tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57134133319909820112024-02-06T23:57:09.260-06:00A Lost ArtRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-60183432997600373772013-03-12T21:20:00.001-05:002013-03-12T21:20:43.470-05:00Munzee Style..as if i didn't have enough things to do, i picked up another GPS hunting game similar to <a href="http://lostartofwalking.blogspot.ca/2011/10/geocaching.html">Geocaching</a> called <a href="http://www.munzee.com/">Munzee</a>. instead of finding containers and logbooks, you're finding little scanny codes. points instead of smiley faces.. far less social and minimal creativity required, although still useful as a touring tool [locating some really sweet places to be!]. anyhoo..<br />
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i'm hooked! i don't think i'll ever get over real-life treasure hunt games, keep 'em comin'! i ordered a stack of vinyl stickers from the site, i don't have a printer and these ones are way more durable than anything i could produce myself. i stuck 'em everywhere, downtown, at the mall.. and anywhere worth looking at along the way. i was even nice enough to deploy a couple way up in the sky, on the very top level of a public parking garage. the 360 degree view from all the way up there is breath taking... the escarpment and the cityscape are a pretty sweet sight.<br />
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<br />Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-35018210295916073092013-01-07T19:56:00.000-06:002013-01-07T20:11:45.586-06:00Snow Steppin'..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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early january.. it's been cold for a while, and we've finally had a couple days of thaw. i love walking in the winter, i'd say i hike more in the winter than any other season. i was feeling especially antsy today so i decided to hit the trail downtown to check up on a <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">geocache</a> and get some fresh air. this double seater bench was in the water once upon a time, and shortly after i dropped a cache closeby someone came along and pulled it out. now there's a decent resting spot right by the water in the shade.<br />
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the trail was pretty icy, and there weren't many people around. the air was still which made for a peaceful walk. sometimes i forget that you don't necessarily have to leave town to get away from the city mindset. there are so many trails around town that surround you in greenery and drown out the urban.<br />
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the path leads into centennial park, which in the past few years has become home to some community garden plots. i can't wait to see them again in the spring. got my mind workin' on what i have planned for the coming planting season. the somewhat orderly row of earth machines got me all excited... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pi6_WDnKXVBN33b-_t8QTEt-rOLj5yI-oaKMO0QxLBqi4UASTb2vzYTcD5ZknrZMSnlnvZvV4ZkJCX9MAY6QCqWPkRU_WOLQ_LAOBYvxjMXkdVFHIpakljPIY0_Ia3I11DwtH0kkCYXh/s1600/winter_geocaching_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pi6_WDnKXVBN33b-_t8QTEt-rOLj5yI-oaKMO0QxLBqi4UASTb2vzYTcD5ZknrZMSnlnvZvV4ZkJCX9MAY6QCqWPkRU_WOLQ_LAOBYvxjMXkdVFHIpakljPIY0_Ia3I11DwtH0kkCYXh/s320/winter_geocaching_garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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well, clearly i've been slacking on the blogging. 2012 got me caught up in gardening, and quite a bit of walking still, just didn't afford me the time to sit down and write about it. today's walk was kind of a meditation on the fact that i need to feed my creativity in more ways than one. i want to devote time to joining the art of walking with creativity, by perhaps taking a hike to the beach with some hemp and beads and make some jewelery, or stitch together a creation or two.<br />
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bring it on 2013, here's hoping this year is a productive and adventurous one!Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-58646569828777316952011-10-22T05:30:00.011-05:002011-10-22T06:20:31.194-05:00Geocaching!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSs4zf7lKjX1PWQV78mC-8NQmMIulF9-lKJ74qbA4IpcwVak830XoXXNuPO-ymLhYgAgczoV_Z5WYrx3kYY6EIKjE7C5sEIzToxBAxt57D1DoRx7D7JqqJm15Kat-DhGT80p2fo5jl25I/s1600/geocaching5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSs4zf7lKjX1PWQV78mC-8NQmMIulF9-lKJ74qbA4IpcwVak830XoXXNuPO-ymLhYgAgczoV_Z5WYrx3kYY6EIKjE7C5sEIzToxBAxt57D1DoRx7D7JqqJm15Kat-DhGT80p2fo5jl25I/s320/geocaching5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666270487602081458" border="0" /></a><br />what is it? ..i wondered for so many years when i heard the word.. i wonder what it's all about. and i wish i would have looked into it sooner say, back in the day of cross country journeys! i'm still happy no less to have made the discovery. if you like to hike, and play videogames involving a mini map and a mission.. this game is for you!<br /><br />all you need is access to the internet, a GPS device, and a sense of adventure. Geocaching is basically a global GPS treasure hunt. you log on to <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/default.aspx">Geocaching.com</a> to make a profile, pick a cache you'd like to find, log the coordinates into your GPS unit [or smartphone app], and go! when you find the geocache, you use stealth to retrieve it, sign the log book and maybe swap out a trinket. then you re-hide it exactly where you found it for the next person to find. when you go back home, log back on to the website and record your find. once you start to see the smileys pile up on your map, it's hard to stop.. this game is highly addicting!