Deer Trail Road Trip

The first week back in the Great White North was a challenge for both of us as we expected the snow to be gone, and the temperatures above freezing. When the mercury finally did rise and the sun appeared in a clear blue sky on Saturday morning we decided it was time for a little road trip to enjoy the outdoors.

One of our favorites is the Deer Trail circle route. While we normally take in the fall colours, springtime is just as spectacular.

We stopped to check out the Little White River and not surprisingly the first words out of John's mouth was "I should've brought my kayak!"

Seeing the rapids below, he began to drool. He once again reminded me how much he regretted not bringing his kayak, but that he'd be sure to mention it to Grant, Jim, Sue, Ron, June, Rae, Jean-Guy...well, you get the idea. He's gonna tell EVERYONE!

Because our trip was spur of the moment we didn't think to bring lawn chairs, so the van did double duty during our lunch break. The first thing we noticed was the absolute peace and serenity. John soaked up a few rays, while I enjoyed the bug-free outdoors.

I also took a short video of our view. There's absolutely NOTHING happening here, but that's the point. Listen to the rush of the water. I'd hoped to capture the rap-tap-tap of a Pileated woodpecker in the background, but he refused to cooperate while I filmed this. Just the same, it was a relaxing lunch spot.

Next we stopped at the one-lane bridge that travels over the Little White. Check out the impressive rock cliffs in the background. (John's standing in the middle of the bridge to give you some idea of scale.)

Here's another example of rock cliffs next to the highway.

I literally shouted for John to pull over when I spotted this waterfall next to the road. The rocks glistened in the sun...and it's Mother Nature at her best! Come July this waterfall will be all but a memory.

Our next stop: Constance Lake, home of many cottages and still frozen. Shiver.

Just north of Iron Bridge the forest and Canadian Shield gives way to farmland. I literally shouted for John to pull over because I just HAD to snap a photo of the zigzag snow patterns on the field. Sorry. Can't help myself. Must be a lingering result of those four years I spent at art college back in the late '60s and '70s. 

Further west is a look out over the Little White. I love this shot John took of the trees stranded on the rocks.

All in all it was a great day, great road trip, and great day in the Great White North with SMILES all around.

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Enough Already!

Call me a wimp or even UN-Canadian, but I was unwilling to return home to the Great White North--especially when at the beginning of April it was STILL the Great White North. Friends reported a four foot snowbank blocking our driveway, and sent the proof in the photo below. With that much snow, the road was almost down to one lane of traffic. Yuck. Shiver. Gasp.

As this was designated my very first winter WITHOUT snow I opted to take matters into my own hands. Thanks to our b-i-l, Ed, we booked a last minute trip to Varadero.

Our first day at the beach a hotel staffer presented me with a grasshopper made from a palm leaf. How's that for a lovely way to begin a hard day at the beach? (The cerveza came later!)

While we spent 14 glorious days at the beach, the snow at home continued to melt. Although, not nearly as much or as quickly as I'd hoped. When we arrived home this past Wednesday we still could not drive into our driveway. John had to shovel away the snowbank--in the rain, no less. Even this morning the rain continues, but as you can see the road is wider and there are telltale signs spring might just be in the air.

However, the back yard deck is still covered and it'll be a while before we get to enjoy the BBQ. (It's covered on the far left).

It'll also be a while before the grass and flowers in the garden appear. 

It may not be fair to compare the Great White North to Cuba, but I'll take warm temperatures, tropical breezes and a sandy beach that goes on forever any day of the week.

It gives me a perfect excuse to show off my "new winter boots" one last time!

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