Be inspired on September Algonquin adventure

by Fred Collins

Jul 25, 2007

Huntsville Seniors
Club 55

Following downtown’s Group of Seven mural festival, the Huntsville Senior Travellers are offering an Algonquin adventure trip to enjoy the landscape that was a source of inspiration for Tom Thomson and his contemporaries. Travelling by bus we will stop at a Dwight bakery to pick up prepared box lunches. Then we’ll enjoy a short hike on an accessible park trail where we will witness the inspirational scenery.

After a picnic lunch at Lake of Two Rivers, or indoors at the visitors’ centre, depending on the weather, we will visit the Haliburton Forest wolf centre to enjoy the sights and sounds that would have been familiar to the artists. The Sept. 20 ticket price of $40 includes lunch, park admission and transportation.

Huntsville’s 10 large murals painted by 10 artists are rated a 10 by seniors. According to artist Gerry Lantaigne, who conceived the town-side gallery and created the first mural, an unassuming Tom Thomson would be flattered and more than humbled if he could walk through Huntsville today and see copies of their artistic works expanded to mural size.

Summer visitors will enjoy Gerry Lantaigne’s depiction of Lawren Harris’ Snow II, 1915, on Trinity United Church’s rear wall. This mural depicts the setting sun on a remote snow-covered lake. Situated beside the busy Civic Centre parking lot, the painting depicts winter’s tranquility in contrast to a summer garden located immediately below it.

Whether a visitor to the area or a seasonal resident, you are invited to join our Huntsville seniors in summer bowling. Experience is not necessary. Because there are no predetermined teams, you are welcome to try it once or join the regulars who play nearly every week.

Bowlers meet each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Brendale Square. The cost of shoe rental, three games of bowling and tea or coffee is under $8.

Some seniors take this opportunity to determine if bowling is suitable for them before committing to one of our fall leagues that bowl twice per month starting in September. Aches and pains abound but many from age 50 to their late 80s are committed to this game. After a week’s absence, euchre and bridge return to the club this Friday.