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BDag0fcbfrXq1EkHXK1bCPNR4V1U5lxsJWTeuduUwK-_-AxgDkWxmd6G3MZnB0mwFayHVIGPpBLFp6vHFt9WHxHICFXK-jCUMdlKw45PTN9MhVWE99E8vKLfnIWg2hI6Xz3NFvtOlzRB/s1600/geocaching2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BDag0fcbfrXq1EkHXK1bCPNR4V1U5lxsJWTeuduUwK-_-AxgDkWxmd6G3MZnB0mwFayHVIGPpBLFp6vHFt9WHxHICFXK-jCUMdlKw45PTN9MhVWE99E8vKLfnIWg2hI6Xz3NFvtOlzRB/s320/geocaching2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666270686219986050" border="0" /></a><br />these little treasures could be hiding anywhere, if there's a trail i can almost guarantee there's a cache to be found. and many, many urban caches as well. hanging in a bush, or in a stump or hollow tree, magnetized to the underside of something.. the hiding places and containers can get pretty creative. there's always a difficulty and terrain rating, so you can decide your route based on the weather, or how far you're willing to hike to make a find. also, this is a family game, kids love to seek the treasures and make a trade for something inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hry4pGDfzF3HqNb6XHetk3lNaKyXL4BFxkOpwWoCa0tiv1estSZAYyQU5Hos6ylvldcp0m_W5AWV-c75o2AsHcljCYeU8t-BcicT7AyUObt9-VkiRVhHE9y-aG8Ok-2Zfm14z-uZVXcb/s1600/geocaching3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hry4pGDfzF3HqNb6XHetk3lNaKyXL4BFxkOpwWoCa0tiv1estSZAYyQU5Hos6ylvldcp0m_W5AWV-c75o2AsHcljCYeU8t-BcicT7AyUObt9-VkiRVhHE9y-aG8Ok-2Zfm14z-uZVXcb/s320/geocaching3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666270887282637442" border="0" /></a><br />one awesome thing i noticed, a gloomy day with a bit of drizzle or occasional bouts of rain are the perfect days to geocache. days we wouldn't otherwise dream of taking a walk around the neighbourhood or even a hike.. and for just that reason, there's rarely anyone else around. which makes for quicker finds, and less of a need for extreme stealth. i spent 6 hours tromping around with an umbrella in hand, til i was covered to my knees in mud, and smiled the whole time. it's amazing how a simple game of hide and seek can make a rainy day outside so much more enjoyable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCUz7Zs1moXDkTvj6B2kp8zzRu1kJGEsNeoalfxdkq2krAJz4rQaf7JO2tKWzidwQNCRcIajRx9qKYejiEgvmKqvDMp-NgVvyiIAdEO3sJya0Ex0RfSvA_KGdWpudGzYtQx1iXw7v0vAk/s1600/geocaching6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCUz7Zs1moXDkTvj6B2kp8zzRu1kJGEsNeoalfxdkq2krAJz4rQaf7JO2tKWzidwQNCRcIajRx9qKYejiEgvmKqvDMp-NgVvyiIAdEO3sJya0Ex0RfSvA_KGdWpudGzYtQx1iXw7v0vAk/s320/geocaching6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666271933160874818" border="0" /></a><br />once you've made a few finds to get the hang of what exactly a geocache is, and how they're put together, you can then make a successful hide. when you hide a cache, you are responsible for keeping it maintained, which is yet another excuse to get outside and revisit your favourite park or path or neighbourhood. pick a place you would want others to discover, that is my favourite part about geocaching. many times i have found a path or place or a view i would have never otherwise found.. even in my hometown!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirurCkjoXW4MstGdF72ueLjElwLEHkysZYfV6lNwrnDAhG0Y6-Y3q8Z2SxQ_nCxoOkXn4LG9REbBXnJa9WZ3s8TLarIHD9mllFw8yoEQ4WmTr9ugo6iBH-Vy1xHA5R4xWQ0vhktgAU2BNS/s1600/geocaching1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirurCkjoXW4MstGdF72ueLjElwLEHkysZYfV6lNwrnDAhG0Y6-Y3q8Z2SxQ_nCxoOkXn4LG9REbBXnJa9WZ3s8TLarIHD9mllFw8yoEQ4WmTr9ugo6iBH-Vy1xHA5R4xWQ0vhktgAU2BNS/s320/geocaching1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666272106422038770" border="0" /></a><br />it's been a busy year this time around, full time work, gardening, and learning about Permaculture. i haven't had the time i would have liked to hit the trails and camp out, so geocaching has been the perfect excuse i needed to take a hike. there are sections of trail i have been meaning to get to for months, and i'm so glad i went out geo hunting, as i may not have made it to these particular trails at all this year. now that i'm into the game, i've been planning hikes, camping trips and even speculating the possibility of taking a 'vacachen'!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDxB3Tk61u4rLHzN7ZxUXPOZFiSFU994MRFHsXwElzDrg00LA0cMHvGmYACFNTWzFtLLziVnhTz6LvDaPRjlZbL8q3NHgNUItOxscXRCZGElf2j0MbQpKTGeAwFTua9jjy6ob8tB8xED0/s1600/geocaching7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDxB3Tk61u4rLHzN7ZxUXPOZFiSFU994MRFHsXwElzDrg00LA0cMHvGmYACFNTWzFtLLziVnhTz6LvDaPRjlZbL8q3NHgNUItOxscXRCZGElf2j0MbQpKTGeAwFTua9jjy6ob8tB8xED0/s320/geocaching7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666272707445797922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...GEOCACHING! [lol] <3Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-23656887877349181812011-05-22T18:58:00.007-05:002011-06-03T06:27:46.153-05:00Barefoot Steppin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZPgyJxpXlorzek4LxhXY4kwVRgNkP38AwgcBvSma9kVhE-oZLMWhymSqzcnrSQw3YVWzMzI5U40eZAw8GBM7pWvBu_FioWqh1esPFLURSViD7MFqZ8F7HSvi6JAQfMyvO0E8j4oACAfd/s1600/barefoot2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZPgyJxpXlorzek4LxhXY4kwVRgNkP38AwgcBvSma9kVhE-oZLMWhymSqzcnrSQw3YVWzMzI5U40eZAw8GBM7pWvBu_FioWqh1esPFLURSViD7MFqZ8F7HSvi6JAQfMyvO0E8j4oACAfd/s400/barefoot2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613952197283952418" border="0" /></a><br />i can't stand wearing shoes. in elementary school i got in trouble for running around class sock foot.. in high school i always had to kick off my shoes under my desk. to this day i'm known as the crazy hippy that walks home from work without shoes. as soon as i'm out the door the shoes come off and are strapped to my backpack.