The Thornton-Cookstown Trail: A Journey of Hills, Heat, and Hydration Challenges

Biking has always been a shared passion for my husband and me, so when we decided to tackle the Thornton-Cookstown Trail, we were excited about the adventure ahead. Little did we know, this ride would become one of our most unforgettable experiences—for better or worse!


The Thornton-Cookstown Trail stretches for a picturesque 16 kilometers, starting from Thornton and ending in the quaint village of Cookstown. It's a beautiful route, winding through lush forests, open fields, and charming rural landscapes. Perfect for a summer day, right? Well, sort of...

The day we chose to embark on this journey happened to be the hottest day in June. The sun blazed down on us, and to make matters worse, we had completely forgotten to pack any water. Undeterred, we set off, thinking we'd find a place to hydrate along the way. Big mistake.


As we pedaled through the trail, we encountered hills that seemed to go on forever. Grueling doesn't even begin to describe it (My husband added to my frustration, but keeping positive and not once agreeing with my misery) The combination of steep inclines and scorching heat quickly took its toll. By the time we reached Cookstown, we were exhausted and dehydrated.


The real challenge began after we reached the end of the trail. We needed to find the nearest GO Station to catch a train home, which was in Bradford, Ontario—another 12 kilometers away. With no other option, we mounted our bikes again and set off, hoping to find some respite along the way.

After what felt like an eternity—an hour and a half of pure heat exhaustion—we finally arrived in Bradford. Our first stop was the local community center, praying it would have a water fountain. As luck would have it, the center was closed, and there was no water fountain in sight.


We found an open washroom and did what we had to do: using our hands as water cups, we drank from the tap. It wasn't the most elegant solution, but it was effective. 

Standing there, drenched in sweat and frustration, I let my husband know in no uncertain terms that I would NEVER do this again. A few choice words were exchanged, but I knew I was letting off more steam than was already coming out of my helmet.


Somehow, we made it to the GO Station in time for the next train. As we collapsed into our seats, a strange sense of elation and accomplishment. I had made it through the toughest biking experience I'd had ever personally faced.


This ride on the Thornton-Cookstown Trail is now etched in my memory as the best and worst biking experience ever. It was a day filled with challenges, but also a testament to our resilience and partnership. Would I do it again? Probably not. But am I glad we did it? Absolutely.

A Farewell Visit to the Gardiner Museum: Cherishing Memories Before Renovations

As we strolled through the Gardiner Museum last week, my husband and I were among the last visitors before it temporarily closed its doors for much-anticipated renovations. This visit turned into a journey through time, art, and culture that we will cherish forever.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto near the Southeast corner of Queens Park and Bloor Street East, the Gardiner Museum is a gem dedicated to the art of ceramics. It's one of the few museums in the world focused on ceramic art, making it a unique cultural destination.

I am going to admit something that I have been by here hundreds of times and never had the interest in visiting until now.  Only until now before learning that it would be closed for quite a long time.  They don't have a date, which if you live in Toronto, you will know that renovations have always gone above budget and way behind schedule.

I was surprised -pleasantly so though visiting. I am sorry to share this with you after the fact!!

What I have learned is that the museum's collection spans continents and centuries, showcasing everything from ancient American pottery to contemporary works by renowned artists.

One of the highlights of our visit was the European Porcelain Galleries. We marveled at the delicate beauty of pieces from the Meissen, Sèvres, and Royal Vienna manufactories. The intricate details and craftsmanship were astounding. It was fascinating to learn how these ceramics not only served functional purposes but also reflected the social and political climates of their times.

Another captivating exhibit was the Modern and Contemporary Ceramics. This section featured bold and innovative pieces that pushed the boundaries of the medium. We were particularly drawn to the works of Betty Woodman and Jun Kaneko. Their pieces, with their vibrant colors and unconventional forms, offered a refreshing contrast to the classical ceramics we had seen earlier.


The Gardiner Museum is also home to the works of Pablo Picasso, who, unbeknownst to many, had a deep passion for ceramics. Seeing his playful and imaginative ceramic creations up close was a delightful surprise and added another layer of appreciation for his versatility as an artist.


A charming aspect of the Gardiner Museum is its intimate scale. Unlike larger institutions, it offers a more personal and immersive experience. We had the opportunity to engage with the exhibits at our own pace, allowing us to fully appreciate the stories and histories behind each piece. The museum's knowledgeable and friendly staff were always on hand to share insights and answer our questions, enhancing our experience even further.

As we wandered through the galleries, we were reminded of the museum’s dynamic role in the community. The Gardiner is not just a repository of beautiful objects; it's a vibrant hub for creativity and learning. It regularly hosts workshops, lectures, and family programs, fostering a deep appreciation for ceramic art among people of all ages.


The decision to close for renovations is bittersweet. While we’ll miss our regular visits, we’re excited to see how the Gardiner Museum will evolve. The planned updates promise to enhance the visitor experience with improved facilities and new exhibition spaces. We’re already looking forward to the grand reopening and the new treasures that will be on display.

As we walked out of the Gardiner Museum for the last time before its temporary closure, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for having the opportunity to see such awesome pieces of art, history and culture come alive.  Make sure to put it on your list for when it reopens.