Strolling through what feels to be an enchanted forest full of mystical creatures and possibly little fairies flying around. That is the exact feel you will get when exploring the woodsy area around Bridal Veil Falls in British Columbia. Continue reading The Enchanting Bridal Veil Falls In British Columbia
Tag: nature
Northwest Territories – The Land That Lures You
There are some places in this world that hold special places in our hearts. A place that heals us, rejuvenates us and sets us free. These places seem to hold an energizing power over us like none other. Perhaps it is because we match the vibration of the land. Or, perhaps it has been such a part of our life that it seems to be ingrained in our being. Continue reading Northwest Territories – The Land That Lures You
A day of rain forest and suspension bridge adventures in Vancouver
It’s so funny how you can visit a place numerous times in your life and always miss out on one of the coolest places to visit while your there. Seriously I wonder how on earth it took me so long to go and check out the Capilano suspension bridge park?!
I was in Vancouver and craving an escape from the city life. The Capilano suspension bridge park had caught my eye, so it was a done deal.
Upon entering the park you are immediately surrounded by totem poles. Appreciating this traditional art is something I always welcome.
The area is lush, green and smells amazing! It’s those intoxicating smells of nature. Also very cool that it is in a rainforest. I have spent a lot of time in the rainforests in Central and South America, but never in Canada. So this was a treat!
The Park itself is beautiful and sprawled out perfectly.
First stop was the cliff walk.
To my surprise it definitely provided a bit of an adrenaline rush! Even my legs were shaking a bit. Which was fine by me. I am always up for a healthy dose of adrenaline.
As you walk along the one bridge that stretches out over the edge, you can totally feel it moving, and that combined with looking down is was brings on that surge of adrenaline.
The views are amazing!! Seriously beautiful. My soul was drinking it right up.
There was lots of peek-a-boo beauty to be appreciated along the way.
And the landscaping was speaking straight to my heart.
The main suspension bridge didn’t provide as much of an adrenaline rush, as opposed to what I had expected, but the views were spectacular.
Once you get across it you really get into the deep forest feel, and the intoxicating smells get even more intense. The walkways are smooth, super easy to navigate, and the landscape is once again on point.
The tree top adventures brought me straight back to my childhood.
It had me reminiscing about that time when I was 10 and built myself a tree house.
I spent weeks, day in and day out, cutting and hammering away. I only had help putting the floor and support beams up, and the rest I did myself. I had a hinged door, carpeting, the whole works.
So now, I have decided I would like to add a classy tiny home tree house with suspension walkways from tree to tree to my book of desires. I would be in my total happy place.
Another great addition is the posts all around the park sharing information about the workings of nature and all that is around us.
Knowledge is power, you can never do too much learning.
Don’t forget to hug a tree while you are there. It provides a healing surcharge like none other. Yes, those know me, know that I am what one would call – a tree hugger!
This was hands down one of the best days ever! An ideal way to recharge and connect with nature, and a highlight of 2018 for me for sure.
What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon if you find yourself in the Vancouver area and need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
10 Reasons To Get Out And Be In Nature
Nature is alive and full of high vibration healing energy. With technology having taken over the world, we are full of radiation and health depleting substances. We have built walls between us and the outdoor world.
The majority of people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. We get so wrapped up with work, commute, caring for our families, watching television and playing on social media, that we lose sight of what is truly important for our health and well being.
When I was young, there was no cell phones and computers, and we only had a TV that got reception if the bunny ears(antennas) where in the perfect spot. So I spent about 90% of my time outside running around, building things, gardening. It was a mission to get to me go inside. When I was 10 years old I wanted a tree house so badly, so I took it upon myself to build one. Day in and day out I was outside hammering away. I had recieved help solely with putting the floor and support beams up. I went on to build walls, a hinged door, a roof and carpeted the inside. My tree house masterpeice rocked my little world. Now I see the opposite happening, where kids have to be forced to go play outside.
It is no wonder people crave mental and physical healing, and more and more people feel the urge to simplify their lives and get back to nature. Look at how big the tiny home movement has become. Our souls know where we are meant to be, and know where the most healing place for us to be is.
It is undeniable that when you shut off, disconnect and go immerse yourself in the outdoors, you can feel the pulsating energy. Go give a tree a hug with with a tank top and shorts on so your skin can touch it, and you will feel the live energy flowing through it.
