It seems winter isn’t letting up anytime soon, so here’s something to try this weekend – why not walk to your local bakery, and pick up a loaf of bread, fresh from the oven.
I am told that this brown paper wrapped piping hot package will keep you warm for the whole walk home – even at minus 30.
After a walk in the crisp air, breakfast tastes even better.
Posted in Uncategorized
Sometimes it’s situational. For instance, if I have just finished a 6 day canoe trip, then I’m most captivated by the view of the chip stand at the side of a dirt road on the drive home.
But overall there are places that standout, because they take our breath away, put us at ease or make us smile.
When you’re outside, you aren’t just seeing the view, but experiencing the place as well. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it doesn’t replace being there.
We heard them long before we saw them – three wolves howling – a sound that is beautiful and haunting at the same time. I wondered why they were howling, but figured they must have been calling their pal, since they stopped when a fourth wolf showed up.
Winter is my favorite time to go to the zoo because:
We met a keeper yesterday who is a vet technician, having started his career as a youth volunteer at the zoo. He said he finds the work so rewarding, because he loves caring for the animals, getting to know their distinct personalities, and he enjoys educating the public about these wonderful creatures.
A lot of people have been complaining about the winter this season, but an otter I saw yesterday could not have been happier – making snowballs, tossing them, running and sliding on the snow on his belly.
These ambassador animals not only teach us something about wildlife and their habitats but also about having fun.
I have to admit , I wasn’t as enthusiastic as usual about a weekend away to enjoy the outdoors, considering the holiday season, without power (due to the ice storm), had been a bit like winter camping.
The arrival was promising – lots of snow. But the first day also brought rain. Still, it ends up that the rain created great packing snow, which is perfect for making:
So I make this little rabbit – and then I sat back in the snow and enjoyed a snowball with a little Bailey’s on top.
I’m not creative in the least, but making these ice lanterns gives me the illusion that I am. What could be better than something that makes itself while you sleep?
The nice people at Lee Valley can set you up with the mold for making these – perhaps making a set for your porch or walkway. So far I’ve only made one, but have just filled the mold to start another.
Even though it’s often said that people have creative breakthroughs in their sleep, in my case it’s doubtful. But what is certain, is that when I wake up tomorrow, I’ll have another ice lantern.
The tracks made it obvious that I wasn’t the first one to walk on the lake this year – but I’m pretty sure I was the first to skate. It’s early in the season, so I was cautious – just skating near the shore, where the water depth is only up to my knees. Worse case, I would have had soggy skates.
The ice was perfect – smooth and no shoveling required.
Couldn’t have been a better start to the season, when the whole lake becomes a playing surface. Ok, not the whole lake quite yet. I’ll wait until we’ve had cold for a little longer before venturing further from shore.
Looks like this tree is making pancakes.
Every season provides different things to see in the woods. We take a leisurely walk while the squirrels and chipmunks race around us, getting their places setup for winter. Ok, maybe I should be getting my own place ready for winter, but that can always wait for another day.
A fall hike is a great way to unwind. Maybe pack some snacks though, since the forest isn’t going to be whipping you up any edible hotcakes.
A good friend of mine once told me to always pack a bathing suit regardless of where I’m traveling. She also told me to hold my ski poles as if I am trying to not spill a tray of margaritas – but that’s another story…
Austin presented the perfect swimming opportunity – the Barton Springs Pool. The pool is in the Barton Creek channel and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring – the fourth largest in Texas.
It’s a great way to cool off and relax before taking advantage of everything else the city has to offer.
Whether you go apple picking, or walk to a local farmer’s market, don’t miss out on some of the season’s best.
Apparently the recent colder evenings are great conditions for making apples sweeter.
My batch from last weekend is nearly gone already, so I’ll be heading back to the farm on Saturday. It’s hard to improve on the perfection of a crisp fall apple, but I certainly wouldn’t turn down freshly baked apple crisp.
A few weeks ago, I ended up walking for a cure – by chance.
When I was walking down the beach in Santa Monica, I noticed a group of people gathered near a tent. Since it’s common to see many different events going on there (along with the regular surfing lessons, boot camp exercise groups, etc.), it didn’t seem out of the ordinary. But as I walked by the tent, the group merged onto the path, and as I continued I passed individuals standing along the route offering encouragement or water. I had walked into a charity walk – literally.
This is a great way to support an organization, while meeting some nice people along the way.
Wondering where to find a walk in your area? Here’s one idea: walkforals.ca/findawalk
Play Outside Now 