A seemingly slow start to a day of accumulated enjoyments. Under dry but cloudy skies our bus left at 9:00 along the Humber Arm of the Bay of Islands. Driving through Corner Brook(20,000 pop.) let me wonder yet again at how the plain cubic shape of architecture can be interpreted in different societies, seen last in Chile and earlier in India and Greece. Many of the houses are small and plain, with fairly small square windows and sometimes an added porch or step. Virtually all are well maintained. Almost universally they have been improved with fairly recent vinyl siding in what seems to be an original small-board pattern. Occasionally a rectangular version of this style is found, and very occasionally a house has been expanded, usually in a symmetrical style. Cook’s Lookout over the city commemorates ... read more

Although quite well known in the hiking community, for me Buller Pass was a destination taken on faith. We had a beautiful day, full of sunshine, passing through tall birch forests. The purity of the mountain air is invigorating to the body and relaxing to the mind. ! I walked with some of the participants who pause to look at the little plants and chat during a welcome water breaks. Thanks to some knowledgeable companions, this became my opportunity to really learn the names of the wildflowers. Photographs help immeasurably, as you will see in this post.... read more

In the breathless environment of Emerald Lake, the falling snow piles high on every structure. Trees give the snow a shake. Paths are groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and strolling. With no breezes to penetrate through fabric, warm clothes keep us cosy. As does a decadent lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge!... read more

Rather than a winter getaway to the sun, this year I went on three day trips with the Skrastins Outdoor Club. While most of the members enjoyed a day of skiing or snowshoeing, a few of us less intrepid types enjoyed walking in the crisp mountain air. Banff is close to home for Calgarians, easy to take for granted. Looked at through a traveller's eyes, it is a world-class resort. Those are the eyes that took the photos for today's blog. We got off the bus near the former golf course in the morning and got on the bus in the afternoon at the Banff Springs Hotel.... read more

I am sitting on a rustic bench on the shore of Lac Beauvert, listening to the crickle-crackle of the ice as a gentle wave-action fractures and melts it. Stars made from ice-glitter mark the fragility of cold ice on a warm spring day. In this sheltered spot, the wind rattles the high tree-tops. Far in the distance across the lake, wapiti call in their eerie bird-like song. Framing the background, the mountains sit in ponderous weight, lighted by glaciers shining where the dark snow-laden clouds part. Across every vista, busy honking Canada geese pursue their next pasture of greens released from the water. This morning about 7:15, Deirdre and I walked briskly around the lake - a beloved pastime of visitors to Jasper Park Lodge. We enjoyed the freedom of movement of our strides along the ... read more