I have lived on the outskirts of Algonquin Park, and in one of Ontario’s most beautiful cities, I have travelled through out Canada and yet driving into Barrhead took my breathe away. I have seen it all, trees, fields, and yes, lakes, but when it comes to stunning landscapes there is something about this place that truly has me mesmerized.
You are probably wondering “who is this girl and what is she doing here?” Well let me answer those questions for you.
I grew up in a small town of approximately 300 people on a good day where the street lights came on and everyone headed home. From there we moved to Owen Sound, a nearby town that had a little over 20,000 residents, and is right off of the beautiful Georgian Bay.
When it was finally time to go to college I fell in love with the idea of being a journalist. So I went to college in Belleville, Ontario for Photojournalism and learned that no matter how small the town there is always a story.
After graduating I was offered a six month maternity leave position in the small community of Barry’s Bay, where the population would vary from 400-600 depending on the season.
Prior to taking the position I was travelling in B.C. and I quickly fell in love with the scenery and the people. Throughout my travels I never made it as far as Barrhead, but once the opportunity arose to move anywhere this direction I quickly jumped on the chance.
The night before I left I sat around with my family talking about “what it could possibly be like.” Of course everyone told me I would be able to see the mountains… I knew better than to believe them. Nonetheless it wasn’t until right before I walked out that door that it hit me, I am leaving not only for a little while this time, but possibly for good.
So the next morning I got into my car, jam packed to the roof with everything I could manage with my mom by my side and took off.
It is not a short drive, that much I learned. We stayed in some hotels that were spectacular, and some that have seen better days. We ate a places that we probably should have avoided, and some where we would have stayed an extra day just for the food.
But throughout my journey the only place I had in mind was here. I wanted to know what the people were like, the streets, the food. I wanted to know everything there is to know about this town called Barrhead, but it wasn’t until I drove into the town that I knew I had found myself a gem.
I look forward to meeting everyone, whether it be in the grocery store, at a local event, or even during an interview. Feel free to stop me in the street and ask me questions or even throw a story idea my way.
That is why I am here, to help not only fill mine, but also your curiosity.
