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Single Older Woman – Life Experiences -Feb 2025, post update

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

Single Older Woman-Canadian Beaches- the last one!, Long Beach, Vancouver Island,BC

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

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches – Singing Sands, Tobermory, Beach #9-Accomplished

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

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches – Sandbanks – Beach #8 Accomplished

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

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacation- Road Trip July 2023

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

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacations – In the saddle – maybe: Part 1

July 2022

I’ve always had a fascination with horses, from a distance, and only from the standpoint of going on trail rides.

Two of my friends were horse owners and authentic equestrians in our early years. Some of my earliest memories being on vacation near Wasaga Beach was the trail rides at a local ranch near the cottage.

I’d never had any formal riding experience, but had enough courage and gumption to get into the saddle and go for a trot or a quick canter. During one such ride, I found myself hanging on for dear life, as the trail was only “one way” and another group of riders were coming toward us. So my horse, Ginger, nonchalantly made her way up on the side of the embankment, so I was literally riding “side saddle”…..

Many years later, I took my kids to a small family beach/ campground near Bracebridge, called “High Falls”. They boasted on their ad, trail rides in the water on one of their 2 Belgian work horses. These beasts were massive, standing over 16 hands high.

Belgian Work Horse – High Falls Bracebridge, Ontario

So I paid my $15 and was led to the horse. I would ride this beast, without a saddle or reins, with only his long mane to hold onto…Once in the water, it got deeper and deeper and we went lower and lower, until my chest almost crested the depth of the lake……this lake too did not boast of soft sandy lake bottoms, it was covered by rocks, stones, twigs, branches etc. Pair that with horse hooves, not a smooth ride, by any stretch of the imagination….

It was an exhilarating experience but I think next time, I’ll stay on land.

As my first beach vacation approached in July 2017, I decided it would be nice to get back in the saddle again, and visit a horse ranch in the other provinces.

First up – Miracle Ranch in Springfield, Manitoba. I booked the trail ride and marked the location on my map. Well, I got lost on the highway, did not have a phone with GPS or a map and ended up calling them to cancel the ride. I was so upset and disappointed. Ok – another province, next time.

Next up – Alberta,2019. Riverwood Ranch. The night before my scheduled ride, the owner called to say that their ranch had been flooded by the heavy rains that week and the trail was washed out….So instead of a walk through nature, on the back of a horse, I spent the afternoon inside West Edmonton Mall, followed by a swim at a local community centre pool. Not all was lost.

Stay tuned. In part 2, I will regale you with my adventure in Nova Scotia at Spirit Reins Ranch in Parrsboro.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s Passion – my swimmer’s life – starts/stops, the Pandemic, injuries

Nov 2022

After contracting Covid-19 a couple of weeks ago, I was able to get back into the pool this past weekend. This got me thinking about all the starts and stops in my life as a swimmer. As I shared in a few of my earlier posts, I took up swimming as a regular activity in the summer of 2009.

However, I was not an avid, regular swimmer during that time. I lost my f/t job in October of that year and did not start a new f/t job until March 2010. My income decreased substantially and with 2 kids at home, money was tight. They were both active in sports and I did alot of volunteering in the community. For the next few years, I may or may not have done much swimming because of money and time constraints. Then in 2013/ 2014, I found that article in Readers Digest about the “10 Best Beaches in Canada” and my life did an about face.

I took up swimming at our local community centre pools, I got a gym membership with GoodLife Fitness which gave me access to their pool, 24/7. I had no qualms about going for a swim at night – the thrill of turning on the seat warmers in my car, on a cool/chilly fall/winter night and then coming home to a glass of red wine, motivated me enough to go back again and again and again……I kept up this routine for a couple of years. On days when I didn’t swim, I would ride my bike to work.

When my mom passed away in Dec 2017, I didn’t see a pool until March of 2018. I then took on a part time job, in the evenings, working “Skipthedishes”. That commitment cut into my swim times. I kept at this job for about 8-9 months, as I discovered, sitting for 3-4 hours in my car, was not so beneficial to my health, especially after sitting all day at work, in front of a computer.

In early 2019, I had a car accident, my car was totaled and I spent the summer months, busing, biking and walking to/fro work, as well as doing all my errands this way too. In November 2019, I bought another car and shortly thereafter resumed my nightly and weekend swim routine.

Fast forward, March 2020 – the world stops and we are all forced to stay home. I knew I needed another outlet for exercise and stress relief, with all the pools closed. So, I found all the local parks in our area to visit – I would venture out either right after work or go for a stroll on a weekend afternoon. It was during this time too, that I found those great Ontario Parks and Ontario Waterfalls books. The pools opened up again in August but the lanes were restricted to one person per lane and you had to book your time slot in advance. At least, I could swim at my leisure without the fear of hitting someone in the head…..

This stayed part of my routine until about December 2021. In September, I had fallen off of a picnic table, while visiting a park with a friend of mine. The ache and discomfort in my leg, did not concern me so much. Until December, when I walked into a chair and strained my right MCL…..What a klutz I was……

I ended up in physio for 2 months and did not feel ready yet to swim laps.

