Too Square to be Hip
A narcissist's guide to travel and culture
Geography Located roughly in the center of Portugal, this town located on a hill overlooking the Mondego River, is a dramatic sight, for sure. The river allows this inland city access to the Mediterranean, distinguishing it from other interior cities. The fourth largest city of Portugal it is known for its warm Mediterranean climate as …
Geographical Cliff Notes Located in the south of Spain, on a fertile plain of the River Guadalquivir, Sevilla is but seven meters above sea level. The city is split in two by a river canal with the old town being located in the east side and the newer town on the west side. A Brief …
These days the town of Orillia is overshadowed by the city of Barrie, a town transformed into a Toronto commuter city. Yet at one time this was the premier Lake Simcoe port, after all the city is located at an important geographic feature at the north of the lake where it narrows considerably, creating a …
A Brief History Early in its history Barrie was but a small collection of homes uses and warehouses at the edge of Kempenfelt Bay. The depot was a linked to the strategic Fort Willow via the Nine Mile an aboriginal transportation route, part of a corridor that connected Lake Simcoe to the Nottawasaga River which …
Geography and a Brief History Heading north on highway 17, you would be excused if you did not think much of the Ottawa River. Hidden by a thick forest cover the majestic stream is hidden from view. This powerful body of water extends from the north-west near Temiscaming, fed from the Laurentides mountain range, it …
Cottage at Hall’s Lake The Algonquin Highlands consists mostly of two things; forests and lakes. This combination makes it a popular back country getaway for cottagers and day trippers. Like many of the cottages in the area, we had access to a little dock. The region’s clear lakes make for great swimming for both humans …
This small Quebec town located part way between the cities of Ottawa and Montreal is not a place I had ever thought of stopping off at during my many road trips trips along the 417 highway. Riguaud, at one point, was primarily known for its small ski hill and producing many strippers for Quebec’s clubs. …
On the shimmering shores of Lake Simcoe, part way between the cities of Barrie and Orillia, you will find a shall hamlet called Shanty Bay. Although little in stature, the town holds one of Canada’s lesser known attractions, the church of Saint Thomas. This religious structure in very important to Canada’s black community, you see …
Geography Lagos is located on a sandy bay overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Due to its geographic position, Lagos became the port of importance during the Portuguese age of exploration before the rise of Lisbon. The city itself is built on the west side of a river inlet in which the modern marina/port is located. The …
Arriving at Big Chute and the Six Mile Channel Taking Highway 400 north towards Sudbury, you will want to exit at Roadway 34 (Whyte’s Falls Road), where the windy sideroad will take you through the beautiful rock filled northern landscape towards your destination. On your way you will drive across the Six Mile Channel, a …
