MacGregor Point Provincial Park is just over a hour drive north for us. On one cold January day we decided to pack up the truck with snacks, a thermos full of hot water and lots of layers of clothes to keep us warm. We ended up having to drive through some nasty, snowy conditions to get there but we finally found our way safely to the park.
Maya was 14 years old at the time, so we had her in a fleece sweater and a sherpa jacket. Chitra was also bundled up against the cold breeze coming of the lake.
There was a lot more snow up near Port Elgin and in the park than there was back in Lambton County. There was standing water around from the last thaw that hadn’t had the chance to freeze yet, despite the below zero degree temperatures.
The trail was only an hour or so long and we didn’t walk the whole thing because of the cold. Keeping winter walks short for senior dogs is important, but getting them out for walks is also important. We wanted to give Maya as many experiences as we could while she was still able to enjoy them. 
More evidence of the recent thaw. I love the reflections in the water and the floating ice ‘pucks’ forming on the surface.
Along the boardwalk’s rails there is often bird seed set out by the park and by visitors. The bird seed brings in a variety of birds including the Black-capped Chickadee.
We made our way out to the beach to check out the water and to see if there was any ice buildup on the beach – there wasn’t.
Maya decided she thought the beach was really cool and had a short zoomie. It was so wonderful to see her running around, but it was short-lived, but adorable.
Some bushes still held on to their fruit and berries, waiting to be consumed by birds or to fall off into the snow banks.
Any time of the year this trail and this park is beautiful. There are several other trails to hike, plus a skating ice trail, an outdoor hockey rink, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. Lots to do!
It wasn’t the best weather for a picnic but it was a wonderful day to take a day trip and do some hiking.
