From Sofia’s post, “This week I’m looking for anything that has had an existence of many years. It can be like my examples, ancient buildings or places, unchangeable landscapes. It can also be traditions, whose origins are lost in time, or obsolete objects of everyday life. Your imagination is as much the limit as age… Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to this post so we can all easily find you.”
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. Having been in existence for a very long time. Showing or feeling signs of age or wear… adjective ancient
The people of ancient times, we not only have the wisdom of the ancients to draw on, we also have a sophisticated science and technology capability” noun: ancient
Even within my own lifetime I think of the changes that I have experienced myself, our first family computer back in 1995 for Christmas, the landline phones with the long cords so we could ‘talk in private in the hall’, the “Wish Book” from Sears that every single child waited for to circle their wishes, or the phone book that had everyones numbers in the book for various towns and cities, getting a cell phone in my late teens, smart phone after having my kids (their video’s are on cd/dvd’s), listening to the radio and “taping” the radio with a cassette tape, having to pause and press record at record times, our parents not having any way to contact us unless we were at a friends house. Interesting times considering how our kids grew up!
As the year anniversary draws closer of my brothers passing, for this challenge, and on a dreary darker day, to head to the cemetery to capture photos of our older family members stones is the perfect way to depict “Ancient”. Although mother nature had other plans for us, we wouldn’t get out on Sunday.
I asked my husband to take me on a tour, we have spent a lot of time driving through the cemetery in the past year, and yet I am someone who has more spiritual beliefs than religious. I know the spirits of people aren’t buried, their physical body is. However spirits are able to roam. I couldn’t have picked a better time, honestly, our Sunday plans didn’t work, had no pull to go out (beyond the deck), it rained all day, literally did not stop. This evening, the sun was perfect and… I was joined by so many orbs, which absolutely warmed my heart!
The first photo, the one above, I took 3 and they all turned out the same, my camera would not focus, regardless of where I aimed or the settings I used, I went with it and look at the orbs that came through! ❤
First I went looking for some family stones, the one below dating back to the 1800’s. My great grandfather is also on this stone, I was blessed to have him in my life until I was 10, he was born in 1900!
So many unique stones and the sun kissing them, was the icing on top!
Of all the stones, this one below held the most orbs… I could feel them all with me!
As my husband said, this is like a game looking to find various family members stones, I later returned with my mom to find her grandparents stone.
I really enjoyed this challenge, I honestly never used to understand why people frequented the cemetery so much, even though I don’t necessarily stop to talk to my brother, or other family, there is a feeling of such quiet and peace there. Spiritually, we can talk to our loved ones all the time, I truly love when I am connected in, it feels surreal, yet also so very cool, sad, happy, longing, all the emotions.
The irony that we couldn’t get out yesterday and it flowed perfectly this evening, on my late aunts birthday.
Ann-Christine prompted us last week with the theme Dreamy, to pull forward in however this represents in your own life. Personally this was my macro photography and the dreaminess in the images. Next week it will be Ritva’s turn to host, Saturday 25th October.
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here
“You’re just like a little kid you are so excited”... my husband to me when he stopped next to a tree and noticed something I would love to photograph with my macro lens! I was visibly excited to see this bright caterpillar on the tree.
Anytime we can get out in to nature, we do. Its a reset, and reminder that even though today is a reminder of when our world came crashing down, literally. It was about this time I got a call, my husband had fallen off a roof. Our lives have been very different since then. This blog post, I will forewarn, could be a trigger for some, however its a refection of this date which shifted our lives ❤
Ive been looking for a book for almost a week, looked everywhere, knew I had it when we were away, however I emptied my suitcase, I checked everywhere it could be and even places it wouldn’t be. I mentioned this to my husband last night and within minutes, the book was found. This was a reminder to me, how we can be going through life and there will be times we wont be fully present and conscious. I looked for this book for days, couldn’t find it. I knew I felt off, I was. A numbers person, dates are a permanent reminder of both the good and bad things in life. I knew this date was coming up, obviously, it hadn’t truly sunk in until yesterday when my husband named the date. Then it suddenly made sense, how tense I was feeling suddenly and I was having a hard time naming it. As soon as he mentioned it, my body took a deep breath. It truly is so much easier on us to name it, just name what you are feeling, in whatever way feels most comfortable to you. However what I will say, the more people share their story, the more they reach out to others and also embrace others stories with compassion, the better for everyone, especially your own healing. Healing that is unique and different for everyone!
