Today I got onto my favourite local trail for the first time since coming back from my winter travels to Vancouver Island and Barbados. This is what I saw as I approached the entrance to the trail.
Hmmm. Wonder why this barrier was put up by the City?
Well, it didn’t take me long to figure out why the City was trying to discourage people from using the trail.
Ice, ice everywhere. Except on the boardwalks.Thick and bumpy. But still slippery!Slide marks from previous walkers…er…sliders. It quickly became apparent that sliding was the safest way to go, in most places.
Just how thick is this ice? Glad you asked. I found a place where there was a crack in the ice, just so I could show you.
Crack in the ice shows its depth.Close up of 2 inch thick ice coating the trail.
Ice was also found on the river, of course. Nice to observe, from a less slippery vantage point on the shore.
Weirdly beautiful ice formation on the river. Ice shelf near the bank of Chilligo Creek.
I didn’t fall. Didn’t break or strain anything. But also didn’t walk (er…slide) as far as I intended when I set out this morning. But it was worth it as I got quite close (for a change) to a couple of these guys:
Rock on,
The WB
p.s. this is my first post using the new block editor in WordPress. So far I really like it. Reminds me a bit of using MS Word, so somewhat familiar to me. However, I don’t like how my images are being compressed, but I’ll sort that out later…right now I have to figure out whether to start watching Drag Race Season 10 or American Gods Season 2 or (insert some other show that got released recently and I’ve already forgotten what it is). You know: Sunday evening priorities.
p.p.s. oh, and fingers crossed the email announcing this post gets sent out this time. Last post it didn’t work (2nd time this has happened to me) and I haven’t a clue as to why. #bloggerwoes
February was an incredible month for me – and one of extremes. In temperature and geography! You can read about my travels here, here, here, here and here.
I started off the month on Vancouver Island, which is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Yep, those are surfers behind me. On Groundhog Day!
Surfer!
After a few short days back at Chez Badass (and work), it was off to Barbados, an island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean:
2019 Barbados sign on the beach, just off the boardwalk.
Island of glorious sunrises…
And restful beach vistas…
And beautiful flowers. This one is called Pride of Barbados (aka peacock flower).
And green monkeys. This elusive guy shot by CJ on a morning walk.
And cute little crabs that are really hard to see when not scuttling around the beach.
And racehorses reluctant to be bathed in the sea, after early morning exercise.
And less reluctant horses actually swimming in deep water, for non-weight bearing exercise…
And tall ships (spotted along with the horses, in Carlisle Bay).
But all good things come to an end, eventually. This is how I ended my magical month of February:
Using a hatchet to break up my driveway’s ice.
Observing ice formations on my walks.
Trying to be as stoic about the weather as the Buddha of the Patio.
Today’s weather – I can be forgiven for shedding a tear or two, right?
March and the Spring Equinox – bring it on!
The Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge, hosted by Su Leslie at Zimmerbitch. Go check her beautiful blog out!
George Washington came to Barbados in 1751 while he was still a relative nobody – hoping for a career as a land surveyor and farmer – in the company of his older brother Lawrence. Lawrence was suffering from tuberculosis, and they hoped the climate in Barbados would cure him. It didn’t – Lawrence died the following year, unfortunately. While in Barbados, George contracted small pox and did survive. This gave him immunity and saved him from potentially dying of it later, as an outbreak occurred during the American war of independence. And we know how the rest of that story went…Barbadians are proud of the small but significant part their country played in America’s history.
Very close to our hotel is the George Washington House, in the heart of the Garrison District of Barbados. CJ and I discovered this on a morning walk around the racetrack, which sits in a bowl-shaped area known as the Savannah.
Map of the Garrison District, as it exists today.
The Savannah used to fill up with water every rainy season, and as a result mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and yellow fever would increase during that time. The British did not know the cause of the diseases at that time, but did recognize they coincided with the sitting water, so they created tunnels under the Savannah, to drain the water and for stealthy troop movements in case of attack. The tunnels go on for miles underneath, to a variety of buildings, eventually leading to the sea at Carlisle Bay.
The existence of the tunnels were the stuff of rumours and almost forgotten, until someone needed to do some work at George Washington House and rediscovered them during the process.
Our morning visit to George Washington House included an informative short video about George Washington’s stay, followed by a tour of the tunnels and the house.
