Rouge National Urban Park – exploring hills, rivers and creeks, marsh, bay, and beach ecosystems

We were hiking in post-ice melt muck on the trails. Our shoes were all covered in mud. Still, we were enjoying the hike in sunny 7 C temperatures on February 19, 2023. Twyn Rivers, Rouge River, and various creeks were meandering deep below in the valleys. The slopes were treacherous. A misstep could have landed … Continue reading Rouge National Urban Park – exploring hills, rivers and creeks, marsh, bay, and beach ecosystems

Hiking through South Downs National Park, UK – negotiating 11 hills, observing pastoral life, English channel, paragliding and wildlife

When I looked up the hill after ascending half-way, I thought I would not be able to conquer even the first hill of the 11. Shahab, husband of my beautiful and loving niece settled in the UK, looked at me and noticing my despair encouraged me by saying he remembered a food and ice cream … Continue reading Hiking through South Downs National Park, UK – negotiating 11 hills, observing pastoral life, English channel, paragliding and wildlife

Fall 2022: Hiking through parks steeped in history, remembering a friend, keeping trails clean and living the adventure

I undertook several adventures in various provincial parks of Ontario, in local conservation areas, and even in the United Kingdom that would qualify for Explore magazine’s Live the Adventure Club Fall challenge of 2022. I won the challenge in 'Standard' category'. All photography was done using Pentax K-5iis and Pentax KP with Pentax lenses 55-300 mm … Continue reading Fall 2022: Hiking through parks steeped in history, remembering a friend, keeping trails clean and living the adventure

Hiking in New Forest National Park, UK and observing free roaming horses and cows and wild deer

I started my hike at 9 am from my hotel in Brockenhurst under a steady downpour in search of elusive wild red deer at the New Forest National Park. On the way, I met several wild horses and cows, but no deer. Dejected, I decided to return, and, at 6:30 pm., to my welcome surprise, … Continue reading Hiking in New Forest National Park, UK and observing free roaming horses and cows and wild deer