Over Thanksgiving weekend we had plans to go to the Muskoka’s to hike some trails and visit Huntsville. Our original plan was to spend the entire weekend in the area, hiking multiple trails and catching the last of the fall colors. However, I had just recently twisted my ankle and I was not able to walk for long distances, so hiking multiple trails was not going to happen. Since we still wanted to do something over the weekend, we decided to cancel our hotel and to just go for a day trip to the area to walk an easy trail at Limberlost and then visit downtown Huntsville.
During my canoe course in August, I had submitted a photo to a contest that promotes downtown Huntsville. I was really happy when I received an email in late September that I had won the contest which came with a prize of $100 to spend at the stores in their downtown core (which was a big part of the reason we had decided to go to Huntsville, so I guess their promotion worked!).
I have been to this forest reserve before with Christina in the winter and seeing it in the fall was just as beautiful. We hiked the Turtle Lake and Clear Lake trails and completed a figure 8 pattern around the two lakes. Even though it was really busy in the parking lot, we didn’t see a lot of traffic on the trail, which was nice. If my ankle wasn’t in such a bad shape, we would have aimed to hike the longer Solitaire Trail, so maybe we’ll have to head back some other time for that.
Great signage 
Just had to climb the tree 
Small snake on the road
After leaving Limberlost we headed into Huntsville to do some shopping. It was time to spend my winnings and I knew exactly where my first stop would be – Algonquin Outfitters. With so many items on my wish list, I ended up purchasing a polar fleece lined Buff, which is a great addition to my winter gear. I really wanted a reflector oven, but alas Algonquin Outfitters doesn’t carry any.
Our second stop was the chocolate shop where we purchased over $25 worth of chocolate and truffles. As we wandered through downtown we headed out to the docks and I noticed a piece of colored wood at the end. When I picked it up I found a note saying that this sign was mine to keep and wished us a Happy Thanksgiving. Such a great idea as they listed their company and asked to share and follow their business. If you get a chance, look up Country Stencil on Instagram and Facebook.
We wandered more and decided to visit Lake of Bays Brewing Co to spend the last of my winnings. I have always wanted to try their local brews and I got the Red Sky to try. It was delightful and the pretzels paired with it was a great combination.
Once we finished our late afternoon snack we topped it off with some gelato from Affogato Cafe and Gelato.
let’s go shopping 
Country Stencil find! 
Yummy Red Sky 
These were amazing 
I should have, but I didn’t 
It was time for us to head home and along the way we passed a trail head that looked like it was for a lookout trail of some sort. With some extra daylight left in our day, we stopped and decided to check it out. I just love doing spontaneous things on our adventures, so this was right up my alley. This trail system was called the James Cooper and Ridge Trail which goes from our current location all the way into Big Hawk Lake. We only wanted to complete the small lookout trail, so watching signs for the correct direction was important. We were not ready to complete a long 20+km hike.
Once at the top of the lookout the views were amazing, so Dan spent some time taking pictures of the valley below as the sun lit up the trees and they were glowing in the light.
Many paths to follow 
Another tree to climb 
Photo by Dan
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