Many of our newer Pine Ridge Hiking Club members hail from the GTA. Some more recently relocated than others. I love introducing them to interesting people and places in the hills of Northumberland. On Sunday, April 16 we'll be exploring some farm lanes and country roads north of Grafton. There will be a few bonuses along the way and our hikers will meet two of the loveliest folks in these hills.
This is Barb Harnden's "ancestral home". It has been in the Deviney family's name for a few generations.
We will be parking near the bottom of Highland View Drive where it turns off of Telephone Road. (directions and map at the bottom of the post) We'll walk up the hill and meet Barb and maybe Muggins too. She will be joining us on our hike.
How often do two sisters live next to each other? We will be walking over the laneway that goes between two sisters' farmhouses.
The wheat fields will be even greener on Sunday.
Bonuses along the way today on our pre-hike: a pair of red crossbills. I can't guarantee you will see them on Sunday.
Who knows who we will meet then?
We'll make our way to the Vernonville Road which leads to, of all places, Vernonville.
Official Bonus # 1 - Barb will bring along the key to the Vernonville Community Centre, a former schoolhouse built in 1862. There is a washroom there for anyone who needs one. We will get to see the inside of this schoolhouse which is now rented out for community events.
Official Bonus #2 - Another key! This time the big old cast iron key that will open the front door of the St. Andrew's Church (1862). We will have the opportunity to go inside the church and learn about its history.
Official Bonus #3 - our president, Jay's family has been part of this community for generations. Jay will tell us a bit about their connection to Vernonville.
There are a few short hills along the way, but most of the hike is flat.
Back where we started we will have the opportunity to see what is going on inside Al Harnden's shop. What do you think these sticks could be used for? Hmmmmm..... colour coded?
For many years the Harndens have been supporting Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Cobourg. Cornerstones' stated mission is to: help women and children move out of danger and into a violence free future.
Barb & Al's annual outdoor concert's silent auction of local arts and crafts is always a big hit. Al has taken the craft idea and run with it in recent years. IMHO his projects are getting more delightful with each passing year. He's gone from making wooden boxes and birdhouses to creating these enchanting whirligigs.
And there he is! Al is one of those men who thinks of everything. Those sticks at the door are anchors for the whirligigs!
You may even be able to twist Al's arm and purchase one.
Nothing like a little variety. He's built 10 different silhouette whirligigs ranging from this woman pumping water to a donkey kicking someone's butt to a woman rolling out dough. And, look at those colours!
As Barb demonstrated each of the whirligigs, I began to wonder.....
Is it possible that they might come alive at night? Can you imagine the hustle and bustle? The donkeys braying, the saws sawing and the horses neighing?
Old cars being cranked and fish pulled out of the water.
Pandemonium.
In another room Al's crafts are a little less lively. Some birds are going to have fancy digs when these houses go to their forever homes.
And, classy treasure boxes that look like future heirlooms to me.
There are interesting characters in these rolling hills.
And hikes with bonuses.
Hike details:
Leaving on Sunday, April 16 at 9:30 from the bottom of Highland View Dr. where it meets Telephone Road.
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Bring a snack and drink - we will enjoy our snacks on the porch and lawns of Barb & Al's farmhouse at the end of the hike.
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