Trip to the park.

Yesterday we went to Algonquin Park.  It takes about about an hour and a half to get there and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
It was overcast and for a short while there was a little bit of drizzle.  But no matter. Algonquin Park is spectacular whatever the weather.

The first stop was the West Gate on Hwy 60 to get a permit.

Plus pick up information about events, maps and so on.

During the winter we really wanted to go to the park to find and photograph Gray Owls that were regularly spotted along the highway. But we couldn't fit it in to our calendar.

Then, earlier in the spring we wanted to go and photograph spring flowers. Once again, that didn't happen and I knew we'd be too late for Trilliums when we arrived.

However it's never too late or too early to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful lakes.
During our drive, I was hoping we would spot a moose.  I scanned all the swamps, bogs, rivers and lake edges hoping to see one.

Then right ahead on the road there was a bull moose!  And he was big fellow too.

He lumbered across the road and peeked out through the bushes at us.

Then he came back out towards the road but when he heard Lucy barking from inside the vehicle he wandered back into the woods. Moose have very bad eyesight.  And apparently so do I because all my photos are out of focus.

After a picnic with the black flies we headed into the Visitor Centre where there is an observation deck with a fabulous view.

I scoured the view looking for more wildlife but there didn't seem to be any although I'm sure there were lots hiding in the woods.

Well, Algonquin Park never fails to deliver a good experience no matter the weather or what wildlife wanders by.

There's been so much flooding in the Park (it was the source of our flooding) a lot of the hiking areas are closed until repairs can be made. No doubt the wet ground is good for breeding black flies and other annoying insects.
We'll go back in the summer when the bugs have gone and more trails are open.