The Passionate Hiker: The Settlers Trek: reflections

17 May: The Settlers Trek: reflections

May 2017: Celebrating the first anniversary of the Settlers Trek

Note: click on pictures for full size view.

Exactly one year ago this week, the first Scottish settlers made the long journey from Brockville to Perth, where they started their new lives. Or so it may have appeared to any passing motorists!

Last year, to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the settlement of Perth, a group of hikers, clad in 1816 clothing, and supported by teams of horses and wagons, travelled roughly the same route as the original settlers, taking six days to complete the almost 100 km journey.

This event, known as the Settlers Trek, caused quite a stir along the route. Many people came out to watch this curious parade as it gradually made its way through the countryside. At the starting point in Brockville, the settlers gathered in front of the impressive Court House, and were given a proper send-off from the First Presbyterian Church. Six days later, in Perth, at the Tay River basin, large crowds gathered to cheer as the settlers received their tickets for 100 acres of free land.

For the trekkers, it was a special experience. We played our parts so well that, when we arrived in Perth and received our settlement tickets, we almost felt that this free land was OUR land.

Today I retraced our route, stopping in each of the villages along the way, where the welcome mat had been laid out in such grand fashion: Lyn, Athens, Delta, Portland, Rideau Ferry. At each of these places we had spent a night on the road. The citizens welcomed us with hearty meals, entertainment, visits to their local museums, a floor to sleep on or a campsite to pitch our tents. Speeches were given, and lasting friendships made.

Perhaps for this author, playing the role of military emigrant Thomas Barber from Dumfries-shire, the highlight was the Old Stone Mill at Delta, which would have been standing much as it does today, back in 1816 when the original settlers came this way. If only walls could speak.

Equally moving was the finale in Perth, where the canal basin was crowded with citizens and schoolkids. Here we were passing the torch of history on to the next generations. Will they keep it alive for their children and grandchildren? I am sure that they will.

These photos, taken today, are a faint echo of the excitement of last year’s trek. On this sunny spring afternoon, the communities were strangely quiet - perhaps waiting for the next group of settlers to pass by? And what a welcome these generous citizens would give to the weary, yet hopeful, traveller!