Winter is here again, and the only way to enjoy it is to embrace it! What a better way than exploring the surrounding countryside, where every unexpected corner can offer many surprises; this time the rare and stunning frost flowers.
After two years of pandemic, 2022 came at a slow pace. We decided it is time to enjoy life, and travel more than in the previous years. Therefore, at the beginning of the year we answered quickly to our friends invite to stay with them in Fort Myers.
City of Palms was a nice surprise, our sweet get away from the cold Canada, where the winter lingers for.. too much😊
Nature eventually revived after a long winter, and new life emerged in the spring, but no traveling plans have been made yet, which was unusual for us, especially after 2 years of restrictions.
After a tiresome trip back home in Romania to tie some loose ends, I was all so eager to make some vacation plans. The second part of the year found us on the road, exploring the New York State; Finger Lakes region was a new discovery and a delight, only few hours driving from GTA.
Suddenly, our priorities changed, and my little free time got completely devoted to planning new trips and hikes. A couple of amazing months of short trips in Nova Scotia, Canada, and Provence, France soon followed. Unfortunately, I had to put blogging, and other activities on hold, as nothing can beat the excitement of a new trip!
The fall is my favourite season in Canada, and we couldn’t miss the amazing colours, but soon after the autumnal foliage was gone, we found a nice place to relax in Cayo Las Brujas, Cuba.
With many opportunities to explore the nature, we collected beautiful memories from two continents, hiking along two of the most amazing canyons Letchworth and Verdon Gorge; enjoying countless waterfalls, learning bits of history in new places along the road.
Unable to keep up with the blogging in 2022, I’ll try to gather some of my best photos throughout the year. A wonderful one overall, very grateful for all the travels we have had, and everything else.
Wherever you are, wherever you go, happy travels to all of you, and have a Wonderful New Year!
xx
Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Europe, the Gorges Du Verdon is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. It is a river canyon located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of Southeastern France, whose name is often shortened to Provence.
Finger Lakes region takes its name from eleven long and narrow lakes spread like fingers across the region, and it’s located within four to five-hour drive from metropolitan cities, such as Toronto, New York, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh. Over thousands of years receding glaciers carved this landscape, giving place to an idyllic home to generations of people. No wonder why, as sparkling lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and rolling pastoral hills dominate the landscape, making Finger Lakes Region a hidden gem.
European settlers found one of the most powerful Native Americans Nations in this area, who believed that Finger Lakes were the fingerprints of the Great Spirit. It is said that the Great Spirit reached down and, in touching the earth, transformed this land into sacred ground. But the geological term finger lake refers to a long, narrow body of water occupying a glacially over deepened valley, and the most notable ones are Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Within about 9,000 square miles, there are miles of lakeshores, countless waterfalls, and vineyards; from biking, hiking, boating, fishing, to visiting museums, or quaint towns and villages, there is an activity for everyone, you name it.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” – L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Sometime over 12,000 years ago, receding glaciers carved some of the most pristine lakes, giving place for green valleys, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. Watkins Glen State Park hosts some of the most picturesque waterfalls in this area.
Letchworth state park, renowned as the Grand Canyon of the East, is a 14,350-acre park in New York state, following for about 27 km the course of Genesee River. With three major waterfalls, lush forests, and a deep gorge, the park is one of the most scenically areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River is the essence of the park, and can be observed either roaring through the gorge on sudden drops, between cliffs as high as 600 feet in some places, or in a calm course along its winding way.
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows – Helen Keller
If you are in Fort Myers, exploring the city, no doubt you will hear about Sanibel Island. Reputed to be one of the most charming islands in Florida, Sanibel is frequently visited by tourists, and locals alike.
“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle
As the days become longer, and the skies sunnier, we see and hear the birds more often, building nests and calling for a mating partner. It’s the spring time, again, with small flowers emerging through the last layers of snow, with birds singing happily around. The spring that brings everything alive, and never fails to bring us joy! Except maybe for some late snow falls, known under different names, such as “Onion snow”, “Robin snow”, or “Lambing snow”. Nevertheless, the spring is here😊
1000 Places and Memories 