Having a husband in pain all the time, doing what I can to help him, the past 5 years has been interesting, is probably the best way to put it. I have not and I do not know if I will ever fully forgive our government and medical system. I probably wont as today is a stark reminder of sitting for over 4 hours bawling to see my husband and finally many hours later being “given” 15 minutes before I wouldn’t see him for almost a week… As I type this, the word Trauma is circling in my mind. Trauma for us both! Also forgiveness, I should perhaps make my way toward, yet how can anyone forgive when people were purposely kept apart and the emotional outcome of that is torturous.
At a time when I was already in a mind space that wasn’t healthy, our kids were being yanked in and out of school and being an essential business we both had to be working. Throw this into the mess of things and it completely felt like a disaster. Compounded with the disrespect from almost a lot of the nurses and and some doctors – Im not sure if I will ever be able to forget this.
Today is a stark reminder, sadly our medical system is only slightly better – they have stopped harassing you if you want someone with you! You MUST advocate for yourself and your loved ones, if you don’t, you are merely a number and your family doctor is always getting paid to just be your doctor, without even seeing you. Which is sad. For me, being in a small town, I used to be the one who would pump up anything and everything about a small town, these days, my heart has never been more scorned going to the hospital after my husbands accident and asking questions and being ignored by the nurses – until I asked when they would be coming to look after him… “you will have to pick him up and look after him” with a side eyed look, oh good thank you you can show respect to his wife after an accident and answer her questions. Or being told it wasn’t safe to be with him – B*tch we live in the same house, sleep in the same bed, step back with your non-sense fuking “rules”! Only for all CV rules to be retracted because… oh nothing made sense! A time in our life when we experienced medical abuse from the system. When he fell and they “gave” me 15 minutes to then not see him for 6 days. On the 6th day when I brought him home – for that they “allowed” me to enter the f’ing hospital – because people were busy to bring him down. Or when the local doctor couldn’t read the x-ray and he walked on a broken leg/broken medical grade metal for over a week and ended up in surgery again, that complaint was “justified” because the doctor was busy… we all make mistakes. Still doesn’t sit well with me. Or when I had to be trained for wound care because home care couldn’t do this. Or when after his 2nd surgery and waiting to figure out if a 3rd would be needed – it was – we couldn’t go in to see him after days in the hospital, but he could come outside to see us… ahhhh the logic, seriously. Such a mind fuk!
Someone without medical background. I was banned from entering the hospital all 3 times my husband had surgery, but yes ma’am we will “train” you to do his wound care for ALL surgeries (3)… AND train to do the IV treatments for the infection… cool – cause that all makes sense – much like the “rules”. But here’s the thing… I DIDN’T HAVE A CHOICE. I had to be ALL THE THINGS FOR EVERYONE. I had to step up and do the wound care because if I didn’t no one else was coming. Which I think at the time, was the heaviest, no one else is coming. The person I rely on, is now relying on me for almost everything. A reality I am truly grateful was not worse, because oh my goodness, I simmered in that for a while, I sank.
It was years of living in fight or flight that began in March 2020 with my kids being yanked in and out of school and the fear p*rn being spread by … same who made the rules and locked me out of the hospital. Years of more fear being intensified by that phone call, with more bad news. It was during this time I couldn’t even deal with hearing my phone ring, it went on silent. My watch was the only thing that made a sound, however I was attached to both. If I didn’t have my phone, I wouldn’t know when something happened.
Its really opened my eyes to how I was feeling, the many previous triggers in life – we all have them – and how so much can compound to then make you feel that much worse. The phone ringing, 9 years ago when our co-worker was killed, I got the call from the police… someone I had known my whole life, I will never forget that evening as news like that shifts you. Last year loosing my brother, and everything up and down in between. It shifts us, it compounds and well I feel that heaviness in my body.
