Tramp & Trail

Sometimes we question whether it is worth driving 70 miles to kayak 7, but in the case of Montario Point on Lake Ontario it was well worth the trip.  Our leader took us on the winding backwaters of the protected bay. We went by beaver dams, through marshlands full of birds and ate lunch on the east side of the inlet.  The beaches on both sides of the inlet had shallow water for swimming with a deep channel dividing the two shores.  Many others kayaked to this spot from the launch and larger boats entered from the lake to troll and cast for fish.  I saw one group catch a nice size large-mouth bass.  Unfortunately it was one week shy of opening day for bass so they had to throw it back!

There was a rope swing just in from the inlet, but with the water clouded with mud & silt no

one from our group wanted to take the chance of landing on a submerged log.  We decided to take a swim, enjoy the sun and the watermelon and home baked cookies thoughtfully provided by our leader and co-leader.

It was an easy paddle on calm water.  Even Lake Ontario was on its best behavior and we could easily have paddled down the shore to our cars.  Some long-time members remembered paddling the same spot maybe 15 years back and said that the water level had changed a lot.  At one time the lake met the backwater where we launched, now there is about 150 feet of beach between the two.  They also remembered the water being much clearer. None of us were sure, but we all figured that some of the aquatic plants were probably invasive species and that is why the water was becoming choked by them.  Nature usually has checks and balances, but in the case of invasives, nature often can’t catch up with the rapid growth and propagation of these pests.

The day ended at the Rainbow Shores restaurant and motel.  Now if you have never heard of this establishment it would not surprise me as we never could have found it but for our leader having spent a lot of time in that area in her younger years.  The restaurant is a gem of a place.  It has capacity for small parties and wedding receptions, has a nice patio and outdoor seating in the back and I hear the sunsets are fantastic!  The food was tasty and though the menu offered many of the usuals their presentation was often unique.  Such as a turkey sandwich with apple slices, cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce and horseradish mayo, served with homemade chips.  As my husband often says, “It was to die for!” and big enough that we were glad we split one.  A final stop for ice cream made the day complete!

By Lu Blanchard