Single Woman in her fifties- Swimming and Life Experiences
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Oh dear! Life certainly gets in the way, when you are doing anther things.
My last post was weeks before my July 2024 extravagant trip to British Columbia.
Here I am in February 2025 with my inaugural international beach trip weeks away! I can’t believe I haven’t typed keyboard strokes to web blog for the last 7 months. My apologies to all of you who have been reading about my beach journey.
With less activity and less people in my house now and with some of my volunteering commitments now minimal, its time to share with you my wonderful two week excursion to the West Coast of Canada.
Be warned….lol…. this wonderful trip will probably be told in 4-6 posts! There were so many stories, so many wonderful people, so many pictures taken and an abundance of “AHA” moments that I experienced.
So sit down, make a tea and come along with me on this my telling of my journey to complete the final swim of the Ten Best Beaches in Canada.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Stay tuned.
Joye
June 25,2024
As of the date of this post, in three weeks time, I will be halfway to Vancouver, BC on #TheCanadian train of Via Rail.
Im getting excited for this 2 week excursion and activity laden adventure. However, I would be remiss in saying that I’m also sad, given that this journey will come to an end.
As of either July 21 or 22, I will have swam or walked in my last beach.
Now what?? Whats next? International, the Caribbean? I don’t know.
Back in April, as I made my laps in one of my favourite community centre pools, I reflected on this swimming journey. It was in July 2009 when I made a promise to take up swimming as a regular consistent form of exercise. That commitment started later that month.
My birthdate is the 15th of a month close to summer. Here I am now, 15 years later and 10 years from when I first conceived of this idea to swim at these Beaches, that my goal will be completed.
Adding to this goal, was my subgoal to travel to or from these Canadian provinces by train.
Ive done Winnipeg to Toronto (2017), Toronto to New Brunswick (2018), Saskatchewan to Alberta (2019), Toronto to Nova Scotia (2022), Nova Scotia to Ottawa (2022). Now, the final trip is almost here.
This will be the longest train trip I take and I hope it will be as enjoyable and as picturesque as all the others. I’ve booked an upper berth in the Sleeper Car this time around. I will have ample opportunities for star gazing, story telling, novel reading and picture taking on this trip.
On the morning that I make my way to Toronto Union Station to board my train, I’ll be donning a very special T-shirt designed and made just for me, by my very talented sister, Carol #groovychickgraphics.
The budget’s been made , the train, car and the plane and hotels are booked, the packing list is being finalized, the itinerary is in its final stages and the appt for my mani/ pedi has been arranged. I’m monitoring the weather channel for optimum sun days. Now to get through 12 and half work days, then I’m off!
Stay tuned – I’ll have at least one more post to share before then.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Joye
August 2023
This is my second Beach road trip for the summer and the second to last Ontario Beach- #SingingSands in Tobermory. Along with me is my best and long time friend Jane. We’ve been friends since the mid 80’s. I’m the daughter of her heart and she’s like my big sister.
We’re hanging out for the next three days and I can guarantee, we will laugh, tell stories, laugh, tell stories and eat to our hearts content. I may drink a little bit of wine too…
Due to an issue with my car, I chose to rent a vehicle this time around- we’ll be cruising along in the KIA Soul- super spacious, all the bells and whistles, but automatic transmission, instead of Manual. Oh well…
We got an early start on the road and arrived in Owen Sound just after 5 pm. We had a room at the local #Bestwestern and after hauling all our bags to our room, we headed out in search of dinner. One can never fail for a good pizza with a #Bostonpizza close by.
As has been the weather pattern of these last few summer vacations, the sky was blue, no clouds, the air warm and pleasant. We both enjoy driving with the windows open -no need for the A/C today.
Our drive to Singing Sands beach took about an hour and a half. We didn’t have a moment of silence on that ride. Jane and I only get to see each other a few times a year, so when we get the chance to laugh, talk, tell jokes -we’re all for it!!
We arrived just before noon and made our way to the beach.
What was unique about this beach, is there is no shoreline, so the beach literally becomes the water. This is nice for those of us, that find it difficult to walk over stones, rocks, seeweed etc.