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMPVfD6hlnHJlEoooXZ4G-eRqJ9UvbmIxjVCzdmeelnZFBYf5J1OdWpNJnFX63BXbMemL11Tscu9S7HMSYTPi7X52IBZnV2TIeKrl6rN5odKwM7ufh6BLXVvAo53GpNluvUjoB_yXnPH9/s1600/barefoot4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMPVfD6hlnHJlEoooXZ4G-eRqJ9UvbmIxjVCzdmeelnZFBYf5J1OdWpNJnFX63BXbMemL11Tscu9S7HMSYTPi7X52IBZnV2TIeKrl6rN5odKwM7ufh6BLXVvAo53GpNluvUjoB_yXnPH9/s400/barefoot4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613952393051503698" border="0" /></a><br />the climate zone i have made myself a home in happens to experience winter. it's a long 6 months of footwear. the transition has become much easier since the introduction of my new favourite pair of shoes [if you can even call them shoes!] my Vibram FiveFingers. technically they're trail runners, but i use them in town as well. they get a lot of attention.. and nicknames ranging from things like 'ninja slippers' to 'monkey shoes'. they're pretty well a glorified toe sock with a super thin flexible sole, which allows freedom of movement for your feet and a bit of extra protection.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi776BLFCOWUygf46Oq8pxyTt-Yd2Nkd_nl9j4YZ_89fS4t0L3547ejKDyGx6a_bHSZMluecrZfkmQeCIGPoltTDJrJvsfXBiLlVCoBfpOzaA3kOAg5gE1K4AE9IK7O_53r8t_58lcH1WhK/s1600/barefoot3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi776BLFCOWUygf46Oq8pxyTt-Yd2Nkd_nl9j4YZ_89fS4t0L3547ejKDyGx6a_bHSZMluecrZfkmQeCIGPoltTDJrJvsfXBiLlVCoBfpOzaA3kOAg5gE1K4AE9IK7O_53r8t_58lcH1WhK/s400/barefoot3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613952670560862226" border="0" /></a><br />even still.. shoeless is preferred.<br /><br />you could run a google search or ask an oldskool podiatrist, and you will find that being barefoot is generally much better for your overall health than constantly cramming your tootsies into a shoe. i know i feel better... it takes pressure off of my lower back, and of course i feel much more 'connected' than when i'm wearing shoes. i'd rather feel the ground beneath me, even if it means paying a little more attention to my step. after a while, paying more attention to your surroundings in general becomes second nature, and life seems to happen much more 'in the moment'.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy6HpwHyaCQ-Bs-jVRdqnT1sX2gafWdaOREPk-buJqLmznsDpMLoZgnPPR0P2LKas_O4TWKWLNnJA6CM9pGxgcrVssNd3JwmIumG3aBtJKnt12IQJS-IwK4oZoD0uk-XLJxEegAMJ4YwZ/s1600/barefoot6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy6HpwHyaCQ-Bs-jVRdqnT1sX2gafWdaOREPk-buJqLmznsDpMLoZgnPPR0P2LKas_O4TWKWLNnJA6CM9pGxgcrVssNd3JwmIumG3aBtJKnt12IQJS-IwK4oZoD0uk-XLJxEegAMJ4YwZ/s400/barefoot6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613952886868711890" border="0" /></a><br />all that being said, i'm not suggesting tossing out your shoes and running free completely just yet.. walking unshod takes some getting used to. if you have worn shoes every day for most of your life, you will need to build callouses to protect your soles. also, you will notice muscles in your legs and feet that you never knew you had, so it's best to start small and wander around the yard or neighborhood bits at a time to get a feel for it.<br /><br />free your soles!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOn86sw_T83xyVLVJHrtht_iWg1gcNEuOvHolh5n8ZkDzTMAoaCJz9poVUpl0AsbJa-Do3VNtePnbQ7t5ENtON_wA1lZH3cFvLUiOIjLfjMRxB6ManxyUEbQ-h0cAFmb9HITV9leXpuOO/s1600/barefoot5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOn86sw_T83xyVLVJHrtht_iWg1gcNEuOvHolh5n8ZkDzTMAoaCJz9poVUpl0AsbJa-Do3VNtePnbQ7t5ENtON_wA1lZH3cFvLUiOIjLfjMRxB6ManxyUEbQ-h0cAFmb9HITV9leXpuOO/s400/barefoot5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613953534694850626" border="0" /></a>Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-57910887590004540852011-02-08T20:48:00.000-06:002011-02-08T20:48:02.897-06:00Current Temp -11Ah, here I sit on February 8, 2011 and it's well below zero outside (wind chill factor) and all I want to do is go for a walk, and I will. Unfortunately it'll be my mile long trek into work for the night. Not quite the walk I had in mind, but it serves a purpose none the less. Being that it is so cold most walking in this type of frigid temperature would require some special gear, but I'm not walking that far and there is a fairly warm end in sight. Winter coat, hat, gloves and my walking boots and I'm good to go. (Damn what I've got to do to get myself hyped up to go into work.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ7EEmhgsWaNnztL1bzy5X9kELMfJIli6YfgLfPk5z5OyIh4yJCwluxarvL9g2012VGyGyNw7VrmDXf1jH3kee2NhZhep2VgBgquqgsVccrT_iAknzPcq-V51_cUjDoivgPy6njR_gJsk/s1600/the+path2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ7EEmhgsWaNnztL1bzy5X9kELMfJIli6YfgLfPk5z5OyIh4yJCwluxarvL9g2012VGyGyNw7VrmDXf1jH3kee2NhZhep2VgBgquqgsVccrT_iAknzPcq-V51_cUjDoivgPy6njR_gJsk/s200/the+path2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkG1kIBfi2f_lbnPPPscbq-oz8HzgI6zFtwlhq5n8mpysscoH818mS1PMB0c-RBGjhyphenhyphenT3Vrvty42c7uPYfj64zDhe2zE37z5SPAcPcDrnwqOgMRrMopuEWNWhOUPNgWUit_9wkATdHXAD/s1600/the+path15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkG1kIBfi2f_lbnPPPscbq-oz8HzgI6zFtwlhq5n8mpysscoH818mS1PMB0c-RBGjhyphenhyphenT3Vrvty42c7uPYfj64zDhe2zE37z5SPAcPcDrnwqOgMRrMopuEWNWhOUPNgWUit_9wkATdHXAD/s200/the+path15.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog_vLAK6nFRbustiKC_rbgyKGZyhD5yrX_hoCH6uMfcFen9zadbCMtVlit_Ged5jLjT8CcNnwFpmE61cVt_g_0Klu_aDod_POL-e_qdymdJVk42MWU7i63vGL8x_Lr8ncqLQJFK4hJ2a-/s1600/the+path7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog_vLAK6nFRbustiKC_rbgyKGZyhD5yrX_hoCH6uMfcFen9zadbCMtVlit_Ged5jLjT8CcNnwFpmE61cVt_g_0Klu_aDod_POL-e_qdymdJVk42MWU7i63vGL8x_Lr8ncqLQJFK4hJ2a-/s200/the+path7.jpg" width="200" /></a>Anyhow, I sit. Thinking about some "warmer weather" walking and I recall one of my last good hikes from the summer. It was humidly awesome. I worked up a good sweat, and though it was humanly engineered, it was mildly rugged terrain requiring only a low level of skill to beat. It was an interesting path, though. One of the best man made that I've seen. It was mainly set in a ravine with only a little bit of water running through it. I wouldn't want to be down there in a rain storm but it did make for an interesting hike. Here I'll share a few pictures and lose myself in the memory of that hot afternoon. A good thing to do on these cold days with cabin fever gnawing on my patience. