Miles of open road lie ahead in the clear distance with a picturesque background of vast farmland, prominent forests, and beautiful blue skies. Many of my days have been spent driving down familiar miles of pavement and listening to local radio stations. Cars pass from the opposite direction while lightly honking their horns and waving. Familiar and friendly faces fill the country roads and local highways alike. Though this illustration is similar to that of a leisurely drive on a Sunday morning, it is a daily reality in this area.

Driving to work, appointments, and so forth can be an agonizing task. However, throughout the years I have recognized the absolute tranquility of driving in the country opposed to cities of any size. The calm, friendly, and slow paced driving style of the town is overtly different from the fast paced, stressed out, frantic driving found in cities.

I admit there have been moments of slight frustration when following a “Sunday driver” barely traveling at twenty five kilometres an hour as they pay acute attention to each and every detail of each and every property. In addition, I have battled the very difficult and questioning driving conditions during the winter season along the back roads. However, I would not hesitate to deal with these occasional annoyances if it means driving comfortably along familiar country roads.

One of my favourite moments driving in this lovely area is the climaxing stretch across Frogs Hollow Side Road towards Thornbury. I recall driving this exact route daily on my way to work one summer. On early and groggy mornings I would hesitantly embark upon my journey and hit the dry pavement. I remember the progressive feeling of increasing excitement and enjoyment as I put on my favourite Tragically Hip album. Slowly making my way across the side road I distinctly remember the feeling of the slight climb of a rather small hill with an exceptional view. Sitting upon what seemed to be a mountain the size of the overwhelming ski slopes, I could see the quaint town of Thornbury in an indescribable way.

The water tower stands proudly in the distance. The water illustrates perfect shading of darker to lighter blues mixing perfectly with the depths of the bay. The mountains stand proudly in the distance like protectors of the small town. Below, roads look like cross words with small houses as letters slowing filling in each blank spot. I breathe in deeply and out deeper acknowledging the power of such an image.

Though I recognize that this is a mere experience in driving in this beloved area, I find it to be a paradigm shift that has enabled my perception of driving and the area alike to alter through the years. I find great pleasure cruising along the comfortable pavement, saying hello to the tiger lilies in the ditch, and waving to strangers and friends alike walking their loyal dogs. After a day or two of city driving, I yearn for the calm and familiar feeling of the country once more.

The pace might be a few kilometres slower, the rest stops fewer, there may not be a coffee shop on every stretch of the road, but nothing is comparable to the tranquil feeling of country driving. Driving on roads you know like the back of your hand, encountering friendly strangers and neighbours along the way and listening to the sounds of nature combined with your favourite music. All of these sounds and feelings create a sweet melody that embodies the glory of living and driving in this area.

I sip on my warm hot cocoa as I trudge through the depths of the fluffy snow. The cold, refreshing wind blows in my direction, gently causing my wool scarf to dance with the falling snowflakes. One foot after the other, I conquer the vast field of snow that awaits my exploration. Behind me, I see oblong markings in the snow leaving traces of my existence. Ahead lays fresh snow awaiting my arrival as I eagerly make my way across the snowy field. This is just an average day of snowshoeing in the outskirts of Meaford.

           Snowshoeing is an excellent way to spend the day getting fresh air, exercise, and a chance to first handily experience the picturesque winter landscape this area has to offer. Whether it is with friends, family, animal companions, or on your own, snowshoeing is a great outdoor activity. I often spend the duration of my day catching up with old friends, playing with adorable border collies and breathing in fresh country air.

            It is easy to oversee the positive attributes of winter as you spend countless early mornings shovelling the driveway or vehicles out of the clutches of the snow. However, many outdoor activities, like snowshoeing, provide the chance to appreciate the many opportunities that snow has to offer. Although changed from the fall palette, the landscape is beautiful when the snow has covered the endless fields and stripped the trees of their leaves. The fresh, clean slate of the white field is a mere drawing board for a fun afternoon.

            Though snowshoeing is a pleasurable way to spend the day, certain cautions still must be taken. Firstly, snowshoeing, or any outdoor activities, involves proper attire. Remember to bundle from head to toe with garments such as: weather-proof boots, lined snow pants, layered sweaters and a warm winter jacket that is topped off with fuzzy mitts, a hat, and a wool scarf.

             Although snowshoeing is a leisurely activity, it is important to be mindful of the potential dangers involved such as: temperature, unsafe areas, and fatigue. When snowshoeing, it is important to be attentive to the weather. Days that are too cold or too warm are not ideal as it is either unbearably cold or the snow becomes sticky and difficult to walk in. Instead, moderate temperature days that are clear and sunny make for the ideal opportunity to embark on a snowshoeing adventure. Moreover, pay attention to areas appropriate and safe to snowshoe on. The Bruce Trail that spans along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara Falls to Tobermory provides a safe, well-traveled path and beautiful scenery for shoeing in the area. I decided to snowshoe across acres of land behind a friend’s property on the third line in Meaford. If you want to head out in the snow but don’t have your own equipment, snowshoe rentals are also available at Free Spirit Tours in Heathcote. Be sure to take your camera to encapsulate memorable moments of the day.

