Is it solo hiking if my dogs join me?

My pace, my adventure, and my reasons for hiking. What is not to love about being solo on the trail? Sometimes it's nice not to have a human companion but still want someone to talk to, to feel safe with, and to relax with. That is when Asha comes hiking with me. My dogs are … Continue reading Is it solo hiking if my dogs join me?

Long weekend at Riding Mountain

I hiked and camped at Riding Mountain National Park a few weeks ago with a group. Like all trips to the park for me, Whitehouse bakery was our first stop and group meeting spot. The maple cinnamon buns and cream cheese cinnamon buns were just as I expected. Warm, gooey, and the perfect late morning … Continue reading Long weekend at Riding Mountain

Hiking with Asha has changed

Asha's energy level has mellowed out as she's become older. She still has a bit of puppy left in her and I think she always will. Her breed, an American Akita is typically not a hyper, high-energy dog and does well with a daily 30-minute walk. We go for longer walks when we have time. … Continue reading Hiking with Asha has changed

Depression has reared it’s ugly head again

This whole week I have felt low with scattering negative thoughts in my mind. Depression has reared it's ugly head again. As I write this, I want to go back to bed where there is darkness and heaviness from my duvet. I took my medication and I am sipping a Starbucks coffee. I am waiting … Continue reading Depression has reared it’s ugly head again

Gratitude, Nature, and Mental Health 

I have been making a mindful effort to focus on gratitude.  I have an abundance of blessings in my life and I am thankful for who and what I  have. Focusing on gratitude has done wonders for my mental health and I feel like I am in a really good place. I have solid ways … Continue reading Gratitude, Nature, and Mental Health 

Empowering My Daughter Through the Outdoors

The outdoors is an amazing place to come to relax, challenge myself, teach and learn, and build a life around.  The outdoors and nature is my passion.  I take a lot of pride in passing my fondness of the outdoors on to C, my daughter, especially in the age of digital technology and people being outside … Continue reading Empowering My Daughter Through the Outdoors

Hooray for my Fitbit Goal

I was slipping with wearing my Fitbit. It simply did not cross my mind to put it on in the morning lately, not even for my hike on the weekend. I gave myself heck for forgetting it because it would have been neat to see how many steps I did on the trail and walking … Continue reading Hooray for my Fitbit Goal

Track Those Steps

I treated myself to a Fitbit. I have been thinking about getting one for a while but I had a hard time justifying that I would actually use it. Like a lot of things (ie: gym membership, new running shoes), I get bored fairly easy when it comes to activity and exercise. There is also … Continue reading Track Those Steps

My Hiking Pals

Asha and Arya are straight up my favourite pals to be with on a trail. There is a solitude that I like when hiking but I don't like to be completely alone. I enjoy the company of my family and friends but when I am alone there is more of an opportunity for self-reflection and … Continue reading My Hiking Pals