Recently paddled out to Gordon Island in Ontario's 1000 Island Park with some friends. The island has until recently been off limits due to an infestation of insects which hollowed out the numerous large oak trees on the island leaving them in danger of suddenly falling on visitors. The trees were mostly cut down and burned and then the island left to regenerate. The winds were up on the crossing making the paddle rather interesting...
Recently the island has been opened to visitors again, docks for power-boaters put in and a new composting toilet installed. At first glance it all seemed quite fancy, especially when one came across relics like the 1907 gazebo above while walking the trail around the island. One got the impression that no expense was spared back then when it came to the care and comfort of water travelers.
Much has changed however. While the island was clean, the campsites were in need of attention. With the near total defunding of Canada's national park system, I fear Gordon Island and many others will be open to vandals and others with little better to do than ruin our beautiful parks.
Another sad feature much in evidence was the effects of the long drought in the area. Grass was beginning to turn brown here and there and many plants were limp and drooping over. Hopefully rain fell after we left this gorgeous area...
