Daytripping March 2021 Issue

A Bicycle Ride to Paris
Story and Photo by Cheryl Smyth, Blenheim • www.cstravelsandpics.ca
The sun sparkled through the leaves
of the bordering trees as our bikes
whirled along the path. We gradually
left the busy city behind to welcome
bird song, along with the rest of nature’s
tranquility. Occasionally meandering
into view, the Grand River reminded us
it was never far.
Though I’ve been a casual cycler all
my life, I’ve recently taken it up a little
more seriously. I’ve been discovering
numerous and diverse trails dedicated to
the pastime etched across our province.
Many are old rail beds converted into
walking/cycling paths.
On that particular
day, a friend and I
were cycling the 18-km
Cambridge to Paris Rail
Trail. It was guiding us
toward refreshment in
Paris—not the famous
Paris in France, but
the small town here
in Ontario that is
impressive in its own
right.
The trail’s flat, finegravel
surface with lots of shade offered
us a pleasant ride under the mid-summer
sun. En route, we came across a set of
stairs peeking out of the trees. As we
couldn’t discern where they reached, my
curious nature decided it was time for
a break, so we headed up the steps to
check it out. At the top, Murray Lookout
commands a view of the river. Standing
proud of the water, enduring abutments
are all that remain of a rail bridge.
Another sight we caught along the way
Lots to discover in and around PARIS & ST. GEORGE
was of an old mill almost lost in foliage.
Exploration was impossible, however, as
the thick vegetation, fencing and a notrespassing
sign were definite deterrents.
I must add for those people having no
interest in conquering the whole 18-km
length that there is a trail access point
part way on the route in Glen Morris.
Once on the edge of Paris, we took
the veer-off from the trail and flew
downhill into the town. A warning—it’s
a steep ascent for the return trip.
In amongst the beauty of the
surrounding nature, Paris offers a variety
of restaurant fare and
shopping. Cobblestone
architecture patterns
some of the buildings—
the town is known as
the Cobblestone Capital
of Canada. We toasted
to our accomplishment
at the Cobblestone
Public House, where
we took in the scenery
of the passing river.
Once pleasant
refreshment was
washed down and our bodies had a
chance to recharge it was time to face
the 18-km trip back. Though my legs
felt rested, I ended up walking my bike
partway up that hill anyway.
The Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail
is the former route of the Lake Erie &
Northern Railway, and links on either
end to other trails continuing to other
cities. Googling “bike trails in Ontario”
brings up a wealth of suggestions for
general and specific regions.
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Ode to the Tax Man
By Spokeshave
Dear Canada, – we love you so,
For all our lives, we’ve watched you grow,
Good education – no regrets,
On leaving school, – good jobs to get.
Compulsory schooling, – in our day,
Thought all was free, with naught to pay.
We didn’t know, as younger lads,
Came from the pockets, of our dads.
It came from taxes – way back then,
Fore we were ladies and younger men.
We came to rue, – one fateful day
A tax man cut, – into OUR pay.
The unemployment tax, a joke,
They take from all the working folk.
We’re taxed for this, we’re taxed for that,
The tax man laughs – he’s getting fat.
There’s taxes on each thing you buy,
Percentage getting, – just too damn high
From clothes we wear, to cars we drive,
The tax is eating us alive.
Good Question!
• How can overlook and oversee be opposites, while "quite a lot"
and "quite a few" are alike?
• Why is it that writers write but grocers don't groce?
• If the plural of tooth is teeth... Why isn't the plural of booth - beeth?
(One goose - 2 geese, so one moose - 2 meese?)
• Why is there no egg in eggplant, or ham in hamburger?
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No matter which e’er way you turn
They’re taken from each buck you earn.
Compounding now – of knowing facts,
On taxes now we’re paying tax.
The politicians, have their ways,
And help themselves, – to healthy raise.
Their percentage, – is all tax free,
It’s all charged back, to you and me.
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When my time comes, my heirs shall grieve,
The tax man grabs, then what I leave.
Reincarnated, – here’s my plan –
To be a rich, tax grabbing man.
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N, N PARIS • 519-442-4242
www.johnmhall.ca • Open 6 Days a Week, Closed Wednesdays
Mar-Apr 2021 If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of car payments.
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