I grew up going for drives. Some of my best memories are of travelling back roads in our converted van, with my mum always needing to see around the next bend and my dad happily complying. The tradition of the Sunday drive is in my DNA and road-tripping is deeply, wonderfully rooted in my system. I’m lucky to have a family that also loves adventuring.
Last Sunday was incredibly hot, but it’s summer, so gallivanting was in order! It was the kind of hot where you could fry an egg on your car hood, should you desire to. A perfect day for a drive, popping in and out of the air-conditioned car to see unique shops, admire some sights and enjoy the scenery of Mississippi Mills.
My family and I started our drive heading to Blakeney. Did you know that Blakeney’s original name was Norway Pine Falls? It also held the names Snedden’s Mills and Rosebank before being permanently named Blakeney in 1865. A lot of time has passed since the name change, but one thing has not — it’s a beautiful spot. As we entered Blakeney from Martin Street North (from Almonte), I spotted a lovely free library. Being a bibliophile, and the daughter of a librarian, I had to yell “stop please!” My husband, very familiar with sudden stops for photos, bakeries, free libraries or animals, pulled up beside the little blue library so I could peruse the offerings. I stood for several minutes, looking out at the farm fields with the sun on my face, listening to the birds, and enjoying the countryside before selecting a book for later reading.
Turning into Blakeney we passed several historic properties, one coming for sale (oh, I wish!), before crossing the Mississippi River. Parking at the Fish & Game Association Blakeney Park, I wandered back across the bridge on foot to look out at the rapids below and the smooth water on the other side. A mum and child played in the shallows down the trail, while kayakers paddled off in the distance on the glistening waters. What a beautiful sight, pure Canadiana. Returning to the car with thoughts of hiking trails left unexplored and my family asking about the park, we’re determined to return another day for a walk and a dip. Onwards to Pakenham!
Driving towards Pakenham allows for bucolic scenery, passing farms, dirt road turn-offs and historical homes dotting the landscape. With music on the radio and the passing Mississippi Mills scenery, it felt like a prescription for happiness and relaxation. Upon entering Pakenham, we turned to investigate the small beach on Margaret Street. Kids were enjoying splashing amongst the reeds, while across the parking lot two teams played baseball, having a great time no matter the heat. It’s impossible, as an adventurer, to go to Pakenham and not stop. The 1840 General Store beckons you to enter. I love any place where you can feel time shift as you enter the doors, and any place that sells baked goods makes me happy. With no room in our bellies for ice cream or more sweets, another vow of returning was agreed to. I still wanted to investigate more, so off I set on foot to wander some of the village streets.
In Pakenham, you can feel the sense of community. From a Free Seedling Stand and an edible garden supporting food security to the friendly banter in the store and the sounds of the local baseball teams’ fun in the air, it’s clear that Pakenham is more than people living together — it’s a community with connection. Pakenham proved to be everything life in a country town should be.
I really love architecture. I could walk or drive all day looking at it, and Pakenham doesn’t disappoint. Among its notables are two fantastic structures. Even the scorching sun could not stop me from roaming around both of them. Firstly, the impressive St. Peter Celestine RC Church. The location, at the top of the hill overlooking the village, is beautiful. The church looks like it belongs in Europe. Built in 1892, imagine the stories its walls hold! I am hoping to return to see the inside one day. The outside of edifice is amazingly striking, so I can only imagine the inside. I need to see it in person! Another vow to return.
Heading down the hill, we drove the short distance to the historic 5 Span Bridge. Built in 1903, it’s seen decades of horse & buggies and cars crossing the mighty Mississippi River. Currently under rehabilitation, the view of it is no less spectacular from the banks of the river. I sat for a spell, watching the raging water, pondering the history of the bridge and the labour involved in bringing stones from the local quarry, and the masonry involved. Remnants remain from early days, with large metal spikes hammered deep in the rocks dotting the river’s edge. The 5 Span bridge is said to be the only one of its kind in North America. I could have stayed all day in the wonderful spot where the illusion of time standing still permeates.
My wandering ways wanted to continue onwards, but we had some responsibilities to attend to so back home we went, with our Vow-To-Return list in hand. The list is now on our fridge, as a reminder and a terrific excuse to return on another day and continue our adventure. Thank you, Mississippi Mills, for a wonderful Sunday drive!
