Hey Actifitters,
With the bright sun out again yesterday, we had planned to go to Kensington Park. It had been a while and it's always a good destination for a nice walk in all seasons. We were getting ready to start when I saw Le Chat apparently looking for company.
So instead of leaving right away, we had a couple espressos on the deck, so we could spend time with her.
I really don't think she needed anybody to stay entertained anyways. Anything she can find on the deck will do!
And then she fell deeply asleep in the sun. Cat's life can be good sometimes!
Kaia on the other hand was doing her best to stay patient. She saw the water bottle and her leash in the car earlier, she knew we were going somewhere!
And finally, a little after 4pm, we were on our way to the park. With the switch to daylight saving time the night before, that still left us plenty of time before nightfall. When we got there, it was clear the season didn't start yet: nobody at the entrance booths and most of the parking lots were still closed. So we ended up at the same one we often go, just opposite to the farm center. Like I said, still plenty of daylight.
I say that every time we go there, but we really need to try one of these tables some day. Make a day of it, have lunch there with that beautiful view, then walk the 8 miles loop for a full day. Since it's kind of far from the beaches, it's never crowded and you still have a lake view in the distance.
Anyways, this time, we just wanted to have a nice walk, so we quickly got started. That parking spot is great because it's very close to the water. Just a few minutes and it's already here.
And a few more minutes, you get to that bridge with beautiful views of the lake in both directions.
I could actually stay there for a very long time, but I wanted to cover at least a couple miles before turning back, so we continued. With many stops for photos of course!
Like I'm sure I mentioned in the past, when starting in this direction, the first point of interest is that small marina called Mitten Bay Docking I believe. Like I said, the season isn't started yet, so no boat right now.
But it's not empty, birds who apparently can walk on water are always there. Yes, it is still frozen!
The next stop on our list is this small rest area, it's really just a couple benches with a great view.
We weren't there to rest yet, it's another location you can access the water.
Kaia really wanted to go in but over the years we heard plenty of toxic algae warnings, so I didn't let her, just in case.
Again we didn't stop there much and continued in the same direction.
That's another must stop for us at this painted tree stump. Kaia always has to pose next to it, it's a tradition!
We were past the 2 miles mark that I had set for us to turn back, but I wanted a few more views from the icy water. So we went a little further and found a small path down to the water.
Kaia still wanted to go in!
We finally turned back because I wanted to keep enough time for the sunset. On the way back, we stopped at that rest area to hydrate.
But even though the sun was still high, the colors started to change, so we got back on the trail.
I think we did the exact same thing last time: being short on time, we drove to Martindale Beach to catch the sunset. But that parking lot was also closed and we had to park at disk golf course across the main park road. A little more walking is good actually, especially since we're not late for once. Yes, we did make it for the sunset!
I really like that view from the small bar at Martindale Beach. With the last of the snow for this year most likely and the sun in the background, perfect! That's why I chose it for Around The World contest (always such a difficult choice...):
Closer to the lake ain't bad either.
Reflections on the ice is something you don't see every day, well at least I don't.
We finally headed to the East Boat Launch which is where I think you want to be for the sunset.
Again too early in the season, but that's where the boats for the sailing school normally are.
I'm not even a US citizen, but I can't help it, I have to snap a version of this patriotic photo every time...
And finally the boat launch. Like I said, I believe it's the best spot for the sunset.
It's like the birds were enjoying the show too, while walking on water...
Probably my favorite photo near the end of the sunset.
It finally got dark as we walked back to the car, but from above the beach, we had one final view on the sunset.
In the end, it was a great visit to Kensington Metropark. It was entirely by chance (thanks Le Chat for making us leave later than planned), but we timed the sunset very well for once. Fitness wise, it was only about 6 miles overall, but once again that wasn't the main point. It's an easy walk, mostly paved actually. Unfortunately next time we get to visit this park, snow and ice will be fully gone, until next year...
As always, thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow.
PS: sorry it got a bit long, but choosing photos is hard!
[//]:# (!pinmapple 42.52405 lat -83.64489 long d3scr)
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