Yes, we are still writing about Southampton. There is a lot to do here, and this time we will share our walk around Fairy Lake. It was a nice way to relax away from the beach through this hidden gem. The trail is short; only about 1 km, but there is a lot to see. sIt took us a lot more than ten minutes to walk around it.
Near the parking lot there is a nice viewing platform equipped with Muskoka chairs where one can relax with a book or binoculars.
The plaque below shares some local history. We liked the story about the bottomless lake; apparently there is a 3.5 meter layer of muck at the bottom of the lake and children were not allowed to go near the lake for fear that they will sink into the muck. Kinda scary…
As we walked around the lake, we came across a carefully placed collection of tree stump carvings.
Some of the carvings were a bit abstract,
while others were very realistic.
Mostly, the carvings represent the flora and fauna found in and around the lake.
like beavers,
and ducks.
The Fairy Lake trail winds behind the Bruce County Museum (we will tell you about the museum in another post) and you can see two log cabins that were moved to the grounds. One was a schoolhouse, and the second a home to a family of 11!
As we continued our walk, we came across a sculpting of a turtle.
Right around the corner from the carved turtle we found many turtles on logs.
Luckily, they didn’t jump into the water immediately as turtles often do!
So we were able to get a few shots of these beautiful turtles.
That day, we couldn’t ask for a lovelier walk.
Looks like an incredible place! I’m loving the carvings and wish I knew what it takes in terms of time and tools to do one of those pieces.
I know, I loved them too! I think that initially they use a chainsaw to create the general shape and refine it with carving tools. I would imagine that it takes some time to get the final result. Southampton is a lovely place!
Love this photo.
Thank you!
It’s always refreshing to see real turtles, for a long time I had the feeling that we only met them in storybooks.
Haha, they can be a bit elusive for sure!
The turtles seem to be having a great time! סבבה! 🙂
I think they did 🙂
a beautiful setting, and some amazing wood carvings!
Thanks for coming along. There were some glimpses of water for you as well 🙂
yes, the water views go without saying!
What a tranquil spot! And I’m also very impressed by the wood carvings displayed outdoors; they’re incredibly detailed! Thanks for sharing this beautiful part of your neighborhood, and here’s to more adventures there, too. 🙂
The carvings are very impressive and the lake tranquil! Thanks for coming along!
Looks like a nice place for a walk. Loved the turtles and the wood carvings.
It was really nice! Coming across so many complacent turtles was a bonus 🙂
Such a beautiful place. The carvings are amazing. Thank you.
Thank you for coming along! Not to be confused with Fairy Lake, Newmarket 🙂
Again, living vicariously through your blog. Such a wonderful spot. Loved both the carvings and the turtles.
Thanks for coming along as we rediscover Ontario. There are so many interesting and beautiful to see and do!
This looks like such a lovely trail with all the carvings along the way. I’ll have to add this one to my list for next year.
It’s a really nice area with lots to explore. You will love it!
I love the carvings, so much better than just an old stump.
It is, isn’t it!
love the woodpecker and the turtle!
I really like those two as well!