TTP parking

[Shortsighted]

Has anyone been to Tommy Thompson Park lately?  That is, been there early in the morning.  I recall that the gravel/dirt parking area is enclosed by chain-link fencing and probably has a lockable gate.  If so, when does the parking area open?  Is parking allowed on Unwin Rd. next to the park entrance if the gate is closed at 7 o'clock in the morning?  I was thinking of making it out there during this spell of dry, cool weather before all the shorebirds migrate further, if that hasn't already happened.  It's been so long since I've been to this park that I don't know what to expect, except of course the necessity of a very long trek.  I'm thinking that the distance is too far for rubber boots.  I'm already fearful of the A-level frustration I'm bound to endure by the traffic on Kingston Road all the way to Woodbine.  Sometimes I think that I must be nuts to even consider it.

[Charline]

The entrance has been renovated. Not sure about parking, but you can rent a bicycle at the gate, if you don't wish to walk.


There is also a nice roofed washroom, maybe there are more than one.


I am going to Bancroft tomorrow.

[Shortsighted]

Bancroft, eh.  I presume that this trip is one of your club excursions and that you will therefore be expertly guided toward geological edification.  When trips are brief I guess that method minimizes time wasted exploring unfamiliar territory and negates worries about trespassing onto private property.  Permission arranged in advance, as it were.  Has your club, or you personally, ever visited the Beryl Pit in Renfrew County?  Although the pit has been scoured by visitors for decades there is probably still lots to be discovered.  I recall seeing a considerable amount of feldspar, both a blend of orange-coloured Orthoclase + greenish-blue Amazonite as well as iridescent Peristerite.  Finding actual Beryl might be a challenge though.  I hope you have a good trip.
 

[Charline]

Yes, I had a great trip! I went with a friend from my club who is far more experienced than I am.


We visited many beautiful local attractions, including Eagle's Nest Lookout, Egan Chutes Provincial Park, High Falls, and Bancroft Mineral Museum. We collected in the CN Rock Dump which is a free public site, during the day and at night (when I used my black UV light to expose the beautiful colors of various minerals). We also collected in the Princess Sodalite Mine where you harvest your rocks and then purchase them at $2/lb. We also visited other mineral stores.


Will post more about my trip soon.

[Shortsighted]

I'm pleased that it all worked out.  Having Guido-the-guide certainly tips the odds of success in your favour.  I recall that Eagles Nest does have a commanding view of the troops.  The sodalite mine was always closed when I was up there back in the 70's.