Having a husband in pain all day everyday, regardless of what he is doing, can really shift your life and marriage. My patience level has truly been tested, much like how young kids can, its even more challenging when you have a normally able bodied man, unable to do things. It has taken us through the ringer. Above all though, something like this could have broken us, it should have, especially given that we spent a ton of time together in the 2 yrs after his accident. Which then consecutively rolled into our sons medical issues and not the wife, but mama doing his wound care… Its been a time!
These 5 years have been hard, very hard at times, on my knees hard, not just because of the accident, but it feels compounded at times. Above all, its strengthened us, to our core – my husband and I, but also us as a family. A time that could have broken us, I am so proud of us. Proud that we are closer than we ever were, instead of allowing an outside force take us down, we stand side by side, proud. Like true best friends. Especially this past year, its not been easy, at times Ive felt much lower, and he has been the best support and person there for me.
Alas… our get away is in our side by side – this is how we get to experience nature and I am GRATEFUL for that as without it, our life wouldn’t be as full as it is now, it would be much different. Drastically!
So today, I acknowledge the sh*t we’ve been through, individually and together. I pray continually for healing and peace within. Also honoring our bodies, this has deeply taught us (all) the importance of listening to your body, which my husband did and does if he experiences more pain. I am very grateful for that. Nature is a beautiful reset, the sounds of nature, just being there can shift my soul. Taking photos, when I see them, I remember the exact moment, whether its of people, a location or somewhere in nature.
The trails you see in the spring, look nothing like in the fall – so lush and gorgeous it doesn’t even look like the trails go through many crossings! As someone who only knows the trail in the winter and with markings, I was honestly impressed at how my husband could see a patch of gorgeous tall colourful weeds and know it goes right through there into the forest. Deep gratitude to the land owners who provide their land to run the snowmobile trails through. As a rider, I love the feeling of being in nature, in the middle of a forest.
‘The popular quote is “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.’
‘A similar sentiment is also expressed by Muriel Strode, who wrote, “I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail”. ‘
On this 5 year anniversary, we continue to strive for gratitude in whatever situation, reaching for each other in appreciation and knowing, we did it. We have survived some of the hardest years of our life. When I told my husband last night, we could have easily failed, some may have said we should, solidifies our life together even more. In this life time and many, many more!
Two weeks ago, we arrived home from a beautiful trip to Eastern Canada to experience the Cabot Trail, this is our story!
Welcome to my Cabot Trail Fall Photography Tour ~ I am excited to share our journey with you!
After visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, our hearts lead us back for our 21st and this time, we headed directly to The Cabot Trail!
I felt inspired by this post, The Ultimate Fall Cabot Trail Road Trip, it was within this blog post where I found the gondola ride for those “unable to do this hike” of the Franey Trail. I am grateful for these shifts as its not easy at all for my husband to hike and this… was amazing! For us it was the best way to see it!
Our version of the trip would be great for someone with limitations for mobility with walking, especially uneven ground, damp weather, long distances – but want the beautiful photo experience. We knew coming into the trip, we would be doing the majority of the “Cabot Trail” by vehicle and stopping at view points or various towns etc. Since my husbands accident we adapt and the beautiful views and sights we are meant to see, we will! I am SO excited!!!
For the Photog’s Camera and Lenses – I initially had a lot more packed… and then I remembered I will need to carry my bag with me in the airport and to explore. I removed both macro lenses from my bag and even left my RF 28-70 f2.8 at home.
Camera – My main camera is my Canon R6MII + Backup Canon RP Given that this trip was specifically to visit and photograph the Cabot Trail, the RP got to come too!
Lenses – Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM + the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens with these two I can do the wide angle shots and the zoomed in. Yes both are not lower light at all, well without higher ISO. The purpose of this trip is exploring the beauty of Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail in natural light! I purchased my wide angle used from Henrys – highly recommend and I have seen the 24-240 come up available used as well for a great price. I purchased this lens last year before our first trip to Nova Scotia. Its a very versatile, all in one travel lens. Especially when weight is a factor.