There are so many benefits from being in nature, here is 10 of the top benefits of it.
1 – Your Stress And Anxiety Levels Will Go Down
Stress is the number one killer in the world. It’s crazy how stress can wreak total havoc on an otherwise healthy mind and immune system. High levels of stress in our daily lives are associated with high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and obesity.
Spending time in nature relieves stress and reduces the amount of cortisol the stress hormone in our blood stream. Having too much cortisol can also cause weight gain in the mid section which is known to up our chances of heart disease and diabetes. Rather then booking a day visit to a spa, book a weekend retreat out in the wilderness. The profound rejuvenating effects will last a substantial amount of time longer.
2 – Best And Most Natural Way To Get Vitamin D
Yes the sun is the master source to get vitamin D. It is the most important vitamin that keeps us happy. Being in natural lights aids and promotes your body to create more vitamin D. It is extra important to get more of this powerhouse vitamin in the winter, as we tend to get a lot less sunlight, which leads to higher levels of depression. Especially where I am from in Northern Canada as day light hours get shorter and shorter in the winter.
I suggest also taking a high quality vitamin D supplement. You can find one of highest rated quality wise in the world right here.
3 – You Will Have Better Quality Sleep
Being in nature and sunlight helps us to have healthy melatonin levels, as well as keep our circadian rhythms in check. Both of those are exactly what effects our sleep patterns and quality.
There have been numerous studies done that show that spending between as little as 30-60 minutes outdoors in the sunlight will promote a much more restful sleep, and balance everything out.
4 – It Will Improve Your Memory And Attention
Walking in nature for 20 minutes has shown to refocus your mind and regain concentration spans. Research has shown that no matter what the season, the effects of nature do not waver. Short term memory is immediately improved by 20%. There are also studies done showing the great affects a nature walk can have on children with ADHD. After a 20 minute walk in a green area, these children were better able to focus as opposed to walking in any other area.
5- It Will Boost Your Immune System
A lot of people don’t realize the negative effects it can have on one’s body staying in doors too much. Our immune system works best when it is challenged, and the best place for that to happen is outdoors.
Not only that, being surrounded by trees increases our production of natural killer cells. Trees are constantly emitting phytoncides into the air, which is what they use as protection, and when inhaled it has amazing benefits for our immune system. A 3 day trip to the forest can keep your white blood cells elevated for 30 days there after. These cells are very important for fighting off viruses and cancer.
6 – You Will Have More Energy
Food fuels our bodies and so does nature. Studies have shown that those who get out and walk in nature reported much higher levels of vitality. Instead of reaching for that cup of java, get outside and connect with nature for an energy boost. Or if you must have that cup of coffee, then why not take it outside and get a double dose of an energizing boost.
One of the best ways to combat jet leg is to get outside at your destination and go grounding. That means your bare feet or skin touching bare earth. It helps balance you with natures energies in your location and will balance your body out so much faster.
7 – It Will Reduce Inflammation
Because being in nature has such a relaxing effect on your body, as well as the vitamin D producing effects, it will naturally bring inflammation down. Inflammation is your body’s way of screaming for help. So getting out into mother nature will halp relieve your inflammation and restore a balanced state in your body.
8 – You Will Have Better Vision
This is especially important for children as their eyes are growing and their vision is developing. Many scientific studies have shown that too much time indoors can cause irreversible nearsightedness or otherwise known as myopia.
Being outside gives our eyes ample natural light, as well as plenty of different things to focus on near and far which exercises the eyes and vision. It’s a great way to relax and recover the eyes from staring at a screen for many endless hours. Which we all know is not very good for our vision.
9 – You Will Naturally Practice More Mindfulness
Being in nature truly makes you more present in the moment. You become very aware and observant of your surroundings and situation. There is so much more stimuli in the outdoors, from animal sounds, the breeze through the trees, leaves or snow crunching, and many different smells. It brings you straight into awareness.
We are too often surrounded indoors with electronics and artificial light, and it becomes far too difficult to be naturally mindful. Getting outside is the easiest way to slip into that state.
10 – Increase Longevity
With all of these positive benefits on the body and mind from being in nature, it is a no brainer that it extends your life span. There have been studies done that have shown that people whom lived near parks, lawns, trees and forests live significantly longer then those living far away from nature.
Having less stress, more mindfulness, more vitamin D, better vision, improved mental health, a stronger heart and heart rythym and better quality sleep will only serve to work as a domino effect pushing you to better health and a richer longer life.