It would be another couple of months until I felt strong enough to get back in the water. In the meantime, I walked, and I walked and I walked some more. My feet ached, but I had to strengthen the joint and ligaments in my knee.

Wherein, I use to relish in those evening swims, the drive home with the seat warmers and the glass of wine before bed, I find myself scared now to go out at night. I’m afraid to leave my house, once I get home. There are too many bad drivers on the road, wet/snowy road conditions to contend with, strangers out and about, empty parking lots to walk across, etc. As walking became another activity I could enjoy, I did more of those in the evenings. I can be at a local park within 15 minutes from work. I can complete a quick stroll of 30 minutes and then be home before it gets dark. For the time being, my swims are on Sat or Sunday afternoons.

My dad is 89 and still walks almost every day. He worked in construction his entire life and even before he retired, he would walk an hour to an hour and a half every day. Walking is in our genes and in our make up. If he can keep going at 89, I can certainly keep going at 59…. and beyond!

As I look to my 60th birthday next year, I hope my love for swimming will not diminish. I plan to swim well into my 60’s and into my 70’s. I cannot imagine a life without the water and the feeling of pure joy, being in it, gives me. This is my peace, my zen, my comfort, my heaven and my tranquility.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s Passion – Canadian Bodies of Water – I’ve swam a few

Aug 2021

With a few vacation days still available this summer, I took a rare Monday off from work and decided to make the trip out to Darlington Provincial Park, one of the #ontarioparks on my list of locations to visit.

Once I settled in on the beach and had a few snacks, I headed into the water. There were only a few families out and about and I could swim freely at my leisure.

As I blissfully floated on the calm waters, looking up to the blue cloudless sky and listening quietly to the familiar sounds of kids frolicking about, it occurred to me, quite surprisingly that this was MY FIRST SWIM IN Lake Ontario! How is that possible? I’ve been swimming my entire life and yet we never had occasion to swim in Lake Ontario.

So I thought back to all those bodies of water, I too frolicked in – with family, parents, children, friends, bff’s, boyfriends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

I took stock then and there to recollect all the waters I’ve swam in:

From a young age and into my teens, we were fortunate to have an above ground pool at home. For vacations, our parents took us camping at #MusselmansLake or a cottage stay near #WasagaBeach on Georgian Bay.

With kids of my own, they too enjoyed the waters of Wasaga Beach. We didn’t swim at Cherry Beach or Ashbridge’s Bay, but instead would drive 2 hours north to Georgian Bay.

In 2017, I traveled to Manitoba and swam at #GrandBeach, on Lake Winnipeg, in 2018, I (we) traveled to New Brunswick and I swam at #ParleeBeach, on the #Northumberlandstrait, as well as #Singingsands in PEI, also on the Northumberland Strait.

In 2019, I swam at #LakeManitou in Saskatchewan and #Devonshirebeach, Lesser Slave Lake in Alberta.

In 2021, I swam at #SaubleBeach on Lake Huron and I dipped my toes into Lake Erie while at Point Pelee National Park.

Bodies of water left to conquer – Martinique Beach in the Atlantic Ocean, in Nova Scotia, Sandbanks Beach in Prince Edward County (also on Lake Ontario), Singing Sands Beach, in Tobermory, on Lake Huron and Long Beach, on the Pacific Rim of the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia.

Stay tuned for a future post about my 2022 vacation to the East Coast.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s Experiences – Doing it all – Alone

Nov 2022

This post is being dedicated to all those women and men that find themselves navigating life and all of its joys and challenges, alone.

Whether you are alone by choice, by death, divorce, distance, estrangement, location, work etc., I honour you and hope you will laugh and smile with me as I share some of my experiences about being that single older woman.

Most of my family and my life long friends are couples – with children, without children, with grand babies, with pets, etc.

Sure there are a lot of advantages to being by myself – I decide what to eat, what car to drive, what vacation destination to plan, where to put retirement savings, where to live, what animal to have as a pet, whether I read a novel for an entire weekend or clean and organize to my hearts content, I decide to keep my hair short or grow it long, whether I stay home on a cold blustery weekend or venture out to a local park for fresh air and exercise, whether I drink red or white wine, what shows/movies to watch, which sports team to cheer for, etc. I don’t have to share the bathroom or make space in my bed, I get all the covers to myself. I get the closet all to myself. I don’t have to work around someone else’s weekend plans if I decide to stay over at a friends place.

Now – the inconveniences: I work full time Monday to Friday, I come home to prepare and cook a meal, look after the cats, clean up. I alone cut the grass, I haul the tires out of the basement twice a year for regular car maintenance, I fix all the little things in and around the house, I do the prepping and the painting myself, I alone clean the bathroom, the kitchen, the bedrooms, dust the furniture and maintain the backyard. I do all the groceries, the laundry, the errands, etc. Add to this long list, the care and support of elderly parent (s) and the time spent with them on a weekend or weeknight.