I began with my R6MII + 15-30mm and then wanted to use my zoom. Since we had our own rental vehicle (Side note – also highly recommend renting your own vehicle and doing the trail yourself vs on a bus tour), I put my 15-30 on the Canon RP and then put my 24-240 on my R6MII. The zoom is a heavier lens and I love the feel of it on my R6MII vs the RP, which is much smaller. Our “surprise mid-size or larger” rental, was a brand new Ford F150 truck! Perfect for the days of road tours we had upon us! It worked out awesome so I could have both cameras ready for every stop. I used the wide angel on the RP, lighter lens, lighter camera, so much easier to use and oh my some of the wide angle shots were delicious!!!
If you are looking to upgrade to mirrorless, check out the Henry’s used section – great quality and prices. They have a few RP’s available, R6 and some others and an EF/RF adapter too! To be honest I was very hesitant to make the switch, its definitely not an affordable one, however with the lens adapter it does make it much easier so you can use your EF lenses on the RF mirrorless body. I still use a lot of my EF lenses with my mirrorless camera’s as I love the EF L lens quality, its absolutely gorgeous!
Camera Bag – To help distribute weight and ease for exploring on our trip, I opted to leave my bigger camera bag – Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L – with the extra lenses at home. I brought my Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L which can comfortably hold 1 camera body with a lens and an extra lens as well as my pouch with extra batteries and extra cards. I carried my Canon R6MII with the 15-30mm lens attached and the 24-240mm lens in the other side. My RP and the battery chargers for both cameras were in my Poppy and Peonies Nomad Backpack with my laptop, journal, book, tech case, oils – so many oils! This backpack is a carry on size and so versatile, I was able to put my sidekick “purse” in the top of it, so my Sling that had my R6MII + 2 lenses in was my “personal bag” for on the plane. Strategic!
Thursday September 25– Happy 21st Year Anniversary to us! ❤ Work – finish up some things before we can take off for a few days, and Travel Day… We also we dropped off our dog to the kennel, the breeder where we bought our dog(s), Cooperslane, also board their own dogs after 1 yr. Its honestly so incredible and our dog LOVES his vacations with his doggy friends! When he was there the last time, so was his doggy brother and they had a blast!!!
We left with time to stop for lunch and traffic/construction. Got to the airport, left our vehicle with Park N Fly. This time we flew out of Toronto, to get the extra day and come home Tuesday, this was the only option. We can honestly say we both prefer flying out of Kitchener. The wait didn’t seem long, however it was a totally different experience, down to the people in the airport. Friendly airport reminder, when on vacation, allow yourself a good choice for a drink, now is not the time to cheap out on the taste that can linger 😉 AH good ol long island ice tea’s, so much better with good tequila, haha also takes me back to literally the time we met, in Connecticut such a shot in the dark chance of meeting, I loved my long island’s. These days I can tolerate a couple 😉
If you have the option when purchasing your plane ticket(s), always go for the extra leg room, its worth the extra $30-40! We were in the 4th row on the plane, seated next to a very nice older, West Jet retired stewardess, Cheryl. She was flying to Nova Scotia to meet up with a friend, Pam, in Nova Scotia. We all enjoyed a complimentary drink aboard the plane! We did receive an email to upgrade our seats, we could bid from $85 to about $250 each… we opted to not, but still had a benefit 😉
Arriving at the Halifax Airport, my husband went to get our “surprise” rental vehicle and I went to find our luggage. Hint, always take a picture of your luggage before you leave OR put something very identifiable on it. While waiting I enjoyed a lovely conversation with another older woman, who began by complimenting my hair colour, years prior hers was the same colour. She asked if we were visiting, I shared with her we were celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary, in true eastern fashion she complimented saying ‘congratulations, my goodness you don’t look old enough’… I finally found our luggage, when they removed all of the Toronto luggage, to make room for the Winnipeg luggage, where she had come from 😉 I found it and then found the husband, with the brand new F150 truck!
Our flight left at 535pm and arrived at 844pm approx Nova Scotia time, an hour ahead of our time in Ontario. After our slight delay with luggage, we made our 3 minute drive over to the HFX Airport Hotel for the night. Happy to see that their restaurant is open until midnight or later! Once we got checked in we went down to the restaurant, The Hidden Gem – I had fish and chips and he had the lobster bisque special. Both delicious and for someone with a sensitive stomach, no issues, much like last year, the food in Eastern Canada is fantastic!
