Winter get away in Waskesiu
Wildlife, ghost town, scenic winter landscapes, frozen lakes and sprawling forests. A photographers dream really. Im not a travel writer, and I generally suck at logistic details, which doesn’t bode well when recommending and promoting destinations on the old social media vortex.
So please bear with me on this blog post.
A chance to just indulge in thine own creative self and make some pictures because i want to.
Not because there is some sort of looming client dead line or pay cheque attached.
Foot prints in the snow leading down to the snow covered beach leading to a snow covered Waskesiu lake
Every couple of years my husband and I take a little winter trip up to Waskesiu.
For those not familiar, its about 2 and a half hours (238 km) North of Saskatoon.
This year, like every year mid winter, it was much needed. Kind of like hitting a mini refresh button.
Kinda.
In the deep dark chill of winter, January can often feel like it’s 62 days long, instead of the actual 31. Especially when the temperature hovers in the -27 to -35 range for days on end.
A boatless and snow covered marina
As an Entrepreneur and creator, this time of year can also feel stagnant, uninspired, anxious. In my profession this is one of the quieter months. Which can work to a photographers advantage if you can get past all the other bullshit emotions that start to creep in.
Tree shadows on a snow covered beach lakeside Waskesiu Lake, PA National Park
An Elk standing on the road, pauses for a photo shoot. Thanks Elk
The bustling summer hamlet of Waskesiu is located within Prince Albert National Park. Not so bustling in the winter months.
Surrounded by Boreal forest, lakes, and campsites.
This snow covered and seemingly abandoned community does host a few winter wonderland visitors like us. And I far as I could tell, a small number of full time residents tucked in the back end of town, some RCMP, park staff.
But truly, its emptiness is eerie yet peaceful.
The pay phone.
Thanks to cell phones, here stands an archaic form of communication
A snow covered SaskTel payphone in the seasonal town of Waskesiu
A snow covered patio at the Patio Cafe in Waskesiu
We chose to stay at the Hawood Inn , located across the street from the lake.
In the winter it hosts winter wandering adventurists like myself and my husband, looking for a quick and affordable get away.
Staying at the Hawood Inn you have access to snowshoes and cross country skis and 2 roof top hot tubs. It’s located close to some groomed ski trails.
You are almost guaranteed to see some deer, fox, and if your lucky a few Elk.
Take the scenic route 263 past Emma and Christopher lake off of highway 2, into the park if your not afraid of some snowy roads.
So beautiful, and so close. Go take a tour, you won’t regret it.
New York City Oct. 2019
Well it’s been a while since I’ve been to the land of blog. But here is what happened lately.
First view of Central Park coming into the big apple.
This trip, unfolded mostly on the streets of the Big Apple. It was me and 2 girlfriends from Saskatoon. There was much walking, lots of touristy sightseeing, and some quiet moments with myself, sidewalk crowds, historic buildings, and my camera.
On foot adventures aside, there was also some mostly successful subway navigation, and an Uber ride or two. But the majority of our exploring was on foot.
The lovely and delicious Joanne Trattoria served us up some Italian food, in house made pasta, and great wine. Below are some shitty photos taken with my cell phone of a stained and empty wine bottle, and an awkwardly positioned cannoli- sum up my wine consumed evening where photography skills were discarded for gluttony and visiting.
We stayed in China town - no photos
Walked a bit in Central Park. Indulged in martinis and charcuterie from Tavern on The Green The bartender turned into a raging lunatic when i requested a separate bill. I guess thats not a thing in New York?
Until next time
xo
td
Mountain Time
Travelling in general is near and dear to my heart. But the Canadian Rockies, well they hold a special place in the old ticker. I've been travelling there for summer get aways since my boys were wee little.
Hell I loved being there so much I would pack those little turkey's up, diapers and baby wipes in tow, and haul ass out to the mountains (also Grizzly country) with a tent.
The Tent
The vast beauty, giant mountain peaks, and towering aromatic pines were worth the risk of being dragged out of our tent in the middle of the night by a deranged and starving grizzly.