As Jane and I both headed into the water, it became quite apparent, that we’d have to WALK A LONG WAY out into the water, before it got even remotely deep enough for me to swim.
As we made our way, it became apparent that Jane was having a hard time navigating the sand, crevices, uneven water bed and would not be able to walk out as far as I needed to go to swim. Plus it was so bright and sunny, it was difficult to hold my phone in its plastic waterproof case and try to snap pics of me, all the while balancing herself in the sand. So, as had been necessary for me at #MartinqueBeach, #Nova Scotia, I chose to just wade in the water and have Jane take a few pics of me frolicking about. This is my story, after all and as long as I was in the water, that would suffice…..
We did it!! #SingingSandsBeach, Tobermory, Ontario is done!
One more to go!
We stayed out on the beach for about an hour and then made our way back to our hotel.
We took a stroll along the hotel grounds and snapped a few pictures of the gardens.
By Friday, it was time to head home.
Thank you my dear friend for being part of this incredible journey of mine!
#LongBeach, #PacificRim, #TofinoBC – see you in July 2024.
Stay tuned!
Thank you for reading and for letting me share.
Joye
July 14, 2023
Another glorious day, hot and blue skies! Not that I really like the heat, but as long as I’ve got an abundance of bottled water, a/c in the car and a pool or lake nearby, I’m good!
As I’ve done on my other summer beach road trips, I chose a local motel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn for my stay. The motel boasted a lovely small kidney shaped outdoor pool in the back and a local family owned restaurant across the street. With only 4 days taken for this short beach vacation, I had a lot of driving to do and a lot of exploring and walking to do…LOL..
With my Ontario Parks Daily Vehicle Permit pass already in the car and with my parking spotty guaranteed, off I went in search of sun, sand and beach. This beach – #SandbanksProvincialPark is VERY VERY busy in the summer. By the time I had arrived, the entrance to the park was 100 cars deep.
I unloaded my stuff from the car and hauled it all, first to the restroom to get changed and then to the beach to get settled. The place was packed! I settled in for a bit and then made my way out to the water. Having accepted that not all beach shorelines are created equal and that Wasaga Beach is one of the few, where one does not have to navigate and tip toe over thousands of tiny stones before one can enter the water, I donned my water shoes and headed in……Glorious!!! to say the least.
I swam for a bit to get a feel for the water and to cool off, most definitely!
I returned to my chair to grab my phone and waterproof phone case and now went in search of someone or a group of swimmers, willing to record my swim.
I came across a group of 5 women, frolicking in the water and who clearly were all best friends. I introduced myself, told them my story and asked for their help.
They were more than happy to oblige. Here we go!!
Sandbanks Beach now complete!
I thanked these lovely ladies and made my way back to my chair. It was now mid afternoon, the sun was blazing, and with not a cloud in the sky, I was feeling the heat. Plus my phone battery was low and I still had to drive back to Napanee, I worried too that having my phone in a dark hot duffle bag, may affect its systems.
I bid adieu to the ladies and made my way to the car. I kept my swimsuit on, with a t-shirt overtop and drove back to the motel.
Once I got changed and freshened up, I went for a drive through town and found a local Tim Horton’s and indulged in a coffee while sitting inside enjoying the view outside.
Tomorrow – a few additional Ontario Parks to explore.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Joye
March 25, 2024
Wow – It’s disheartening for me to see that I have not written in my blog since July 2023. Yet many of you are still reading! You can’t imagine how thrilled and grateful I am to still see so many visitors to my Site. Thank you!
Life must have really gotten the best of me, these last 8 months.
One day turns into the next, another week goes by, months and seasons whiz by on the calendar and next thing you know, your next vacation is coming up in a few months.
Our family too struggled with some parental health issues and the passing of our step mother in Sept 2023.
With spring here, longer days of sunlight and blue skies, my emotional health is lifting. Maybe too, I experienced some depression or seasonal affective disorder. I have not been diagnosed, but I certainly felt the effects of either. More time in bed, less time outside, not as much reading or colouring or crafting as I was prone to do. No blogging either…..