Nature Deficit Disorder is a thing. Correcting the problem is also a thing. No matter what the season may be, get outside and experience the energizing and healing benefits that nature has freely waiting to share with you. It’s clear to see how connected everything truly is.
Northwest Territories Timeless Beauty – Small Town, Big Charm
The natural beauty in Northwest Territories is endless and enchanting. Each corner has it’s own unique splendor to be enjoyed. Even having grown up here, there are still so many places I have yet to discover in this vast territory. It’s full of culture, northern lights, midnight sun, incomparable landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Yes, mother nature does not skimp out on us up here.
The beauty surrounding the quaint little town of Hay River, NWT is no different. Every year I make sure to come and enjoy a few months back here, and no matter the season, it is always incredible. Although some seasons are faster then others.
Summer is amazing with the midnight sun, winter is long and a tad dark, however the majestic beauty of the snow covered landscape is one to remember, the cold is a small price to pay, and in between those two there is, Fall. I love fall. The colors are magnificent, and there is such an array of colorful beauty to be basked in.
A day trip to the waterfalls is a must when you are in the area, during anytime of year really. There are actually three sets of waterfalls located about 45 minutes drive from town. The small ones at Escarpment Creek, and the two larger ones at Twin Falls Gorge, Louise Falls and Alexandra Falls. It’s amazing to see such impressive and grand falls and landscape so close to town. There is something about waterfalls, you can just feel the energy exuding from them when you are in their presence. It’s even more amazing to see them frozen over in the winter. Frozen beautifully in place. Not a sight you come across every day.
These ones in particular are Alexandra Falls. They are directly off the highway, so an easy pull off for a pit stop. There is a lookout point you can walk to, which gives you the perfect picturesque view.
Or you can very easily walk down along side of them at the top of the actual falls, where you can take in all the awe-inspiring natural brilliance and energy of the flow up close and personal.
Don’t be grabbing no barrels and trying to go over though. Probably wouldn’t be the best idea.
There is a fantastic path between Alexandra and Louise falls.
So if you are keen for a nice afternoon stroll between the two, it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the serenity of the Northern nature.
Make sure you bring a picnic as well, as there are picnic area’s where you can have a fire and a cook out, as well as endless laughs with some of your favorite companions.
You can keep it extra northern and local, by using fresh locally caught whitefish, and garden fresh veggies.
Keeping it local no matter where in the world I am, is exactly how I like it.
This area is timeless and rich in beauty. A feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul. If you have not already been, Northwest Territories is a must see destination, and so is the town of Hay River. This small place really is just the beginning, or one could say – the entrance to the ‘Spectacular NWT‘.
Sports fishing like a rockstar at a remote NWT fishing lodge.
So what do you do when you are invited on a fishing trip of a lifetime up high in Northern Canada?! Well….. YOU GO! You freaken go. So off I went. The destination was Sandy Point Fishing Lodge on Gordon Lake, NWT. A wonderful place full of lake Trout just waiting to be reeled in. The adventure began in Yellowknife, NWT – Where we we were to hop on an Air Tindi float plane and hit the skies en route to the lake.
After packing my bags, and having a late night of live tunes on the beach back in Hay River, NWT, I packed up my car and cruised on outta there at 6 am to undertake the 5 hour drive to Yellowknife to get to the Air Tindi airport for our 12:30pm departure. Tired? Yes extremely. Was the love music worth it?! Heck yes! Missing this trip of a lifetime?! I think not!
Awaiting my arrival at the Air Tindi float base was my fabulous friend Michelle. Just as eager and excited for the fishing excursion as I was. We were exuding it completely.
The float plane ride itself was something I was looking forward to. Having only been on a float plane once before in my life, and that was about 20 years ago, it’s still quite the novelty. So that being said, it was like a first time all over again.
Like a kid in a candy store. It was fun though, and I loved every second of it. The flight was only about 30 minutes. 30 minutes of pure bliss on the ol’ eyeballs.
Any of you who read my posts previously, know that I have a massive soft spot for my home turf of Northwest Territories – It has an untouched beauty like none other. An endless feast for the eyes.
As per usual, I went on this trip with no expectations, nor even a small mental picture of what this lodge was going to look like like. That didn’t matter though, I already knew in my gut that it was going to be absolutely incredible. I love adventures like that. When you have no expectations, because it always turns out even that much better then you could have ever imagined anyways.
