Below, a few shots taken in summer 2013.
I visited Merritt Island at least once a week when I lived in Welland and it was a 5 minute drive down the street,
ABOVE; One side of the island and water that surrounds it.
It's not unusual to see people rowing, kayaking and fishing. Swimming is strictly off limits, but you usually see teens jumping from the entrance bridge into the water below, especially of very hot and humid days.
Not for me thank you very much.
I have many "first time" experiences on Merritt Island.
One of them was when AIDS Niagara held its annual AIDS Walk on Merritt Island. It was so refreshing to see trees and birds and the surrounding water while completing the AIDS Walk, and it seemed a nicer view than the broken beer bottles and used condoms one could often find on the downtown St Catharines walk route.
To my knowledge the walk did not return to Merritt Island, which is sad, because the island's natural beauty combined with raising funds and awareness made it very memorable.
The large pillars on the right, were put there decades ago.
They represent the old Welland Canal, which was what put Merritt Island on the map in the first place.
I wish this was a video clip instead of a still photo. For if this was a video, you could be chuckling along as Timmi's ears flap rapidly in the wind.
And when that wind really kicks up, a frightened Timmi looks like Rocky the Flying Squirrel as we return to the car.
Those were very great moments.
Merritt Island is only one of many great places to visit in Welland. And Timmi & I miss each and every one of them.