We did the tourist thing today. A short drive to the farmer's market produced a bag full of local products: bread, cheese, vegetables, four fat bratwurst sausages, and a large gingerbread cookie for walk about munchies. We then drove to the town center where we went our separate ways for a few hours to explore the city. We must be like identical twins, though, because just as Judy and I were finishing our lunch at a restaurant called the Terre Rouge, in walks Deb and Ed. After lunch, which was delicious, we continued walking to wear off a few calories. On the way back to the cottage, I pulled a "wildcard" and took us to a local event called "Stratford Days". It was mostly place for families, but the locals welcomed us with open arms. There were vendors selling apples, fresh corn, wooden cutting boards, cotton candy, and other assorted treats. The event, held along a local nature walk, was sprinkled with displays designed to educate. We listened to a falconer talk about his birds and their hunting habits. There was a table explaining sustainable forest practices. There were artists all along the path, everything from musical bands to drummers to dancers. We threw axes. In all, we felt a part of the local culture. The only thing missing was our toddlers. Tonight, we're going to barbecue our sausages and corn, sip a little wine, and enjoy a campfire on the beach. Quite simple, quite nice, and quite a good showing of the good life, eh?
We met a few people today. Lauchlan McClure, a local islander, pointed us in good directions.
The cathedral, centerpiece of the diocese, dominates the downtown landscape.
How do you like my prom date?
Ed brought his favorite girl, too!
We threw axes.
Deb got back to her Scottish roots.
Whack!
Notice the excellent highland form.
Most interesting was this discussion of this predatory Kestrel. This bird sees eight times better than humans and can process movement at 80 frames per second. It hunts mainly by soaring to three thousand feet, sighting a prey (flying birds, rodents, even animals as big as foxes). Once a prey is sighted, the Peregrine falcon tucks its wings, drops like torpedo and scrapes the prey with its talons. It's not pretty, but then predators never are.
This bird, a male, makes its home in the wild in the far Northern ice fields. It's perfectly content to sit in the freezing cold all day waiting for some sign of movement.
This little gal, a Kestrel, has been with the couple since birth.
These two go all over the provinces displaying their bids.
Opened in 1907, St. Dustan's Basilica Cathedral, boasts 200' spires, and is named for the Anglo-Saxon saint who hails from Glastonbury, Scotland.
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