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykMkDBztG6djQI0ZXVnUlHwq_uGP1jvoxKVW1BI_S0EQzKF0B_pNdEr1VIUrhGUxb_32SXjieheXw41FwMOu8dKPfMpuHnoVKA-UWuZbEfz0WWr6T1L_lw5BJHTpFvpZ6uJS9ChlnPevX/s1600/the+path12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykMkDBztG6djQI0ZXVnUlHwq_uGP1jvoxKVW1BI_S0EQzKF0B_pNdEr1VIUrhGUxb_32SXjieheXw41FwMOu8dKPfMpuHnoVKA-UWuZbEfz0WWr6T1L_lw5BJHTpFvpZ6uJS9ChlnPevX/s200/the+path12.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CosxCVCIxtucSe0i_b7ntAFCNR8vHNKP05X6ue7DcdHQxYJoxJ5Z96nKIje5ADGQwcI3noFTVrtQB4gQZlRadYOKlOZsdCJUlMQwwMEzl12YWlnft-3e7E59QJ5HnUeIjmQMGVj2m1OJ/s1600/the+path5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CosxCVCIxtucSe0i_b7ntAFCNR8vHNKP05X6ue7DcdHQxYJoxJ5Z96nKIje5ADGQwcI3noFTVrtQB4gQZlRadYOKlOZsdCJUlMQwwMEzl12YWlnft-3e7E59QJ5HnUeIjmQMGVj2m1OJ/s200/the+path5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHngGPSs19K6VDIdmzzhXzGrPp_gBpQ8qznuZHEscndgRTm0HZ6ERXzu9qZCI3HsZ7DSP22biG21KnDiQSdDzZqgMijUYggVrBVoQzn9RjZEic_bCgDI8fcbxdiOFFtNGeEAonuCVaHVKx/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHngGPSs19K6VDIdmzzhXzGrPp_gBpQ8qznuZHEscndgRTm0HZ6ERXzu9qZCI3HsZ7DSP22biG21KnDiQSdDzZqgMijUYggVrBVoQzn9RjZEic_bCgDI8fcbxdiOFFtNGeEAonuCVaHVKx/s200/1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU03McBWbxpVYuCN41BBqCxp-8_yYKPrhNbat5t11q0sZ00UdvOxeyyN6PySfDCYynsrD9jpAhzval2uQr6dos0eaRPYWIIflLc9-ZzCKugPL_9Iqk698azjW_bfyywX_eaf9_DEKneOj/s1600/P1030727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU03McBWbxpVYuCN41BBqCxp-8_yYKPrhNbat5t11q0sZ00UdvOxeyyN6PySfDCYynsrD9jpAhzval2uQr6dos0eaRPYWIIflLc9-ZzCKugPL_9Iqk698azjW_bfyywX_eaf9_DEKneOj/s200/P1030727.JPG" width="200" /></a>I shall get lost in my mind for a few more minutes before I set off into the cold night. I just wanted to share a quick, story with some warm pictures for anyone else going a little stir crazy. Warm weather isn't that far off, but don't let that keep ya from getting out there now. Keep walkin!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2mX7sOyiIqgxMZ6P9v6_raKcLnKDcrcPlaptfjPwmqtLA4qf7hicD41u4EOChwr4v_OJRQD-wQj9LbS7UYwAMzdyPi3CK4OY_68JAlNILHyoWvP1TFbzOOdKupNsbAmJ2IfzMRwLezyW/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2mX7sOyiIqgxMZ6P9v6_raKcLnKDcrcPlaptfjPwmqtLA4qf7hicD41u4EOChwr4v_OJRQD-wQj9LbS7UYwAMzdyPi3CK4OY_68JAlNILHyoWvP1TFbzOOdKupNsbAmJ2IfzMRwLezyW/s200/11.jpg" width="115" /></a></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-86120249765057677462011-01-30T01:35:00.006-06:002011-01-30T01:55:21.932-06:00The Silent Hill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtxvTUXPAvTECjyul889EWGSASwcCn1k0oVzOrLxc1WKZbwxzlhU2ZpOL6tR_pL8QLKYOc1Hy3rIfUquXZuKOhE3DVeQxXwoB6Y4BV4Z3zpnLz5PicX3eskRTo9LRR_Xa34YDgknrGJQj/s1600/midnitehike1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtxvTUXPAvTECjyul889EWGSASwcCn1k0oVzOrLxc1WKZbwxzlhU2ZpOL6tR_pL8QLKYOc1Hy3rIfUquXZuKOhE3DVeQxXwoB6Y4BV4Z3zpnLz5PicX3eskRTo9LRR_Xa34YDgknrGJQj/s320/midnitehike1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567883091258289458" border="0" /></a><br />the Niagara Escarpment is a beautiful, peaceful place to be. especially in the winter, and especially at night. for reasons yet unknown, my good homie Kevin and i only ever choose nights when it's well below freezing to head out long after midnight with our camera gear and tripods.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSwfQo_ucrTJF44SGVjtRl14YiMuGlTRCRH-s5BD78WR4xc_d0EDkQtgyqcpcroML3z8ExtwQtA2yayU3lbKeW-18WkEzFmLeJEmSMMR5tZ8ss7Lnzerf6ATdp_RcX9VcbngUaf4VVZs3/s1600/midnitehike2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSwfQo_ucrTJF44SGVjtRl14YiMuGlTRCRH-s5BD78WR4xc_d0EDkQtgyqcpcroML3z8ExtwQtA2yayU3lbKeW-18WkEzFmLeJEmSMMR5tZ8ss7Lnzerf6ATdp_RcX9VcbngUaf4VVZs3/s320/midnitehike2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567883179667515826" border="0" /></a><br />we hit many spots that night, using his car as transportation between. by 2 in the morning we had parked the car on a road out by Brock University, and walked up to the Bruce Trail head at the top of the hill. we chanced the snowy trail and slightly slippery slopes in the dark to get up to the top for the best view. light pollution from the city below reflecting off the clouds, then off the snow on the ground makes it possible to see well enough at night for a winter hike.. and makes for some interesting photographs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr3wxlTAP-lIjtjy6he35V6pnLMt_y6Md_ovWidyLFbPU3PSHGgIApF3EoHF3gisHV_vY79jLygk5INQt1T0obEUMBXXyD9PbkO0Yb85w51X-RorUVNtsU_N8Bqgbo6W8aZKKIo3Fij2E/s1600/midnitehike4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr3wxlTAP-lIjtjy6he35V6pnLMt_y6Md_ovWidyLFbPU3PSHGgIApF3EoHF3gisHV_vY79jLygk5INQt1T0obEUMBXXyD9PbkO0Yb85w51X-RorUVNtsU_N8Bqgbo6W8aZKKIo3Fij2E/s320/midnitehike4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567883471475389250" border="0" /></a><br />once at the top we set all our gear down for a moment of quiet reflection. looking down upon the city it seemed so distant.. no specific sounds were distinguishable, nothing but a quiet slur of white noise of muffled friday night traffic. it's so peaceful up there in the woods. no signs of other people, wind blockage from the tall stands of trees.. a good friend and some herbs to share. what more could i ask for?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0UCLUgwX-moKHQYmsK1tgNkxv2FubOv0kHCboRXAmxRl_ahtnXzdp6DCXoTNWQKKQCdY99I96SVMvSmdGPAeV6rx78FVwatI7kHywx7ZrjJadE61IclUQMa1d7qL7T4xsWvPzwCTn7xt/s1600/midnitehike3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0UCLUgwX-moKHQYmsK1tgNkxv2FubOv0kHCboRXAmxRl_ahtnXzdp6DCXoTNWQKKQCdY99I96SVMvSmdGPAeV6rx78FVwatI7kHywx7ZrjJadE61IclUQMa1d7qL7T4xsWvPzwCTn7xt/s320/midnitehike3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567883320339359682" border="0" /></a><br />of course, the excursion has re-sparked the urge to go winter camping. it's so quiet out there at night in the winter, so still. i'm hoping to get a chance before all the snow is gone and the bugs return. another awesome thing about sleeping outside in the winter- no