EVERYONE FOLLOW BERNARD...

by Bernardo Pisarzewski

The driving season of 2009 will not exactly be remembered as one of the best as far as the weather was concerned. The spring was long and wet. The summer saw quite a bit of precipitation and less than torrid temperatures. However, the autumn season seemed to redeem itself with a pleasant and dry air, and comfortable (albeit) seasonal temperatures.

a dozen hardcore VEA members set off on the final driving event of the season

So it was that on a cool crisp mid-autumn morning, a dozen hardcore VEA members set off on the final driving event of the season, to explore the Chateauguay Valley with Bernard Bellavance as our guide. As we made our way along the scenic Chateaugay River, our first stop was at the site where the Battle of Chateauguay took place. This battle was fought on October 26th 1813 between the leading elements of an American army of invasion and a smaller Canadian force. Through innovative devices and scare tactics, including the blowing of horns in the woods to suggest a large force of defenders, the Canadians confused the Americans, who became overly cautious and soon retreated. Bottom line, we can be proud knowing that Canada was the only nation to have beaten the United States in a war.

Our second stop was the scenic ville of Ormstown. There we were greeted by the town's mayor. While there, we enjoyed a little antiquing on the main street, and stopped for a much-needed bathroom break.

As we hit the open road once more, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the number of quaint churches (both Catholic and Protestant) that dot the Quebec countryside. Although a few are now closed and abandoned, I can only imagine how at one time these places of worship served as a lieu of spiritual and social gathering. I was overcome with a sense of melancholy when I stopped at the Powerscourt United Church (est. 1825). I took a moment to peak through a window and notice its dilapidated interior. While wandering to the back, I was confronted by a small field of untended graves that lay in the church's shadow. Ironically, not far from this burial ground, was a road sign that said "fin".

In Powerscourt, we also stopped to get a close up look at one of Quebec's many covered bridges, being restored, much to the chagrin of a construction worker on site. He reluctantly allowed us to trespass onto the bridge site in order to marvel at how they were duplicating the bridge's original design while using more modern materials.

Our final stop was at an old style English pub in Rockburn. There, we were able to savour wonder ales from the UK, and authentic fish'n'chips. All in all, this event was a wonderful way to cap the driving season. Merci Bernard!!!!

© VEA