The leaves were beautiful...
The day was sunny...
Sunlight gives fall leaves their translucent glow...
Like stained glass.
I find that going out for the express purpose of enjoying nature enhances my mood.
As Terry once noted, we are happier when we are travelling! It's as though we're escaping our daily concerns. Even a day trip becomes a mini-vacation.
On a recent visit to Merrickville, we happened to see the "Kawartha Voyageur" - a cruise boat I took down the Rideau Canal 10 years ago.
It was such an interesting experience!
I wanted to view the canal from a different perspective - from the water, rather than the land.
What a fun - and relaxing - learning experience that was!
I would definitely love to do it again!
En route, we noticed that the leaves were beginning to change color.
It would be interesting to drive this road once a week in September and October ...
... to see the full effect of the dramatic scenic changes!
Yesterday was sunny and warm - so Terry and I headed to Almonte.
All around us, we saw signs of spring...
In the melting ice and rushing water...
Winter-themed signs were coming off signposts.
New signs were going up.
We haven't wandered around town like this in months! It was fun to be back!
It's only been a few months, but we've already developed a Saturday shopping "routine"!
First, we drive to Dixie Outlet Mall. We each have our favorite stores and don't need to stay long. (No pictures from there!)
Next, we head to Dundas, a small historic town that is part of Hamilton - to "Detour Coffee," where we always have lunch. (See photo above. It's worth the drive!)
Then we continue on to another small town called "Freelton" - now also part of Hamilton - to a charity vintage shop called "Rescued and Restored."
Our daughter follows them on Instagram, so she usually has an idea of what she want to buy...
There's lots to check out - so we tend to linger here...
Then we continue on to Guelph - where our daughter used to live.
Some vintage store browsing...
Before heading to Terry's favorite Indian restaurant in Guelph... ("Diwa")
Then back to Toronto again!
Last Sunday we drove to Merrickville, one of our favorite historic towns near Ottawa.
It was a final farewell visit before our daughter moves back to Toronto.
We had lunch...
Then ice cream.
Visited a craft fair...
And art show, in the park.
Watched the bridge turn so that boats could pass through the canal lock...
Remembered that the Baldachin Inn (below) was the largest department store between Chicago and Montreal when it was first build.
What about Toronto? our daughter asked...
(Was there even a Toronto in those days?)
Terry bought a vintage license plate at a yard sale.
Something for everyone!
Last week's warmer weather inspired Terry and me to take a few day trips. One to Perth, Ontario, was particularly successful...
We walked...
Had a great meal...
(Right after the noon hour rush, the restaurant was quiet.)
We also did some shopping - with hot chocolate on the side.
A perfect day!
Then we had coffee in Main Street, where Terry caught up on Merrickville news.
This historic town on the Rideau Canal is such a relaxing and beautiful place to visit - especially midweek - once summer tourist season is over.
