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H ere we are, that time of the year again when starting with the new resolutions is a popular thing. Mine come more in the form of dreams that are not necessarily new at the beginning of each year, but rather refreshed, enriched with the new passion and encouraged with the things already accomplished. My resolutions can also evolve into its “upgraded versions” because of the inspiring ideas I’d get along the way. My resolutions can start in June, on Tuesday, at the gym or during a trip, and like I said they could take more than 365 days to be realized, but they tend to stay on the same course. For the past couple of years that course has been Canada, and in 2018, it’s steadier course than ever.
It’s been over a decade now that I live here. Me and this country, we have developed deep relationship going through some big life experiences together. Toronto in particular, my beloved home. With all my closest family and friends living across the ocean, Toronto was all I had, and so far, we’ve navigated pretty well! 2017 started bumpily and continued with the disturbances throughout the year offering personal challenges and heartbreaks, health scares from back home, and the worse occurrence of all that came as a surprise and it couldn’t have been helped, passing of my dearest uncle. He was a symbol of protection to all of us in our broader family, dedicating his all life to this goal, it was a hard hit for everyone. The other things got remedied, and life continued as per regular routine. Well, at least until something else happens anyways, right?!
But then some really awesome things happened too; I got to fly back to Europe and spend time with my folks again, I started working for an awesome company and a really cool team here in Toronto. I’ve made significant progress on some long-awaited DIY projects, and I ran another half-marathon with the new personal record. I also got my G1 license, went to driving school and learnt to drive for the first time at the age of 40, and just in the first days of this new year, I had my road test with the passing mark! Yaaay me! I am now an independent, licensed driver, which leads me to our story today, and this little trip.
For the overall experience, for the moments I shared with the person I love, for the awakening of the new dreams, this trip was the highlight of the past year, and like the good things tend to do, it overshadowed those that we’d rather forget. By choosing positive over negative, we move on and we say, it was an amazing year!
The trip that shaped up my dreams
The trip to Bruce Peninsula and Flowerpot Island made me fall in love with this country, even more, leaving me eagirly awaiting for the time to acquire my driver’s license so that I can venture out anytime I want, on my own. I think it’s pretty clear now, a few months later, why I’m so excited about that license in my hand! But that’s not all; to really fully enjoy these views and everything that nature has to offer here in the peacefulness of the countryside, I want a motorcycle license next. This trip made some critical decisions for me too by removing some of the blurred lines of my dream, pushing me more towards nature and away from the city. At this point, I don’t know the tactics of how it will play out, but that’s the exciting part. As long as the important decisions with myself are made, I know that dreams will come true this way or another, this year or another. When I put my mind to something, I may take some time, but I always get there. Happy New Year everyone!
Hey, come see this! It is spectacular!
Canadian summer in video
I made this little video to remind us Canadians that we don’t need to look further than our own backyard for a perfect beach vacation and to invite the world travellers to come by and discover the beauty of our land. With camera in my hand, I am taking you to the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Tobermory and Flowerpot Island, Singing Sands and the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Summer 2017, I got so worked up in Toronto, and I couldn’t get proper time off, but I desperately needed a quick getaway, which included an endless horizon of water, the sound of waves washing up the shore, the soft sandy beach, the views that will make me feel adventurous. The Long weekend marked, itinerary planned, bookings made, car loaded up with beach necessities and coolers full of ahead prepared healthy meals. The mini vacation was on. Right here at home.
At Tobermory Harbour, we boarded one of the tourist boats that were travelling to Flowerpot Island, and we chose to go with Blue Heron Cruises because we wanted to get on a boat with a glass bottom, offering a close-up view of the two shipwrecks. The shipwreck Sweepstakes was a cargo schooner, which hit the rock in 1885 and then sunk, remaining today the best-preserved shipwreck of the Great Lakes. The City of Grand Rapids is the second shipwreck just meters away, but this one used to be a nice passenger steamer which burned and sunk in 1907.
Flowerpot Island
For a day visit at Flowerpot Island, bring running shoes, some food, water, any sunbathing and swimming gear if you are planning to dip in, and definitely bring the camera. Pets are allowed but have to be on a leash all the time. Alternatively, there are a few campsites there, and if you don’t mind the Islands natives – the million and one harmless garter snakes, feel free to plan a more extended stay. Still, I was only able to commit to a few hours on the island, watching my every step very closely.
Flowerpot Island is only about 7 km away from Tobermory and it got its name for the two natural rock pillars. Just mesmerizing!
There are three hiking trails inside and around the island, featuring all kinds of views, from a pile of rocks, the swampy looking landscapes, mossy surroundings, refreshing exits to the water and some pretty rugged paths that will make you really be careful about every step and could count as a solid workout at the end of it.
Don’t miss to visit the light keepers’ house built in 1901 where the light keepers and their families stayed from April to December every year until 1987.
On our way back, heading towards the sunset, we decided to enjoy the end of a glorious day right at Tobermory harbour. Awesome patio and the makers of the local craft beer was the best choice. I was particularly happy because this was the ONLY snake I saw that day. Phew!
For our first accommodation, I booked an en-suite room at the Doctor’s House, Bed and Breakfast in the charming little village of Tara with a history on its own.
It’s located just before the entrance of the Bruce Peninsula, making it a more cost-effective choice and still close enough to all attractions. Lovely hosts, John and Miriam, the charming Victorian red brick house built in 1896, and, the best sleep I have ever had! Thank you!
Bruce Peninsula National Park
On our second day, we planned to visit the Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Grotto. However, parking there works on a first-comes first-served basis, and no ahead reservations are possible, so getting there before 8 am was not enough for us. Disappointed, we decided to explore the other nearby points marked on the map. We stopped at Singing Sands and quickly adopted a new mission of soaking up the new amazing views.
Lake Huron Eastern Shore from Sauble Beach to Inverhuron and Kincardine
Two days for adventure and two days at the beach – that was the plan which took us next to a place that made us feel like on the real seashore.
We stayed at Linda and Mike Lowry’s, a lovely couple that we loved to hang out with. Their Blue Breezes B&B is reasonably priced, so comfy, very clean and RIGHT ON THE BEACH! It cannot get better than this! Thank you, dear hosts, I think we’ll be back.
The special treat came like a cherry on top at the end of our mini-vacation, right here on this beach, it was the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen.
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