Summer Day

Suddenly we're articulating astonishment that Canada Day on July 1st approaches in about a week! The transition from a prolonged and seemingly endless wet and cold springtime to summer has precipitously taken place at last.  This weekend in particular - on the heels of the midsummer solstice - is spectacular. The air is soft and dry. The atmospheric pressure is unmistakably high. The white, billowing clouds and verdant country fields each captures a painterly vista.  Not surprisingly we drove about the countryside today with the landau roof put back and the windows open wide!

We prefaced our rambling indulgence this afternoon with a leisurely cycle this morning along the former railway line from Almonte to Carleton Place then back, about ten miles. Peculiarly there was a strong north wind throughout the day; but the temperature was pleasant and easily climbed above 24℃.  It tranquillized our mood. Feeling the gentle air was akin to a sweet liquor, soothing but toxic.

To acquaint our drive with an indulgence is not purely poetic. The luxury in this instance extended to the bakery at the Antrim Truck Stop in Arnprior. From there we rounded our journey to White Lake, across the 5-span bridge in the Village of Pakenham then along the idyllic Blakeney Road through the former Village of Rosebank and home.