For the very few that have withstood the test of time and been an avid reader of this space, I salute you, for not even I have succeeded in retaining consistent amounts of dedication due to academic and personal affairs.
Last autumn's Thanksgiving trip to Barrie had left such a positive impression that we attempted the same course this year round, with a few exceptions of course. Some three hundred and sixty-something days ago, the leaves had fully blossomed into a gorgeous gradient of red, orange, and yellow in Bala and Coldwater.
It was with much sadness that the same slew of colours were not visible during this trip, though I enjoyed the crisp fall weather nonetheless. The fact that I would likely be spending the remainder of Reading Week holed up in the depths of my room making dire attempts to accomplish all the tasks on my to-do list made the adventure even more worthwhile.
Last autumn's Thanksgiving trip to Barrie had left such a positive impression that we attempted the same course this year round, with a few exceptions of course. Some three hundred and sixty-something days ago, the leaves had fully blossomed into a gorgeous gradient of red, orange, and yellow in Bala and Coldwater.
It was with much sadness that the same slew of colours were not visible during this trip, though I enjoyed the crisp fall weather nonetheless. The fact that I would likely be spending the remainder of Reading Week holed up in the depths of my room making dire attempts to accomplish all the tasks on my to-do list made the adventure even more worthwhile.
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The first stop was Coldwater. Or I suppose it would be more accurate to say that it was our first detour from the highway, since no actual stopping was involved. We merely drove through the small strip of shops and continued onwards to Bala, in the direction of Muskoka Lakes.
Upon being welcomed with a grand view of the clear waters and specks of gold in the distance, I requested a brief stopover. We pulled into the empty, dusty parking lot of The Precambrian Shield; I hopped out and began shooting immediately.
Upon being welcomed with a grand view of the clear waters and specks of gold in the distance, I requested a brief stopover. We pulled into the empty, dusty parking lot of The Precambrian Shield; I hopped out and began shooting immediately.
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Perhaps the results of my enthusiastic efforts weren't nearly as magnificent as one would have presumed. To be honest, it had been a challenge in itself to uncover leaves of prime photo status: that were either vividly greeen or had commenced their gradual process of disintegration.
That being said though, I was more than happy to get out of the house (in the most literal sense possible).
That being said though, I was more than happy to get out of the house (in the most literal sense possible).
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The Precambrian Shield made for quite a popular tourist attraction, as we caught several with cameras curiously peaking down at the thrashing waters. Not a single one opted to shift their attention to the dimmer side of the flow, but given that all filters had been left at home, the non-uniformity of sunlight distribution actually contributed to ideal circumstances for handheld - I blame the tripod - semi-long exposure.
Our lunch destination was still some thirty minutes away, so we opted to swing by the area of Bala we had visited previously. Bee Jays had provided us with extremely satisfying burgers and sky-high cones of Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, but, this time, we headed next door to Ice Dreams Soda Shop.
I couldn't believe my eyes! What appeared to be a seemingly average tourist trap from the outside was, in fact, a Coca-Cola-themed shrine. Not a speck of ceiling nor shelf nor wall was excluded from the retro red design - it was a spectacle to behold.
While the I gazed at the varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt flavours, it was brought to my attention that the owner had been collecting Coca-Cola merchandise for a total of nine years (and counting)! To think that one could commit to such a formidable task! It wasn't a surprise that even the individual bathroom stalls, which might I add were spotless in every corner, were bedazzled according to theme as well.
I couldn't believe my eyes! What appeared to be a seemingly average tourist trap from the outside was, in fact, a Coca-Cola-themed shrine. Not a speck of ceiling nor shelf nor wall was excluded from the retro red design - it was a spectacle to behold.
While the I gazed at the varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt flavours, it was brought to my attention that the owner had been collecting Coca-Cola merchandise for a total of nine years (and counting)! To think that one could commit to such a formidable task! It wasn't a surprise that even the individual bathroom stalls, which might I add were spotless in every corner, were bedazzled according to theme as well.
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During our short-lived stay, I observed that the best-seller among the several families that had stumbled in was the Cranberry Cocktail. The drink piqued my curiosity even more after discovering that it could be served both warm and cold.
We requested two steamy cups of the soothing, refreshing liquid: it was tart, yet sweet and comforting at the same time. Having been brewed with a unique spice blend of their own, the alcohol-less cocktail was reminiscent of classic apple cider, but made more much more invigorating with the substitution of juicy cranberries for cinnamony apples. In fact, we found the tongue-scalding beverage so delectable that we ended up purchasing a small pitcher to bring home with us.
We requested two steamy cups of the soothing, refreshing liquid: it was tart, yet sweet and comforting at the same time. Having been brewed with a unique spice blend of their own, the alcohol-less cocktail was reminiscent of classic apple cider, but made more much more invigorating with the substitution of juicy cranberries for cinnamony apples. In fact, we found the tongue-scalding beverage so delectable that we ended up purchasing a small pitcher to bring home with us.
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Needless to say, our two heaping scoops of creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter and crunchy Maple Walnut as well as the other drinks on their menu board received a lot less love in comparison to our newly-discovered family favourite.
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View the updated Barrie album HERE !
Continue reading Part 2 HERE !
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