Monday 8 February 2016

Yurt Camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park

MacGregor Point Yurt Camp

by Sandra J. Howe

I just love to be out at MacGregor Point in winter. The yurt is rustic but not too rustic, sort of an elevated camping. We dress warmly, keep active, and have cozy places to go inside. I come up from Toronto every year for this event,” says Karen Valleau about the annual MacGregor Point Yurt Camp. Sydenham and Peninsula Bruce Trailers have been organizing and enjoying this activity for several years. The group was small this time with only 3 participants. Others hoped to go but circumstances changed.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park near Port Elgin offers many km of trails to explore by ski or snowshoe. The snow was sparse this year so we leapt from snow patch to puddle for a while before settling into long walks. The shoreline was open with almost no ice. It is odd to walk a sandy beach in February but still very lovely. Mild temperatures, calm winds, and even some blue sky made a fun-filled weekend.

The yurt was spacious and cozy with electricity and a gas fireplace. We strung Christmas lights to make it homey. Scrabble, Chinese checkers, and storytelling filled the evenings. We ate loads of wonderful food including Greek dinner with spanakopita, tabouli and ouzo. Chili, cornbread, and kale salad were also big hits. Hearty breakfasts cooked on the BBQ kept us nourished for outdoor explorations.

The Yurt Camping Weekend is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy winter fun together. It happens each year in January or February but requires advance planning because the yurts fill up fast. Watch for event notices in late summer or early fall so you don't miss out on this excellent adventure. Hope to see you there in 2017!











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