I am excited to use this blog to document our travels and share some of the photography!
Friday September 26 – Travel Day – Truro + Baddeck
Today we travel up to Baddeck, where we will stay until Tuesday. As I type this, I am laying in bed, looking out the window, Ive been up since 5am – Ontario time and am watching the leaves on the trees and the light rain. We knew today would be hit and miss with weather, from what we saw last night it looks like the rain will be short lived and the sun will grace us at some point.
Breakfast – rather than eat a basic continential breakfast at the hotel, we opted to get ready and make our way up to Truro, on the way to Baddeck.
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Fletcher’s in Truro. After picked up some drinks and snacks for when we arrive in Baddeck. The rain, was just stopping.
We found Victoria Park, so beautiful! You feel immersed in nature. We walked the Serpentine trail, to the look out, also where the sign said steep ahead. Hubby can’t do steep, and even after the 1km up and 1km back, he had discomfort, the damp weather not helping. We were happy to experience this part of the park, got some awesome pics!
Next, off to The Fundy Discovery Site! This was cool to see, how low the water goes is incredible!
For lunch we stopped in Port Hawksbury. First we stopped down at the small Harbour and then ate at Miller’s Family Restaurant. I opted for a local white wine, Jost Pino Grigio, delicious!
We traveled the final stretch from Pork Hawksbury to Baddeck. The views, the water, so peaceful and tranquil.
We highly recommend this hotel if you are exploring the Cabot Trail, the rooms are very spacious, the people are wonderful, the food options are also delicious and the view from the dining room AND our own room of the lake, breathtaking! We opted for the King room with the lake view in the main lodge, we were in the 2nd building. A gorgeous view! The first image below, from the driveway and the 2nd from our balcony from our room.
Since we had traveled the day and it was damp, so the husband was not as comfortable, we opted to have dinner at the hotel, in the McCurdy Dining Room. A gorgeous view of the lake.
Saturday September 27
We started our day in the McCurdy Dining room for breakfast, a wonderful buffet option with coffee or tea.
Time to tour… we had only one destination in mind and stopping along the way at the various outlook points – oh my… Eastern Canada is gorgeous.
This was at the “beginning” of the trail, across from The Lobster Galley, we visited there for dinner. The views and colours, breathtaking!
There is a waterfall tucked back there, if you can spot the red chair, the water fall is to the left of it. We ‘found’ the waterfall on the way back down the trail and pulled in, I will share those photos later on in the blog however it meant me facing some deep fears and while in the moment of slight panic, I looked up and saw my husband looking back down at me. A moment of fear and then full trust!
We made our way to Meat Cove with a few stops on the way. Neil’s Harbour as well as all of the look out points along the way. Absolutely breathtaking views! We were lucky with great weather, a wee bit cool and windy right at the coast at Meat Cove, especially with how high we were up. These views, so worth the detour off the Cabot Trail to see this cove. I began facing my fears, stepping right to the edge to get photos, finding the confidence to tell my brain – we ARE safe, I AM getting this picture! 😉
Meat Cove is a scenic and picnic spot, there isn’t food to purchase at this time of year. Thankfully they do have very clean bathrooms. As I was sitting on the toilet, I read of their rules, no flushing toilet paper and to put in the receptacle provided, with thanks Kenneth McLellan, Manager.
My uncle, who passed earlier this month… Kenneth McLellan. I walked out and asked my husband for his phone to take a picture of the sign. This trip felt like a beautiful reset for both my husband and I, its been a hard year, and this sign touched our hearts, deeply. We are on the right path!
We enjoyed the views up high at the campground and down within the cove.
View of Meat Cove Campground from the road heading back to the trail.
We made our way back town the Cabot Trail. We began going counter clockwise up the right side of the trail, this way you are on the outside driving to stop and see the views. Our advice, after doing the trail, on the way up the right side, only stop at the pull off’s – its that side of the road, then make note of where you want to stop on the way back down. Will help prevent stopping at the same place twice, although when you do that, you will see something completely different – me and my camera did!
I met a couple new friends when we found the falls, that we had stopped at previously, to see the beach.
