Tobermory

Following last week's walk to the caves, I drove on further to spend the rest of the afternoon in Tobermory.




Tobermory is the end of the road. It's the farthest point on the Bruce Peninsula and the Niagara Escarpment and is the end terminus of the Bruce Trail, an almost 900km hiking trail that starts in Niagara.
It's also a seasonal town that pretty much closes down during the winter months but is always packed with campers and tourists during the summer.

This sign is new, and like in a shopping mall it lists everything you need to find on the few streets.  And, surprisingly for a non-shopper, I always quite enjoy poking around in all of these shops and galleries. There is a nice complement of touristy and general merchandise for sale.
I had to chuckle at the LCBO (our government run liquor store) being listed under 'amenities' rather than 'shopping'.

As you walk into town, straight ahead is Little Tub Harbour

where on the left hand side you can pick up one of your boat tours

and over on the right hand side are more shops plus the walking trail

and there, not quite able to hide, is the Chi Cheemaun, taking on cars to ferry over to Manitoulin Island – a two hour journey. I took the opportunity to find a bench and wait for it to leave. 

It was a bit of a wait (the ferry can hold up to 240 vehicles) but as it was so hot, somewhere around 40C, I  was extremely happy to just sit and watch.

okay, sit and take dozens of pictures. I was ridiculously pleased at the timing.

Chi Cheemaun means Big Canoe in Ojibway.

some of these bobbing heads are people on a scuba dive lesson. diving is a big thing here - lots of shipwrecks, and even underwater caves

Let's turn around and head back towards town

across the road we find this guest house, The Lightkeepers Cottage

a sculptural bench with attached planter for Jude 

(just because)

the back is in the shape of Bruce County.

and even sculptural rail posts – each one is ruggedly individual

and just beyond is the cairn

Jo may end her walks with a refreshing cup of tea, but this is where I was headed

a couple of doors down, for Anabel, is the library

more shops and an art gallery tucked in the corner

seeking shade wherever you can!

as I was walking back to my car, I noticed a new building

 will replace this older cottage style one. 

 not quite as charming, but I'm sure the space is sorely needed.

In case you're wondering, the Flowerpot is a type of sea stack on an island about 6km away. They are what is left of a cliff after being battered by rain, wind, waves, ice, and time. There are currently two of them on the island, and they look like what is at the gateway sign (first picture).

if you so desire, amble on over to restlessjo to find other walks from around the world