The Journey Continues

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates

With three blog posts sitting in draft for several months, unfinished and wanting to be shared, I have to wonder why. In my view, they're all interesting topics with great photos to accompany each of them. But for some reason, I just haven't been able to finish and publish any of them. Something just wasn't quite right. The readers of this blog, my very kind, supportive and well-meaning friends and family, have provided sufficient encouragement to keep going but after some careful thought and reflection, I've decided to go in a different direction. 

Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

It's no secret that I love to travel. 
Like many people, I enjoy seeing new places, standing in awe and wonderment at scenic vistas, sampling delicious food and sipping tasty beverages, and really appreciate meeting interesting people along the way (especially on airplanes). There's a part of me that gets reawakened each time I go exploring... and it's highly addictive! There's an endless supply of fabulous destinations. For me, though, it really is "all about the journey" - finding the hidden gems, experiencing tremendous growth opportunities, being open to new challenges, facing fears, and discovering parts of myself I hadn't encountered before. It's an expensive hobby/passion/addiction to have.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to visit many wonderful places, and one of my favourite things to do has been sharing these experiences with you. I've also had the chance to get to know so many incredible people - many that I can call friends, and I do. I'm grateful for each opportunity and the learning that has transpired from each, despite some pain, sweat and yes, even tears. Some of the greatest growth comes from these moments. These inspiring places keep calling me back, and as I think about or return to them, I also learn about other places to visit and activities to try. I've been adding more to my bucket list than I have been able to cross off lately - and I've been crossing off A LOT. I simply can't keep up! (It's a good problem to have, I suppose).

  

Christmas Eve stroll, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

In my quiet reflection (on a trail somewhere), I discovered that I need to re-evaluate and take a slightly different approach before I can start this next chapter with any kind of quality. And I want it to be good. Really good!

Many of you have asked for more of the stories behind the photos, how to get there, what to see and do, and that's precisely what I'd like to share. So, I'm making the shift from this sweet little very personal blog to one that is more reflective of the amazing places available to each of us. 

"Do what you love, love what you do"
Photo credit: Jill Jago Photography

"Wherever you are, be all there." - Jim Elliot

Without trying to compete with my very talented travel writer friends, what I'll share with you will be more place-based but still very much from my perspective. And I'll be making the posts public. Yikes! (I might need an editor). 

As for those three "interesting" topics mentioned earlier, you can expect to read about them (and maybe even hear about them) somewhere down the road. I'm confident that they will be finished and presented the way they should be. And I look forward to sharing this next part of the journey with you. 

Until next time,

Laura xo

Adventure is Risky Business

"It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves.”  Andre Gide

ad-ven-ture - an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks. (Merriam-Webster)

When was the last time you took a risk and were glad you did?

To have an adventure in its truest form is to do something different, brave and challenging. Often, it is a physical feat and sometimes it's psychological. Many times, it's both. 

There's nothing quite like hitting the open road equipped with a few favourite snacks, a change of clothes (complete with multiple footwear options, of course), and a full tank of gas. And there's something about intentionally get lost for a while that can help you find your way again.

Some people may wonder why I can't seem to sit still and have such a desire to keep exploring new and familiar places. I spend countless hours behind the wheel, thousands on fuel (and car maintenance - ouch!), and have mastered the fine art of living out of a suitcase. I eagerly anticipate the next trip and am often already packing for it - seriously. It's a bit of a hobby, a passion, a lifestyle - and it blends extremely well with my chosen career. It's an actual human need you know, this thing for discovery and exploration (and there are studies to prove it). And it's not that I'm necessarily running away from something, rather, toward something. 

Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet, BC. 

Once you get bitten by the travel bug, there really is no cure. It's an expensive hobby, but it's also one of the greatest investments a person can make, in my personal (and professional!) opinion. Fortunately, Canada provides some of the most spectacular opportunities for exploring so you don't have to go far from home... but it sure can be fun when you do!

