Tour de East Hawkesbury

Neither wind nor rain nor stiff breezes can prevent hardy clutches of cyclists from pedalling along country roads on summer Sunday mornings. Locals, including cattle, are used to seeing large groups merrily making their way along East Hawkesbury roads. In fact, cycling is a major element of our region's efforts to attract more visitors.

Riverfront property

This summer residence has been gradually becoming immersed in the Ottawa River in Hawkesbury over the last few months.

Dew lines

We have had another damp summer, so far. But the greenery does not seem to mind.

Horse parade

The annual Vankleek Hill horse and buggy parade is always a colourful event.

Behind evey horse parade, there is someone cleaning up.

Noon shooting

Hawkesbury is a small, quiet town, most of the time. But like most communities, it has, like a 35-year veteran police officer said recently, that ten per cent of the population that gets into trouble. Police cordoned off this street where an hour earlier, a 63-year-old woman had wounded a 69-year-old man in the neck and abdomen with a rifle. "The cops told her to put the gun down, and she did," said a witness. The victim, who knew his assailant, was in hospital recovering from serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation continues.

That is the cold way we tend to report such "incidents." But obviously, the whole story did not start and does not end here. We can never accurately report what events preceded this incident, nor can we attempt to report the aftermath, and the long-term effects these few horrible moments have had and will have on those directly involved and those who witnessed this incident.

"Things like this do not happen in Hawkesbury," said one young woman.

Fine, famished friend

Ronna's chipmunks have had to be even more alert lately as this blue jay has taken to swooping down on their free food.

Refreshing rain

The persistent rain has been good for the crops and gardens. Pea plants have their own special way of retaining moisture.

Canada Day movements

St-Eugène, a village in eastern Ontario near the Québec border, hosts a Canada Day parade that features all sorts of entries, such as a tiny team, and a camouflaged tractor with a military theme.

Celebration time

This is triple festivity time - the Summer Solstice, St-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day. Not to mention the many June birthdays. And the 4th of July!

It is a great time to spark up a bonfire and let off some fireworks.

Bonne fête!

Proven technology

One of the many highlights on the local events calendar is the annual Ste-Anne Antique Fair, where visitors can appreciate proven technology from the past.

A survivor

Giving the thumbs up, Bridan Russett, 3, of Dunvegan, Ontario, rides atop the shoulders of his dad, Brian, during the cancer survivors' march that kicks off the annual Relay for Life, a 12-hour walkathon that raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Bridan was one of the youngest cancer survivors who took part in the emotion-charged opening. He also was the epitome of the theme of the event: Celebrate, remember, fight back.

On patrol

It is beautiful and graceful, yet this bird, a turkey vulture, is on aerial patrol for dead creatures.

One lucky driver

The driver of this truck managed to walk away unscathed, underlining the value of a seat belt, after he flipped his vehicle on a street in Hawkesbury last week.

Somehow, although the truck rolled over, it managed to land on one tire, so to speak.

Fabulous foraging

The foragers sent out the alert: There were morells!

Ronna and Peggi, expert wild food foragers, were ready to venture out to harvest the precious morell mushroom! The rare seasonal culinary delight was plentiful, and there were no bugs!

Feline friends

Funny how creatures adapt. Barny (the boy on the left) and Skanoo (the girl on the right) have managed to become friends, sharing space and choice bed spaces.

Both are survivors, drop-offs who have somehow made their way to my door.

Cute, eh?