Farm Sitting - Visit to Lakefield

Farm Sitting - Visit to Lakefield

Such a sunny, clear-sky day beckoned us to leave the farm to explore the local area, including a mini excursion to Lakefield, Ontario. Lakefield - known as the 'cradle of Canadian Literature' - is a pretty little township that has preserved its historical architecture, while adapting to modern comforts. 

Heading west on County Road 33 brings you past a town sign that is charming in its simplicity. We parked nearby, on the street, only to notice some ice sculptures in the park. I was a happy man to see my favourite animal, the wolf, represented in ice. 

Sitting on an Ice-Throne! 

A Knight in Shining Armour conquering the Dragon!!

Christ Church

Our eyes were drawn to two of the churches, both Anglican, that are on the main street. Christ Church was built in  1853 by local agriculturists. It is now used as a seasonal museum operated by community volunteers. 

The other, St. John's Anglican, is the one in use today. When we passed by, a group of people were emerging from the church, having been to some kind of meeting. One woman was supporting herself by her walker. Mark asked if she needed any help, to which she replied, 'Could you take me to Ottawa?' Mark chuckled and told her that he appreciated her sense of humour! After we left her, I said to Mark, 'I wonder what she would have said/done if we had said we could!'

St. John's Anglican Church

We were so impressed by the way the buildings and homes had been looked after and how they added to the overall ambience of the town. 

Village Inn - Lakefield

Lakefield Town Hall

We stopped in the local 'organic' store (The Lakefield Pantry) and were surprised to see such a variety of products available in a relatively small town. 






Mark liked the bears perched on the corner of one building - it reminded him of home! The interior was really interesting - full of artworks, gifts, and British confectionery! We didn't succumb, but found out some interesting information about a pub in town that has live music on a regular basis. 






I didn't particularly like the tinseled decorations on the gate of the 'Tragically Hipp' fashion store, but felt it was worth a picture because they put out a display of clothes year round! 

The Home of Margaret Laurence - Canadian Author

After completing our walk of  Queen Street, we took a detour to see the house that belonged to Canadian author, Margaret Laurence, which was just a few doors away from where our friend used to live before he bought the farm where we are currently staying.

Our friend's old home

Not wanting to return home just yet, we decided to follow the Otonabee River southward towards Trent University.
What a pleasant drive along part of the Trent-Severn waterway. One of my bucket list items is to travel by boat from Ottawa to Georgian Bay, making our way through all the locks while taking in the changing scenery. 

An ice pyramid on the river!

Part of the Trent University Campus

After just 11 km, we reached the edge of Trent University, nicely situated on the river. We noticed several hiking trails in the area, and alongside the river. 

St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Douro

On the way back, we passed through the delightful little hamlet of Douro. St. Joseph's R.C. Church dominates the area, and the cemetery on the opposite corner has a lovely statue of St. Joseph at its entrance. There is also a general store there, and the friendly personnel there made our shopping experience very pleasurable. 

This part of Ontario is very different from the rocks, lakes, and trees up north; but we love the rolling hills and farmland that surrounds Peterborough. We are so fortunate to be living in a province that has such a variety of landscapes. 

#happyfitandfree 

Solutions 4 U! 

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