AWENDA PROVINCIAL PARK Canada Day 2020

We went to Awenda Provincial Park on Canada Day, July 1st. It is about two hours drive north of Toronto, thru HWY 400, north of Barrie. We are always in search of beautiful beaches that qualifies for our road trip rules (LOL): lush, green meadows, clean & clear water, and not crowded; but people are naturally drawn to water, so let's beat the last one.

Since it was Canada Day yesterday, there were not much cars on the road, which was a bonus because you will appreciate the view even more.

In spite of the scenic route, we found a fox (roadkill), and remnants of a blue bumper on the side of the road. It was too gruesome, so I'll spare you guys the bloody details. It's always heartbreaking to see wild animals get killed on the road. And at the same time, it is tempting to drive way over the limit in the county, since it is mostly farmland, and speeders can get away without getting a ticket. But this roadkill is one of the main reasons as well to drive carefully, not just the safety of beautiful wild animals, pedestrians and yourself, or because you are obeying law enforcement... You have to take care of your car as well!

I felt bad for the fox, that didn't jump quickly over the blue car. And felt bad too, for whatever model of that blue car was!

So, we continued on with our journey, and have arrived at our destination--

AWENDA PROVINCIAL PARK!

(670 Awenda Park Rd, Tiny, ON L9M 2J2)

The park opens at 8:30AM, and we were half an hour early because we were that excited! Upon stepping out of the car, immediately, I noticed a lot of catterpillars partying out at almost every bark around! And dreaded to make my way to the registration to pay for entrance.

So, while waiting in a small line up, physically distancing of course, I can honestly hear them munching on the leaves. I'm telling you it was creepy! And I thought, I was the only one hearing it, but nope! The lady in front of me at the line up agreed to every word I said, LOL. So, because I am terrified of them, I just went back to the car, and contemplated whether to turn back to Toronto or not. Obv, NOT, it was 2 hours away for nothing then!

I guess free entrance on Canada Day helped ease up my mood? So, to the beach we went!

According to my research, Beach #3 has nice sand and clean water among the other three beaches nearby, and to Beach #3 we settled. And boy, was it ever nice! Some parts of the lake has warm water, and for the most part is was cool, but totally refreshing. Since the water was nice and calm, kayaking and paddle boarding are perfect activities to explore the area, if not hiking. I heard a little boy after taking a dip, exclaiming repeatedly that 'it's so worth it!'..

AND IT WAS!

This beach ticked off our list-- clean beach, super clear water, and not much people!

Now, will I ever come back to this beautiful place again? For that, I am not sure, especially in the summer time when catterpillars are in season. Probably in the fall when they are dormant. But then again, there were not much leaves left in all of the trees because they munched on them entirely.

Hmm.

If you are not scared of bugs around, and don't mind catterpillars crawling on you at all, this beach is truly enjoyable!

Heading home, we stopped by Freddie's Dam Good Fries by chance, as it was in the corner of Penetanguishene Rd and HWY 400,

so convenient!

We had elk and buffalo burger, it was aaahmazing! The fries, was absolutely 'dam good'. Surely, the ladies behind the counter know their stuff, and they are sexy too! :)

There were several benches/tables to stand by in to while noshing, and several seagulls as well patiently waiting for your droppings.

(Cassell Drive, Springwater, ON L0L 1V0, T.705-835-3673)

WELCOME!

The management has to reclaim this beautiful park from the catterpillars. LOL. I'm not an expert, but this photo looks like an infestation. Maybe it should be called Catterpillar Provincial Park. LOL.