Exploring Canada

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Ruth Adams

This is the first post about exploring Canada- one of many to come I suspect as Canadians look to travel within their own country during this Covid-19 pandemic- 2020 and 2021. There is so much to see and do, it is hard to make choices…..the west coast? The east coast? Quebec with its European flavour? Ontario with its many options? Visit Alberta and the Prairies? Or head to the north and the Arctic……so many choices.

I have seen most of Canada as when I was younger, my family and I took many road trips. My parents and siblings all lived in the west. But my first choice for exploring Canada at this time is to head to Vancouver Island. I was looking for somewhere other than a city, and the weather I hope will be cooperative and not too rainy……

We land in Victoria on October 22nd- to spend 3 nights, before driving (we have rented a car) to Tofino for another 3 nights for rest and relaxation. After that we will return to Victoria (Sydney) to stay a single night close to the airport before flying back to Ontario…….

What To Do?

What might we be doing? Well we have booked a walking/ food tour in Victoria, a wine and food tour in the Cowichan Valley, and high tea at Butchart Gardens.

Butchart Gardens in the Fall

We are also hoping to visit the Royal B.C. Museum for a couple of hours at least……. and we are keeping one day free….

In Tofino- it is all free time. Hiking, whale watching, quaint shops- all possible. Driving up we are hoping for a leisurely drive through Nanaimo. We definitely want to stop at the Cathedral Grove- although that may be iffy as it is listed as closed due to Covid-19.

This will be a “different” type of vacation. We will be wearing masks from the time we enter the airport until we leave the plane (except for when we eat and drink), masks in the public area of the hotel, and masks on our day tours. This will be a good indicator of perhaps travel in the future…….

Hoping you will follow me on my Facebook page as we travel and explore with this new reality!

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Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Ruth Adams

Here it is the New Year again- 2020- and a new decade! Once again we are setting goals and making resolutions.  For many people those resolutions or goals may involve travel, perhaps travelling to a destination they have always wanted to see, or to a resort at which they have always wanted to stay, or that river cruise they have always promised themselves. Perhaps you have promised yourself this is the year you will begin stepping outside of your comfort zone.

What is your comfort zone?  And what does it mean to you to move outside of your comfort zone when it come to travel?

Gros Morne NP, Newfoundland

For some, it simply means heading to a new destination within North America- think of exploring Canada for Canada’s 150th birthday.

Iguazu Falls

For others, exploring a new continent is that step outside your comfort zone- Europe if you have never been, or travelling to Africa or South America to experience very different cultures.

And perhaps travelling without your husband on your own may be that giant step outside your comfort zone- or heading out on your own without friends……..

Whatever it is, people have different ways of “stepping outside their comfort zones”.  

Whatever that step involves, we may not always enjoy the experience when it is happening, but, looking back, we have to admit:

  • This is where the growth happens.
  • This is where the solutions are.
  • This is where fulfillment resides.

Michael Hyatt’s description of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone describes seven steps to maximize this process. He describes in another blog how travel can transform your life…..”wreck and transform” is the way he puts it….

I was so impressed with this article, that I thought I really had to include key points here- with kudos to Michael Hyatt!

Acknowledge the value of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Lean into the experience- enjoy the discomfort…..

Notice your fear- but don’t be controlled by it……often pushing through it means the difference between success and failure…..

Don’t over-think it- you will never see the entire path ahead- as long as you see the next step, that is what is important

Play full out- jump in with both feet and give it your all…….

Celebrate the victory- recognize that victory and the people that helped you achieve it….

Pause to reflect- what went well?  What did you enjoy?  What would you change?

In South Africa at a Wildlife Refuge

For me, travel is one way of stepping outside my comfort zone.  What would constitute stepping outside your comfort zone? If you are willing to give it a try, contact me today to help you plan your “outside your comfort zone trip”!

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