Single Older Woman – being alone and enjoying Nature

Feb 2022

Circa 2020 – as we all settled in to stay home and sit on our balconies, or porches, or enjoy a solitary glass of wine in our backyards, I knew I had to find some way to enjoy the outdoors and still get some exercise, while maintaining physical distancing. With all the local indoor pools closed and the gyms shuttered up, my only recourse was to find local parks and walking trails. Well, did I not come across a wonderful book entitled – “Waterfalls of Ontario” – beautifully illustrated with extensive info on locations and waterfall specifics – types, height, etc.

Just what I needed – if I couldn’t get into the water, I could at least enjoy the water!!! So I purchased the book and tagged every one that I would visit.

Lo and behold – I found this sister reference book – “110 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario”. I was all set – I flagged too those locations I would visit.

For the summer of 2020 – I focused most of my afternoons (after work) and the weekends to stroll along some of my local parks – Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Credit River Conservation Area, Jack Darling Park, to name a few. I was in my element – fresh air, plenty of open spaces, water, lakes, geese, mallards, birds, trees, water, beaches, etc. An easy and effortless way to get in 10,000 steps in an afternoon.

These strolls became my refuge and sanctuary for the next year…..and they helped preserve my sanity and self esteem….

The waterfalls book highlights 125 different falls in Ontario – I have visited 5 already. Of the 110 Nature Hot Spots highlighted, I endeavour to visit 76 of them over the next two years. I’ve been to at least 6 of them. There are quite a few in the norther part of Ontario that I don’t foresee I will get too – the drive there, is at least 14 hours – a little too much out of my comfort zone.

As 2020 turned into 2021 and with hopes of summer travel upon us, these books became my inspiration for my 2021 vacation. The trains were still not in service and so this trip would be all on me and my car.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye