Well, that was quite the experience. We had about two days of continuous rain, snow and heavy winds. The waves were crashing about 30-40 feet high. The tree that you can see on the beach was half way down the hill before this storm hit. We needed to raise the temperature in the house as the wind felt like it was ripping right through and it was getting pretty cool in here. We awoke on the third day to calm mirror like water. It was truly amazing to see the contrast. Fascinating how the lake changes so many times during any day every day. I've loved being here to see all of this.
I am always the trip planner in our family so when Ray announced he wanted to go to Amherstburg I decided to put him in charge of the day. It was about time!!!! More than 50 years!!! He chose this lovely Italian restaurant for lunch. It was excellent, right on the Detroit River, right downtown. Actually downtown is really very small. Some parts of it reminded me of Old Quebec City, stone houses, narrow streets.
And there is the United States of America right across the river. Closest we have been for many years. With the river being so narrow right here, it is why the Underground Railway used this area as a crossing for black slaves coming to the freedom of Canada.
Next on Ray's agenda was this delightful arts and craft building located in the old railway station. We were met at the door by two very friendly women. When the one asked if we were interested in the history of the building, I didn't have the heart to say, "NO!!!" so we heard the speal, all of it and then some more!!! It was a very good exhibit of local art and crafts with a well stocked gift shop. Very multi media. Very colourful. Very joyous.
Since we arrived in Kingsville in January, I've been trying to get information on the underground railway that came all through this area. Even a google search did not give me what I was looking for. Amherstburg has the only black museum in the area so it is actually the main reason we went to town. We were met at the door by a very knowledgeable young man who answered all of my many questions and took us on a tour of the church next door and the adjoining log cabin.
It is estimated that 40 000 black slaves looking for freedom were able to travel along the underground railway to finally make their homes in Canada. We did a good thing!!!
Many of these artifacts looked familiar.
I had expected to see homes and roads marked in this area as being part of the underground railway but when you see the map of where they crossed and where they went I began to understand that back in 1845ish our existing roads were probably not there and the log homes that would now be well over one hundred years old are probably all gone by now.
Now, this church claims to be the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church. That is quite the combination there.
As we walked into the sanctuary, bam!!!, I was instantly hit with no cross straight a head. No anything on any of the walls. Is that a Methodist influence? I thought of all of the wonderful coloured cottons I have seen African woman wearing and had expected to see bursts of colour in this place of worship and freedom and excitement at a new life....... The church was built in 1848 and has had a rocky history of having to be rebuilt a few times as it had fallen onto disrepair but right now there appears to be a group that really cares for the church and its history and intend on keeping it as an historical site. Sadly, no congregation worships here now. The acoustics
are supposed to be awesome and when I suggested we all sing, the others in the group looked at me like I was crazy but I really think it would have been a good idea!!!
One of two pulpits.
One of these railings is original. The floor boards are all from the original build.
Here we are at the log cabin constructed and adjoining the museum. Full of primitive antiques that I love so much. This cabin was originally lived in by George Taylor from Kentucky now a free man!!!
Good job Ray!!! You will get to do that again!!!
When we picked Max up from the groomer in Feb. she used every adjective possible without saying he was "bad" so today I volunteered to stay to keep him in line. Every now and again, we play alpha dog.
She started out cutting his nails and brushing him. He tolerated it.
Next into the tub for a shampoo and conditioner treatments. A couple of times he decided he had had enough and was getting out. You have to realize that he weighs more than the groomer!!! By the time this was over, I was soaked and covered in fur....
Ray was out in the car freezing and getting board and the moment he walked in the dog started howling like he was being slowly tortured!!! Here he is getting blown dry and he is not impressed. It was almost an hour and a half since he arrived and he just wanted to get back into the safety of the car.
We hope to be heading home this coming Saturday, April 2nd. The weather looked kind of dicy a few days ago but now it looks like it is going to be sunny and clear. I'll write the last blog for this trip next Monday and until then....be blessed, wear a mask, don't wear a mask, whatever you need to do to feel like this is a great day!!!!
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