Taking the time to really explore a place can lead to so many positive things and in my experience one of the greatest benefits is personal growth. Sharing the experience of discovery and overcoming challenges with another person changes the situation and inevitably leads to making a different set of memories than when travelling solo. These memories are often much stronger and sometimes more meaningful than when travelling on your own, simply by sharing them with another person. The experience is just richer and amazing things can happen - even fears have the potential to be overcome when they are identified and faced. (Bears, bridges, cougars, sharks, capsizing, to name a few of mine).

To risk, for some people, means facing a challenge or doing something intentional to overcome a fear... even if it means potentially getting hurt. For others, it means consciously opening a part of themselves, despite the understanding that it could lead to a different kind of pain. Either way, being vulnerable and willing to take the risk is essential to living one's best life. In life and love there are no guarantees but there sure can be regrets.

Old Growth Forest, near Port Renfrew, BC. 

Some of my best and most profound experiences have been found far beyond my comfort zone. Physically being in inspiring places certainly helps, but it's the encouragement of someone close that helps to draw your courage and strength to the surface. What would ordinarily be terrifying suddenly doesn't seem quite so big and powerful when you feel safe with a trusted travel companion. It is out of a place of trust, acceptance, and sometimes even love - wait, especially love, that helps you to move past the fear and truly grab hold of the experience.

It's a necessary part of life to be able to navigate your own way, but sharing an adventure with someone else, especially someone you care about and that cares for you can be one of life's most rewarding experiences as you build trust, learn and grow. These are the experiences that make taking risks so completely worth it. I still believe that to experience the greatest joys in life, you must be open to taking the greatest risks. 

Gargantua Bay, Lake Superior Provincial Park, ON.

Hmmm. Perhaps the journey is the destination, after all. 

The Change of Seasons

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”  Amelia Earhart

I have always loved the change of seasons, especially here in Ontario. The time I spent living in the Vancouver area made me realize there are two main seasons on the west coast of Canada - rain and summer. While mild weather afforded a shorter winter season, I actually missed the newness that each distinct change of season would bring and the subtle transitions from one to the next. The fresh hopefulness of spring, the still warm nights and sweet smell of summer, the crisp air and aroma of freshly fallen leaves, and one of my favourites - oh yes, the distinct smell of that first snowfall of the season. (Experts would argue that there's no such thing as "scent of snow", but skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts would disagree!)

Fall colour drive near Torrance Barrens, Muskoka, ON

Fall in Ontario is nothing short of spectacular, and this past year was one of the best I have ever seen. It is often a time of adventure and growth for me. I spent some time exploring the side roads of Muskoka and Algonquin Park in search of brilliant fall colours, and then taking my friends and family along for the ride - both in person and through sharing photos, like this one. Little did I know that my "Fall Colours - Somewhere Over the Rainbow" photo would be seen and appreciated by over 160,000+ people through the power of social media... and completely unintentionally!

It seems that everyone has their favourite season, often determined by the activities they enjoy the most and in the temperatures they are most comfortable in.

Snowshoe hike at Voyageur Quest, Algonquin Park, ON

I was once an open-minded fan of winter, but this was the longest winter EVER and have been seriously reconsidering my position on the season altogether! At one point, I was sure we were all trapped in the polar vortex and it was never going to end. The only escape would have been hopping on a plane to somewhere else...anywhere else! I think migrating birds have it all figured out and we could learn a lesson or two from them.

Once the sun started to shine again, I was both determined and delighted to get out there and enjoy the best of the season.

I strapped on a pair of snowshoes and set out to blaze some trails in the fresh, fluffy white snow. Stumbling across scenes like this one above makes the effort completely worthwhile. (Hot chocolate helps, too!)

Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa, ON

Fast forward to spring and suddenly everything is green and popping with colour! The songbirds return and start singing well before the sun rises. (It's such a sweet sound to wake up to for a period of time, and then shutting the window is the only option in order to sleep past 5 am!).

Unfortunately, all of this means that it's also black fly and mosquito season, but the longer days, warmer temps and blooming flowers seem to make up for any temporary discomfort.

Killbear Provincial Park, ON

After a few glorious months of long, sunny days, tasty treats and summertime fun, the cycle begins all over again. While already getting outside as much as possible, I am shaping plans to make the most of the summer season, before the threat of the next polar vortex ensues.

