WHERE THE ROAD TAKES US
Ann Lane of Cobourg, Ont., takes us along on a beautiful winter drive through her neck of the woods.
Ilove the feeling of being snug and warm in a cozy house. A hot cup of tea, a freshly baked treat, a good book and a seat near the window, while the snow swirls outside. But every now and then, the icy fingers of winter beckon me out into the frigid Ontario air. When those perfect flakes are falling in a mix of soundless tranquility and frosty promise, I can’t help but be drawn outdoors into the richness of winter. I admit I do have limits, though. The biting cold feels more intense to me than anyone else I know. I have been forced to find a balance between enjoying those sparkling winter days and keeping warm at the same time. And so I have perfected the art of a winter drive —the perfect com
bination of comfort and nature’s splendour. I drive until something of beauty catches my eye, then hop out of the car for a short exploratory hike. I then hop right back into the inviting warmth again, tea and treats ready and waiting.
Luckily my kids, Olivia and Evan, are usually game to accompany me. Some days our drives are planned, while other times we meander where the road takes us. We enjoy the surprises around each bend and discovering hidden gems we never knew were there. We have ended up at parks, rivers, zoos, forest trails, dead end streets, and everyplace in between. Sometimes we travel far, and other times we remain within ten minutes of our home. Regardless of distance, the idea is the same—bring along some good company, mugs of hot tea, treats, and of course, cameras.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton is one of those places we love to end up. It’s pretty quiet there in winter and we can drive as slowly as we wish, looking for the perfect spot to stop. We have been able to experience some precious time watching a barred owl in the forest; we also spot numerous squirrels and chickadees and quite often, swans. Even when the woodland animals prefer to stay in their cozy lairs, the landscape itself offers some worthwhile photo ops.
Another gem we have come across is Nawautin Nature Sanctuary in Grafton. The sanctuary has a walking trail that’s just the right distance for me in winter. A quick
hike around lets us see many small birds, as well as the tracks of larger animals, which we have yet to spot! There is also lots of evidence of beavers in the area. This outing is the perfect length of time—the drive is just right, the hike is just right, and my tea is still hot when I get back into the car. Perfection!
The community of Centreton is always on our list of places to visit. The drive is picturesque with winding country roads, and provides a perfect backdrop to a farm that is home to a charming private stable that we love. The rolling hills, horses in the snow and endless winter sunsets warm our souls. This is where we drive to most often. The horses are friendly and willing models when the cameras come out, and so are the barn cats. The owls and deer are a bit more
elusive, but all in all, this place is exquisite in winter.
Occasionally we drive further, to our little slice of paradise in picturesque Marmora. Here the forest welcomes us with the aromatic scent of frosty pines. The silence that envelopes us is worth the extra distance. Sometimes, an extraordinary pattern of ice on the ground, or a bough covered in a delicate blanket of snow, is all we need to satisfy our search for winter’s charm.
Last but not least, the closest to home is Cobourg Harbour and its beach area. On the very coldest days, we are gifted the chance to see a family of river otters. They dive for fish, then splash back up onto the ice of the harbour, putting on quite a show for anyone who is willing to endure the freezing temperatures to watch. This area is also home to mute swans, Canada geese, doves, pigeons, a snowy owl, foxes, rabbits, squirrels and, every now and then, a coyote. Aside from animals and birds, there are natural phenomenon including ice volcanoes, and on the windiest days, the chance to witness powerful waves crashing over the pier and the break wall.
We always make sure to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, stopping as many times as nature entices us. We have had the good fortune to appreciate so much of nature, and to be able to capture some remarkable Canadian scenery. Winter drives have been a practical way for us to get out and explore, but stay mostly toasty warm at the same time—the best of both worlds!