Archive for February, 2011

Feb 26 2011

DRAYTON

Published by under Southwestern Ontario

Tessi excitedly darted and sniffed, eager to examine as many bushes and grassy spots as she could, while keeping up with us throughout our walk.

This sounds typical of our outings at home – the running through long grass and next to manicured lawns. To Tessi, though, the smells were likely different than those she’s used to. Plus, the company of a river, in addition to the company of old friends, was a nice change for me.

A Visit with Good Friends

It was a late fall afternoon when Tessi and I travelled a few hours northeast to Drayton, Ontario to visit our friends, Sandy, and her dog, Farley, an English shepherd. Most of the drive involved straight roads following flat land until we turned onto highway 11 leading to the town. Then I was suddenly negotiating winding roads looking over hilly terrain, which I enjoy. I follow a predictably flat landscape at home.

From Sandy’s house, a walk across the road and a climb down a hill takes them to the Conestogo River. A cement lattice-patterned trail filled with grass offers ease of walking. A few members of the neighbourhood generously mow the extended areas meeting the trail once they finish their own lawns.

During our visit, the trees were mostly bare. The terrain, however still showed some touches of colour. The air was cool – we were approaching a warm spell that hadn’t quite arrived yet.

Conestogo Lake Conservation Area Info

Though a public walking area, there is a casualness in letting the dogs loose. We ran into no one. I found the outing more pleasurable than what the nearby Conestogo Lake Conservation Area offers to their animal guests. The strict pet policy states: “Pets are welcome in the park but they must be leashed and under control at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming areas. Owners are asked to ‘stoop and scoop’. There is a fine for not obeying these regulations. Pit Bulls (sic) owners must follow provincial guidelines.” Otherwise, there are the usual nature park offerings, such as hiking, fishing, and boating, whether for just a day trip or overnight camping.

We enjoyed the hospitality of our hosts for the night and then headed home the next morning. The beginning of a new work week had arrived and Tessi would be back to rummaging in familiar land.

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(c) Cheryl Smyth, 2011

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