I kid you not: I could get lost in a room.
So – naturally – I got lost while coming home from an appointment in a nearby town.
The key to getting lost graciously is to act as if where you’ve ended up is where you’d meant to go all along. But I was too agog at where I’d ended up to even pretend to be gracious. My mouth fell open.
In no time at all, I’d gone from modern streets and brand-new neighborhoods to this old country road and a feeling that I’d time-traveled into the 1800’s. Beautiful old houses flanked both sides of the road.
And I knew, without being told, that some of these homes had belonged to certain local families for generations. It was that kind of place.
Most were surrounded by expansive grounds with big old trees…
Sweeping lawns and glorious gardens.
On the lake side of the street, were more gardens, houses and infinite vistas….
Parkland and beaches and families at play….
Boats at the marina…
People fishing…
Where on earth was I?
Not one to panic till I’d run out of options, I kept going… and thought I’d seen that enormous old tree just a minute or so before I turned…
So I turned around again and kept going…..
And discovered a sign…..
Historic Bond Head.
I’d never heard of it.
Later, I’d learn that Bond Head, formerly known as Port Newcastle, was once a thriving harbour, with ships ferrying cargo to and from Quebec, Toronto to the west, Kingston to the east and various American ports.
In 1856, Bond Head and the neighboring village merged under the name of Newcastle. The overall region is now known as Clarington.
But right now, I was just busy being lost.
And then I saw a strangely beautiful old house. Spellbound, I stopped, turned off the engine and stared.
For a long moment, I forgot that I was lost. Questions flew through my mind as I sat in my car, gawking at the huge house on a country road.
“Who would have built such a grand home?” I wondered.
This house must have a great story, I thought.
This is how I ended up having tea in a stranger’s kitchen with a man named Ron. And that was only the beginning.
Click here for Part 2: A fascinating story begins
Stay tuned.
**
Dedicated to lovers of history everywhere, including residents of Bond Head and Newcastle in Ontario.
© 2008 CSR
Cynthia Reyes 
Oh, too funny! You are just like my eldest daughter. If there is a choice between going in the right direction or the wrong direction, she will always pick the wrong direction. That girl has a knack. But my goodness, look where getting lost has taken you.
Your eldest daughter is a kindred spirit. I could get lost in a room.
You seem to make friends everywhere. Kudos Cynthia!
What a beautiful place to get lost! I love how sometimes life takes us in a direction we hadn’t planned on but was waiting for us to explore.
Well worth getting lost for. Just off to see Part 2
Derrick, I love your responses at the end of each chapter! Thank you!
🙂
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
I recommend you follow the links at the bottom of this, and related articles, to get the full story 😃
It makes you wonder, were you really lost? Or found? What a beautiful journey.
“Found”, I think, because it was just the weirdest thing. Thanks for that observation, Lesley!
It sounds as though getting lost may have been rather serendipitous on this occasion! I’m terrible with directions too – I got lost going to my dentist the other day, even though I’ve been going to the same one for about a decade!
You do know how to leave us hanging. Gorgeous photos.
You were lost but not everywhere , Cynthia . You were practicing History in a beautiful place.
Love ❤
Michel
I always get lost, Cynthia. My husband bought me a GPS so I would have a back up for my phone, I’m so bad. You certainly found a lovely place.
Glad to know you’re a directionally-challenged kindred spirit! I worked in Florence, Italy, many times over a decade. The Romans were allegedly the best at laying out road grids and cities. So did I ever figure out how to get around that lovely city? Nope.
Just like me, Cynthia. I always tell my husband that I can’t be good at everything [wink!]
Wow…gorgeous area!
Getting lost never bothers me – you find things, wonderful things you would not have seen otherwise.
Some of the best adventures we experienced on our travels were made by getting lost! Really enjoyed this.
The links are a wonderful story, Cynthia! A serendipitous discovery while lost.
Thanks, Lavinia. It still amazes me.
Wow – what a journey! In every way. Sometimes we need to get lost to find ourselves or what we need, but for you to get lost and stumble upon this house and its story is pretty amazing. Thanks for the guided history tour and great photos.
What a wonderful place to get lost in! I’m looking forward to reading part two.