In an earlier post, readers were introduced to reckless joys and activities emerging from my brat summer.
Now seven months into retirement, I am appreciating less commuting, less stress … and less wants as a result of having less income.
I have been enjoying weekly walks on different days with two different friends, exploring our community, breathing in the fresh air, visiting local thrift shops and obtaining groceries on our way home. I appreciate getting out for volunteer activities and short jaunts to local stores for necessities. Some days I need more motivation. That’s why it’s good to have walking buddies who push you to stay on schedule.
Woman standing in front of a huge snow pile in a local parking lot
The above parking lot sceneillustrates the challenge with snow removal after recent snowstorms in our region. With recent street parking restrictions by the City of Ottawa, I am so relieved that I do not have to worry about where to safely shelter a vehicle.
Tabby Cat observing Lunar New Year
As usual, I managed my seasonal depression by embracing colours, aromas and friendships while preparing for the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. I also participated in home cooking experiments with the Resident Millennial.
Preparing Chinese dumplings with the Resident Millennial
One unexpected, heart-warming encounter in January was an email received from a hopeful writer who found mention of my (Flo’s) novel online and requested to purchase a copy. I had to inform him that I had no more printed copies and had removed the electronic version in 2024. I was tickled pink yet cautious about this request. You can read about it at the novel’s blog.
Walking path through deep snow in a local park
As we navigate paths and obstacles in this deep and brutal winter, let us be optimistic that spring will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere in five weeks.
Let us dream about new places to visit in Canada this summer.
Let us continue to be kind and supportive of those in need.
Like many Canadians and other sensible people, I have been avoiding news reports that feature the face and voice of the 47th US President as he and his unqualified minions destroy American democracy and its once-respected image on the world stage.
Apparently, many of the faithful followers are becoming discontented with the state of affairs since the orange menace’s reign officially began less than one month ago. Amid a slew of hateful, backwards executive orders, he has not delivered on his election promise to bring down the price of groceries, especially eggs. The latter is due to other factors like a couple of diseases that are spreading through US farms. Let’s see how well their agriculture industry does this spring with less health inspectors and migrant farm workers.
We can commiserate with the folks who warned about the eventual outcome if he and his Project 2025 supporters won the 2024 election.
We can commiserate from Canada, the True North Strong and Free by watching the analysis through level-headed journalists and sharp-witted comedians.
Dahm. I feel more love and support for my country, its flag, its farmers, manufacturers and retailers who have answered consumers’ calls to boycott US companies and travel locations. Unfortunately, this will affect the livelihood of American workers. Those US citizens who voted for the current regime are likely kicking themselves in the arse and hiding their red baseball caps.
The next couple of months are going to be interesting as we watch from the sidelines while munching metaphorical popcorn.
Is it safe to assume that most adults have a bucket list of things to see or do before they die?
My bucket list is very tame, containing no extreme sports or other risky activities. I had one item on my list in 2020, to visit East coast Canada and dip my toe into the Atlantic Ocean. I had already accomplished the west coast and Pacific Ocean toe dip during a trip in the spring of 2017. As you may remember, the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022 cancelled travel plans for many people. I was heart-broken. Perhaps you were too.
Enter the cold, dark days of winter 2024 when I started dreaming about spring and reviving my east coast plans. One sister offered to join me on a VIA Rail train journey to Halifax Nova Scotia, to spend a few days as walkabout tourists plus obtain photographic proof of my primary objective.
Those with little patience can skip to the recommendations section. I hope you will enjoy some of the photographs along the way.
My Atlantic Canada trip objectives
Dip my big toe into the Atlantic Ocean
Tour the Halifax sites of interest by foot
Visit the Halifax Central Library
Consume East Coast food
Purchase souvenirs and gifts for loved ones
Have catch up chats and creative times with my sister
Enjoy train travel
Main objective: Touching the Atlantic Ocean
On June 17, 2024 I dipped my toe into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It was a balancing act to admire as I toddled over rocks near the shore.
We toured sites of interest – within walking distance
We only got detoured twice during our visit to Halifax although we had printed maps and my sister followed the questionable directions from Google maps.
Shipping cranes at the Halifax Seaport as viewed from Point Pleasant Park. They look like robot giraffes!Park benches at the Halifax Public Gardens. I never saw so many Rhododendron bushes. The park was colourful and dreamlike.
Visit the Halifax Central Library
We were impressed with the Halifax Central Library building exterior, interior, as well as the rooftop patio view of the harbour. We visited TWICE. I would go back again but maybe fly down east instead of taking the train. How would one compensate for contributing to polluting airline emissions?
My first encounter with the Halifax Central Library building. I was immediately attracted. I wanted to visit this building since it was opened in 2014. Theresa posing with the giant L of the Halifax Central Library buildingView of the Halifax seaport harbour from the rooftop patio of the Halifax Central Library during our second visit. This was my favourite part of the site seeing activities.
Enjoy east coast foods
After a disappointing second walkabout to the near-deserted wharf and nonexistent Farmer’s Market, we enjoyed an early lunch of the award winning lobster rolls at Tomavino’s. We enjoyed other foods but I don’t want to burden readers with the photos. That’s what Instagram is for 😀
After a disappointing second walkabout to the near-deserted wharf and nonexistent Farmer’s Market, we enjoyed an early lunch of the award winning lobster rolls at Tomavino’s.
Quality time
My sister brought water colour pencils and special paper for us to create renditions of the seashore photos we took during the daytime tours. I chose instead to do a painting of a black cat in the style of Maud Lewis with influences from Bill the Cat (Bloom County).
Theresa’s painting of a black cat in the style of Maud Lewis with influences from Bill the Cat (Bloom County).
During our walkabouts to Spring Garden Road area, I picked up many souvenirs and gifts from local shops, especially items with reprints of paintings by Nova Scotia’s darling, Maud Lewis. I can relate to her and some of her life struggles in many ways.
Travel options
We took the ViaRail “Ocean” train tour from Montreal to Halifax with intentions of walking to sites in the area. The train trip was supposed to take one day and one night (21 hours). It took us much longer travelling through eastern Quebec where we had to drive slow to avoid derailment on heat-buckled rails or poorly maintained CN Rail tracks.
This was NOT in the travel brochure!
Next time, I may choose to fly.
An example of a ViaRail two-person sleeper car cabin (in daytime seating mode) on The Ocean line between Montreal and Halifax.
Recommendations
If you plan to travel by VIA Rail and you choose the pricey sleeper cabin option, confirm with the provider that your car built before 1970 has working air conditioners.
Even if travelling with a companion, choose the Cabin for one option so you each can have your personal space. There will be plenty of opportunities to socialize in the lounge / service car, the dining car and seats of the cooler coach car. Make sure you are wearing your “Multi-pass” bracelet.
Get up and walk around to encourage circulation, especially when stopped in major stations and you’re not bouncing off the walls due to the rocking motions.
Bring the Gravol.
If you are a smoker, be prepared for only 3 stops of 15 minutes to step outside to satisfy your addition.
Chat with other passengers, get to know where they’re from, where they’re going and why they are taking this trip. You can meet many interesting people.
Bring a book and a hobby to keep your hands and mind busy.
If you plan on doing most of your destination tours by foot, wear comfortable shoes, pack a jacket, water bottle and map. Pack some curiosity, patience and empathy too.
Get to some of the beautiful, natural places in your country before they are spoiled by the effects of climate change.
Thank you for reading this far. Keep practising kindness and patience with those you encounter along your life’s journey. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Feel free to share some of your east coast travel experiences in the comments below.
Deep Blonde Thoughts 