When the snow blankets the landscape, the stage is set for the explorers who love being outdoor, and nature enthusiasts. With a range of winter experiences, one can simply enjoy this cold season by immersing in a realm where nature has so much to offer. It’s about embracing the charm that comes with winter.
After a nice vacation in Madeira, and a quick turn to 2024, we finally had some time to relax and enjoy the new season in town. We had our first snow of the year (and of the season) here in Southern Ontario, giving us not only a new landscape, but a new occupation as well😊
Nicknamed ‘sea parrots’ or ‘sea clowns’ for their cute appearance, the Atlantic puffins are some of the most loved seabirds. Although they are the smallest puffin species, they are actually tough birds.
The 1000 islands, a North American archipelago, lie along the border between the state of New York (USA) and Ontario (Canada), stretching for about 80 km along Saint Lawrence River. With a rich history, unique culture, and also with endless shorelines of picturesque islands, this area is a sightseer’s paradise, and a popular place for an authentic vacation. They are also famous for their magnificent summer homes. From Boldt Castle to House of Seven Gables, wealthy people have built retreats here since early 1870’s.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus
With a great promise to see wildlife and a pleasant experience, I was really enjoying the start of the cruise and the surrounding scenery, listening the crew member’s jokes on the upper deck, under a balmy sun. A colourful mix of local humour, stories and songs captured everyone’s attention, including myself. That was when I heard the local joke about the Newfoundland roads, but that’s another story.
I didn’t really notice when the blue sky turned dull grey, and when the calm waters became choppy. I suddenly found myself swinging from a side to another, unable to get a steady grip on my camera.
Getting so edgy, I decided it was time to go downstairs, but will I be able to walk down to the lower deck, or even grab the rails? They seem so far from my sit.. Should I stay, or should I try going downstairs? This was the moment I started to doubt if this cruise was for me..
The island of Newfoundland and the mainland of Labrador form together the easternmost province of Canada. Known as a place with a deep and ancient history, but also as one with the most spectacular rugged coastlines, Newfoundland has long beckoned us. All I wanted was to drive along the rocky coastline, with nothing but the ocean on one side and colorful houses on the other.
We did not plan much for this trip. I was thinking of going back to Alberta, and doing some hiking that we didn’t have time for on our visit there several years ago. Instead, the decision to go to Newfoundland came up shortly, the 10th, and the last Canadian province we still had to visit (and with three more territories on my bucket list).
Newfoundland really has it all, from incredible scenery, cute little colourful towns, to famous recipes and rich history. Not to mentions scenic drives, wildlife, museums, and fantastic hiking trails. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit Newfoundland at least once in your life, but remember that depending on the time of the year you want to go, the province can unfold its wonders differently.
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Continue readingThe story actually started 3 months ago, before we actually moved to the cottage country.
My desire to offer lodging to some new or old winged friends lingered in the back of my mind for several years already. Now, with our upcoming move, and with an imminent spring coming up, one of my first thoughts was to get a birdie home.
Living near a body of water is a blessing; whether in summer or winter, a lake or a river can provide so much fun.
I’m so glad we live in a country with four seasons, despite the fact that winter lingers a little too long sometimes, enjoying the beautiful days being outside, observing the nature and the surroundings.
1000 Places and Memories 