by John McCulloch
In spite of rainy weather and a dismal forecast 20 Citroën Autoclub Canada members gathered in Oakville for our third outing of the driving season. After fueling up on marble cake and orange date muffins, six cars of happy Cit enthusiasts drove north towards Guelph on the back roads. We followed Derry road to its end and then took the Tenth Sideroad to Centre Road and thence to Victoria Road and on into Guelph.
The first stop was the cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate, which dominates Guelph from its position on the highest point in town. It truly is worth a visit to see the stain glass windows and the high ceiling of this 19th century church. After a half hour wander through the church the group left for the covered bridge in West Montrose, the site of previous visits and from there to Saint Jacobs.
St Jacobs was simply crawling with tourists who, frustrated by a late spring, would have eaten glass just for a chance to get out of town. No luck stopping here… so it was off to the Market just south of town. The market (the new one) is located just north of the old Mennonite market. It features in outdoor and indoor array of everything from pants to plants. There were a number of booths selling sausages, pierogies, apple fritters, etc. etc. We took the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and afterwards to search out plants and pillows. By this time the drizzle was starting to turn into showers.
Undaunted we made the final leg of the trip to Kitchener to look at a D belonging to a former club member. Unfortunately he was not at home and after a half hour wait in the cold and rain, we abandoned the car search. Members headed home from there.
Trip highlights:
– Angela drove Bisou ’74 around the block.
– The “new market” was full of little surprises.
– The cathedral was a real treat we have all passed by without ever stopping.
– A great crowd of Citroen Autoclub Canada members were in attendance.
– The countryside was lush and green.
– Everyone had a great time.
Thanks to George and Marijke Dyke for organizing this event. Thanks also to Chris Deja for preparing the fuel stop goodies in Oakville. See you in Penetang!