mosquitoes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O7NMw0WA39SIVIoML1ecfYGUCG6is_2Ejc6cruayuxEaUifOzykP04HJv8AGBNKy9DqA0mWzas3_GViyuZea6_HHbPBZGhwNT3-UfAtJX-eeaimjsi2pkvcZ_cOTn6iSoYXkkYsWUEuG/s1600/midnitehike5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O7NMw0WA39SIVIoML1ecfYGUCG6is_2Ejc6cruayuxEaUifOzykP04HJv8AGBNKy9DqA0mWzas3_GViyuZea6_HHbPBZGhwNT3-UfAtJX-eeaimjsi2pkvcZ_cOTn6iSoYXkkYsWUEuG/s320/midnitehike5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567884075686784066" border="0" /></a>Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-88582330641028745702011-01-01T12:48:00.009-06:002011-01-01T18:11:15.099-06:00Last Trail Walk of 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38n44WuDD1MvREWj8RXW_sINX3ABUvFGsYUZgN9dAahbWfHT6ON2t6dBTOIqWSeGYb5w2TrtoLVtJkwP8hZVfr5-BJ7JltmUToNUaWCR4Mc0bWhyQigrXZS7rvBBRFdL4o2vfhE6jeBUC/s1600/canal1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38n44WuDD1MvREWj8RXW_sINX3ABUvFGsYUZgN9dAahbWfHT6ON2t6dBTOIqWSeGYb5w2TrtoLVtJkwP8hZVfr5-BJ7JltmUToNUaWCR4Mc0bWhyQigrXZS7rvBBRFdL4o2vfhE6jeBUC/s320/canal1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557301645020889794" border="0" /></a><br />it's been a bitter december so far. the past few weeks the Niagara region has been experiencing temperatures multiple digits below the freezing mark. finally, on the last day of the year we get a break and a thaw.. and a perfect last chance to hit the canal trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUIq7vuRYD6n9cVYJ2g1UB44S6lNIOG2hDQuxQHipap4HmDmZtsP_fhe72Z0p2QrFr88izqxJPb3bXaEtL1y4Ma3G3DfsHv0LBTb78mE4LRxVq1BqjS3_MMIWAHf8JyMFz302CSp0IGwB/s1600/canal3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUIq7vuRYD6n9cVYJ2g1UB44S6lNIOG2hDQuxQHipap4HmDmZtsP_fhe72Z0p2QrFr88izqxJPb3bXaEtL1y4Ma3G3DfsHv0LBTb78mE4LRxVq1BqjS3_MMIWAHf8JyMFz302CSp0IGwB/s320/canal3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557302367728267090" border="0" /></a><br />i usually travel along the west side of the canal, northbound to the forest patch and the lake. this time, i got to the road crossing to discover the whole northwest section is closed for construction.. till the end of april. i was about to turn back and head south instead, but i decided to cross the bridge to the other side. i have no idea why i don't venture over there more.. it's a dirt path surrounded by trees and farmland. and far less people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZaQb8NNqRUo9bNcNUYVPX351w2YfsuVASEQJc_MS_3R8Nb7Xee1vptfqfv86WylmZtFaew3pbDdwQSXhJcez2S880YhqrUtN0V3eW3c4JtwGBM9KgJ0xWtrazgdIRUtKV9OYsMcqveqp/s1600/canal2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZaQb8NNqRUo9bNcNUYVPX351w2YfsuVASEQJc_MS_3R8Nb7Xee1vptfqfv86WylmZtFaew3pbDdwQSXhJcez2S880YhqrUtN0V3eW3c4JtwGBM9KgJ0xWtrazgdIRUtKV9OYsMcqveqp/s320/canal2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557301800591966626" border="0" /></a><br />i hit the homebase briefly after my midnight shift to switch out my backpack, then hit the path to catch the sunrise before it hid behind the clouds for the day. i snapped a pic or two, and caught the sea gulls hanging out on a frozen section of the lock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlYnL0zb594pI__6HjpzU9QyfnMSsk22HQucYDcd8YuKJAdQvPgIVVpSrMQ2GG0uFjQoE42Xr_O6j82yooMDnJeQ86Ptdz_dimO181M-gW5vnFVsCAbsxOBR9jk3OJz790ANAa9740PJ6/s1600/canal4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlYnL0zb594pI__6HjpzU9QyfnMSsk22HQucYDcd8YuKJAdQvPgIVVpSrMQ2GG0uFjQoE42Xr_O6j82yooMDnJeQ86Ptdz_dimO181M-gW5vnFVsCAbsxOBR9jk3OJz790ANAa9740PJ6/s320/canal4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557302778184844770" border="0" /></a><br />once on the 'other side', it becomes quickly evident why there's not more people. much of the trail is frozen, soggy and muddy. perfect! solitude for the journey. i wasn't sure at first how far along the path i'd travel, as long as my face could handle the brisk wind coming off the water i suppose. the walk back would be better with the wind at my back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6Nusx2WgJgQ9M7ZclbkPYvZszFvLtUtomCtUc7hF0uyaK7HBENKYnj_2kOWQbpS937WeN0F5p5xPuENaQJE-GdDpnB5UNkDeKcsGlA2WFYvLtAWqgT3ZONaINoOMww5S31cO6odxsgYb/s1600/canal8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6Nusx2WgJgQ9M7ZclbkPYvZszFvLtUtomCtUc7hF0uyaK7HBENKYnj_2kOWQbpS937WeN0F5p5xPuENaQJE-GdDpnB5UNkDeKcsGlA2WFYvLtAWqgT3ZONaINoOMww5S31cO6odxsgYb/s320/canal8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557304672867157362" border="0" /></a><br />i knew there was a spot further up that you can go right down to the water, a wee beach right in the canal. last time i was over there, an otter was showing off doing dives off the rocks. the path for the most part is a straight narrow shot along the canal, with small sidetrails that lead to farmer's fields and country roads.<br /><br />the paths are mostly steep and muddy this time of year, but i managed to find one that wasn't too harsh a decline and wandered down. the wind atop the hill right by the water makes it difficult to light a spliff. down off the trail and into the woods a bit, there's blockage from the wind, a large fire pit, and a still quiet spot to sit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-MZBpImkvSkQG3-GkHWarG9rMRBTZSvhBE1S75WrW9eC9O9q6kF10pBlcUfijI4s7M_0Kr9XgYlcE-THEMK62aifSYf1J_QyhOJ8NFIKfnECxOrgLworK4sbGSVxW31GGTXPeYekHMeF/s1600/canal5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-MZBpImkvSkQG3-GkHWarG9rMRBTZSvhBE1S75WrW9eC9O9q6kF10pBlcUfijI4s7M_0Kr9XgYlcE-THEMK62aifSYf1J_QyhOJ8NFIKfnECxOrgLworK4sbGSVxW31GGTXPeYekHMeF/s320/canal5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557303498755550370" border="0" /></a><br />my face lit with joy upon this place's re-discovery. i took off my pack and jacket and tossed it down onto an overturned shopping cart which was clearly being used as a bench. this is definitely someone's party spot, though it was kept surprisingly clean. it was very still and quiet. i took a moment to look up and enjoy the clatter of the birds up in the trees. a woodpecker was buzzing around me. it teased by taking flight every time the focus beep on my camera went off. i chuckled and put the camera away, just in time for a huge mother red tailed hawk to swoop down right in front of me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGipNrsF93gxcWEhRWibZJrrGQCe0FwzfE67cOz2XboM9h4y-bGER8Wyk-J-mqgfEtDP4h-o1YEPXQ0VZQ1f5oe_x_o-UhjjVzJrL0x7_gDje_iEgN8l30Y2B1A-EUiS7HpoF3kSgWt4dX/s1600/canal6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGipNrsF93gxcWEhRWibZJrrGQCe0FwzfE67cOz2XboM9h4y-bGER8Wyk-J-mqgfEtDP4h-o1YEPXQ0VZQ1f5oe_x_o-UhjjVzJrL0x7_gDje_iEgN8l30Y2B1A-EUiS7HpoF3kSgWt4dX/s320/canal6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557303723604819298" border="0" /></a><br />winter is a good time to familiarize with the forest, and the contours of the land. without foliage it's much easier to see what lies ahead. and to remember for the spring where all the good hiding spots are, and potential camp or resting sites for hiking.