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Friday, May 11, 2012

Kites and hikes at the Kortright Centre for Conservation

Minutes north of Toronto lies not only a centre for the most leading edge sustainable technology education programs in the country, but also a conservation area open year round for lots of fun activities and events. Last Sunday, they had a Kite Festival that ran from 10am to 4pm. Several activities were slated for the day. The site also offered many picnic spots where folks can eat lunch they either brought or purchased from the hotdog booth. Our family decided to just come in after lunch.

The winds were not very cooperative that day and the conditions were not really ideal for kite-flying. Most of the activities did not go on schedule. But, if you were with family and friends on such a nice, spring day, that would count as good fun in our books. Some beautiful kites (including our own simple ones) did manage to stay up in the air for a bit. Whenever the winds died down, the kids would go off to explore one booth or another. There was a booth where the kids could feel fox and beaver furs, animal teeth, and a beaver tail, among others. There was also a face-painting booth. There was a meet ‘n greet booth for Reptilia where the kids could touch different kinds of snakes and reptiles, even a turtle—one at a time, of course! Near the area where the Kite Fest was, the kids could to see the birds of prey. The Raptor Centre of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation houses falcons and other raptors at risk and assists in their recovery.

After flying our kites, we decided to go on a hike. We went around the Maple Syrup sugar bush towards the marsh. The trails were lovely. It was quite peaceful and very relaxing to be walking in these woods and along the creek. Through the hike, we saw some bird watchers, joggers and other hikers. There are several benches along the way, should hikers wish to take a rest. We ended at the boardwalk near the wetlands for the ducks.
It was a wonderful walk to end our excursion. The girls got some good exercise and so did we. Can all Sundays be as lovely as this?

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