Travel

There’s something strange that happens when you get out of your comfort zone and explore a different country and culture. Travelling is a fantastic way to blow your own mind enough to change your perspective about many things in life.

 As you may know, this blog originated as a travel blog. Though my life has changed tremendously since my time in South America, I still enjoy travelling quite a bit.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." 

Mark Twain is a wise man! And that is one of my favorite quotes of all time because I couldn't agree more. If you’ve never felt like an absolute alien in a new environment where people ask you on a regular basis why you choose to do what you do, wear what you wear, and say what you say; then I highly encourage it. Going to a resort isn’t enough, I’ve always recommended to my friends and family to stay off tourist resorts and actually GO VISIT another country. See the real common people, eat at the best local restaurants, visit the artisan markets and make some friends with the natives. Because why not? It’s the best part about traveling to me, the people ARE the culture, and they ARE the country. The resort…well, that’s just international tourism, American style, overcharging you for everything, because they know you have money. As far as danger goes, I suggest you learn the native language to get by, and travel with a friend if you’re worried about your safety. You will be surprised by the lack of “danger” you actually encounter while travelling though, despite the dramatic rumors.

I’m aware that international travel is a luxury that many cannot afford, but even if you don’t leave your own continent, I’m sure that there are plenty of places to explore around you. I remember picking up a “Canadian Travel” Magazine while abroad thinking, wow, what a gorgeous country! Why haven’t I seen any of these places?

My husband, Dylan, and I have started a tradition of spending as much time outdoors during the summer as possible. Last year, we chose to return to the magical Killarney Provincial Park, because our short visit during our honeymoon road trip last year wasn’t nearly enough.

Natural stripe across rock surface

What makes this place so magical you ask? Look at these photos! It is constant dramatically beautiful scenery. Those big rounded red rocks sparkle in the sunlight, and you can see right through the crystal clear water. The stars at night are so bright, you feel like you need sunglasses to look at them directly, and I don’t remember any mosquitos either; early fall is a good time to avoid those. In my opinion, Killarney has some of the best hiking in Canada. Incredible kayaking and canoeing in pristine lakes surrounded by white quartz mountains and pale red rock. And brilliant sunsets over glorious Georgian Bay.

If you’re an experienced, hard core camper, there is a 7-9 day portage loop you can do, right through the “Thousand Islands” of Killarney. If you’re more of a campground kind of person, there are tons of trails to explore, and canoeing around the islands is like having a lucid dream that you don’t want to wake up from.

The best thing about Killarney however, is the wildlife. My husband Dylan and I have been fortunate enough to feel like we’ve had the entire park to ourselves during both of our visits.

Barred Owl

On our most recent trip during one of our hikes through the trails, it started pouring rain, so we ran under the tree canopy for shelter. It took us a moment to notice; however, a few feet in front of us, was a barred owl. We had one of those strange moments, where we were staring at each other, but nobody moved a muscle for quite a bit of time. It gave me Goosebumps.

On one of our many hikes

On a different day, after canoeing for a few hours, we decided to take a break on one of the many islands for some lunch, and sunbathing. We must have been lounging around for about 20 minutes before we noticed these water snakes beside us. There were about 5-6 of them coming out of a big crack in the rock. They were kind enough to pose for a few photos too.

Some down time enjoy

The campground is about 20 minutes away from the small town of Killarney, whose main industries include

3 Otters in this photo

fishing among other things. They’ve expanded since then, but we were lucky enough to get served their famous whitefish and chips from the iconic Red school bus on the side of the Hudson bay. It was delicious, too delicious to take a photo of the actual food, but wow, there’s nothing like fresh fish. There was even some free entertainment from 5-6 otters frolicking in the water by the dock nearby while we ate.

We found out later that Canadian Living rates Killarney Fish and Chips is rated 7th out of the top 10 fish and Chips in All of Canada : Which is quite impressive, considering the modest size of the town.

Pure Bliss

This trip has taught me to appreciate my own country, instead of only looking overseas for a getaway. It inspired me to slow down and really soak in the beauty and stillness of nature. And lastly, it inspired some fantastic conversations and art by me and my husband, Dylan.  We were both under Killarneys spell, and even when we left, it stayed with us.

Just like the Secret Garden, don’t neglect the beauty and adventures in your own back yard! (or you know…a  6 hour drive away from it.) I highly recommend Killarney Provincial Park of Ontario for your travelling pleasure, you will not be sorry.