Two Cents Worth
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The leaves got away from me.
I usually cut the grass/leaves every couple days when they start falling. I figure it’s good mulch for the grass and it’s so much easier than raking and making endless trips to the waste yard. I was away last week so there are too many leaves now to mow.
Spent the week at my sister’s up north. It’s about a three-hour drive and I was anxious to get there so hit the 401 only to run into construction. Decided to go the back way and took the ramp to Highway 24. Ran into construction there, too, so took the detour away from what was familiar. The GPS seemed not to mind so I just kept following instructions. There is a lot of construction going on so after another detour I had no idea where I was and prayed the GPS was at least taking me in the right direction.
I spent the next two hours or so driving through the most beautiful countryside I have seen in long time. It was all new territory and in that two hours I never arrived at a village or town, nor saw any signage that indicated where I was. The trees were fluorescent, absolutely brilliant, in the sunshine. There were only a few grand homes but lots of melodic, rolling farmland for miles. The speed limit was 40, 50 and occasionally 60 kilometers an hour.
Now, I was out in the country with nary a vehicle, school or community in sight so have no idea why it was so slow but it gave me ample time to really take in the scenery. I figured, or hoped, I was in the Halton Hills or Caledon Hills. I even saw some of the badlands. Yes, we do have then here in Ontario but I hadn’t seen them before. They are quite creepy looking.
Finally, I hit Highway 27. Didn’t know where I was on Highway 27 but at least I recognized it. GPS said to turn left so I did and in a few kilometers was at Highway 9 and familiar territory. Soon I arrived at my destination, relieved and grateful.
The next few days were filled with visiting with family and friends, eating, laughing and relaxing. My nephew Eli and girlfriend Jennie, who had been travelling for several months, were at his mom’s for a few days before heading back out West. They had been backpacking and hiking through Holland, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia-Hertzegovina, Serbia, Romania, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. They were glad to be home but are already planning their next trip.
We went to buy some mushrooms from a local grower and the owner gave us a tour of the operation. Did you know mushrooms double in size every day? Me, neither. They have to pick them every day to keep them from getting too big for sale. Very interesting.
Too soon it was time for home. I again headed the back way and went by way of Belfountain as suggested by my brother-in-law, Bob. He said if I enjoyed the back roads on my there, I would love driving the Forks of the Credit Road. If you ever get up that way, look it up. Hills, valleys, bends and hairpin turns - and I mean hairpin, the road actually turns back on itself - make it an exceptional experience.
Heed the signs that tell you not to try it with a trailer or big truck as you won’t make it and there is nowhere to turn around. You will need to stop at the Belfountain General Store for a coffee and some home baking when you get there. Thanks Bob, great idea.
I had a wonderful time and now I have to get at those leaves.