Avon River Cruise

 

Before continuing, I must mention why I have not posted since last Sunday. My other computer crashed and may be down for the count. I was out of town, in Stratford, unable to find another computer to use for filing.

Stratford, Ontario, was not always famous like it is today. The first theatre production opened on July 13, 1953. Today Stratford has at least three theatres and possibly more. The new Tom Patterson Theatre is now finished and is simply waiting for the O.K. to open. COVID-19 threw a wrench into the entire massive theatre operation. Until COVID-19 buses from across North America rolled into Stratford attracted by the now world famous theatre.

Stratford in Ontario sits on the Avon River and where the river runs through the city a damn has been built and a long reservoir formed. The river has become a secondary magnet to hold people in town who are first attracted by the theatre. There are small paddle boats and even a small cruise boat to be seen on the river.

To know more, click the link: Stratford Festival.

Stratford on the Avon River

 

Yes, you read that right. Canada has a Stratford on the Avon just like merry old England. The early settlers of Ontario were not all that imaginative when it came to naming new towns. One must wonder if they were somewhat homesick.

The Stratford in Ontario is a wonderful town. It is attracting lots of tourists even today despite COVID-19. The lady was spotted walking along the Avon River. The plant is growing in one of the gardens at the new 100 million dollar theatre which is still waiting for opening night. The virus has kept the new theatre closed.

A backyard and not a park

It looks every bit like a public park but it isn't. It's a backyard. A well designed, well cared for backyard. It is amazing what folks are hiding behind their suburban homes.

No mask, no service.

 

Both cable and network news are filled with stories about folks refusing to wear masks. In London, many businesses have no problem asking customers to wear masks. And if the customer refuses to wear a mask, masks are always available for those who arrive without one, then the customer is refused admittance. No mask, no service.

Ford Motor Co. Canada in London

 

Once, more than a century ago, Ford Canada had a London, Ontario, assembly plant. It was in the heart of the city, nestled into a residential neighbourhood. It was much smaller than any plant built today. In later years its small scale may have been it undoing. 

On the plus side it is a good looking building and that fact may have saved the building from the wrecking ball. Sadly, its good looks did not save the operation. Ford closed the plant, sold the building and left London. The building has gone through a couple of hands since then but it is still a good looking building and considered a plus for the area.

In later years, Ford opened a very successful assembly plant south of the city. It was often honoured for its excellent efficiency, high quality output and solid employee dependability. But these pluses were not enough to save the plant. It closed and the building was demolished. The newer plant was not guarded by an aura generated by attractive architecture. The newer plant was big, sprawling and ugly. In this case demolition was a plus. The land was worth more with the building gone.

It is not just people who travel

It is called Bear's Breeches. This perennial came to southwestern Ontario, Canada, from southern Europe, from countries around the Mediterranean like Italy and Turkey. It has incredibly large, spiky leaves at the base. I thought the leaves would discourage rabbits. No. They love it, or at least have in the past. This year it has been given a reprieve. It towers almost three feet into the air and sports oodles of wonderful, purple flowers.

Rabbit food

The gardening centres call these cone flowers. My neighbours and I simply call these rabbit food.