Great Beaches Near Peterborough

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The view from Jones Beach. Photo: Evan Holt
One of the many sweet benefits of living in the Patch is the proximity to beaches. A hot day—and we've had a lot of those this summer—practically commands a trip to one of the many great swim spots that pepper the area.
 
While the beaches located within the city limits are nice for evening strolls, I can’t really condone swimming at them. Little Lake is a visual gem, but I wouldn’t dip more than a toe into it. As for the Otonabee River? Pretty much the same rules apply, especially south of Little Lake. Short of those taking part in the annual Peterborough Triathlon, you will not see many folks dipping beyond their waists.
 
My family talks about installing a pool each and every spring. Yet, we’ve avoided taking the plunge. Why would we go to that cost when we can jump into the car and in under 15 minutes be kicking off our shoes and jumping into Chemong Lake. Frequented by a selection of regular faces, a little known beach called Jones Beach is located at the north end of Bridgenorth (on Jones Beach Road), just as the road turns out of town towards Lakefield. Jones Beach is small, but features a nice sandy area, a gentle slope into the deeper water and a solid platform to swim and jump from. Yeah, people will say that Chemong is full of weeds, making swimming less than delightful. They are wrong. The weeds of Chemong Lake are present, but far enough out that most folks will not likely feel their tickling tentacles.
 
Another beach, Lakefield Beach, lies on the south-west shore of Katchewanooka Lake, within the town of Lakefield. It’s a larger beach than Jones, and far more populated. The swimming in my opinion isn't as good as Chemong Lake, but for kids and teens, this is a great hangout. A grassy park lies adjacent, giving shade to picnickers and those who prefer to be out of the hot sun.
 
Stray a little farther from town, and other wet, refreshing locations await. Sandy Beach, west of the town of Buckhorn, is a prized destination both for its Caribbean blue shallow waters and its people watching. Most people make a day of it and bring all the necessary gear to get them through their adventure.

We are all very lucky to have these beaches nearby. Now, get out there and take advantage!

—Jeffrey Macklin, PtboCanada contributor

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Workshop on Invasive Plant Species in the Kawarthas

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Lakeland Alliance's Sue Prentice talks about the Dog-Strangling VineSue Prentice of the Lakeland Alliance lead an informative workshop, "Alien Invaders: Invasive Plant Species in Cottage Country", at Ecology Park on Sunday.

Invasive plants species are usually ornamental plants that have been moved from their native habitat to a new area such as our local gardens. Due to their aggressive behaviour, they will overtake local plants and can cause economic, environmental, social or cultural damage.

Plants that have been found locally include the Common and Glossy Buckthorn, the Dog-Strangling Vine, The Norway Maple and recently brought to the spotlight, the Giant Hogweed.

Due to the 2009 Ontario cosmetic pesticides ban, we can't combat the plants with harmful toxins. But Sue Prentice gave suggestions on other methods of cutting them back (for example, being careful about what plants you put in your garden in the first place) and using something called soil solarization to prevent them from bothering you again. —Evan Holt

[Related: The Green Update: Invasive Species]

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The Goods on the Worldwide Photo Walk in the Patch

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There were 25 photo walkers (see pic above) who came from around Peterborough and even as far as Oshawa to take part in the Worldwide Photo Walk on Saturday. The two hour walk started at Natas Cafe—the staff were kind enough to open early to supply the photographers with java—then went across Hunter Street all the way to the Lift Lock. The walk then wrapped back around through East City across the footpath on the bridge at the end of Maria Street, and ended at Silver Bean Café.

On August 7th, the walk leader, Evan Holt (PtboCanada's creative director), will choose the best photo which will go on to compete again the other best photos from around the world. The grand prize winning photo, along with 10 finalists, will be chosen on August 14th.

[Worldwide Photo Walk]

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The Many Paths and Trails in and Around the Patch

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After spending a recent evening strolling through Beavermead Park, I was delighted to see so many Peterborough folks taking full advantage of one of the many paths and trails our little city has to offer.

Whether it's jogging, cycling, hiking or simply taking the dog for a walk, Peterborough has it covered!

Check out these sites for more info on paths, trails and bikeways in the area:

JaggedPath (great site, but currently under a redesign)



—Julie Morris, PtboCanada contributor 

Have more trail suggestions? Add them below!

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