Mother Day’s weekend was pretty awesome! Though Michelle had to work on Saturday, this gave me plenty of time to get some upgrades to Freddy completed. Afterwards, we headed to Fort Erie to boondock in the parking lot of the Waverly Beach Park. If there is one thing we both miss is the sound of the Ocean, and since we are currently living in Ontario we will have to be satisfied with the sounds of Lake Erie!
Waverly Beach Park and Friendship Trail
This is the first area where I took Michelle after arriving in Canada to go exploring. Being an avid photographer, the park affords an excellent opportunity to shoot some water scenes with sunrises and sunsets as well as some pack ice. When we first arrived we were careful to see what the rules were at the Park. Whether we could boondock for the night or would there be another knock on Freddy. The parking lot says it closes at 23:00, but after speaking to a couple of different people, they indicated it is not unusual for cars to be here longer.
As usual, I prepared my camera equipment, while Michelle was more intent on just taking some time to enjoy the peace, fresh air and the sand on the beach. Lake Erie in May is a far cry from the beaches in the Philippines but it would have to do this time. For photography, I find it challenging to find a good composition. We have some of the factors I love in images, sand, water and beautiful colours in the sky. It can be challenging to find good foreground interest. You know what they say though, “a bad day doing landscape photography is better than a good day at work anytime!”
Boondocking, Parking, Urban Camping
I think it is safe to say that one can boondock at Waverly Beach Park quite easily. Though I think it would be one of the places where you one night no problems, two nights should be ok, but the third night you might be pushing it! I have to say it was a nice break from our weekly routine of our day parking routine and sleeping in the local Walmart parking lot. One of the nice things about where we chose to boondock is there is a public washroom (comfort room) with running water, though the sink water is still isolated due to the time of the year.
Directions to Waverly Beach Park is really very easy. You will need to take the QEW towards Fort Erie, and head towards the Peace Bridge. You will pass Ext 5, which is the FlyingJ Truck stop with Sani dump facilities and remain on the Hwy until Ext 2. Take that Ext, and keep to the right as you come off the hwy. You will turn right and travel towards Lake Erie. You will pass the LCBO, a Walmart if memory serves me correct and if you remain on this road it will take you right into the parking lot of the trail. Really pretty simple!
Mothers Day at Waverly Beach
It just so happened that Sunday was Mothers Day, and Michelle is a fantastic mother, needed a little pampering! It must be so difficult with Iya and Nicole still being in the Philippines, and Michelle here in Canada. She is the strongest woman I have ever met! She always tries to find the best in all situations and people. But during those special moments, you see the upset in her eyes, though she tries to hide it.
Iya and Nicole sent me a special message for Michelle’s Mother’s Day card, so I was sure to add that for her. Michelle’s Mother’s Day was healthy breakfast in bed, fresh coffee and the beautiful views of Waverly Beach! We will certainly be returning to this area to explore and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you have a place you find peaceful, be sure to let us know!!