the nicest town around

After spending much of last summer walking and photographing at the same time, it looks like I will be spending this summer finally getting those photos organized into coherent posts.

I drove over to Chesley, Ontario to a) see Big Bruce, and b) have some lunch as well as c) get enough photos for a Monday Walk post. 

I would be disappointed in one of those goals.

Chesley is in Bruce County, with a sign proclaiming it to be

"The Nicest Town Around"

There is a nice approach as you cross the bridge over the Saugeen River

if you walk down those steps in the first photo, you find a  park with a refreshing fountain (and a bit of history)

But, back up on the main street, things weren't quite so refreshing. It was very hot that day and I was gasping for a cool drink and some food to give me more energy to continue walking. This cafe across the road from where I parked turned out to be out of business.

As I walked up one side and down the other, I came to the sad realization that there was nowhere - not one restaurant - to be found in this small town of 2,000 people. A secondary highway goes right through the main street of this town, how could there not be enough people to sustain a restaurant, I wonder?





There were big churches






and big houses

and even a big theatre that for 20 years has been home for

 the Chesley Community Players.

and, if you walk back over the bridge, 

past the park, 

there is Big Bruce!

finding "Big Things" in small towns is always fun, I think!

Placed here by the Bruce county Cattlemen's Association as a tribute to Harvey Davis. Through his enthusiasm, integrity and expertise, Harvey made an outstanding contribution to the community and agriculture. A third generation farmer, Harvey was a great ambassador for Elderslie Township, Bruce County and the beef industry. Harvey was instrumental in having the Bruce County Cattlemen's Association purchase Big Bruce which travelled thousands of miles promoting Bruce County and the beef industry.

you can find him on many billboards throughout Bruce County

sharing this walk ... after a looong absence, (and a few setbacks since she keeps taking off for exotic places) with RestlessJo

and with Lesley's signs, signs