Hello Sandy Point Lodge!!
Serene, tranquil, stunning, and blissful, are just a few words I would use to describe my initial feel and impression of the spectacular place. Ok, and let’s not forget, undeniably freaken amazing!!! This trip was already rocking my world.
The Cabins are very well put together, super clean, welcoming, and comfortable. All the luxuries and amenities you could want while in the middle of the real rugged North Country, and a little more.
Just up the beach is the main lodge, where you can hang out, bask in the view, and enjoy all the delectable home cooked meals that are prepared and served by the on site chef.
He really did create some darn delicious eats and treats. And had an array of them awaiting us when we got there.
After we all had to sign our waivers and listened to the orientation of how we were to undertake navigating the lake, and catching our prized lake trout, we were ready for action.
Accompanied by Brandon, our incredibly helpful and knowledgeable guide for the afternoon, we got geared up and onto the boat.
Once we were good to go, we cruised out to find a prime location where they knew there would be fish, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
Received a run down of how to do everything.
Then it was our turn. We attached our bait, and dropped our lines.
Oh and let’s not forget – it was a MUST to crack a cold one.
Well I suppose we didn’t really drop our lines, more like pulled out line 40 arm lengths of line, and let it go into the depths.
For some reason lake trout love me?! And I was getting bite after bite. Well I can’t blame them, I do drop some mighty fine bait.
But seriously, every time I dropped my line, within minutes I had another bit. I was loving life!!! A fisher women’s dream.
It’s not out of the ordinary to catch 25 pounders plus!
This time around though we were only getting the 5 pounders. Although they were still little beauty’s. Sometimes though, these cheeky little lake Trout, would just nibble on our bait! Leaving there little jaw’s of life marks.
After hours of fishing like rock stars, we went back to the lodge for dinner with the crew, and then decided it was time to hot tub! As if things couldn’t get more epic… We had a hot tub that had a 360 degree view of pure paradise.
Michelle and I made a few towel wrapped runs to top up on Vino. Just when you think you grabbed enough – it was suddenly all gone! Hot tub party rockers, and we made good use of the hot tub until we were all pruned up. It was one of those times when you just never want to get out. Until you realize it’s almost 3 am.
Day 2 started off just ridiculously awesome. Baileys and coffee back in the Lodge with a spectacular view. A treat for the eyes, and a party in our mouths.
Being trained up so well by Brandon the day before, our confidence was at its max, and Michelle and I took out our own boat for some rock star fishing adventures.
Things were motoring along quite amazingly, and then I had a bite!! Oh heck yes!
After proudly reeling in my prize and deciding he was a beauty to keep – all my excitement turned in to sheer horror upon realizing we forgot the wacking tool, and the paddles were too long and awkward, and my little fish friend was suffering. That’s exactly the moment my animal loving instincts kicked in(I even let spiders out of my house), and I started panicking. ‘Oh my god, he is suffering!’ as I jumped around the boat looking for something to get the job done swiftly and quickly. ‘This is inhumane!’, ‘I love animals!’, ‘I can’t watch him suffer!’, ‘ I am sorry fish! I meant for this to be a lot quicker!’, were just some of the things I was borderline squeezing, in an on the edge of hysterical tone. In the mean time everyone on the other boats could only see two ladies freaking out with their catch, and each one of them grabbing the radio’s to say, ‘Come on girls, use the paddle!!’ Finally, Michelle was able to get the job done with a paddle.
Horrified and relieved at the same time, we thought maybe our fishing was finished for the day and decided to slowly make our way back to the lodge. I couldn’t help but laugh my ass off at myself, and my nature loving instinct reaction. After the fact it provided some good laughs! Too bad I didn’t have that on camera. Would have been a knee slapper for freaken sure.
Soooo, let’s just head back and get ready for dinner shall we?!
Back at the lodge after dinner, one of the guests notice a bear across the water. It was all alarms sounding. Time to be ‘Bear-aware’. It was only going to be a matter of time before the bear made his way over. He would absolutely follow his nose. With that, it meant – no hot tubbin’. Dang! Oh well, plan B it was then. Time for a good ol’ shindig around the bonfire.
The whole group of us were out there, endlessly laughing, and also playing some campfire games. Who doesn’t love a campfire game?
Todd was on bear watch to protect the camp.