Time to find the front of this waterfall… and apparently face some deep height fears! So gorgeous! A must see at Still Brook! This is my one and only photo of the falls. Only one. I got the shot and I had to get back from the edge, I was then so focused on talking myself down from the fear, that I completely forgot to get more photos.
This image below is hard to look at now, I was so focused on getting the shot of the waterfall, I got myself down to a position to get the shot, and then realized… holy fuk I am literally out on a “limb”… This was in front of me. My holy sh*t moment truly.
As I was beginning to panic slightly, there I was with just my camera, no phone, nothing and all my husband knew is I was going to find the waterfall, he had no clue it was on a cliff. Then I looked up, and saw his face… Pam you CAN do this! My pure desire to get the shot got me down there, the trust and confidence in myself got me up. With the help of nature, literally grabbing tree by tree climbing up 😉 Oh I also highly recommend, just wear your running shoes regardless of how nice it is, I don’t recommend hiking down and up this in birk’s, however it did work!
See the big rock to the left, I was beside it on the left, and then almost to the top again below!
On our way back we found Morrison’s to stop for a late lunch!
Heading to Smokey Cove for the Gondola ride!
Dinner we went to the Lobster Galley, about 10 minutes out of Baddeck, on the right side of the Cabot Trail on our way back to the Silver Dart Lodge.
Sunday September 28
We had breakfast at the Salt Rock Restaurant at the Lyn Wood Inn. Walking in the front door, I had an instant connection. The layout was the same as my aunt and uncles home. The familiarity I felt was so comforting! Especially after seeing his name on our travels the day before. One of those other beautiful reminders, trust the path.
For the left side of the Cabot Trail, we decided to drive straight to Pleasant Bay, make notes on the way, and then when driving back to Baddeck (counter clockwise) we would stop at all the stops. This was a smarter decision – less in and out, more time being present.
Looking down to Pleasant Bay
Can you spot The Rusty Anchor above?
For lunch we stopped in Pleasant Bay, we were to be on a whale watching tour there this morning however it was cancelled last night due to predicted high winds. It was smart. In certain areas it didnt look rough at all, in open areas the waves were big! We had lunch at The Rusty Anchor. Another cute spot that of course served all the fish and seafood! The husband has been in his glory with lobster! The views from the restaurant were also awesome!
The views today, oh my! Just as beautiful. We opted to do half the trail in one day, driving the outside of the trail counter clockwise to be able to see and stop at the look out points. So today was the left side up from Baddeck to Pleasant Bay. The views, so beautiful. We stopped at all of the look out points. On the way back we stopped at the Fishing Cove look out, there is a trail you could hike, I think its approx 12 km.
We began the Skyline Trail in the park, got to the forks and he knew it was time to turn around.
The views on this side of the Cabot Trail were just as breathtaking!
The above photos were taken at Corney Brook.
This photo above was at La Bloc National Park. It was along this single road that we came upon skinny dippers, as he ran out of the water and made himself visible.
It can be varying factors, weather, humidity, temperature, sleep, daily pain/soreness, uneven ground/rocks etc. We knew this coming into the trip, because this is daily life with pain and discomfort, its frustrating for him because he is limited which he then feels limits me. I’m just as happy with him driving, us together sightseeing and stopping where we can for pictures. Doing it this way, we easily drove the trail in 2 days, right side up and back, left side up and back, coming back down is the outside so prepare for stops!
As I walked up to the edge of this cliff, my jaw dropped. The village of Margaree was just up the road. ‘You HAVE to come see this!’
We even stopped at some places that I would have never picked out on a map or specifically planed so that was really cool just driving and having a general idea of what and where to stop and see.
We took a turn and as I got out to take some scenic shots I looked over and saw some fishermen!
The MacKenzie River was also so beautiful!
This trail will take you to Fishermans Cove, its approx 12km. I did the first little bit to grab some photos while he waited in the vehicle. I went to the tree line 😉
For dinner we walked into town, it wasn’t even a 10 minute walk for us, easy down the road from our hotel.
