The lovely town of Minden is just a couple of hours north and a bit east of where Frank lives, and another hour or so from my place. It's one of the towns where we've been looking to find a home on one of its surrounding lakes.
During the summer and into this autumn, there was a lot of construction going on along the main street, so I stuck to walking routes which kept me away from town.
This is the Gull River. It was about a ten minute stroll from our motel, and while we stayed there, I walked along its shores and beyond for about an hour, twice a day.
There's a walking path alongside each bank, and a couple of bridges along the way allow us the opportunity to cross over to the other side.
Along the walkway, various wood sculptures turn dead trees into art. It's a great way to keep their beautiful spirit alive.
This whimsical design made me smile.
Speaking of whimsy, I found this cool bicycle rack sculpture made of recycled springs, pipes and other metal parts.
Once I was over the bridge, and walking away from town, I discovered this small but charming pioneer village. It seemed to be unattended and yet, most of the buildings were open for exploration.
There was a blacksmith shop, a post office (which was closed) and this quaint little schoolhouse - The S. S. Stanhope No. 9.
I loved all of the beautiful old wood in the little church.
The Peace Garden Labyrinth beckoned me. I walked it a few times (on various strolls) and sat on that tree stump in the middle. You can read about its significance here.
The labyrinth might be a calming place for folks who live on this street.
This was the view from one of the Gull River bridges at the end of one of my evening walks.
And the next night, with a classic Canadian coffee and donut shop in the forefront, this was what we saw while sitting in front of our motel room.
I hope you enjoyed exploring Minden with me. More photos coming up in a few days.
47 comments:
That river is beautiful and provides a lovely place for a stroll. By the way...an hour twice a day?...I'm impressed. The pioneer village was a great find, and the photos you got there are so pretty. Love the "Wits End" street sign. I think I could live there. :)
Oh Minden is a place I must visit. It appears there are very creative artists that live there. I love that.
I love your photos the reflections on the water are awesome. There is something about that sunset with the Tim Horton's that is truly Canadian made me smile. B
An interesting town. I enjoyed the sculptures.
A grand visit.
It seems to be a very sympatic and quiet little town...
Great sculptures and water reflexions...
Best regards from France,
Enjoy your day !
Pierre
I enjoyed the trip very much...love the sculptures and the old wooden buildings
Hugs
SueAnn
Small towns in most instances have a special quality that bigger cities lack... charm. The land of Mindy is no exception. Beautiful spot! Your photo's reveal some of that small town charm.
Thanks for the tour. The wood sculptures are amazing.
what a cool place.....i love the sculpture...esp that bike rider....and the one room school house is pretty cool as well...love exploring places like that...
What lovely shots of this charming place. Love that pioneer village too.
It looks like a lovely little town......and you know I have a soft spot for labyrinths.
What a loving portrayal of what is clearly a beautiful character town.
So does Minden seem to be where you'll settle down?
Since i got to the end of my wits long ago, i need such a labyrinth.
Thanks for the calming influence of your pictures.
I especially love the biker sculpture. But these picture are all radiant with your very unique and special eye, Hilary! Thank you for the journey. :-)
Oh it looks like a great place! I LOVE those sculptures - and that sky is amazing!
from what you've shared of this town, it looks like a beautiful, quaint, but fun place, too. :)
I'd go there to get away from it all! :) Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm appreciative that places like Minden exist. Glad you got a chance to enjoy it.
I think I visited that little church about 40 years ago.
A very pleasant re-visit. :)
What a lovely little town. The sculptures and the sunsets are beautiful.
This looks like a wonderful place, Hilary!
I love the sculptures, especially the person on the bicycle.
Thank you for taking us along with you!
I see that there are plenty of talented people in Minden, I love the sculptures, the most of swimmer.
Nice pictures of sunset.
Stunning vistas! I can tell you really enjoy this visit.
I didn't mind Minden at all. In fact, I very much enjoyed the tour, and greatly appreciated the shared Timbits at the end of the journey.
That looks like a great place to live. Looks like people take notice of the little things.I like the way they have turned the old trees into sculptures.The sunsets are gorgeous.
Beautiful photos. Loved the sculptures. Minden seems to be a really nice place to live.
Your pictures make me want to come to Canada. Absolutely breath-taking! And I love the old church and school house! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
What a delightful place Hilary.
I hope you do find something there.
The wood carved sculptures are terrific. I love the little girl and her goggles.
Gorgeous sunsets too.
Nothing but gray skies here today, with more rain on the way.
I certainly did enjoy the tour of Minden. Places with art around them seem to have what it takes. I really like the steel bicycle sculpture. Trails are also well worth while in a community.
So much of Ontario is SO prosperous. You guys sure do know how to take care of your countryside!
I love this place! Are there some nice places there???
I'd so love to visit - yet "wits End" seems oddly familiar. . .
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What a lovely town! And really, Wit's End might be the perfect street upon which to live -- for isn't it when we are at our wit's end that SOMETHING new happens, SOMETHING has to change?
Just a thought...
Happy house-hunting! I have no doubt that the perfect place for the two of you is just waiting to be discovered. :)
Those tree sculptures are awesome! I lingered for a while admiring those. Such a peaceful area to walk around and reflect. I want that street sign for my office. Too cool.
What a lovely meander through picturesque Minden. The tree sculptures are very creative, as are the metal ones. Any homes for sale on Wits End Drive? ;) So funny.
A beautiful town to see and live in. I think that is a town for you.
What a lovely little waterway! It looks like a place I'd very much enjoy taking a walk.
Beautiful water reflections and I really like that bike sculpture!
what a perfectly charming looking little town. i love the tree sculptures and that bicycle rack is fantastic! i think i would want to live at wit's end since i do anyway ;)
Not a bad place for a wander, not bad at all. It might be fun to live there.
this looks like a wonderful place, nature arts, fun, playful. I wish you well finding your place.
What a beautiful, fun little town!! Thanks for taking us along!
looks like a lovely place to hang out and explore Hilary.
Loved the fun sculptures and going on that journey with you.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
The last image is absolutely breathtaking.;) Beautiful set of photographs as always.;)
Have a lovely week ahead dear Hilary,
xoxo
Beautiful images. I love the reflection shots.
I can't remember the last time I happened upon a pioneer village, you sure know how to find things! Love that schoolhouse, it amazes me how small the world once was.
Such a lovely town, I hope you guys find that just-right home.
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