2013 was a year like any other with amazing highs and heartbreaking lows, and while I tend to face the road ahead without a backward glance, this past year deserves a little recap. We began the year in the Florida panhandle. Compared to today's high of -25 Celsuis, I can't believe I actually complained of the cool temperatures!
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| Photo taken by Don Sanderson Dec. 22, 2013 |
It's been a busy week. John spent it skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Black Forest Conservation Park while I hit the mall--twice. Keegan, well, Keegan's Keegan. He thinks all this rushing around is insane, and took it easy whenever possible. He likes the floor...
The mercury dropped overnight and wham, just like that, ice appeared on Trout Lake.
While John went skating at the Pete Palangio Arena today, I checked out the Northgate Mall. With lots of shoppers and plenty of bargains, it was a great place to be. If anyone needs to get into the holiday spirit, this massive tree just inside the main entrance certainly helps!
Another dreary day here in North Bay, but we didn't let that stop us. John decided to cross country ski and snowshoe at the Black Forest Trails. As you can see from this pic there is definitely enough snow for both activities.
Yesterday afternoon we jumped in the van and drove to the Laurentian Ski Hill. The tower structure matches the amazing view.
John and I are always up for a new adventure, but this past weekend we learned to be careful what we wish for.
The good news is we missed the storms that destroyed parts of the US midwest today. Still, it was rainy, foggy, and neither of us wanted to venture far. But this afternoon we took a short drive around town.
This past week we've hiked the trails around Sherriff Lake not once, but twice. Both days were gorgeous with crystal blue skies, but cool temperatures and sometimes gusty winds. While the fall foliage is gone, the views from the rocks is still spectacular.
On our return from Boston we drove along the St. Lawrence River and stopped in Prescott, Ontario site of Fort Wellington. Built during the War of 1812 to defend the town and shipping lines from American and French attack, this historic site is maintained by Parks Canada.
I owe my daughter big time because while we visited her in Boston, she offered to not only drive us to Salem on a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon, but tag along as well. Her husband opted to watch a football game with his father, and Sarah told us he's like most people who live in the area. He avoids Salem, especially on any weekend in October, like vampires avoid garlic. It's crowded.
John and I are in Massachusetts and today Sarah and Tim took us on a lovely drive through Danvers, Beverly, Gloucester and Rockport.
While we were at the farm our friends served a delicious salad using their own garden fresh kale.
John's a happy camper. Not only is the sun shining, but he's back on the water, specifically Indian River.
Today began as glum and dreary as Sunday, but we were determined to make the most of it with another road trip.
This morning John wanted to go kayaking, but the weather didn't co-operate. So, we took a road trip north on Hwy. 40 to Crowe's Landing on Stoney Lake.
Today we stayed close to the farm and one of the most colorful characters we're responsible for is Alice. As I strolled around the gardens I spotted her in the barnyard and called out to her. She not only wandered over to greet me, but replied in a donkey lingo I didn't quite understand but certainly found amusing.
If anyone noticed my recent comment on Facebook about going for a hike on Sunday along the Trent-Severn Waterway, I'd like to point out that was a misnomer. I didn't realize John really just wanted to find a drop off point for his kayak. Surprise, surprise he found a lot of potential places!
We're housesitting again, as well as pet sitting. Julie and Brynne are two of the most adorable furry characters you'd ever want to meet, and if you asked them I'm pretty sure they'd say they are THE two most important animals on the farm. When I walked outside to take a few photos, they tagged along. Imagine my surprise when I asked them to sit on the mat so I could take their photo, and they did exactly as I'd requested!
This week we drove south of Massey to see the annual Sandhill Crane migration. Hundreds were feeding and squawking en masse on the various fields.
I've stated a gazillion times that September is my favourite month in the Great White North. What's not to love about warm daytime temperatures, cool breezy evenings, and NO bugs? The abundant rainfall this summer, however, enabled a few more bugs than normal to survive this long into the season. They're still buzzing around, but otherwise so far September rocks.
It was a dull and dreary day here in northern Ontario, so John and I drove south to Hwy. 17 and then headed west toward Algoma Mills. Our destination? Bootlegger's Bay on Lake Huron.
