I spent a delightful foggy Saturday morning revisiting one of my favourite places – the Meech Creek Valley. This past week on my return from a hike into Herridge Lodge I felt the valley beckon me: as the trail exits the forest on our return, the valley spreads out before you breathtakingly in all directions. For 10 years now, every now and then I take time to wander along Cross Loop Road exploring the old farmsteads expropriated and demolished by the NCC in the 1960s. There’s something about being here that touches me, as if I can feel the spirit of the community that once thrived here, the spirit of those who were brave enough in the early 1800s to carve out a livelihood along the banks of this beautiful valley. So, as well as trying to capture its beauty I also take time to breathe it all in. Time seems to stand still when I’m in this place.
In addition to taking the requisite photo of the covered bridge, and the balls of hay, I found myself attracted to many of the old fences, wondering just how old they were. Which generation built them? Also, I explored something new for me – the Baldwin Family Cemetery and was delighted to serendipitously meet two Baldwin family descendants visiting from Niagara Falls. Having them share their family experience of this homestead was very special and made it all seem much more alive.
Here are a few photos of Meech Creek Valley:
