Researching the islands of our Great Lakes

For my upcoming book, 

A 1,000-MILE GREAT LAKES 

ISLAND ADVENTURE,

I delved into the history of the islands and uncovered some fascinating stories.

The photo below is of Christy Anne Morrison, one of only two survivors from the sinking of the Asia, a ferry making a route to Manitoulin Island in the fall of 1882.

And this second photo is of the famous diving horse that entertained crowds by plunging 40 feet into the waters around Toronto Island.

These are just two of the fascinating stories I explore in my upcoming book.

It will be available to select indie bookstores this May, then everywhere in June.

Please check out my schedule of speaking engagements in the sidebar here. I am still adding events, so check back to see if I'll be coming to your town.

I hope to see you along the way!

Toronto's indie bookstore

Toronto!

As you all know by now, I am a fan of indie bookstores. While in Toronto exploring the Toronto Islands (yes, there are islands there), 
I found Ben McNally Books.

Interior of Ben McNally Books

What a great store! I bought two books on the history and geology of the area.

Window shopping

Stop in next time you're in this Great Lakes city, or check out their website HERE.

Toronto Islands

I explored the Toronto Islands 

for my upcoming book. 

These small islands tuck up against Toronto's shoreline and are accessible by ferry.

Map of the Toronto Islands

The view from the islands back at Toronto

View from the ferry

Mature trees give these islands a lush, natural feel

They are a wonderful retreat for Toronto's residents and visitors.

Boardwalk along the Lake Ontario side of the island

Plaza and fountain on one of the islands

The ferry

Learn more HERE.

Toronto!

My Lake Ontario hike ended in Toronto, the second-largest city on the edge of the Great Lakes.  

(Chicago is the largest.)

First view of the Toronto skyline in distance

Toronto skyline from beach

Along this stretch of pathway, hundreds of people biked and skated, jogged and strolled.

French makes everything sound classier, even the Hockey Hall of Fame

CN Tower

Sunrise in Toronto over Union Station

Canada borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes. Only Lake Michigan is completely within the borders of the U.S. I thought it was important to experience how Canada relates to these vast, inland seas. There are 8 states bordering the lakes. Can you name them? 

Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail Part 1

The Waterfront Trail stretches from the city of Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border in Ontario, Canada. 

I hiked 146 miles of the trail last month from the city of Belleville to Toronto.  

From the Website for the trail:

Do More on the Shore!

The Waterfront Trail has been an instrumental part of Lake Ontario’s regeneration. Along it you will find a 900 km [that's about 560 miles!] celebration of nature and culture - where peaceful countryside, small towns and big cities are linked in bringing Lake Ontario to this province's residents and visitors, alike. Enjoy it for a day. Or make it a summer-long adventure. The Waterfront Trail will let you discover the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River waterfront...and what it can mean to you.

The Waterfront Trail represents a whole new way of thinking about the Lake Ontario and St Lawrence River waterfronts that emphasizes the links between ecological health, economic vitality, and a sense of community. It has helped inspire people to rediscover and improve the lakeshore, and been part of a transformation of under-utilized and environmentally degraded lands to vibrant places with businesses and jobs, parks and recreational facilities, natural habitats, cultural venues and attractions.

The trail is marked with this symbol along the way

Helpful signage at a turn

View from the trail west of Port Hope

I always stopped at fruit stands along the road!

Me and Lake Ontario!

The Next Adventure!

Check out the new image at the top of this blog!

This is the route I will be following on my next adventure, a journey of over 1000-miles that will allow me to touch all five great lakes.

#1: I hike a portion of Ohio's northern edge beginning at Port Clinton, then will continue to do most of the edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This will allow me to touch three Great Lakes: Erie, Huron and Michigan.

#2: I will do two sections of shoreline on Lake Superior including all of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (the longer highlighted part – which is part of the North Country Trail) and Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary (the shorter highlighted part – which protects some of the last old-growth trees in Michigan, some as old as 600 years).

#3: Takes me along Canada’s shoreline on Lake Ontario. I will begin in Toronto and hike east to Sandbanks Park near where Lake Ontario egresses into the Saint Lawrence River.

#4: This is the two-day finale hiking from the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls along the Niagara River Recreational Trail. This will take place on a Friday-Saturday in October (dates being nailed down) and I’ll invite people to come and hike these last two days with me and to celebrate the end of my second 1000-mile adventure! I’m working on a deal for lodging and celebratory dinner, so watch for details! Also note that this will take place on the Canadian side of the river, so you will need a passport or enhanced driver’s license in order to cross the border into Canada.

If you haven’t already, please go ahead and “LIKE” my fan page to stay current on my writing and hiking and activism on behalf of our Great Lakes. And, if you'd like updates mailed to you, please shoot me an e-mail at Loreen@LakeTrek.com with the subject line: Updates!

Life should be an adventure!

Press Release link: http://prlog.org/11781680