<br /><br />it's also a good time to learn the patience of each step. the ground is either frozen or muddy, either way it's very slippery. you must focus on your balance and keeping your weight over your center. the fresh crisp air is nice as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIe2pff6DUx24oiph3ngLw7hzweXgX1xWN78t_bD71DEQtvBrHJzzenYtE_Q3_GmrsZC66erWqTUvxKOkeOB0ul_ZY0zHS6odOMeuMFzcVUCEzvPlAAEPjTof0JCrJjKj82_NoleDtCiu/s1600/canal9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIe2pff6DUx24oiph3ngLw7hzweXgX1xWN78t_bD71DEQtvBrHJzzenYtE_Q3_GmrsZC66erWqTUvxKOkeOB0ul_ZY0zHS6odOMeuMFzcVUCEzvPlAAEPjTof0JCrJjKj82_NoleDtCiu/s320/canal9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557305397953592242" border="0" /></a><br />after making a herbal sacrifice to the trees, i wandered back up the hill and onward to the waterside. i found the little beach shortly after a part in the trail. there's a fire pit here as well, right down by the water. looked a little chilly with the huge chunks of ice beached up on the rocks. the canal alarm sounded off in the distance, and as the water level changed slightly i could hear the ice crackle and shift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nYh6ook4hUYgCUBXgMG6zK7Fjna9Pwsbe8XOn-HjsC352dicUqmN-4aPggbHw9619LvrU0mcdxYqGQKWGGGWwmMs1lWdr8_dXpgMILova_wYN-PAOOAeM8CNbe7FvlrFaPQU048KyiJ1/s1600/canal7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nYh6ook4hUYgCUBXgMG6zK7Fjna9Pwsbe8XOn-HjsC352dicUqmN-4aPggbHw9619LvrU0mcdxYqGQKWGGGWwmMs1lWdr8_dXpgMILova_wYN-PAOOAeM8CNbe7FvlrFaPQU048KyiJ1/s320/canal7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557304474452754098" border="0" /></a><br />i trecked a little further down the trail until the clouds started getting darker and heavy. i turned around in time to miss the chilly rainfall. on the way back i let my mind drift to all the journeys of the year passed, and dreams for future hikes and travels.<br /><br /><br />Happy 2o11! happy trails... <span jsid="text">♥</span>Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-83558470032868979792010-12-30T01:39:00.003-06:002010-12-30T13:38:58.441-06:00Cabin FeverWinter has come quick and hard this year. We've had temps near 0 already when normally we don't see that until late January. The adjustment to the cold this year is coming along a little slower, but it's all good. Having the right gear when the temp drops is what it's all about....that and a little motivation. Motivation being the harder one to come by.<p>So, here it is, December 30th and I'm trying to plan a backpacking trip to consist of 3 or 4 days and somewhere around 40 miles. I can't stress enough having the right gear and preparation. Getting caught out in the cold without all the right stuff is not something I want to experience. At the same time traveling with just a pack one has to give up some luxury items. This isn't necessarily something one might want to do if they don't really enjoy hiking and camping. It is a bit more rough, but the reward from the sense of accomplishment alone is enough to make it all worthwhile.</p><p>I have been on a few couple day hikes, just not this time of year. It'll be a new experience and much needed might I add. Being couped up in the house all winter is enough to depress the most upbeat of people. That's what it's all about....getting out and staying alive. Life is way too short to let a little uncomfortability keep me down. So look forward to future posts about my preparation and a bit more detail as to gear and whatnot. And, of course, the actual trip.</p><p>Stay tuned.....and keep walkin'.</p>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-48521278131004645482010-12-11T13:15:00.002-06:002011-01-03T08:19:28.803-06:00Walkin' Yellowstone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgfSs719z0MSu1Jc0zRoTT9fFKJ4hw2xAPzUt6qzhWP_qeAhVoHgo4FpJJxaYiGJ4krrUhttV0J2ZMcBY_0rlqNmk76Z1OUMpgsESAh6WgD3n4vqcLnzOpGEloCnkjM3_A9dAY6TyUBPL/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgfSs719z0MSu1Jc0zRoTT9fFKJ4hw2xAPzUt6qzhWP_qeAhVoHgo4FpJJxaYiGJ4krrUhttV0J2ZMcBY_0rlqNmk76Z1OUMpgsESAh6WgD3n4vqcLnzOpGEloCnkjM3_A9dAY6TyUBPL/s200/5.jpg" width="200" /></a>As I was laid up on the couch sick these last few days I had nothing but time to think. I didn't have the energy to get to the computer to do any writing, but I sure did do a lot of thinking. I was watching a documentary on the wolves of Yellowstone and it got me to thinking about the trip I made out there a few years ago. I have to say it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I haven't seen much mind you, but I can assure you that it is a sight to behold. Everywhere I looked was a picture perfect snapshot waiting to be taken. It was the first week of June and we had 6 days of nearly cloudless, blue skies with temps around 75 degrees. Couldn't have asked for anything better. It really was perfect in every way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CvLSL32sId5wWJsFBj-Le2Lys0ZnIskVShy6DP5SufTC9zGAcFj_fKxaO7mtbyK6xjRZYOevguQ5n-uOKO0GRlcCksQfGPknaQFQ_OBwQ__VtqK9iTs4dnF3X3joUndFZqEQB7SthD9/s1600/P1000276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CvLSL32sId5wWJsFBj-Le2Lys0ZnIskVShy6DP5SufTC9zGAcFj_fKxaO7mtbyK6xjRZYOevguQ5n-uOKO0GRlcCksQfGPknaQFQ_OBwQ__VtqK9iTs4dnF3X3joUndFZqEQB7SthD9/s200/P1000276.