Op-ed: What I learned

OPINION What I learned on my summer staycation

Even when you think you know everything about Kawartha Lakes, there’s lots left to discover.

NANCY PAYNE Associate Editor

1. Stop and visit that spot you’ve been driving by forever

You know these places — they look interesting, they’re on your regular route to somewhere, but for whatever reason you never actually stop. Well, it’s time to change that. From the Kirkfield Lift Lock to the Fenelon Station Gallery, Mennonite bakeries and the Ballyduff wind turbines, I was rewarded time and again. (Lesson 1a: Don’t beat yourself up for not stopping in years ago.)

2. Our natural landscape is way more varied than we realize

Kawartha Lakes is big, but not that big. So it’s kind of surprising when you go literally from the very northern tip to the very southern one and realize just how much variety there is to see and appreciate. The rugged north — one place I’ve marked for future exploration is Queen Elizabeth Wildlands Provincial Park — is wild and beautiful. (Victoria Falls is gorgeous, and well worth the long drive on bumpy gravel.) The neat fields and waterways of the broad centre are pastoral and beautiful. The rolling southern woodlands are dramatic and beautiful. And the unique Carden Alvar is flat and beautiful. Regardless of which landscape you’re most familiar with, it’s hugely enjoyable exploring all the other ones. As for our designated nature areas, If you’ve only ever been to Ken Reid Conservation Area, it’s time to check out Fleetwood Creek Natural Area (do not drive down the hill to the entrance!) or the Emily Tract.

3. We are incredibly fortunate that so many people care

Time and time again, I ran across absolute gems that wouldn’t exist without people’s passion and dedication. There are businesses, like Quaker Oaks or Anna’s Perennials, where the owners love to share what

kawartha Lakes

7

35

toronto 401 115 115

peterborough

they’ve done regardless of whether you buy anything or not. There are community- or government-run places like Kawartha Settlers’ Village or Garnet Graham Park. But everywhere you look, volunteers are creating things that make Kawartha Lakes better, giving up their time, energy and even their private property for the delight of all. There are almost too many to list here, but I’m so grateful for the people who built and maintain the stone fences on the north side of Balsam Lake, to Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin for the astonishing gift of the Ballyduff Trails, to Meri Newton for preserving and sharing Cherry Tree Lodge in Sturgeon Point and to the heritage enthusiasts who preserved the Pontypool grain elevator. Our community is better for your selflessness.

Perhaps above all, though, the thing I learned this summer was that when you look at your home area through the eyes of an explorer, as if you really were on vacation from another province, you’ll find wonder all around.