Went to the Inverary Resort and went to the Lakeside Restaurant. I had said to myself husband earlier, as we were commenting on the vegetation of the land, other than salads there hadn’t been much offered for vegetables, ok also other than fries ;)! This evening, our dinner was delicious, of course Jaz had the lobster, after his crab legs appetizer. I enjoyed a ceasar salad and then the Atlantic Salmon dinner with broccolini, carrots and jasmine rice. It was delicious!!! We had a beautiful view of the water behind our table. So peaceful, I was wishing I had my camera with me when I saw a heron fly in!
Monday September 29
We went into Sydney Nova Scotia this morning, had a slower morning after 2 days of driving. Went and had massages in the city and then realized how much we wanted to get back to the country again. We began doing massages on the last day last year when we went, it was a great way to fully unwind before returning back to regular life. We stopped in Sydney at Ziggy’s for a couple appetizers and then made it back to Baddeck.
That evening we walked into Baddeck again, it is so convenient being that close. We went to eat at one restaurant however they were closed so we ended up back at the Lyn Wood Inn and had dinner there. Absolutely delicious!
Tuesday September 30
Travel day back to the Halifax airport! We were up in good time, packed up, had breakfast and then loaded up for the drive back. My camera’s were tucked in my bags, the photo files safely on my computer and ready for my touch once we got on the plane. I forgot how long it took to get through over 1000 different photos 😉
Our flight was on time and was good. We arrived home just in time for bed! One thing we did do was specifically planned to pick up our boy Gunner the next day, it worked much better for him and us. He once again, had a great time!
If you are a photographer I have to say this should be on your must see list – please if you are a photographer share some “must see’s” with me to experience!
I am happy with our experience of the Cabot Trail, when I began researching I was trying to plan out each specific day and was looking at multiple stays. Yes doable, however for us we felt more comfortable having a ‘home base’. If we were able to do more hiking, Im sure that would have changed and we would have for sure broken it into 3 days, to be able to hike the trails and stayed along the way – however also in saying that, I did like that we drove up and back the same way, so we got to see each side twice, and sometimes that allowed us to see that much more vs going in one direction. As I was researching and trying to plan, it began feeling very stressful, letting that go and each day just going with the flow, was perfect for us!
I have many more images of our Cabot Trail Experience on my flickr site…
All images on this blog and flickr site are copyright Pamela Zmija. Do not copy or reproduce any image without written consent. Custom canvas art available by contacting Pam at the link above. Thank you for respecting my time and energy into my photography as a hobbyist photographer who is passionate of her art.
As we were driving down the trail, I looked over and saw these, STOP I told my husband. Many may think photographers look for bright new and shiny things to photograph, I love nature in all its glory! So unique, the shapes, colours and purposes.
When you think of nature, it is so diverse and yet each and every different plant is the best they can be. Be proud to be unique – nature sure is!
“Spiritually, milkweed symbolizes transformation, hope, healing, and protection. Its connection to the monarch butterfly makes it a powerful symbol of growth and change, while its name from the Greek god of healing, Asclepius, links it to health. The plant’s ability to protect monarch caterpillars by making them toxic to predators also gives it a strong spiritual association with warding off negative energies.”online
On this Thanksgiving weekend I am feeling the gratitude, feeling the thankfulness, feeling the peace and tranquil even on a dreary, wet day. Sunday as I write this.
Saturday, after our weekly WordPress Photography Challenge was introduced, my husband and I went out on a tour, little did I know, he had been wanting to check his part of the snowmobile trail for downed trees and clean up that will need to be done, so I had the opportunity to be immersed within nature in my favourite season of fall. Being within nature is a gentleness on my heart and soul that is hard to put into words. Peace within that
“I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me, but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude helps conquer the loss. The photographs keep the memories alive forever!” ~ Pamela Zmija
Here are a few of our tour!
I hope you had the weekend you needed this weekend and surround yourself with what you love ❤
Ann-Christine brings forward a beautiful challenge for this week – Dreamy! Please be sure to check out her original post here that brings in some awesome creative levels! You need to check out her dreamy bouquet image – breathtaking!
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” ― John Lennon
We had a nice slow Saturday morning after a relaxing Friday evening with family. I mentioned to my husband Id love to go on a fall tour at some point today, as I was working on my blog post for our trip to the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton.
