Entering Ontario west to central

You can see below that blasting roads through the Canadian Shield was not an easy task.  This is the hill going down to Rossport on Lake Superior.  The scenery along Lake Superior is spectacular.

Falling rocks are a constant problem.  Near Ironbridge we saw the sign below and I assumed there was an equestrian centre nearby. But I was wrong as shortly we saw one of these distinctive vehicles.


                                                                            

We had seen Amish in New York and Pennsylvanian towns a few years ago.  Evidently the Amish began moving into Canada and buying farmland, mostly in Ontario, in the 1950's.  They liked the idea that there wasn't any conscription and that the government would let them run their own schools.  They do not accept any social assistance for milk quotas or family allowance, and it is difficult to estimate their population as they are a fast growing group with 6.8 children in the average family.  They started moving into Canada also for cheaper chunks of  farmland. 

They are not allowed ownership of possessions that my make them vain, like cars or electricity, so life is basic.  They run businesses in local towns and their produce sells well.

They have also started furniture factories.  I quite like the simplicity of the design styles  I like their philosophy of   'letting it go'.  It keeps their lives less stressful and the community harmonious.  I was surprised at how lenient they are with their young people.

Still they do seem out of place in a shopping mall buying a new baby stroller.  Their traditions are fascinating to read about.  Church services are held in homes as are weddings, which normally happen in November, after harvest-time.

Then we moved on to the Muskoka Lakes country.  Many big city folk in Ontario spend their summers at their cabins at the lake.  Cabins might now be a mis-nomer as most are fancier than our cottage/home.

It's a great life if you can afford it.