As I type this, I’m sitting at my local library branch, waiting for an hour, until I can head to our local pool for a swim. The best place to be to put words and thoughts to “paper” is inside a HUGE ROOM filled with books and words!
My next post, will detail how I accomplished Sandbanks Provincial Park Beach and my attempt to swim at Tobermory’s Singing Sands Beach. You’ll understand what I mean, when you read that post.
In July, I head to Vancouver, British Columbia, where I will swim at Long Beach, Tofino, on Vancouver Island.
Alas that will be my final Canadian Beach, as well as my last long journey with Via Rail. Yes, I’m travelling for 4 days on the train. I’m feeling rather melancholy about this trip, but I can also look forward to feeling the joy and sense of accomplishment of completing my 10 Canadian Beaches swims! Yahoo!
Thank you for reading.
Stay tuned.
Joye
July 2023
Last years whirlwind vacation was hectic to say, none the least, with the planning, re-arranging, potential Via Rail strike, delays, cancellations, fires, etc.
So this year’s planned 4 day road trip, seemed rather, well, anti-climatic. This trip would only involve driving, eating, walking and swimming. I was only required to drive there, tour around, swim and drive home…. However, the accomplishment of swimming at Sandbanks Beach, in Picton Ontario, took me almost 4 years to complete.
The initial plan was to complete this beach in 2020, after Lake Manitou and Devonshire in 2019. But, we all suffered through the worst pandemic in our lifetime and we were all encouraged to stay home.
Here we are though! I did it! This road trip would not be complete without exploring a few more Ontario Parks – #Lakeonthemountain, #Presqu’ile, #CharlestonLake and #Sandbanks (of course).
With driving anxiety still something I struggle with and as this trip would take me from Mississauga all the east past Kingston, ON, I opted to travel on the toll highway 407 – its quicker, quieter, cleaner, well maintained and not all the trucks, transports, buses, motorcycles that clog up the 401.
Once on the 407, I engaged the cruise control at 105 km and enjoyed my coffee and the scenery.
I arrived in Brockville for my first vacation excursion – the Brockville Railway Tunnel.
Entrance to Brockville Railway Tunnel
After close to 4 hours of driving, I desperately needed to stretch my legs and this would be just the place for me!
The walk from one end to the other and then back too no more than 30 minutes but oh so interesting! I snapped a few photos about the history and the construction aspect, as I knew my dad would enjoy those.
I made my way to their local Tim’s for a coffee and got back into the car. Time to head back west and check into my hotel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn.
I finally arrived at the hotel just after 530 pm – I’d been on the road since 10 am this morning! Time for a sit down meal and a swim.
I had the benefit of a local family type restaurant #tammyscountrykitchen across the street and made my way there.
After dinner, I hauled the suitcase, the bags and the cooler out of the car. My room was right there – very convenient when one’s feet are tired…..lol…
I donned my suit, grabbed a towel and walked around to the back of the property and went for a quick dip…….ah SO REFRESHING and much needed.
Time to call it a night. Tata!!
Tomorrow: Sandbanks and one more beach off the list. Forecast is 27 degrees and sunny. Perfect weather for a beach stroll and a swim.
Stay tuned.
Thank you for reading and for letting me share.
Joye
July 2023
With 4 weeks of vacation available to me each year, by the time 2022 wrapped up, I was already planning how and when to complete my final 3 beaches on my list – Sandbanks in Prince Edward County, Singing Sands in Tobermory and Long Beach, on the Pacific Rim, in British Columbia.
The trip to BC would start with Via Rail, a 4 1/2 day trip from Toronto to Vancouver. This vacation would require at least 10 days away from work.
Sandbanks and Tobermory could be done as a long weekend road trip.
My 2022 whirlwind 2 1/2 week East Coast vacation together with the river cruise, put quite a dent in my budget, so a little less extravagance would be necessary in 2023.
At the end of 2022, my boss announced she would be retiring in October 2023 and herself had 4-5 weeks of vacation time to use up. So respectfully I had to alter my desired plans to accommodate her weeks away.