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yellowstone and it's neighbor Grand Teton National Park are an outdoorsman's/woman's paradise. Now, having grown up in suburban life never seeing anything like this I was absolutely amazed with the vastness of it all. This was my first time seeing snow capped mountains or anything even close to the scale of those mountains. I probably looked like a kid in a candy store, really. I must have stopped at almost every cut out they had for vehicles to pull over. There are two things you can definitely count on doing a lot of there at Yellowstone, walking and driving. Everything is so spread out and big that a lot of driving is the only way to really get around. It is definitely well worth it, I assure you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPv_uuWTpGQi8lCRjrHt7OdgO0dNMd3fOdIjlIoKj2adtVKO24CWLjDaoZT4fC4zd7iMiU2560x0CNEllVDMQzCh9ofs4USbg49bRTju_aQBRWPITLo2mliSTiTJGaS7V8VIVHHQRRm1U/s1600/P1000194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPv_uuWTpGQi8lCRjrHt7OdgO0dNMd3fOdIjlIoKj2adtVKO24CWLjDaoZT4fC4zd7iMiU2560x0CNEllVDMQzCh9ofs4USbg49bRTju_aQBRWPITLo2mliSTiTJGaS7V8VIVHHQRRm1U/s200/P1000194.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>So, on to the walkin'. That's what this is all about, right? We did as much hiking as we could considering we had our 4 year old son with us who, by the way, I was exceptionally proud of. We hiked up a mountain, which was probably just a big hill. He and my wife made it halfway up which was probably the equivalent of a 2 mile hike, or 4 miles both ways. Granted, I carried him on my shoulders for as long as I could, but I was proud of the boy none the less. There were a couple other people with us so we pressed on to the top. I couldn't tell you exactly how high up it was, but it was high enough that when we got near the top there was still snow on the ground. I was wearing shorts and there were spots where the snow was soft enough for a leg to go in knee high. I kept on carefully, however, and made it to the top in a few hours time. It was an awesome experience. The sense of accomplishment was great, and the silent peace at the top was deep. At one point I slipped on the snow/ice and landed on my tail bone.......ouch! I was sore for about a week. But it was all worth it, let me tell you. I envy anyone who gets to live out amongst the wilderness like this.<br />
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I would encourage anyone with the opportunity to venture off into the wilderness that is Yellowstone National Park to do so. You will not be disappointed. With todays plastic and steel fabricated world, natural wonders such as this are that much more special. It's one of those things that can really only be experienced for yourself. Yes the pictures are beautiful, but they've got nothing on the real thing.<br />
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Keep Walkin'Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-26690310077167158032010-12-02T22:51:00.012-06:002010-12-03T10:47:21.670-06:00The Bruce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bZDCm_uFs8D6-35keVyM3ZMJPH8YZwOXGrZUjCX6-YbYTbLozGckqHiDX7S8TyGzaY7YIPcYeXVT7pxiy4Y0LebHAHL5q7zkXazrnIVlPE0iehipSX3B4_7jufdO2sn4qH0fl__ZnFPC/s1600/BT07.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bZDCm_uFs8D6-35keVyM3ZMJPH8YZwOXGrZUjCX6-YbYTbLozGckqHiDX7S8TyGzaY7YIPcYeXVT7pxiy4Y0LebHAHL5q7zkXazrnIVlPE0iehipSX3B4_7jufdO2sn4qH0fl__ZnFPC/s200/BT07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546323900460186834" border="0" /></a><br />i'm a firm believer that we're all born in our place and time for a reason. it happens to be so that i live in a city that is surrounded and dissected by the longest complete footpath in Canada, the Bruce Trail. the day i was born i lived in a house right on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment... as if hiking the trail was etched into my destiny.<br /><br />the Bruce Trail is over 800km long, starting in Niagara Falls Ontario and ending in Tobermory, with over 200km of side trails through parks and nature reserves. it is here that i fell in love with the forest at a very young age. it was all too convenient that every house i moved to since was within walking distance of the trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuYOxqEt0c3o5ccFw5PqjXOIj2lS09UDgXVmWVRhu7y2k_D4V02u2FDMJK_4KNj5aYL1eq9ve9XToS6lQF7vkjzzvAxpyniI-6q2-9IEOfDvGxl5tMuG4CI4wZvR8_HB_I9xYmAiNiTJ_/s1600/BT08.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuYOxqEt0c3o5ccFw5PqjXOIj2lS09UDgXVmWVRhu7y2k_D4V02u2FDMJK_4KNj5aYL1eq9ve9XToS6lQF7vkjzzvAxpyniI-6q2-9IEOfDvGxl5tMuG4CI4wZvR8_HB_I9xYmAiNiTJ_/s200/BT08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546324032804305218" border="0" /></a>when i was 8 my father built a log house out in a place which at that time and age, seemed like the middle of nowhere. nothing but trees, a trail and the highway. our bi-weekly visits were most usually spent doing something in the outdoors. i was introduced then to the Bruce, which just so happened to cross the end of our driveway where it came into town. fifty paces in, and the sound of the road disappeared in the background. soon your ears pick up the subtle sounds of the birds and the bugs and the breeze in the trees, broken up by the occasional babbling stream or raging river.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_n099pMSnuMn-XkkMAv0u9l1MQSZ2YSuHow3vHkRhIVCoHluNi5Mu9bOCzb8bZls4QQwpggw6azZOSiToNPuiiqEcKt4BoZDVIWWFNJtFP_0h7n6u7q2_Uqo6h_clkvfsCgz5w8tBz5X/s1600/BT10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_n099pMSnuMn-XkkMAv0u9l1MQSZ2YSuHow3vHkRhIVCoHluNi5Mu9bOCzb8bZls4QQwpggw6azZOSiToNPuiiqEcKt4BoZDVIWWFNJtFP_0h7n6u7q2_Uqo6h_clkvfsCgz5w8tBz5X/s200/BT10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546326183407287618" border="0" /></a><br />it was here that i learned the appreciation for the feeling of fresh mud beneath my feet, and the smell of the forest after an autumn rain,.. where my whole little world was blown wide open when i realized the ease and simplicity of traveling to the next town by foot. i wondered why we we don't have more paths and less roads. it seemed to me to be the preferred method of travel.