Despite roller coaster temperatures, freak April snow falls and a still frozen Little Joe Lake, we feel the warmth of spring around the bend. The snow is disappearing with each day, there are gray jays sitting on eggs and the male Spruce Grouses are putting on a show to impress the females. We are moving full speed ahead to get our opening team and plans together. This year, we open on Friday, May 30th. We hope to see you!
Were you aware that there is an alternative, less expensive and “greener” way to travel to Algonquin Park from Toronto or Ottawa? PARK BUS (www.parkbus.com) runs from June to October. Pre-booking your trip is recommended in July or August as the bus fills with young backpackers keen to see the north. We’ll happily meet you at the Portage Store at Canoe Lake and drive you into Arowhon Pines free of charge. We hope that you don’t mind a ride in our pickup truck!
FROM THE CHEF
In March, I traveled with my family to Mexico, to the Michoacan province to see the El Rosario monarch butterfly sanctuary high in the mountains, and to the Yucatan, for the seaside and Mayan culture. Enjoying meals at the outdoor markets was our favorite thing to do. It was wonderful to see families engaged in food preparation at all levels and the passion with which they cooked. In Michoacan, we enjoyed delicious clear mushroom soup, pork cutlets with crackling, fried cactus, and a variety of stewed beef and pork dishes, all served with fresh tortillas and various salsas depending on mom's recipe. In the Yucatan, there was delicious chicken, lime and tortilla soup, fresh fried fish, crisp tacos with Turkey, and my favorite - slow roasted pork, cooked wrapped in banana leaves in a charcoal pit, served with bread or fresh tortillas and pickled onions. Food was celebrated on every corner! So inspired, back in Canada, we’re testing recipes for our own corn tortillas, soups, and tacos! Ola!
David Cooke