When I have a bad day, I don’t have someone to let off steam to or someone to give me a hug and reassure me everything will be okay. When I can’t handle it any more, no one hears my cries or dries my tears. I’m estranged from my children and have not spent Mother’s Day, my birthday, Thanksgiving or Christmas with them for the last few years. This breaks my heart. We use to do all these fun activities before they became adults and charted their own course.

I have to keep working cause I’m the only one bringing in a pay cheque. I don’t entertain cause my furniture is old and worn and my living space is not set up for guests or their comfort.

I developed a habit sometime last year wherein I message my sister every morning, just to let her know that I woke up. Another single elderly friend of mine, does the same thing with her sister.

I have to consider my safety when out on the roads, in inclement weather. If something happens to me or I get into an accident, I have no one to call. What if my car is damaged beyond repair, how will I get around? Can I afford another car? I carry in my car, a copy of my ICE Contact List – just in case, so that the emergency personnel know who to call. Sure I have that list in my phone, but it doesn’t hurt to have a hard copy.

All of this came to light, last week, when I came down with a cold early on Monday morning. I was scared and anxious, because I did not feel well at all. I had to call a neighbour to assist me. Fortunately, I live in a community where I know everyone and they know me. A few of them have keys to my unit. I was afraid, that if I fainted or fell down the stairs, who would know. To my dismay, not a few days later did I discover, I had COVID and I had put this kind woman at risk because she helped me…..I was very upset, her father is elderly and not in the best of health.

I had to self isolate at home from work, couldn’t do groceries, run my errands, maintain my car, etc etc etc. The first few days of COVID I had little energy and really did not want to expose myself to anyone, even though I continued to wear my mask.

To all of you with single friends, give them a call, check in with them, offer to lend a hand. Maybe if they decline a dinner invitation, it could be they don’t have gas money or extra money for a restaurant meal or they have a major bill coming up that they’re struggling to find the funds for.

I recognize too there are quite a few singles that are well to do, have good jobs, make a decent salary, and may not have these financial worries. To you – good for you! Well done.

To the others, keep up your spirits and have faith and pray.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life Experiences – Friends and being grateful

Nov 2022

I worked for a major international pharmaceutical company in the early 2000’s. I developed a friendship with one of the Territory Managers, who resided in British Columbia. My contract was terminated in Oct 2008 and I was let go. She and I maintained contact over the years and finally in Oct 2018 ( 10 years to the day since we last saw each other), I flew to Vancouver to visit her for the weekend.

Fast forward to Sept 2021 and her work would bring her to Ontario for a weekend. She of course, stayed at my place and we had one day to go for walks, eat, chit chat and catch up. At that time, she was dealing with a serious health issue and feeling quite despondent over her future. She was also alone, albeit a mom and grandma, but still alone. She had traveled to many places around the world and kept active, with her kids, her grand babies, her hiking excursions and exploring her beautiful province.

I was dismayed to hear her admit, that she felt like she had nothing to get up for in the morning and nothing to be excited about….This upset me very much. I could not handle knowing she had this “pain”.

This got me thinking – I feel blessed every day and I wondered where these feelings for me come from……

I pray every day and give thanks for all of the blessings in my life – my parents, my children, my siblings, my cats, my warm bed, my roof over my head, my good health, my pool swims, my job, my car, food and water, clothes and shoes, money in the bank, money to pay my bills, Canada, beaches, lakes, oceans, trains, waterfalls, forests, birds, animals, open green spaces, cake, freedom, democracy, diversity, inclusion, religion, govt, police/nurses/fireman/doctors, etc.

When my mother passed away quite unexpectedly in Dec. 2017, I could either wallow in sadness or I could be happy. Of course, not that I was happy that my mother passed away, but I did not want to be that person who carried the weight of losing their mom suddenly. So I chose to be “Excellent” and in those early days of 2018, I would explain why I was “Excellent”. How you feel and how you view your world should not be based on any current circumstance, ie, my mother died from stage 4 colon cancer within 3 weeks of her initial diagnosis… but instead on how grateful and blessed you feel overall.

A life philosophy…..

Would you much rather hang around someone who is always mad, sad, maudlin, irritated, pessimistic or someone that exudes joy, happiness, contentment, peace, excitement, love, compassion. I chose to be the happy one – the one to share a moment of joy with every one, every day.

For me, this makes my world more joyful and more positive.

I wake up and look forward to a good cup of coffee, a glass of wine in the evenings, how my body feels after an invigorating swim, a walk in the park, spending time with my kids, spending time with my bff’s, seeing squirrels, birds, rabbits, dogs, beautiful flowers, a blue sky, watching and listening to the rain fall from underneath my backyard gazebo, visiting with family, starting a novel and finishing that novel, doing a craft and sharing it with others, planning my next vacation, free groceries, etc. I’m sure you get the point.

My vacation plans for 2023 include a trip to BC – and I hope to spend a few days again with this beautiful soul.

Acknowledgement – my dear dear friend and fellow June birthday girl – you know who you are and I thank you for your friendship and for being in my life…. this post is dedicated to you……Be well and be loved.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye