Thailand: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

We visited the amazing Elephant Jungle Sanctuary while in Thailand, nestled in the rolling hills outside Chiang Mai. We did lots of research before picking somewhere to visit the lovely Asian elephants. This spot won us over for its positive reviews and work to not only provide sanctuary for elephants in need, but also to…

Algonquin in Four Days: Tim, Rosebary, Longbow Lakes and Tim River

As is tradition, in mid-August, we took off to Algonquin for a mother-daughter backcountry camping trip. Our itinerary was two nights on Rosebary Lake with a day trip to Longbow Lake, and one night on Tim Lake. Day 1 – Friday We left the GTA early and arrived at the permit office by 9:15am. The…

Exploring the ancient Lamanai Ruins of Belize

A short walk through a dense jungle canopy and we emerged to Mayan ruins towering above us – almost like a walk back in time. The monkeys could be heard howling around us while they protested our early morning arrival. We were at Lamanai Ruins in Belize. This tour is offered by a number of…

A hike to a frozen waterfall: Tews Falls

I get a little stir crazy during the winter months. Canadian winters can be too long. Recently we have received a warm spell in February, between freezing temperatures. I try and use this as an opportunity to get out and hike. There are lots of hidden gems in our own backyards. I often forget the…

Algonquin in Three Days: Magnetawan, Hambone, Daisy Lake

  We arrived at Algonquin Park on a crispy morning with a bright blue sky. I was looking forward to disconnecting and using the time to enjoy nature. I did not get to Algonquin the previous year, so this weekend was anticipated. After a busy summer of skydiving, a hectic work schedule and busy weekends,…

Waterfalls and canyons: Starved Rock State Park

A lack of waterfalls can sometimes be beautiful. It is a reminder to have an open mind to different possibilities in life. We were in Ottawa, Illinois and looking for something to do. Skydiving had brought us to the area, but clouds had put us on hold. Our options were to drive to Chicago or…

Skydiving: how to hang out in the sky

  The skydiving season trickled to a start this year.  Unlike other skydivers, I jump with some regularity through the winter, so for me it was a slow start to the season with sporadic jumping in March and April. Dropzones start Safety Days in May, which often marks the beginning of another season. Safety days…