I've been downtown twice recently, mainly to run an errand to the library. You can't go inside yet, but the librarians are very kind, bringing the books out and putting them in the bag on the back of my chair. I'm now also mentally mapping all the cross-walks to keep track of which ones are smooth (relatively) and which ones cause a big bump. Today I stopped at the drugstore and bank too.
Heading down Collingwood Street there's a large Tulip tree, certainly unusual for this far north in southern Ontario, but obviously not impossible. These trees are very common 1000 miles south in the Smokies. You can easily recognize the unique leaf shape on the left in the lower photo.
At the downtown intersection I was surprised to find that the four old dilapidated boarded-up houses beyond were totally gone. A low-rise apartment building is going in there. I'm worried they will tear down the old theatre too, with the excuse that it's now structurally unstable after they haven't maintained it for a decade!
Flags were at half-mast beside Meaford Hall, as elsewhere all across Canada, in memory of the children found in Kamloops.
I did get down to the inner harbour for a few minutes, but didn't ride along the shore to see the bay. I thanked a town worker for the nice yellow bollards they installed two years ago following my request, and he also asked me about the new bridge which has a new accessible sidewalk. I'll have to try that soon.
The R.A.Hoey was still tied up, where it's been for the past four summers. It's for sale for a very cheap price if you're looking for a fun investment!
A few sailboats had been put in the water for the summer, but there was no forest of masts in the marina yet.
And driving home I saw this huge tree in bloom. Judging by the style of the blooms the only thing I can think of is that it's a Mountain Ash. But that's a GIANT Mountain Ash if I'm right.
That is a big tree in your last shot.
ReplyDeleteThe tulip-poplars here are in bloom with their tulip-like green-yellow-orange flowers. It's not just their leaves that look like tulips, but the flowers as well. Looks like you had a beautiful day for your excursion.
ReplyDeleteI know of several Tulip Trees around here, so perhaps they are a little hardier than generally given credit for. I would have done a double take seeing one farther north, however!
ReplyDeleteThere was an enormous one on the UofG campus.
DeleteI Googled the R A Hoey, and some great photos when she entered Owen Sound, maybe just before the ice was fully solid, then for sale in 2011, for $189,000 plus. Lots of details about the build, engine, interior etc, this was fascinating as my Dad built dinghies , then an 18 foot, then a 24 foot, and went in the inner harbour areas from the Firth of Thames towards the Hauraki Gulf. Overnight stops in sheltered bays, until he had to sell the last one when age crept up on him and it was too hard to manage.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of that old theatre and hope it won't be demolished.
ReplyDeleteTulip trees grow well in gardens in the UK, there are several near here. Never seen such a big mountain ash however. We did some work on accessibility with the young people at the school and were pleasantly surprised by the response of local companies and authorities - unless someone brings these matters to their attention things will never improve.
ReplyDeleteWhat do they expect when these old buildings are abandoned? It is so sad because then later the big debate about how much it will cost to refurbish it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tour you had and it was very nice, but not surprising, of you to thank one of the town workers for the markers. ;)
Although I have poked my head in the region, I have never been to Meaford. This nice little tour will probably have to do.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never seen a tulip tree to my knowledge. That was a lovely excursion! Glad I went along.
ReplyDeleteIf that's a Mountain Ash it is the biggest one I have ever seen as well. Too bad about that old theater. If I was a multi-millionaire I would buy that boat. Why?? Just because I could. Nice to see you out and about skipping around town. You might have to drop by the Canadian Tire Store soon for a new set of tires.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the boat!
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