Ok that would probably never happen, but in the pitch black darkness of the night your mind does tend to be a little over active. After all there is merely a flimsy wind breaker between myself, my children, (one of which may or may not have had a full diaper), and a 1700 pound carnivorous beast.
We now have a trailer. A pretty big one at that, and the walls are definitely thicker than that of the old tent. The real perk is not having to hang your ass out in the dark forest at 3am to pee.
Trailers with bathrooms are the best.
So our little family vacations have evolved. It's rare both boys can be there, jobs and holiday time are always an issue as with most families. This particular trip my youngest was unable to make it. But that just makes the times we can all be together that much more special.
Hold on to those days where the kids are still in the back seat. They fly by way to fast.
xx - TD
Summer in the Sask
Two things I know for sure. Summer is most definitely the best season of all in here in Saskatoon. But the heat can be downright oppressive when one is not prepared, nor climatized.. or summerized if you will.
And winter weather sucks ballz.. In a -- My skin on my face hurts and my lungs are collapsing from frozen air inhalation kind of way.
And the reason for this opinionated outburst? Perhaps the fact that upon writing this, it had been in the plus 30's for over a week, and in home air conditioning is a luxury I do not possess. Dyson and I are having a turbulent love affair. It’s like he gets me, like really gets me. Don’t tell Brad.
Oh yes I do have air in my SUV, and the trailer. Living the dream people. It is not unusual to see me driving around aimlessly in 30+ above. Or taking a random road trip to the lake, so my trailer can become my editing cave until mother nature regulates herself.
And really is it that bad? Probably not. But in my defence I am a Canadian girl, born and raised, and we just are not used to long stretches of intense jungle heat with hormonal hot flashes on the side. I am used to sledding, snow banks, blizzards, and frosty beer by the backyard fire pit. Between the hours of 2pm and 11:01 What can I say I'm a rebel.. ( damn you city of saskatoon)
Thats Abby, clearly annoyed by the 2pm - 11pm Fire pit burning bylaw
Now it may seem like I’m bitching. I kinda am, but deep down, not really. Just voicing my discomfort and sweaty distress. There is a difference.
Here is what makes this perspiring, peri-menopausal, on the verge of self combustion - glorious bitch smile.
I swear I’m more creative in the summer. Ok probably not. But it feels that way. It’s the energy in the air, and it changes for sure. That chillin’ summer vibe if you will. The newly emerged greenery and all that springs to life after the chilly winter slumber.
Or maybe it's our mischievous, backyard, nut hunting Squirrels hopping and running along the top of our fence tormenting our dogs.
It's most definitely our delicious bountiful gardens, and giant shady trees. Camping and campfires. The smell of fresh cut grass, rolling thunder and fresh rains. Walks along the South Sask river.
My overgrown ferns to my right, rustling in the breeze, and straight ahead our giant towering poplar with leaves waving. They sound like ocean waves rolling up to shore. And all this as I sit outside, under my gazebo, writing these words.
And nothing tops our bright burning, horizon dominating sunsets, hence the handle "land of living skies".
Ahhh yes, it's summertime.
With heat stroke looming I need to remind myself that our summer heat waves are so worth it. And there are always a million and one kick ass things, (slight exaggeration but it's how I roll), going on here in this great city/province this time of year. It's like we need to cram every festival and function into a hot and steamy 2 month period. Without a doubt there is something for everyone.
Jazz Festival, music festivals, food festivals, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan , PrairieLilly river tour, hiking, camping, Lake life, ball games, football, picnics, BBQ’s .. Over 100,000 lakes, Waterfalls, ancient ruins, art galleries, museums, micro breweries, wineries, canoe trips, Kayaking, amazing golf courses, You get the idea.
Jazz Fest dog - On a side note, bangs can be such a commitment.
Oh Saskatoon, you really are absolutely beautiful in the summertime with a river running through it all.