<br /><br />to this day it's still one of my favourite places.. and i hope to some day cover the trail from end to end in one solid go. but for now i'll savour all the tastes i can get, and you can expect more words and photographs from my journeys along it so far. every journey begins with but a single step, and a heartbeat<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">♥<br /><br /></span></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoVnm8t4WRdKWJA70xcCm9sDhI9FUGxDiQ7sgJ4DGz1NzvSqmgbzckNDdsH6zXX6RS7jXfWA4w22xc7_yKXEkdbC4arJfreKZh9KucIUlQBkEAPUKaPWK3yi5JxOy3Suc-1FPawGuJFRp/s400/BT09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546324391263922690" border="0" />Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-66551333377743569812010-12-01T09:31:00.001-06:002010-12-03T11:54:13.925-06:00My Favorite Time For Walkin'I am naturally a winter person. I love everything about it, especially walking in it. There is nothing that makes me feel more like a kid, more quickly, than looking out the window in the morning to see the ground covered with freshly fallen snow. To walk in it though, I love to walk in the snow at night. I can close my eyes right now and picture it perfectly. Large, heavy snowflakes falling before the backdrop of a dark sky. I especially enjoy it when the ground is already fairly well covered so that all the surrounding noise is dampened between the snow falling and the snow already lying. With the wind relatively calm and the air feeling slightly warmer, I could walk for miles.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>And that is all I could think about this morning upon awakening to see the snow falling outside my bedroom window. My thought on walking for the day.</div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-35807108612670268392010-11-30T12:01:00.007-06:002010-12-03T01:45:25.204-06:00Free To Roam<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;">Here is a blog I have had in mind for a long, long time. I hadn't put it together until now for reasons not altogether clear. Perhaps I was waiting for the perfect circumstances which I feel have now presented themselves. I needed help, and I have found that in me friend here, Sadie. I know of no other that loves walking as much as I. I think we both appreciate walking for what it is, and we both do it just for the sake of walking. It is a lost art, indeed. Hopefully, through this we can bring attention back to it and inspire others to do the same.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;">Walking is the most basic function of the human existence, and the most purposeful function in mine. For as long as I can remember I have been walking for the joy of it. Even as a kid I would walk rather than use other form of transportation and I have always had mindfulness behind each step. My favorite author/walker Henry David Thoreau said it best in stating "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">" </span>This ring true for me, and always has. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;">I have a dream of one day walking the United States from coast to coast. As of now it is not practical nor feasible as I have a wife and young children to support. Never the less, it is a dream I'll hang on to in the hopes that one day I'll be able to fulfill it. Perhaps circumstances will allow for it sooner than later, but I shall walk in the meantime and never skip a beat. And with that being said, I intend to share my travels and experience with you here and I welcome you to share yours with us. Walking is a true freedom, one of the only real freedoms we can know. It is priceless and can never really be owned, it stands alone.</span></span>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326182831234399319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713413331990982011.post-44740254513022900502010-11-29T14:18:00.014-06:002010-12-03T01:45:59.140-06:00Why Walk? -the.Sage.Eye.View-<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMcqmPN6khsj1yne7zWx21JFNA1tV1augn28MIacgjhjsht7Q9Ui014jwd2tp3_eTTyf1x-nyJLE1bPNz7L48a0nF2ZTy1ADzU2FkquTSVconYzmUNSaITwtThE8AK_JQFXH-ji33zpM/s1600/NS01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMcqmPN6khsj1yne7zWx21JFNA1tV1augn28MIacgjhjsht7Q9Ui014jwd2tp3_eTTyf1x-nyJLE1bPNz7L48a0nF2ZTy1ADzU2FkquTSVconYzmUNSaITwtThE8AK_JQFXH-ji33zpM/s320/NS01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545073595026704706" border="0" /></a><br />i walk because i can... it's just that simple. when i was born the doctors told my mother i wouldn't walk without leg and/or back braces and possibly surgery. she wouldn't have it... morally, or afford it. my pelvis is abnormally narrow, and my lower spine is slightly twisted. 'scoliosis' they call it.. i went through years of chiropractic treatments, three times a week to help align my spine while i grew. i can walk, and i must always walk to keep my strength. to keep my spirit..<br /><br />they also told my mother i wouldn't see properly without corrective eye surgery... which i also never had. i champed it out through grueling hours and years as a kid, training my eye and strengthening the muscles.. wearing a pirate patch on my good eye to see how i see today. my '20/20' vision is compromised. i can't see through my left eye alone, and i have no depth perception.. but i can take a picture well enough. i sea, i see.<br /><br /><br />why walk?<br />i walk because i can..<br />i walk to get from point A, to point B.<br />i walk because it's free.<br />i walk because it's beneficial for my health, for my spirit.<br />i walk to get away, i walk to get home.<br />i walk to think, i walk to stop thinking..<br />i walk to talk, i walk to dream<br />i walk to see what i can sea.<br />i walk because walking was made for me.<br />why not?<br /><br /><3Sadie Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04139153176701202724noreply@blogger.com2