And yes, later on into the evening the bear did show up, but was spotted right away, and Troy was able to scare him off, and the party continued.
Feeing pretty spent by day 3 we didn’t end up making it out for a last fishing excursion. Instead we just enjoyed the beautiful day at camp until our afternoon flight back to YK.
The scenery on the flight back to Yellowknife, was equally as breath taking as the way there.
That trip was not only a massive check off my list in life, as I always wanted to goto a remote fishing lodge, but Sandy Point Lodge gets 5 stars from me for sure. With incredible staff, outstanding amenities, world class fishing, and stunning scenery, I would book another trip there in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a trip of a lifetime experience.
Now it was time to haul ass back to Hay River to pack up for my next adventure. Road trippin’ across British Columbia. Let’s go!!
Home is where my little Northern Heart is ❤️❤️ ;)
I love travelling the world. Seeing and experiencing new things, connecting with people of all walks of life. I always entice myself with thoughts of being once again immersed in a completely different culture, with a totally different language that I don’t speak. It’s exciting, and a way to push myself outside the everyday box, and even sharpening my survival skills. It becomes a part of you, something that runs through your blood, well the blood of someone who has been bit by the travel bug.
However, no matter how many continents you visit, and people you meet, and explorations you have, there is always that one place, that lifelong place that you call home. Where your roots are. Where everyone knows your name….. Well at least if you happen to be from a small town like myself. I was privileged enough to spend this summer back home, in my beautiful little hometown in Northern Canada. The longer I have travelled the more I have come to love and appreciate it. It’s small, it’s beautiful, at times its buggy. Yes sir-ee, there is a season for swarming, clouds of bugs that you may or may not ingest when breathing . But while also being the land of the midnight sun in the summer. Other times(say winter perhaps) its freaken COLD! Try well below -30 degrees Celsius and minimal hours of sunshine, during the majestic, and blood chilling yet heartwarming winter. Where you can bask in the spectacular show of dancing colors that the Northern lights spread across the sky. Yup this would be my Hometown.
Welcome to Hay River.
Named after the River that flows through it, right into the Great Slave Lake, which happens to be one of the 10th largest lake in the world. There is a population of about 3500 people. It boasts some pretty amazing scenery, if I do say so myself. And no….. I am not just being Bias because I am from there:) But its kind of hard not to be.
There is fantastic fishing in the summer, as well as plenty of water for you to play on and in. 
There is the Hay River Campground right in town located beside the beach, if you feel like connecting with nature, and forgetting that you are still right in town. Run by Lucy Benoit for over 20 years, she always keeps it so well run and maintained. I definitely enjoyed some time there this summer. The town puts on a town event every year called Hay Days, with a weekend full of different events, and there’s baseball tournaments(that other northern communities participate in), town dances(as there are no bars really), great people, and beautiful wildlife. Although, you always have to be cautious of bears. 
Beautifully impressive animals they are, but also can be very dangerous. Wrestling a bear isn’t recommended;) and well neither is going in for a bear hug.
One thing I really enjoyed this summer was visiting the Fisherman’s Warf, which is put on every Saturday during the summer in the Old Town.
There you will find different vendors, selling their homemade baked goods, fried goods, grown goods, handmade goods, and yup, you got it, FISH! Fresh fried or grilled Great Slave Lake Whitefish. One of the northern delicacies, which I never get tired of. The Warf is a great place to go and mingle with other people from the community, a great way to support the locals, and enjoy the charming little ambiance it offers, while also soaking up some summer sunshine.
Located about 40km outside are 3 separate waterfalls, that are always beautiful sight to enjoy. And Yes. The water is brown. But fresh!:)
Another summer tradition, one of my favorites!! Is floating down the river. ‘Oh, Heck Yes!’. 
Every sunny day there are groups of people who get together with their blow up rafts/tubes, a few beverages, starting up river, and floating down it for hours. Good weather, good company, good tunes. It’s just an awesome time, and super relaxing.
Well the summers up here are spectacular, and pretty un-comparable, and I always feel so privileged to enjoy them. Even though the winters are Long, COLD, and more night then day light, there are also so many incredible and very amazing aspects about it here then too. But this article is for summer. Winter can be talked about when that time comes. It best to live for the moment;)
Here’s to another kick ass summer in the North, I love my home, its way up there for sure! So that being said…..
A Pursuit of Life - Barefoot& High Heeled 