rumours of changes coming next season, hopefully there will be the political leadership and guts to press forward.

Our site was nice and quite large, with lots of mid day sun and welcome shade later in the afternoon.

before the sun shades

these were seriously needed this week

Positioned the Alto, put up the awning and the sun shades, and we were ready for the week. Thankfully we have the Solo Stove with us, as the park fire ring is descending itself back into the earth. As per usual, Ontario Parks is unable to perform even the most basic of site maintenance.

Our annual trips to Sandbanks pretty much consists of visiting with friends, wandering the county, BBQ, swimming, and generally just hanging out. Oh, and let’s not forget those freshly baked pan rolls. Our new little pizza oven is along for the ride, and fresh made tasty pizzas were on the menu a few times during the week. Although the pizza process can have a bit of a frustrating learning curve, once you get a handle on the dough, the peel, and the launch, the results make you want to cook up another one.

The water at our favourite beach was very warm, a big difference from our visit back in June. One day the wind and breakers were up, and although this did stir up water, it did not deter us from a cooling dip…as it was a hot humid week. Our next beach visit was super nice as the water was calm and perfect for some extended floating.

keeping an eye on the goings on

five of these guys doing the rounds

We went to lunch one afternoon at Wampoos Winery with Lee and Howard. Then they took us on a driving tour of the county, venturing down roads to explore, and even ending up in an old cemetery that was in a beautiful location overlooking the water.

we spent another afternoon on the beach

Food is always a big part of the county, and we had gigantic ice cream cones in Picton after our tour, so big that Dale’s cone collapsed under the weight of her scoop, but she quickly managed to recover most of ice cream by plopping it into a plastic cup. Five second rule always applies and she was moving fast.

Local markets are over the county, and Hagerman's, on the road between Picton and Bloomfield is an excellent one.

the bakery in the background has all sorts of goodies, and they make an awesome BLT

One morning in Picton, I discovered these fun cars.

never ever seen one of these in the flesh

sort of polished aluminum

thought it deserved a B&W treatment

my favourite Miata generation

very old school

Later in the week we had an amazing charcuterie board at the Bloomfield Public House. That has become our lunch spot when exploring Bloomfield with Helen and Paul. It never disappoints.