Our guide (one of two during our tour) Wilbert provided us with a fascinating tour of the 200 feet of the tunnels we were allowed to travel.
Wilbert in the tunnel. Not for the claustrophobic, he warned us. This section of the tunnel was made with bricks previously used on sailing ships as ballast. Some of the tunnel is dug right into the coral that makes up the island of Barbados.
After our tunnel tour, we were handed off to Martin, who showed us the house itself.
George Washington House exterior, with separate kitchen building on the right
Entryway and 30 seat dining table, built expressly for GW House’s Monday evening “Dinner with George” (which we did not know about until too late, unfortunately).
View of table from opposite end
Recreation of period tea set from broken pieces found in the gully beside the house. Love the criss-cross handle detail, and the pie crust table.
Period liquor cabinet on wheels. Handy!
Martin showing us an 18th century rum bottle brought up from Carlisle Bay. Sailors would throw them overboard once empty. Damn litterbugs!
George’s bedroom. On the ground floor, off the main hallway. Not his actual bed as none of the original furniture was saved due to GW’s relative nobody-ness at the time. Furnishings are typical of the period, however. I need to paint a room this colour.
18th century tall boy, once owned by actress Claudette Colbert, who lived on Barbados once she retired from film.
Close up of gorgeous hardware on the tall boy.
Brother Lawrence’s bedroom – bigger and better as befits the elder son. Across the hall. Love the hide-covered chest.
18th century gentleman’s bag. I call it a murse (man purse).
Medical text of that time period. Includes cures for hangovers and cancer…
Next door to the house was the kitchen – separated from the main house in case of fire.
This was the closest thing to refrigeration in the tropics, at that time. A room off the main kitchen, kept cool by wetting the earthen floor and capturing the breeze through the slit in the wall.
The kitchen sink, complete with jukking board, for washing clothes.
After the main floor tour, we were invited to explore the second storey exhibits, on our own.
Stairway to second storey of GW House.
The second story of GW House (thankfully air-conditioned!) was filled with exhibits about the life and times of the inhabitants of Barbados in the 18th century.
Informative signage.
Slaves outnumbered owners 4-1 at one point. Which led to the “creolization” of the Island, according to what we read. (Which I think means there was a lot of mixing going on.) Also, the white people were terrified of being overtaken, so control was tight and punishments were extremely harsh. Sad part of the history of this beautiful island.
We were told by others to definitely stop at the onsite cafe (formerly the stables) for refreshments. It did not disappoint! Try a lemon square, if you ever visit.
Of all of the sights CJ and I have seen so far in 3 years (well, 4 years for me) of visiting Barbados, this one has to be my favourite. Thanks in no small part to Wilbert and Martin, our knowledgeable and charming tour guides.
If you ever are in Barbados (and I hope you get the chance to visit), I recommend a trip to George Washington House.
CJ caught this picture of me taking a picture of the Barbados 2019 sign, and a rainbow in the distance!
After a few short days back in frozen Ontario from delightful Vancouver Island (here and here), I was once again boarding a plane – this time for Barbados!
Mizz J pointed out to me that I will be visiting 2 oceans in the same month (never likely to happen again), and I think that is pretty cool!
I don’t normally take vacations back to back like this. I would have rather been visiting Vancouver Island over the Christmas holidays. Work/staffing commitments decided this timing for me.
Anywho, once again CJ and I are in Barbados, for our annual 2 week beach vacation.
So far there has been a lot of these:
Bajan sunrise, as seen on our de riguer 6 am walks.
And these:
Glorious Bajan sunset – 6 pm on the dot.
And this:
Happy toes in the surf.
Just to spice things up a bit, we decided to forgo the beach walks some mornings to head north to explore the Garrison District instead, which includes the racetrack.
Watching the horses and jockeys at practice
Entrance to grandstand. This horse and handler were just back from the morning sea bath. More on that later…
Directly across the street from the grandstand entrance. Bajan trees can hold their own with Vancouver Island’s giants.
We saw horses crossing the highway to head to the beach, so of course we followed. And we were not disappointed.
So many horses coming back from the sea, we thought maybe we had missed seeing them in the water.
Luckily, plenty of horses still at the beach, including this stunner.
Bathing beauties
Heading for a swim in deeper waters
This horse was playfully pawing at the water.