With that being said, next week I head out east to swim at Sandbanks Beach. I’ll embark on a 5 day solo road trip and will do some local sightseeing as well, Brockville Rail Tunnel, Presqu’ile Park ( Ontario Parks), Long Sault Parkway and a few other touristy spots.
In August, I’ll embark on a 4 day road trip to Singing Sands Beach in Tobermory, but with one of my dearest friends along for the ride.
In the summer of 2024, I will head to BC to swim at Long Beach. With that beach complete, my Canadian Beach experiences will come to an end. More on how I feel about this later.
In the fall of 2024, I plan to river cruise along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland with a return by train to the Netherlands to visit with family.
Thank you for reading.
Stay tuned!
Joye
Wed July 27, 2022
As I wrapped up this portion of my whirlwind East Coast vacation, I was very excited about the River Cruise I would embark on tomorrow. I’d never been on a river boat cruise before and with the goal of doing one in Europe in 2023, I figured I could get my sea legs on one in Canada that would also stay close to the shore.
My suitcases were packed, water bottles filled, hotel bill paid and taxi booked for transport to the Via Rail Station in Truro. I packed my casual hat and donned my pretty train/boat travel hat, which I bought recently and specifically for the boat cruise.
In my eagerness to “get going”, I got to the station at about 11:30 am and planned to sit and relax inside until my train departure at 1430 that afternoon. Well upon arrival at the station, the doors were locked and the lights were off. This station would not open until 13:00.
There I sat outside, with my suitcase, carry on, and my little lunch bag. Nowhere to sit and no Tim Horton’s close by to get a coffee. So I waited and I waited. Finally at about 12:30, a Via Rail employee turned on the lights and opened the doors. Relief and gratitude, as I now also needed to visit the restroom.
This return train trip would bring me to Montreal at 10:00 on Thursday morning. A 2 hour lay over and then I would continue onto Ottawa, with an arrival time of 1400. The marina is a 20 minute cab ride from the station and boarding would commence at 17:00.
At 13:30, we were advised that the train was delayed in Halifax and our scheduled departure time of 1430 was pushed back. The train finally arrived at 1530. I boarded and was taken to my Cabin. My attendant invited me to the dining car, as lunch was still being served. I was so grateful, as I had not eaten since early this morning and needed some sustenance.
I returned to my cabin to relax and freshen up a bit and then made my way to the lounge car, to meet the other passengers.
I opted for the 2nd sitting of dinner and made my way back to the dining car at 2100 for my evening meal. The quality of these on board meals are top notch and is one of the reasons I choose to travel in the Sleeper Car Class. I enjoyed a Merlot with this meal and then made my way back to my cabin. My bed had been turned down and a fresh bottle of water had been left for me too.
By Thursday mid morning, it became apparent that the train would be delayed in its arrival to Montreal. Now I started to panic. All my planning and researching were for naught. Via Rail has a heat protocol in place which dictates how fast they can travel, on steel rails for a continuous stretch of travel time, when the air temperature rises above a certain degree.
All I could do now was wait and tick off each city station as we arrived and departed. I did not have a contingency plan in place. I either made it to the marina before departure or I did not. With little else to do but read and watch the landscape from my cabin, I made the first of many calls to the office of St. Lawrence River Cruise lines. The kind and pleasant administrator connected me with the owner, who immediately reassured me that the boat would wait for me, regardless of what time I arrived at the marina. He gave me the cell # for Trevor, the Purser, so that I could keep him abreast with any updates.
Finally we arrived in Montreal, I missed my noon connection to Ottawa and sat in the business lounge until the next train departure. I cancelled my Economy Fare ticket and was provided a Business Class seat at no extra charge.
After a quick snack of peanuts and wine, I took advantage of the complementary meal served in Business class. Even though I would still get another meal on the boat later in the evening…..
I arrived at the marina just after 630 pm. I was Covid tested and then brought to my stateroom. I was here! The staff were all so courteous and kind and I was grateful to be onboard.
It turns out the boat had to wait for a few other passengers who were also delayed. One couple traveled from South Africa! and had missed their flight connection! They finally arrived on board and we started our cruise.