Not long after lunch, I realized this weeks challenge was published, Dreamy! Incredible, the fall tour that I wanted to take, I specifically said to my husband, think fall macro! As soon as I think of macro, I think of dreamy! I packed up my two cameras, my R6MII with my RF 85mm macro and my RP with my RF 35mm macro.
I love the magic of a macro lens, the dreaminess created in the bokeh of the image! I hope you enjoy my fall dreamy macro images from our tour yesterday!
In complete honesty, I normally would delete the image below, however given the challenge theme of Dreamy… this is exactly that! ❤
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.” – Peter Adams
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
I hope you have enjoyed some of my Fall Dreamy Macro, my husband and I had fun checking out his section of trail for downed trees (theres a few) and I happily captured the dreaminess of fall!
If you are interested in participating in the Lens-Artists Challenge check out this post here for more information!
“In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality,” by Alfred Stieglitz, a quote that captures the essence of dreamy photography. “Photography is the story I fail to put into words” by Destin Sparks
Was how I felt the Sunday before we were to leave, as I woke up, from what felt like the worst sleep ever. Did I even sleep? Is what I asked my husband. I knew I had in small spurts.
Our trip was off to a bit of a rocky start, on Monday I woke up feeling horrible. After a few highly emotional weeks and a recent heavy loss, my body succumbed to the lack of sleep. I knew I needed to do ALL the things to help shift this… to fly out on Thursday!
Essential Oils, my absolute go to and yet when in higher states can also be forgotten. On Guard, Turmeric and Digest Zen in my tea. Intuitively grabbing oils and applying, Rose, Copaiba, Frankincense, License, Oregano, On Guard, Tea Tree. My DIY throat spray. Lots of tea, water and electrolytes. My fav is the doTERRA lemon/lime.
I was also taking my On Guard and Copaiba softgels to also help boost my immunity. When I feel under a germ attack, I take twice as many to get a boost into my body. These oils work incredibly well!
On Guard throat lozenges. The absolute best! Helped keep the cough that arrived Wednesday at bay. I made sure to pack them in my suitcase, carry on and purse!
Healy frequency device – used defense and tonsils on repeat as well as sleep and extreme stress. This device works with your frequency, like essential oils have high levels! This device is so unique and truly does work well – we had gotten out of the habit, this is now a reminder to get it back on my husband for his leg!
Castor Oil packs on my throat and abdomen. The throat one really provided me with comfort and relief by the next morning. I continued with this everyday until we left. The Digest Zen roller that I carry with me, I added in castor oil to the roller with coconut oil, so when I use that on my tummy or throat it helps even more!
CBD oil, my husband has a spray that helps with pain. Its now mine, the relief I had on my throat was incredible!
By the time we flew out on Thursday evening, I was feeling like night and day different. Grateful for my holistic tools to help boost my immunity!
As we were driving up to our family cottage last week, this song stopped me in my tracks. As I truly heard the words, my jaw dropped … “I guess you gotta go when the angels calling”… As the Thanksgiving weekend is upon us here in Canada, another family holiday that our brother can only be at in spirit – and I have full trust he will be fully present.
Being near the water has and always will be my healing grace ❤
[Verse 1] I heard that you were late going home Knew it right away, something’s wrong I guess you gotta go when the angels calling Never got to say what I want Never be the same with you gone Crack another can for the lost ones falling
[Pre-Chorus] One tear for the brokenhearted Pour out a little holy water Two tears for the soul departed Pour out a little holy water We still slowly feel what you feel, yeah, yeah Two tears for the soul departеd Pour out a little holy water
[Chorus] Eeh-yеah, eeh-yeah Eeh-yeah, eeh-yeah Eeh-yeah, eeh-yeah Pour out a little holy water
[Verse 2] Memories, they stream down my face Smiling while I bite through the pain Guess I’ll never know why the good die young, yeah Looking for somebody to blame Anything to get through the day So I crack another can for the lost ones falling
As the anniversary of that fated day approaches… 😥
My photography and music has been deeply, healing, also in a twisted way allowing permission, sometimes life does suck and its more than OK to cleanse and cry!