Yesterday we realized, after a full week of lounging on the beach (in the shade, of course!), that we had achieved peak “sluggitude”, so we decided to walk to the Barbados Museum, located behind the racetrack. We needed a dose of culture; to hell with the heat of the afternoon.
This building used to be a military prison. Couldn’t take pictures inside the museum, of course. It was filled with exhibits of all things Barbados – natural, social, cultural, and military history. Worth a visit!
After the museum, we had time to kill before the restaurant we wanted to visit opened, so some rehydration was in order.
Deadly rum punch, at the Radisson Aquatica. The bartender referred to us as “my queens”. A girl could get used to this. (Well, we did give a nice tip. 😉 )
And then it was on to dinner and dessert, at Brown Sugar.
Brown Sugar Restaurant’s specialty: Bajan Bread Pudding. Bread soaked in rum, with rum-soaked raisins, in a rum sauce. Sensing a theme here? You could light my breath on fire. I could only eat half despite its deliciousness. CJ could only eat half of her chocolate mousse cake (in background). We will enjoy the rest today!
Before we leave on Friday, we are planning a visit to this place:
Conveniently located beside the racetrack, in the Garrison District. George Washington stayed here, in his only visit outside the US. Open Monday – Friday. Don’t know much more about this other than I heard it has a delightful cafe. Also something about tunnels. I’ll let you know.
The beach is calling my name ever more loudly, so until next time…
On my last full day on Vancouver Island, the three of us (Mizz J, K and I) got up early and hit the road to Tofino!
We stopped along the way at a picturesque mountain lake.
I think this is called Kennedy Lake.
Tofino straddles the tip of a peninsula on the west coast of the Island. One side is quiet inlet.
Calm waters of the inlet
Tofino Totem Pole
And the other side is a paradise for surfers.
The surf at Chesterman Beach. Yes, there were many surfers in the water (2 in this photo) on Groundhog Day, February 2.
Admiring the view and soaking up the sun.
One of the many pretty shells to be found on the beach.
Both sides of Tofino are beautiful and cool.
We drove downtown and parked near this place as we just had to see what it was all about.
A large gallery featuring the works of native artist Roy Henry Vickers. Loved his stuff. Someday I will be back and buy a print or twelve… 🙂
Inside the gallery.
We also visited a series of stores, surf-related shops, and restaurants inside and just outside of the downtown. And there were flowers blooming outside! On Groundhog Day!!!
Crocuses blooming already!
I loved the signage of this coffee shop:
I had a London Fog here and it was so. damn. good.
The wildlife at the Wildfire Grill were very assertive. The restaurant had signs up, warning people of crow thievery. They just came for us. With their buddies. (OK, so we encouraged them. Because of the novelty. We’re just the kind of people that like birds landing on our picnic table and staring at us.) Like a scene from The Birds. 🙂
We also did a short walk on the Tonquin Trail, that led to another beach.
Sign at entrance to trail.
As the day drew to a close we visited another beach – Long Beach.
Beautiful Long Beach scenery.
And so ended our last day together (for a while). It was a glorious one, filled with sun, surf, art and togetherness.
It was tough to get a good shot of the many birds housed there (including eagles, hawks, and ravens) through the wire mesh of their enclosures. So here’s a resident turkey, for your viewing pleasure. 🙂
There was also a garden area, showcasing native (and some non-native) plants to be found on the Island. Seen here: oregon grape, heather, and kinnick-kinnick.
After a delightful visit, it was on to the next: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville.
We were delighted to come across many bunnies on our way to the beach. They let us get quite close.
Beach view. Overcast but still lovely.
As with most places on the Island, we were in awe of the beautiful, giant trees.
After such an attraction-packed day, it was time to head back to Mizz J’s for a well-deserved soak in the hot tub.
Hoo boy, it IS mostly dark these December days so I’ve been taking advantage of what daylight there is by hauling my sorry butt outdoors whenever I can.
Sun peeking over a riverfront building in ye olde Village on the River.
Sun and shadow painting the path.
I’ve been noticing seed heads and pods and all manner of lovely wintery things on my walks.
Bullrushes caught my eye.
And this: Blown milkweed pods at side of railroad tracks.
When it gets dark, it’s time to head home and throw on as much light as possible.
Let there be lights!!! Welcoming Yule…
Also: when it gets dark, it’s time to celebrate and visit with friends.
