Almonte Walk By the River

Last weekend, I took a walk with several family members along a trail that passes through Almonte.

The trail was originally the site of a railroad line connecting a number of towns in this part of the province.

I often see cyclists use the path in summer - and ski-doers in winter, but we chose to leave it and cross a pedestrian bridge to circle back into town. 

A very picturesque walk!.

At this time of year, the fall colours make it exceptionally beautiful.

The weather was warm and sunny - perfect for walking.

Next time I'd like to go a little farther down the path.

Fun With Leaves

I've forgotten how much fun autumn leaves can be for kids!

I was recently reminded!

Hide and seek... Where did he go?!

So much fun - for a few weeks of the year!

New Restaurant to Try!

Terry and I were recently in Almonte, where we stopped for lunch with our son who lives nearby.

We'd never eaten in this pizza restaurant before - overlooking the waterfall...

The food was delicious!

On our way back to the car, we paused to remember that Almonte is the hometown of James Nasmith, the inventor of basketball!

It was nice to be out and about again - now that the weather isn't quite so hot!

Biking ... to Field of Dreams

Last Sunday, Terry and I - and a few family members - headed out for a country walk / bike ride.

The weather was wonderful! Perfect!

So we headed down the road to a nearby "field of dreams."

I  don't know how many come to play baseball here... 

But now, whenever I pass the farm, I'll look and see.

New Favorite!

A few days ago, the family enjoyed a delicious meal at a new (to us) restaurant in Almonte. 

We had come to celebrate our grandson's birthday. 

The food was excellent. I had fish tacos for the first time. Dessert was cheesecake... (which I forgot to photograph).

Now I'm looking for an excuse to celebrate there again!

Night Market

From time to time Almonte has a "Night Market" - when stores are open late and other vendors join them outdoors.

We recently saw them setting up - in the late afternoon...

Then we joined our son snd his family and wandered around .

My favorite displays were these paper creatures a young man had made on a 3-D printer....

... And this little goat!

The farmer said that he sold some as pets! (Could we keep him in the city?!)

Terry loves to visit vintage stores to check out their car license collections.

For me, it was a trip down "Memory Lane" as I remembered the days when bottled soda was transported in heavy wooden boxes. Good old Pepsi Cola and Canada Dry!

Where Turkeys Roam Free

Terry and I were recently drivng towards Almonte when we noticed several groups of wild turkeys - families, pethaps - snacking in a farmer's field.

We pulled over on the quiet country road, so that I could take a few pictures.

We don't often see wild turkeys - though once I saw one in our yard.

Strange that they should come out of hiding just when we're beginning to think about eating turkey on Thanksgiving... (which is in October in Canada)!

Puppet Parade

One of the best known events in Almonte is an annual puppeteering weekend - which took place last Saturday and Sunday. 

Puppeteers come from far and wide. 

The weekend is full of puppet shows - as well as a daily puppet parade.

We were there for the Sunday parade...

It was a reminder that puppets...

...and puppeteers ...

... and come in many shapes and sizes!

Playing With Puppets

One weekend a year, Almonte, Ontario celebrates puppets!

Not sure how or when the puppet festival started, but it's well-known in the world of puppeteering.

Puppeteers come from all over to give workshops and performances. Even street shows...

There's even a puppet playground, where children can play with puppets.

Fun!

This puppet (clam?) blew bubbles when his head (shell?) was patted.

Children interact with puppets of all kinds!

Or even make some.

Fun for everyone!

Tea... and Lunch

Last Sunday, after church, I had lunch in a charming tea house in Almonte, together with my son and his children.

(Terry chose to head home as there was stormy weather in the forecast.)

It was my first time eating there - though I have stopped in to purchase baked goods.

Jericho discovered that - until they are needed - bundles of cutlery make good vehicles to drive around the table!

The food was good - but (of course!) once it arrived, I focused on eating and forgot to take pictures!

A very cute place for lunch - or "high tea."