So it begins

Canada Day

Published Date : July 1, 2012

Happy Canada Day!!  Today is our fine Dominion’s 145^th year since Confederation and my last day in Algonquin.

This morning, in addition to the loons, it was the obnoxious squawks of the blue jays that woke me.  I was up obscenely early in the hopes of taking some nice sunrise pictures, but alas the day was overcast.  Sensing that rain may be in the forecast, I had a quick breakfast then set about taking down my tent while it was still dry.

Whisky Rapids Trail

My first stop for the day was the Whiskey Rapids, a 2km moderate hiking trail that I had passed on my first day.  As soon as I set foot outside my car, the swarms of mosquitoes descended.  A good dose of DEET quickly cleared them off and I continued on my way.  Unfortunately, the flies were not so easy to deter.  About 10 minutes into the hike, a dozen or so flies took a liking to me and I couldn’t shake them the rest of the way.  It was a beautiful trail along the edge of a river, but I couldn’t stop to enjoy it without being swarmed by the flies.  Next time I’m here I’ll have to come prepared!

There were a couple of other hikes I had wanted to go on while I was in Algonquin, but they were all 10+km.  I didn’t have the time or energy to tackle any trails of that distance today.  I had arrived at the West Gate on Friday, so I decided to return home via the East Gate.  Enjoying one last drive through the park, I stopped at the Visitor Centre on my way out.  There were some interesting displays on the wildlife and history of the park, but I didn’t have the patience to deal with all the screaming children there, so I didn’t stay long.

Leaving the park behind, I turned south.  Apart from a bit of madness due to Canada Day celebrations in Buckhorn, the drive home was easy and uneventful.  There was little traffic and nice scenery.  Perfect.

It would have been nice to spend a bit more time in Algonquin, but for a last minute trip and my first visit to the park, I was more than pleased with my weekend.  I will definitely be returning.

Pick a Country

Published Date : December 12, 2012

On hearing that I’ve travelled a lot, one of the first questions I’m asked is usually some variation of “What’s your favourite country?”  It’s so simple to ask, yet almost impossible to answer.

There are certainly countries that stand out in my mind when I think about my travels, but none that I would definitively say are my favourite.   Obviously each place has its pros and cons, but there’s also factors such as how I felt, the people I met and the things that I did while I was there.  A country may be fantastic on paper, but for whatever reason you just don’t feel it once you’re there.

I loved South Africa and Scotland, Laos, Cambodia, Australia and Jordan.  Ireland and Italy and Egypt were all great too.  I even loved India and Syria in a way.  However, the three countries that usually come to mind when I’m asked this question are:  Turkey, Thailand and Namibia.   All three choices have more to do with how I felt when I was there than anything else. 

Turkey was really the starting point of my extended relocation from London to Brisbane.  Even though it was the second country I had visited on that trip, it really felt like the beginning for me.  It was the first real culture shock that I’d ever had to deal with while travelling.  I was pushed far outside my comfort zone and really had to evaluate if I was up to spending the next 8-9 months on the road.   Add to that Turkey’s incredible beauty, history and hospitality and it was a winning combination.

Namibia was all about peace and quiet.   I have always known that I’m an introvert, but I never truly understood what that meant in terms of my day to day life and interactions with other people.   After 4 months of being cooped up on a bus/truck with the same people and limited chances to be truly alone, I was miserable.  The wide open expanse of the sossusvlei was just what I needed to refresh and recharge.   I had already learned that I had an affinity for desert landscapes and Namib-Naukuft is one of the best.  Finding peace in the spectacular giant dunes was a truly profound experience for me.

Thailand.  Where do I even start with Thailand?  It’s just a phenomenal country all around.  The beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, the rich history and culture – it really is a magic place.  It was also where I learned to start asking for what I want.   It’s where I allowed myself to admit for the first time that my marriage had probably been a mistake.  Emotionally, Thailand was an incredibly rough ride for me, but that’s what makes it all the more special.

I could easily list off another two dozen countries that could be potential favourites.  There are many places of which I have very fond memories, whether because of the people, the natural beauty, activities or experiences.   Travel is of course about discovering new places, but for me it has always also been about discovering myself.   It has been about learning who I am, what I’m capable of, what my limitations are. 

The countries I have visited aren’t just places on a map.  They’re pieces of my identity, a patchwork of experiences, sights and emotions that make me who I am today.   What’s my favourite country?  All of them.

So many choices

Published Date : January 24, 2013

Well, my plans to go back to university have died a quick and undignified death.   Suddenly I find myself with both money and time to spare.  So what does that mean?  Travel of course!

Where or where should I travel to first?  I happen to have a free return flight to almost anywhere in the world burning a hole in my pocket.  I can fly to any destination in North or South America, Europe, or to any of the Pacific Rim countries in Asia (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc.).

I’ve recently discovered a couple of voluntourism (holidays spent doing volunteer work) opportunities that would be amazing:  conservation work on the Galapagos Islands or studying whale sharks in Mozambique.  Both would be incredible trips!

I also have a handful of trips that I’ve been considering for years, but have never really gotten around to.  The top contenders from that list are:

1) Iceland, Faroe Islands, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands
2) Spain, Andorra, Portugal and Morocco

Unfortunately, none of the islands in the North Atlantic are cheap destinations.  It also doesn’t help that I’m limited to only three weeks of vacation per year – although that is thankfully increasing to four weeks next year.    I might just be able to swing Spain, Andorra, Portugal and Morocco if I’m careful. 

At the moment, doing a two-week trip to Iceland and maybe the Faroe Islands is appealing to me the most, but that could change in an instant.  Decisions, decisions…