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.