Discovering Ottawa: Jack Pine Trail

We didn’t bring the recommended seeds, and wished we had the moment we stepped onto the Jack Pine Trail.  In Nepean, Ontario, just outside Ottawa, this trail is a short but very worthwhile walk.   Dogs are not permitted, which I found odd at first, but soon realized is part of the magic. Magical is […]

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CB&W: Open Topic

It’s been awhile since we’ve taken to the open road, since light protruding through shadowy clouds has charmed and lured us onwards, hearts set on adventure, minds as open as the landscape. Just beyond the state line of Arizona, driving into California we were greeted by this posse of burros, shamelessly begging despite the signs […]

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Photo a Week: Details

I’m drawn to the details – a knot hole in a tree – hoping my close-up will reveal a curiosity.                   The inside of Saguaro, ancient and grey – reveals the inner bones, speaks to a better day. A roadside encounter brought me face to tail with […]

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A Photo a Week: Delicate

Delicate is the spider’s web, at least to the naked eye – appearances deceive, though, just ask an unfortunate fly. The sighting of a butterfly, splashing colour with flight – opening and closing wings spreading childlike delight. In the midst of swampy mire, this delicate flower dares bloom; a snow white pop of hope to […]

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Lens-Artists Challenge: Blue

Blue is the promise of Arizona’s skies in February; It is the delight of neon dragonflies on a summer’s day; It’s nature’s artistry unsurpassed. (Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week is blue.)

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One Word Photo Challenge: Positive

Positive is my granddaughter’s signature thumbs up! Or the enthusiastic greeting of a beloved pup: A visit from a favourite bird, can set my day up right: As can the sudden appearance of a butterfly so bright: (Thank you to Tourmaline for this week’s challenge: positive.  All photos are from my personal collection.)

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VJWC #3: Muskoka Wonder

It is the combination of trees and rocks and water that holds such allure for me.   Here in Muskoka, it is easy to understand how artists such as the Group of Seven were inspired to capture such beauty. The weather has been perfect for our visit on Sparrow Lake, and my body has graciously […]

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A Lake and A Pub

Westwood Lake, situated in the foothills of Mt. Benson, Nanaimo, is an unexpected surprise.  Pulling into the parking lot, I am eager to get out and explore.  The parking lot fronts a beach area and there are trails leading in either direction – over 5 km of walking trails, as well as mountain biking trails […]

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Nanaimo, B.C.

“I’ll take you for lunch if you like.” Of course, I’d like.  “Can I bring my camera?” “Sure.” So we head downtown with no particular destination in mind, other than to find a place near the water.  At the harbour front we find a park with manicured gardens, concrete walkways, and plenty of parking. “Let’s […]

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Cathedral Grove

Highway 4 cuts across the interior of Vancouver Island, twisting through the mountains.  It’s been twenty years since I’ve passed this way and yet, when the endless rows of trees open to reveal the stillness of Cameron Lake, with mountains in her backdrop, my reaction is the same:  the sheer beauty brings tears to my […]

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