The Best Things in Life are Free

It was a holiday Monday and promised to be the warmest day of a chilly May long weekend. We looked at each other over breakfast and my husband asked that dreaded question.

“What are we going to do today?”

We looked at each other some more as we struggled to come up with a really great idea. I was beginning to think we might end up tackling the endless chore list for want of something better when I had a sudden inspiration.

“We could take our bikes and bring a picnic along,” I suggested.

It was decided. I started making sandwiches and Bev went to get our bikes out of the rafters in the garage. It would be our first ride of the season.

We wanted to see some new territory so we settled on biking the first part of the Caledon Trail which is a Rail Trail stretching from Terra Cotta all the way to Tottenham. We planned to get as far as Caledon East which would be a 19 kilometer ride one way.

By 9 am we were at the trail head in Terra Cotta, geared up and ready to begin.

 

Dappled sunlight dancing through the vibrant greens of newly sprouted leaves. The trail stretching empty before us.

 

 

The musical sound of water gurgling and splashing along tumbled streambeds competing with the chorus of birdsong overhead.

 

 

The chance to stop at the river crossing to watch the minnows dart in and out of the shadows under the bridge.

 

 

The forest floor carpeted with trilliums in all their glory.

 

 

Even the swamps are beautiful in the spring.

 

 

Wild strawberries blossoming all along the trail, the promise of sweetness to come.

 

Our destination reached in time to relax on a park bench and eat sandwiches that somehow tasted better than they would have if we’d eaten them at home. Chai Latte from the local coffee shop for dessert and it was time to begin the return journey.

 

More stops on the way back as we noticed things that we missed coming out. Ice cream at the General Store in Ingleside to celebrate the day. 

Finally, after 38 kilometers, we were back where we’d started, our strength depleted and our spirits filled. Not bad for our first try. We drove home in that warm and comfortable silence that is the fruit of years of easy companionship. When we pulled into the garage at last Bev turned to me with a smile on his face. 

 “This was a really good day.”  

Yes, yes it was.