Suffice it to say, I had quite a few starts and stops on this trip:
I cannot imagine what all of those other travelers (internationally, domestic, transborder) had to endure during this same period. in both Canada and abroad – with flight cancellations and delays, with lost luggage etc. I can only hope that when I plan my European River Cruise from the Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland, all will go well and I will be safe.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Stay tuned!
Joye
July 26, 2022
Today was my final full day in Truro and I would play the local tourist.
I was blessed with another bright sunny warm day – the perfect temps for a stroll through the city’s renowned Victoria Park.
I packed up the car with a small cooler, filled with fruit, water, sandwiches and snacks and made my way to the Park.
The park boasted quite a few interesting tree shapes and hills and a very high set of stairs known as “Jacob’s Ladder”. I did not attempt to make the trek up this staircase….sorry. .No park walk would be complete, at least for me, without some sort of visit to a waterfall or a pond or pool. This locale did not disappoint.
I made my way to the picnic area and enjoyed a lunch outside near the creeks.
After my lunch and water break, I exited the park grounds and headed to a local cafe for a quick afternoon snack, a raspberry and orange danish and a Chai Latte.
It’s now late afternoon and I’ve arrived at the local Enterprise Car Rental office to return my vehicle. Drop off inspection complete and the staff have driven me back to the hotel.
The evening was spent packing and making sure the remainder of fruit, snacks, sandwiches and etc will be consumed. There won’t be any space in my luggage to bring this stuff on the train tomorrow. Obviously I don’t have a cooler with me either.
Tomorrow I board the Via Rail train for the trip back to Ontario. I’ll be disembarking in Ottawa for the last adventure of this wonderful trip – a 6 night cruise along the St. Lawrence River aboard the Canadian Empress.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Joye
July 2022
Today I’ll swim at Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s another beautiful warm day with blue skies and sunshine.
After breakfast, I made my way to the Fundy Discovery Centre, where I hoped to witness the tidal bore. The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides on Earth and is classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America. This viewing area is 10 minutes from my hotel in Truro.
Fundy Discovery Centre
On our trip to New Brunswick in 2018, my BFF and I did walk along the beach of Hopewell Rocks and this trip allowed me to be at the other end of the Tidal Bore.
I returned to my hotel, collected my beach things, picked up a coffee at Tim’s and made my way to Martinique Beach, about an hour’s drive from Truro.
The temperature in Truro was 30 degrees celsius, a perfect air temperature for swimming in the ocean. Imagine my surprise and dismay, as I drove south on the beach road, that the temperature gauge on the dashboard, slowly dropped in temperature. Within the 15 minute drive, from highway to the beach, the skies clouded over, it got cooler and now it was only 18 degrees……Not such a nice temperature for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean! Plus it was now drizzly, cool, windy and very cloudy…….
I always research what the water temperature is or has been for any of the bodies of water I plan to swim in/at. This was no exception. Considering the temperature may only be around 17-19 degrees, I looked into renting a wet suit, just in case the water was too cold. This beach offered a couple of places where I could rent one – for 15 minutes……
Upon arrival at the beach, I was further dismayed – no places to get changed into my swim suit, no other beach goers and no other swimmers in the water, plus the water is choppy and the waves are crashing onto the beach.
As I stood there on the sand, I realized I would not be able to conquer my dream of swimming at Martinique Beach. It simply would not be safe. So, I walked the beach in my bare feet, picked up some pretty stones and rocks and took a few photos.
I realized too that even though I would not swim in the water, I was on the beach and I had planned an entire vacation around travelling to the beach, in Nova Scotia and that is still an accomplishment for a “Single Older Woman, in her fifties”.
I made my way back to Truro and stopped in at a local restaurant for dinner – salad, Pizza, dessert. Pizza with Nova Scotia authentic donair sauce – very yummy… I waited until I returned to the hotel to enjoy my choc cheesecake with a glass of a local PEI wine, Gamay- Noir.
Tomorrow is my last full day in Nova Scotia. Stay tuned for local park adventures.
Thank you for reading and letting me share.
Joye
Single Older Woman - Living Life Passionately 