Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Have you ever gotten into your vehicle and just pointed it in one direction and drove? We’re talking about just going for a ride, no destination in mind, just seeing the sites and clearing the mind.
I know, the price of gas may prohibit some from venturing out. But you can do some things to improve gas milage. For instance, avoid rapid acceleration and deceleration at stop lights and signs. Looking ahead and being aware of upcoming stop signs and changing traffic, you can take you foot off the gas pedal and coast toward the stop.
Other tips to save gas are keep your speed even on highways by using cruise control, keep tires at their proper pressure, and avoid long idles.
With the above in mind, for us, it was west on Plover Mills Road from Highbury, and a leisurely drive through rolling countryside and quaint hamlets like Brown’s Corners, Medina, and Lakeside. We found ourselves heading north at some point and ended up at the west end of Stratford.
Of course, lots to see there like shops, the theatre, and parkland along the river which make for enjoyable walks. You could spend the day there. However, we choose to head northwest along highway 8 and soon were out of the town and viewing more of Ontario’s beauty.
Going through Sebringville, Mitchell, Seaforth, and Clinton (all interesting places featuring historical sites), we arrived in Goderich. In warmer climates these places also offer local produce. As far as historical landmarks go, keep an eye out for those blue signs along any road in Ontario and take a minute. There is some fascinating information at any of them.
Goderich is known as “Canada’s Prettiest Town,” and famous for its unique octagonal town square with an array of roads that run off, and on, to it. Beautiful Lake Huron has sunsets that bring droves of people out on warm nights. Historic architecture, beaches, and salt mining industry are also synonymous with Goderich.
There is lots to do there. View historic sites, like the Huron Historic Gaol, walk the boardwalk along the lake or take the train trestle hike (which was closed for repairs but open now). Goderich also has a lighthouse.
What we are saying here is, it’s been a long winter. Get out and see the sites near and far.
