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