Breathe deep and soak it up my friends. It always seems to go by way to fast. That miserable ass old man Winter is lurking in the background awaiting his icy return.
So despite my temperature discomfort, am I gonna let this heat keep me down? Hell no!
Am I going to run naked through town square?? Still nope! Ok the thought may have crossed my mind but I am fairly modest, and not that hormonally unstable, yet. And does Saskatoon even have a time square?
I do love this place in all it’s summer glory. It is, despite my rant my most favourite time of year. I hope if you ever come to visit, you get to enjoy every perfect hot steamy moment, sprinkled with a few of our awe inspiring sunsets.
xx TD
Aruba in August
She was so impressed to find her name spelt right - Somewhere in Aruba
Why August you say? When it is one of the warmest times of year here in Saskatchewan.. Well I'll tell you. It was my sister in laws 50th birthday and my brother in law was dedicated to top her on the surprise birthday party thing she had thrown for his 50th the year before. As the saying goes "It's all in who ya know" and BIL Erwin knew the right people. A great deal on a villa in Aruba was secured, and so the grand scheming and the web of lies commenced...
Somewhere in the Toronto airport district - Reflections looking out a hotel room window the night before our flight. Tomorrow morning it's straight to the Island of Aruba.
Not easy pulling off a top secret major vacay to another country. 4 months of bullshitting, and cross over connecting flights in Toronto.. but we managed. And the surprise birthday in Aruba was, well, with lack of a better word (that my husband happens to loathe), EPIC - There I said it. Sorry honey.
Lucky enough our villa came with a vehicle to use. So after all the excitement wore off we had to get down to some serious business. Like where can a gal stock up on some booze, I mean groceries. Yes, I meant groceries. Technically booze falls into the grocery category, so I feel I have redeemed my reputation and character.
Really can't take these two anywhere.
One of many sunset cocktails, at a one of Aruba's plethora of beach front restaurants - This particular one's name escapes me. But it was delicious and beautiful and perfect.
Aruba - A Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. The Dutch influences can be seen in the local architecture and the languages spoken are English, Dutch, and Spanish, as well as their local tongue, Papiamento which is a blend of Dutch and Spanish.
Speaking of local you will want to try these delicious pockets of deep fried goodness called Pastechi. More of a breakfast or brunch thing it seems. Maybe because they are usually sold out before noon hits. You can find local Pastechi /sandwich stands along the roadsides. Made from scratch hot and fresh - My favourite was the ham and cheese but there are a gazillion different fillings, and I guess you will just have to try them all to find your fav!
I was so impressed by the fact that you can drink the water right out of the tap in Aruba. It was glorious not having to worry about some nasty virus that can deteriorate your liver or some parasite that makes you shit your pants for 2 weeks straight. Free flowing water and ice is a pretty cool thing. Food and alcohol were priced about the same as here in Saskatchewan CA. Or so it seems, until you realized that all prices are in U.S. dollar. Youch. You Canadians know what I mean.
Areas of the island are pristine and calm, and make me want to give a head nod and a big old namaste to mother nature. Other parts are rocky, dry terrain with thunderous crashing waves and riptides. Best admired away from the cliffs edge. Especially when your husband is super annoyed with some smart ass comment you made. Just kidding. I never make smart ass comments.
I now must talk to you about food. Oh glorious food how I adore thee! And the people that prepare it for me. Don't get me wrong, I do love to cook, -and eat-. However I am the "chef" in our household. Which is why it's so damn special when someone else does all the work. There is no shortage of great restaurants on this island paradise.
And last but not least my favourite The Flying Fish Bone. There is plenty of beautiful beach front table seating, or you can reserve a table planted right in the water! So cool - I'm telling you this wheat field dwelling prairie girl was super excited about that one! Amazing meal with feet soaking in the Caribbean, check.
And now I will bombard you with cheesy tourist travel photos from our trip. Your welcome.
Aruba you were so very good to us. Memories that will last a lifetime. And if the financial gods allow, we will be back someday!