At my friend Mizzus J’s (far right) retirement gala party. Interesting story – Mizzus J and I met at work at a lab many years ago. Mizzus K (middle) and I met at work (another job, another lab) years later. Mizzus J and Mizzus K met for the first time at late hubby JD’s 50th birthday party and hit it off, resulting in Mizzus K working for Mizzus J (who now owned her own lab). Now Mizzus J has retired and Mizzus K has accepted the position of President. I feel proud and happy to have been a part of this!
Visiting JD’s best man and his wife, who have become “lifers” in the Friends Department. Clearly my selfie game is not strong. Yes, M has been queried about playing Santa and is considering making it a post-retirement hobby, visiting nursing homes and such. And Mrs. M is not averse to becoming Mrs. Claus, and making it a duo.
I am not a night creature, anymore though. It’s damn hard for me to leave the house once the sun goes down, in the winter months. My natural inclination is to slip into jammies and wind down my day as soon as it gets dark. Like 5 pm. Seriously.
So no surprise here: I am ecstatic to welcome back the return of longer days and shorter nights, for my personal productivity if nothing else!
Getting too old for all these late winter nights. My eye makeup went the distance, even if I pooped out after several hours of dancing and celebrating.
The Changing Seasons is a monthly blog challenge hosted by Su Leslie, at Zimmerbitch. Check out her blog, to see how it’s done!
Wishing you all a happy New Year and a fantastic 2019!
But the wind and rain soon stripped the trees and I struggled to find whatever colour was left:
Berries in the gloom
And then it wasn’t long before this happened:
Winter wonderland drive to work, November 13
And I did manage to capture one spectacular sunset:
November 14 Red and Navy sunset
But the snow didn’t last, and we were back to dull skies, clouds and rain and a dearth of colour:
Mill Run Trail, November 25
Clearly I wasn’t the only one that felt November needed some brightening up:
Well, this is one use for a poppy after Remembrance Day I suppose…
I noticed many things on the trail that I just walk on by, when the foliage is rich and lush:
I walk by this all the time, but this time I really noticed this stump and the stump behind it.
The shapes of these oak leaves caught my eye as well.
The beauty of a feathery pampas grass head…
This scene, although kind of desolate, speaks to me.
I don’t know what these are, but I do like the look of them…also that they provide some welcome colour!
And while I was noticing all these beautiful and delightful things, I felt like something was noticing me as well:
Eeeek! The trees have eyes!
I went to the Orthodontist’s office on November 26. Soon I won’t need to visit them anymore as I am almost at the end of my Invisalign treatment (yay!). This time, it was full-on Christmas decor:
A tree dedicated to the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, of course! (For the hockey-mad clientele.)
A corner dedicated to the Nutcracker Ballet, with Nutcracker and Mouse King (For the rest of us?).
A view of the main treatment area.
These were some of my impressions of this overall mostly dreary November.
Hope yours was more colourful!
The Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge that anyone can join. Please visit Su Leslie at Zimmerbitch, for more information, and to see what others are posting.
It’s been hard for me to blog this Fall. October is the month you realize there are not many days left you can head out with bare hands and a bare head. So that puts some urgency into my outdoor activities and causes me angst when I’m stuck indoors (looking at you, work!) on a beautiful day.
Luckily there have been some stellar weekends (although this cold, blustery, rainy one is not one of them) and I was out on the trails with my trusty iPhone camera in hand:
Fiery Foliage peeking through the trees
Who says you can’t wear purple and orange together? Not Mother Nature, that’s for sure.
I don’t know if this was an exceptional year for fungus or not, but for some reason I noticed fabulous fungi everywhere I looked, this fall.
Brilliant Bracket Fungus
Aptly-named Turkey Tail Fungus
I don’t know what this is (and neither does iNaturalist for sure, apparently). Way too many suggestions and none looked quite like this.
I’m lichen this Wrinkled Crust lichen 🙂
This one is called Bears Head Tooth. And it’s edible, though I didn’t try it. One of my fellow walkers did, and I see he is still posting on Facebook so that means he survived. 😉
As it’s almost Halloween, I thought I’d share some of the wild decor I saw at my latest visit to my orthodontist.
When one looks up…
Where you end up when you don’t floss, I guess.
The Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge hosted by Su Leslie, of Zimmerbitch. Please stop by her blog to see the Changing Season, down under in New Zealand.
