cycling (road/rail trail) 1:00:00 [3] 22.0 km (2:44 / km)
Goose and I headed up to Grey County to paddle a section of Saugeen that we haven't done before: downriver from Paisley to where it empties into Lake Huron in Southampton. We didn't decide this until mid-morning so it was damn hot by the time we got up there. We dropped the boat etc. at Paisley then took the car downriver 20 km toward Port Elgin. From there we rode our bikes back upriver to the put-in, some rail trail some on country gravel roads. The rail trails in farm country tend to be multi-use which means ATVs in the summer. They chew up the trail and those who maintain the trail tend to put down larger grade gravel which sucks for cyclists, especially if you don't have a mt. bike. But it was a nice rolling ride back to Paisley where we locked up the bikes and got into the canoe. It was a happening spot on a hot summer day. There were several groups of very friendly, happy, slightly drunk "floaters", in various shapes of inflatable watercraft - unicorns, swans, tugboats, rings etc. Almost none with paddles, or lifejackets, but all with coolers! We were hailed with very merry greetings as we paddled by. To be fair there were a few kayaks but still not a lot of paddling going on. Some fishing. A lot of really bad sunburning.
It was quite hot, but when we felt like cooling off we jumped in the river:)
It's not a tricky river, not very deep for the most part, lots of gravel bars and rock gardens, and mucky silty spots but very peaceful with a steady flow. We totally lucked out with finding a campground as we passed a sign about 1/2 way down for "Hidden Valley Campground - Welcome Kayers and Canoers". So when we finished paddling we phoned and they accepted tenters! No one else we've tried will take tents because they need washrooms. This place was a gem. Super nice people, a small but very clean and tidy campground and washrooms, quiet RV seasonal folk, a few young families with well-behaved children, their grandparents (also well-behaved) who did not make much noise. And it was amaaaazing weather. There were lots of trees so it was lovely and shady and cool. Awesome way to spend a summer solstice weekend.