Bounteous snow and temperatures just below freezing created the perfect conditions for some outdoor recreation on Family Day, Monday February 18th. Springwater Forest, south of Aylmer, was dotted with walkers, runners and cross-country skiiers enjoying the forest and the day.

Pinafore Park’s past has included a golf course, buffalo herds, boat races and train rides. In 1999 a Memory Garden was started with gazebo, sundial,  natural stone archways with life-sized sculptures, garden, recognition wall and water feature. A dramatic waterfall and stream is currently under construction that will flow into Lake Pinafore. On Sunday, many visitors to the park were strolling by to check out the newly installed bridge under which the water feature will eventually flow.  

Bird watchers gather at Hawk Cliff during the fall migration of thousands of raptors - broad-winded hawks, kestrels, sharpies, peregrine falcons. On the weekends of Sept 14, 15 and 21,22  Monarch Watch and the Hawk Cliff Banders give talks and demonstrations at the site.

Fairies gathered for the third year Lavender Fairy Festival at Steed & Company Lavender on Saturday. They have come each year, rain or shine, to learn about the Lavender Fairy, to parade and to take part in activities and fun related to fairy lore.  This year's sunny skies brought more fairies (and pirates) than ever, along with a special guest.    

Photos by Mark Girdauskas

The Shedden Tractor Pull provides competitive opportunities for pullers and a show that is fun, loud and exciting for spectators. The Keystone Community Complex in Shedden played host to the 40th annual edition on June 14th. The Pull was started in 1973, but the major responsibility for the event was taken over in 2005 by the Tractor Pull Committee.     

Photos by Mark Girdauskas

Lake Erie Salmon & Trout Club maintains a beautiful acreage just outside of Port Stanley at 4255 Thomas Rd, with fish hatcheries, ponds, natural creek, and walking trails.

Copyright © Don Durkee 2013