              What better way to spend a day of reflection then enjoying the calm and quiet melodies of the country air? Why not spend an afternoon enjoying winter and the company of friends and family at the same time? Snowshoeing provides endless opportunities to exercise, catch-up with loved ones, and see the beauty of the season up close.

The Flying Spatula Diner owned and operated by our local entrepreneur and Chef Shawn Adler of the Flying Chestnut Kitchen in Eugenia has brought, just that to this area a place to get a delicious all day breakfast, fresh to go sandwiches, delicious lunch and coffee at a convenient location. In the location formerly known as the Grey Road 4 Diner, and the location of Magee’s Gas Bar on Grey Road 4 in Flesherton, is the new location of The Flying Spatula Diner. They are open 7 days a week from 7am-2pm serving breakfast all day and lunch at 11:00-2:00.

There is plenty of seating and has been completely renovated to provide a comfortable, bright and cheerful diner atmosphere. You can get coffee and sandwiches made to go or have a seat and enjoy a delicious breakfast or order lunch. If you are a big eater you can take the 2lb burger challenge. If you can eat the 2lb burger in one sitting, in an hour your meal will be on the Flying Spatula and you will get your picture taken and placed in a place of honor for all to see as well as a t-shirt to commemorate the occasion to your friends. All the meals are reasonably priced and are largely portioned. You will not be leaving the table hungry. No reservations required but this is a cash only restaurant as credit and debit tend to slow service down. Service is very important to the Flying Spatula and you will notice it when you walk in the door the friendly and efficient staff who are genuinely happy to see you and want you to enjoy your experience and your meal.

The Flying Spatula is nothing fancy but it has good food, good service, and is very convenient for those of us on the run due to it’s location. So, drop in and take a look, order breakfast, or lunch. I know that I will.

The Flying Spatula Phone Number is: 519-924-2424

The Kimberley General Store opened its doors on May 22, 2010 and features healthy and organic foods, locally grown and raised produce in season, local meat, as well as many staple items, fresh home-made baked goods, local arts & crafts, tourist information, and more!

Built in the early 1900′s, the building was originally opened as a General Store, however, it has been several years since the Village of Kimberley has had such a luxury. Local & second residents as well as local tourists now have a friendly neighbourhood store where they can pick up necessities or simply enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch & read the newspaper instead of having to make the trek into town.

The store owner, Stacie Constantine, told the Markdale Standard “A general store was always the core of its community. It’s where people would gather, not just to make purchases but to hangout with one another and have a good time. That’s what we’re aiming for – the classic general store, only with a twist.” In the photos below you can see on the left a display area for local artisans to sell their hand-crafted goods, community information as well as tourist information. She also has several postcards of Kimberley in the early years for sale along with a lovely photo album of various early photographs of the Village of Kimberley for customers to browse. In the centre photo you can see the Front Entrance to the store, the local produce section to the right, and some delectable baked goods for sale.

The stores shelves are lined with staples as well as some organic and specialty food items and sauces, and Local Maple Syrup. In the back corner there are two freezers containing a variety of foods from pre-made meals to ice-cream by the scoop and more!

The next time you are in the area, be sure to check out this wonderful new addition to our community located on the main street of Kimberley.

The Kimberley General Store will be open throughout the year, Wednesday to Friday 7am-8pm and Saturday, Sunday 9am-9pm. For more information please call Stacie at 519-599-3451.

There has also been a buzz of activity at all the alpine ski facilities as they prepare their snow making equipment, chair lifts, and chalets in anticipation of old man winter making a more permanent return to the area.  It was good news as we woke this morning to about 15 centimeters of the white stuff across our yard and driveway…  Only to have the plough go by just before we were leaving for the office!  No Problem, thanks to Colton’s Garage in Flesherton putting 4 new snow tires on our van yesterday, we busted through the snow-bank like we new what we were doing.  Wahooo!

By the time we got into the Beaver Valley, the snow had stopped and the sun came out in all its glory providing a crystal clear view for miles up and down the Niagara Escarpment.  It was an absolute stunning scene as the entire valley was covered with a white blanket of snow.   The first real snow fall of the season always brings a new sense of why the four seasons is such a wonderful occurrence.  We’ll soon ready our cross country skis and dig out the snow shoes for those days backpacking though the forest.  Sharpen and wax our skis and snow boards with an expectation of soon riding the hills once again.    Let’s see what Mother Nature brings this week.  Until then, enjoy!