A Return to Swallow Cliff.

Crop Tour Planned for Friday.

Cliff swallows fill the air on Erie's north shore.

Last week another motorcyclist and I braved the one km-long gravel road that connects Dexter Line to Hawk Cliff (now aka Swallow Cliff) and immediately noticed the swallows making nests and feeding young on sand banks between Port Bruce and Port Stanley. We didn't bother to count.... the birds dart like bottled lightning.

This coming Friday we will return, along with two more fellows, during a crop tour (leisurely ride in the country) along Highway 59 to Long Point and environs. I expect swallows will rule the air again.

Photos from the first visit:

Last week we travelled via Highway 73 to Port Bruce.

Highway 59 begins one mile north of Tavistock and ends at The Causeway Restaurant in Long Point. Shoreline roads between Long Point and Port Stanley pass through some lovely country. 

I hope everybody likes my Bob Dylan CDs!!

News at 11.

Please link to Swallows Rule the Air.

Photos GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 6

One More Birdhouse

While enjoying my favourite view 'at the bridge' (one crosses it one mile north of The Causeway restaurant) I spotted an unusual birdhouse to the right of the white trailer (background). Zoom in.

"It's a beaut!"

Looks like a great spot for birds, swimmers and anglers to relax.

Link to another birdhouse at Long Point 5

Photos GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 5

Highs and Lows

Below my feet and above my head were a few special sights near old boathouses at the end of Perch Street, Long Point.

I'm pretty sure the birdhouse has seen better days but it still stands guard over an old cut that leads boaters and fishermen to Long Point Bay.

Link to Long Point 4

Photos GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 4

Free Parking, Fine Memories

Link to Long Point 3

Photo GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 3

Boathouses Still Standing

Looking north on Hwy 59

After one last photo 'at the bridge' I walked across Hwy 59, started the Virago, coasted around the corner where once stood the Highland Dance Hall, and made a decision. To the beach? To the old boathouses?

In my mind, the old boathouses bring back more fond memories than the beach. Fishing with Gord and Danny Bucholtz and my dad (in Gord's boat) is a highlight from the late 1950s, early '60s. Maybe Dan can recall which old boathouse was home to his dad's boat, and which street we travelled (1st, 4th? Perch St.? Bass?) to find it.

Link to Long Point 2

Photos GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 2

Boathouses in Black and White

Link to Long Point 1

Photo GH

Long Point - Evocative, Exotic 1

Lovely Spot in Ontario

"I stop at the bridge outside Long Point, on southern tip of Hwy 59"

Yesterday morning, as I looked into the sky - and assessed the day's weather conditions - from my front porch, in pajamas, with coffee in hand, one over-powering thought came to mind. Motorcycle weather.

So, knowing it was late in the riding season and days like yesterday won't come along too often before cool weather prevails, I grabbed a shower and warmed up the bike. Ninety minutes later I entered Long Point, Ontario, 112 km. from my front door.

 "Rent canoes 'At the Bridge', one mile north of The Causeway Restaurant"

 "I look north on Hwy 59. Norwich, my hometown, is 60 km. away"

 "I look west toward an exceptional wildlife environment"

 "East from the bridge is Long Point Bay, home to some fine fishin'"

 "Three short lanes run east off of 59, links to well-cared-for homes/cottages"

"These waterside boathouses/cottages are rare sights"

When in Long Point I recall times from the 1960s. I loved the beaches, The Causeway, and the Highland Dance Hall when a teenager. Now I think of the southernmost point on Highway 59 as an exotic location, not just full of fine memories but a place of rare natural beauty.

Take 401 to Woodstock and Hwy 59. Go south to the finest beaches and environmental areas in Ontario.

Link to Trent-Severn Riverside 7

Photos GH

Motorcycle Miles

Port Bruce, from Rush Creek

I used to park my bike in front of the Beach Hut whenever I motorcycled to port bruce for coffee, fries and photos. But the Beach Hut is gone (replaced nicely by the Corner View Cafe) and so is my old parking spot.

Now I park in the shade on the eastern edge of the circular drive and adjacent to the mouth of Rush Creek. Good spot for a good view of the shoreline running toward Port Burwell, the Sand Hills, Long Point, etc.

Link to Motorcycle Miles

Photos GH

Motorcycle Miles: Highway 59 to Long Point, Ontario

The 14-day weather forecast sounds promising.

Next week, I may get one more good ride in before the bike goes into storage for the winter.


["Can I squeeze in one more ride to the lake?": photos GH]

My thoughts: Take all or part of old highway 59 (formerly the King’s Highway 59) to Long Point.


