One thing I knew for sure this morning when I got up in Guelph, Ontario was that it was Sunday. It is probably the only day I remember accurately, as days go by so fast in my world. Tuesdays are sometimes Fridays. Mondays are sometimes Saturdays. Every day is a great day exploring and learning more about Canada. We are lucky. But Sundays.. hummm they are the best for researching because parks are busy (people photos) and the streets downtown are not busy (better parking, less traffic). And I am not at all big on traffic.
In Flanders Fields
Guelph, Ontario.. is home to John McCrae. Who is he? Some of you Trivial Pursuit addicts (aka M.M.) will know this one for sure. John McCrae wrote one of the most famous war poems on record – “In Flanders Fields.” It was sort of neat to visit his home. It is a humble home but a floral bonanza. The gardens are rainbows. Next door rests the John McCrae Memorial Gardens. It is also very well done. A large monument is the centre piece of the gardens. At the foot of the monument rests a stone booklet with open pages and the poem scrawled out for all to read.
Outside right now, as I scribble these words, the skies are thundering and spitting down rain. It ain’t no sprinkle either. In fact, I cannot hear myself think because of the bullet-force rain attacking my trailer with determination. I am afraid one may pierce the perimeter and I will have to take cover. It pelts the pod with force and then stops instantly, on a dime per say. as if it is reloading, before it attacks again. It is good we are getting some rain. It has been one hot summer so far. My tan meter is so peaking!
Riverside Park was the first destination when in Guelph. In the parking lot by 7 AM and started doing the Sherlock Holmes thing. The park, as it ends up, is one of the better visited parks in the community. It is home to many events. My first visit was to the Floral Clock Gardens. That would make it two floral clocks now that I have seen in Ontario. This one was more elaborate with gardens, shelters and a small waterfall (Main BLOG Photo). Further down the park was the Speed River. Along the river were a few spill falls and a footbridge. Some people were already setting up picnics and visiting the playground. It was 9:30ish in the morning now. Early activity by the locals… impressive.
Goldie Mill Ruins
During my stay I researched more parks and the downtown core. I visited the Goldie Mill, John Gault and Royal Parks.. plus the Arboretum at Guelph University. And as I researched I came across some sweet ruins in the Goldie Mill Park. The walls were still up and the stack still standing from the old mill. The park was nothing in size so it is best to say it is a sightseeing destination only. No work out here, just sightseeing candy.
For me it was great because of my new and growing fondness for old buildings, dilapidated barns and heritage sites. Plus.. well I was leaving, a lady approached me in the parking lot who was from Mission, BC. We talked… and.. and.. we talked some more.. and then she talked and.. then we hugged and kissed and said goodbye. Ok.. we did not hug and kiss, just pulling your leg on the last bit just to make sure your paying attention..LOL. She was a sweet lady.
So again with the older stone buildings attracting my interest. There is something about the stone work and the crumbling old barns that draw my attention. I seem them as timeless and wise, some with vines crawling up their spines. They make for good photo. Each Ontario community seems to have so many of them.. some dating back to the early 1800s.
When in Guelph and your itching for some hiking and sightseeing go and visit the floral gardens at the Arboretum in Guelph University. Or if your a biker than explore the paved and gravel path following the river banks of the Speed River. The path connects to many parks and sightseeing spots. For anyone who would like to do the water thing by canoe then give the easy going Speed River and Guelph Lake a look. In a nut shell the water, garden and trail scene are good to go in Guelph.
The rain is attacking again, thunder is zapping the sky, so I am going to split and go out and do some, “Singing in the rain.”
Cheers!