Winter hibernation is finally at its end.  Lots to prepare for the upcoming season.  Some of my best memories of 2012 are from September long weekend.  I have a good friend who celebrated her birthday with us over this holiday.  She is the ultimate event planner.   Festivities started in mid afternoon.  The fairly large group of adults were divided into teams and rotated through stations of various games.  Horseshoe, ring toss, Ladder ball, frisbee toss, even a rest station of lawn chairs directly in the water.  These were spread out through the park.  Scores were tallied and winners claimed their trophies.  The good times kept on rolling with an amazing potluck feast.  That night we witnessed a harvest moon, perfect for our late night dip.  
It's definitely proof that you don't need to have kids around to play games.  Of course some adults forget how to have fun.  Now with the likes of Pinterest, it's never been easier to find great entertaining ideas.  These pictures here depict new activities like glow bowling and glow ring toss which I know we are going to play this summer.  Come on and join the party; forgot your glow sticks...don't worry those we always carry in the office.  It's just a different type of evening glow. 

Absolutely amazing Sea-doo experience here.  A quick zip out and you are directly on Lake Huron at the mouth of South bay where all the energy of the Great Lakes culminates into walls of water.  We propel our craft off the waves and into the air.  Oddly, we are the only ones taking advantage of this.  The water levels are low so the docking area is perfect for beaching the PWC and using your sand anchor.  Then you spend the evenings around the BBQ or campfire.  After a good nights sleep, why not wakeboarding.  We have great conditions for kite surfing or windsurfing too.  To all the thrill seekers, check us out.  Manitoulin Island is recognized for relaxation but it doesn't have to be that way. 

On our way to South Bay Resort, we stopped in Little Current to enjoy the beautiful new waterfront, including the two pavilions. Canada Day Weekend starts off beautifully.  The sun is shining and the waters are calm.  Many shops here are worth exploring but it's the views of the North Channel while sipping on a Latte from Loco Beans that transforms this car ride into an adventure.  We notice an advertisement for Discovery Yacht Charters and immediately think this is a grand idea.  Options include Gourmet Dinner and Sightseeing; Overnight star-gazing, Baie Fine or Benjamin Island Adventure.  Call 1-800-268-8222 for more info.  Sounds delightful!  

Serenity! I believe that is the best part of Manitoulin Island.  This morning the wild rabbits chased each other through the campground and the butterflies were everywhere.  Within one hour of placing the bird feeders, you can spot multiple hummingbirds squabling for the sweet nectar.  Manitoulin is relatively untouched by man and at the very least by commercialism.  It is an amazing gettaway.  We meet so many different people.  A couple from New Zealand arrived counting numerous stories of their worldly travels.  
  Cycling is very popular here.  Now that most of the main highways are freshly paved with wide shoulders, I assume we will welcome many more bicyclists.  I suggest the Bruce Passage Ride coming up soon in early June.  Actually the MICA (Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates) have done a great job of putting together an updated map of trails and routes for all activists.  If you want off-road cycling Mclean's Park just up the road from us is an option as is Aundeck Omni Kaning Trail.
    Personally, I prefer to just walk the trails.  The Cup and Saucer is a favourite.  Although, Bridal Veil Falls, Mclean's Park, are just a few that deserve mention.  Look up the Ontario Trails Council for all the information you need to plan your next Manitoulin adventure.