Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!” so sang the 60’s group, Five Man Electrical Band. “Do this, don’t do that.”
Tis the season when orange is in blossom all over Ontario. Those orange signs that pop up on highways telling us to beware of construction. “Single lane ahead”, “slow down”, “do not pass”, “flagman ahead”, and my favourite, “detour”.
On our short journey from Port Stanley (see last edition), traveling on 24, we ventured to Fingal, Shedden, and Iona Station. As we are staying on the theme of short drives, we wanted to complete a circle of less than 200 kilometers. We did that but with no help from road construction.
For instance, roads heading down to Port Stanley were under construction, especially Colonel Talbot Road at the 401, where the ramps are closed. Also, the ride from Fingal to Shedden should have been a straight one, however Fingal was closed—the main street completely ripped up—causing a detour of about ten kilometers.
The Fingal Wildlife Management Area (FWMA), on county road 16, was a delight, providing a short walk on the 724-acre property, which was once a World War II air force training base. A series of ponds, planting of trees and shrubs, the establishment of hedgerows, food and cover plots and brush piles, all bring wildlife to the park.
During breeding and migration season, over 200 species of wildlife can be identified. Interpretive hiking trails and a viewing station were added for a hiker’s pleasure. Close to 100 acres consists of natural habitats including forest, deciduous and coniferous plantations, and prairie grass. If available, pick up a paper trail guide which helps you find your way around and identifies trees.
Your dog will love some of the 40 kilometers of trails as it can run free while you enjoy a walk on flat surfaces or take some hilly tree-lined paths for anywhere up to a couple of hours. Paths weave around farms and cross one another, while interpretive signage teaches visitors about the property and wildlife.
Some of the trail we were on showed evidence of the air school. The clay banks in that area were said to provide ideal material for runway foundations in 1940. 130,000 air crews from Briton, Australia, New Zealand and France graduated from this school between 1940 and 1945. You can read up on it on the sign just off the highway.
Speaking of signs, others to look for; historical plaques along highways. These displays make for interesting reading about our past. Search “Ontarioplaques.com” to read more about these historical signs. Or just be on the lookout for them as you drive.
Do this, see that. This summer, get out and explore your area. Just observe the orange.
