Having made two runs to eastern Ontario in recent weeks, we eschewed Thanksgiving there for something new yet a little closer to home. After dropping Vincent at the kennel, we headed north in search of friends and fall colours.
Fate took a hand early in the voyage. Having intended (but failing) to move the snacks bag closer after dropping the cat, I pulled over in Thamesville to rectify things....right in front of a delicious smelling bakery. Some $45 later, we left Bent Tin with another bag of snacks - this one full of bread and baked goods for the weekend to come.
Our first planned stop was Bayfield, where we deviated from the Bluewater Highway and ventured into the rustic "downtown" to enjoy the shops and restaurants. After a great lunch at 1851 Bayfield Landing, we continued to walk around the town. Jane bought some bamboo leggings and a driftwood whale.
Moving on, we stopped in Goderich to kill time and briefly walk the Circle in the Square, before getting a message that we could check in early to our accommodations. We drove further north and left the highway again just before Kincardine, taking the 10th Concession down to the lake and our home for the weekend - an old schoolhouse on the waterfront.
We were meeting Keith, Ashley and Kristen there, to make up for the planned visit to The Cabin that was derailed by feline diabetes. After checking in and setting up, we headed into town for some dinner and drinks at Hawgs Breath while awaiting the arrival of our companions.
We met a nice couple of dudes at the bar (Pat and Wayne) who had plenty of great stories about the area - Pat in particular knew the area well as a local MacPherson and as someone who spent his career on the Great Lakes. He and Jane exchanged memories of Owen Sound and Georgian College.
On Saturday, the five of us explored Kincardine properly on foot, walking the downtown and harbour area, including Victoria Park and a vendor event. It was a gorgeous but windy day, and a dozen or so people were even surfing in the crashing waves just off the pier.
After lunch at the Erie Belle, we headed out to the beach to find the remains of the wreck of the Erie Belle, an old boiler on the shore. The boiler had exploded and killed several people while destroying the vessel.
We took a break back at the schoolhouse, before heading back out for a fiercely competitive 27 holes of Mini-Golf at nearby Family Funland. Grabbing dinner to go, we enjoyed our last evening at the schoolhouse. We even rang the bell! :)
On Sunday morning, we parted ways, and we stopped in Goderich again on the way back south to walk to square and check out a weekend market, while also looking for the remnants of the British Exchange Hotel once owned by Jane's great-great-grandfather.
We detoured to Strathroy to take Dave out for a Thanksgiving dinner, opting for the Swiss Chalet equivalent among limited options - chicken not turkey but complete with stuffing, cranberries and pie.
Great weekend away with great company and mostly perfect fall weather - Happy Thanksgiving all!