1000 Islands/Association Island KOA

Our last stop before going to Montreal is at 1000 Islands/Association Island KOA near Henderson, New York on the shores of Lake Ontario.  A 1,300 ft two-lane causeway connects the island to the mainland.

In the early 1900's General Electric bought the island and used it for retreats.  In 1959 GE donated the island to the YMCA which used it as a boys' summer camp. In 1999 it became a KOA campground.

After walking so much in Niagara Falls, we decided to make this a resting stop.  For the most part we stayed on the island except when we drove to Henderson for grocery shopping.

On the causeway to the island

Campground in the distance at the end of the causeway

Ready to set up camp right by the water

The island has a sunrise side and a sunset side.  Thank goodness we are on the sunset side.  I know I'd never be up to get sunrise pictures! 

We've had good weather for our stay, only had a little rain one night.  There is a constant cool breeze coming off the lake but one night the wind was so strong the waves on the lake looked like the ocean.

The area had a lot of rain in the spring causing the water level in Lake Ontario to rise.  They could not release water from the lake because it would flood Montreal.  As a result many waterfront homes and stores have docks and decks underwater.  We also saw one house tilted in the water.

The campground has some camping sites that are no longer accessible.  All you can see is submerged fire pits and picnic tables.

We took a short drive in the area and found a lighthouse--Ray's Bay Lighthouse.  Unfortunately, it's privately owned and we could not go in.

The day after we arrived we noticed a LOT of tiny flying insects.  We think they are non-biting midges. They like to sit on the truck, the back of the RV, and the bikes.  They're not too much of a bother unless you disturb them.

We went for a bike ride across the causeway.  Just my luck there were 2 good sized hills we had to ride up.  Halfway up the hills I got off my bike and walked. Whew!

We biked by some waterfront properties that had steep driveways.  I bet they get slippery with ice and snow during the winter!  Don't slide into the water!

Note the houses right on the water

These are their driveways...

We've had a nice relaxing stay on the island (except for the bike riding!).  On Tuesday, July 18 we head for Montreal for a 1 month stay.  Wish us luck because we don't speak French and we don't know how much English is spoken there!