Listen to a few tunes on my old transistor radio and walk the beach for 10 minutes. Maybe less if the temperature starts to drop below 7 or 8 degrees.


Sounds like a plan.

***

Last Monday I got as far as Pt. Bruce before the temps cooled off.

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A Day Off Pt 4: The water’s fine at Long Point, Lake Erie

I was on a sight-seeing tour yesterday and landed, eventually, in Long Point, on the north shore of Lake Erie.

I may go somewhere on the bike today too because my body needs to get used to ‘putting on miles’ before I leave for Halifax in June.

After parking the bike beside Bushell’s store I walked to the beach to make sure the water was still there. I discovered there was lots of water and plenty of room for me if I chose to go jump in the lake.


I spotted another purple martin house, maybe two, as I walked back to the store.


(Please click here to see the first and likely oldest purple martin I spotted in Long Point.)

Bushell’s store has only changed in name in the forty-five years since I was a teen. The Bushells, former owners, lived in my hometown and when I popped in for a bottle of pop they always asked about my family.


The uneven plywood floors and scabby roof are still the same and someday, when nobody’s looking, I may try to swipe something off that store as a memento to lovely times gone by.


Yes, one of those clay insulators would do the trick!


Now, that would make my next ride to Long Point a real treat.

***

Just kidding. I’d ask for the insulators.

They aren’t connected to anything and I saw a ladder in the back of the store while casing out the joint.

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A Day Off Pt 3: I finally land in Long Point, Lake Erie

I made more than one detour on my way to Long Point but each one was worthwhile.

(Please click here to visit with the Rawcliffes and see a few of Mr. R.’s birdhouses)


["The old channel is still used by fishermen"]

And a few minutes after crossing the narrow causeway to the point I turned down my favourite street, Fourth St.


["I'm familiar with one of these boathouses. Which one?"]

Gord Bucholtz, a friend of my dad’s, once owned a cottage there. A few steps from its front door sat Gord’s old boat house.

What a thrill it was to hop onto Gord’s boat, slowly exit the narrow channels and drop lines in Long Point Bay (opposite Port Rowan) or enter Lake Erie and fish for green bass 14 - 20 inches long.


["A young boy fished nearby while I took photos"]

Another Gord, Mr. Powell, took his son and I water skiing and trolling for bass in the same area in the 1960’s, so Long Point is home to many fond memories.

***

Port Stanley, Port Bruce, Port Burwell, Sandhills, Long Point, Turkey Point, Port Dover.

Are any of these places home to memories for you?

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A Day Off Pt 2: At Orwell, on my way to Long Point

The Rawcliffes sell plants and birdhouses (upcoming sale - go look for yourself) and I must say, they are a creative couple.


["Mrs. R. makes and bakes clay shingles for some birdhouses": photos GH]

(Please click here for more photos and location).


["Gary uses a dado blade to create a layered look for walls, roofs"]

Gary R. is the builder (ouch - I love his workshop and back patio) and Mrs. R. paints and deals with the plants.


["The workshop is an awesome sight. Yes, I'm jealous"]

It’s a country paradise, for this couple and many birds, and I was warmly invited to return anytime.


["A rare country property. Birds must love it"]

There are another two dozen birdhouses I want to check out, so I will go back.


["I stopped to photograph this one birdhouse and landed in paradise"]

***

I’m stopping to chat with strangers more often.

Once we start trading information about birdhouses, property owners don’t seem to mind.

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A Day Off Pt 1: At Orwell, on my way to Long Point

I don’t know what time the sun came out yesterday, but I noticed it three seconds after sending off my column to the editor (an hour before the deadline - awesome), and five seconds after that I took the tarp off my bike.


["You can't miss the Rawcliffes' mailbox on Springwater Rd": photos GH]

Once I’d slipped on my riding jeans and leather jacket, etc., I was on my way.


["Mrs. Rawcliffe said this one was her favourite"]

South of Belmont I turned left on Ron McNeil Line, headed east and turned south toward Lake Erie on Springwater Rd.


["Their 13-yr. old grandson made this one. Wine corks. Creative family!"]

I spotted a funky birdhouse at ‘The Rawcliffes’ extensive property before reaching Orwell on Highway 3 and 60 seconds after getting off the bike I made their acquaintance.


["I was offered a tour - no wine - and spotted this purple martin house"]

I stopped because of one birdhouse; I stayed for 30 minutes because of dozens more.



***

Do you stop and chat with strangers?

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