I have learned that time is one commodity not to be taken for granted. So, it's time to think about what you'd like to see and do this summer, add something new to your bucket list and make it happen. (And be sure to share it with others - the experience is so much richer that way!)

In seasons and in life - change, if embraced, can be exciting and energizing. If resisted, it can be painful and unpleasant. Everything is a choice - choose wisely and happy exploring!

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”  Henry Miller

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

"Not all those who wander are lost."  JRR Tolkien

For as long as I can remember, I have always had within me the need to travel, to explore, to discover. I have my family to thank for that - namely my parents, aunts and uncles, who took my brother, cousins and I to amazing places in our formative years and instilled many values in us, including how to enjoy and respect the natural wonders and beauty of Canada.

We grew up visiting countless national and provincial parks, historic sites and tourism destinations from coast to coast. Now as adults exploring Canada (and the world) on our own, we still enjoy our various trips to such incredible places and sharing those experiences through photos and stories with each other, family and friends. It explains why I feel the need to keep adding to my list of places to go and have the next trip in mind, if not being planned. To have the next adventure to look forward to has become such an important part of my life, for reasons of personal growth, professional development (keep reading), and even, survival.

The hardcover book "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss is a popular graduation gift, and when it was given to me by my aunt and uncle, I didn't even need to crack it open to understand the message they wanted me to receive. I'd like to be able to say "and so it began...", but the reality is, it already had!!

It just so happens that I chose a career in tourism (surprise, surprise!) and even though I deviated from that plan for a short while, I found my way back and with a new set of skills that have proven very useful in my line of work. (You know, dealing with people!)

People that know me well know that even (or especially) when on vacation, I can't help but take my "tourism brain" with me. My friends and colleagues poke fun at me for taking countless photos of destination signage, cute cafes, washroom facilities, and yes, even bike paths. Amazing tourism destinations that "get it" inspire and excite me. Call me what you like, a tourism nut, geek or addict... and I'll probably agree with you! Here's a pic of one of my favourite places and destination signs - see what I mean? Awesome. 

I recently purchased a new camera, a Canon G15 that can come with me virtually everywhere I go. And it does! Depending on the situation and mode of transportation, it fits in my purse, backpack, or on my shoulder. It has been handy to capture the incredible fall colours, such as on this fall drive near the Torrance Barrens in Muskoka. The spectacular rainbow just added to an already beautiful scene - what a moment!

While my little camera doesn't (to my current knowledge) allow me to take quality photos of the night sky or northern lights, I am thankful to have good friends who happen to be pro photographers, willing to lend me their equipment from time to time so I can still get the shot like this one below. (My Christmas wish list is quickly expanding). My first experience seeing and capturing the northern lights happened recently at Georgian Bay Islands National Park - a bucket list item and yet another "wow" moment! 

To be able to travel, to explore, to discover is such a gift. I recognize that not everyone is able to get up and go to the places I do, and I often stop to think of them when I am hiking to or standing in beautiful places. In those moments, I frame the shot with them in mind.

Sharing the experience is just as sweet as the experience itself. 

The Journey Begins

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” - Ernest Hemingway

They say "when it rains, it pours"... and you know, I think that's true. 

I find myself at a point where I am taking stock of my life so far - recalling many different experiences (the good and the bad), reflecting on lessons learned and appreciating what I have, especially those I am fortunate to call friends and family more than ever before.  Some may call it over-analyzing, I prefer to call it learning and growing.

If you had asked me a year ago where I thought I would be right now, I might have said "on my bucket list trip to Australia" or my 3 least favourite words "I don't know."  But I have come to realize that I am exactly where I am because I chose to be here, I needed to be here.  I needed to be right where I am today before moving ahead to tomorrow... and all that is ahead, including that dream trip to Australia.  

I have had MANY amazing adventures so far, overcome several fears, experienced life in a way I didn't know was possible - and loved with all of my heart.  And the journey is just beginning... thanks for joining me and sharing in many new adventures! 

Here's one of my favourite pics from my most recent trip to Vancouver Island.  This trip was one filled with memories that I will not soon forget, and a time of great exploration.  Whether you are journey or destination oriented, may you find exactly what you are looking for.