Dear Photograph,

When I was 13 years old, my parents took my three sisters, our dog, and me on a 6-month adventure traveling through Europe in an old VW minibus.

After arriving in England in February of 1972, we headed straight for southern Spain, and had the fortune to find a charming original farmhouse on the side of a mountain near Almunecar. We stayed in “Casa Francisca” for 3 months, learned Spanish, and even went to the local school.

 

In the evenings as the setting sun cast a warm purple glow on the mountains, we would play guitar and sing. And later we would watch the fishing boat lights bobbing on the dark and distant Mediterranean sea, the night sky filled with stars.

 

This past May I returned to Almunecar with my two university-aged daughters and my Mom, who is now 77.  Imagine our delight when we discovered that by chance, the villa we rented this time was directly above Casa Francisca! We met the owners who gave us a tour and invited us to return one day for a holiday. But we won’t wait 41 years next time!
Cathy

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May 31st

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#dear photograph #vanlife #Europe #Spain #VW

The Tall Ships Arrived!

I did see the Tall Ships come in, as magnificent as ever. It was a perfect day, clear blue sky, winds and sunshine on Media Day, Wednesday, June 19.

 

 

Sorlandet, the largest of the fleet at 210 feet was built in Kristiansand, Norway, and launched in 1927.  A teaching vessel, and the floating home of a Canadian educational enterprise, Class Afloat, it was clear that not only could the crew sail but they could sing. They sang a rollicking welcoming song as they slipped smoothly into their berth at the Toronto Harbour. 

This is the oldest full-rigged ship in the world.

Imagine sailing on this ship as a guest! Well, several people did just that with tours starting in Brockville to Toronto, then Toronto to Hamilton and so on throughout  the summer sail to points all around the Great Lakes in Ontario.

The Iron Horse Trail

I love running, walking and cycling on the Iron Horse Trail as do many people in K-W.
It is a peaceful place to enjoy wild plants, tall trees, birds, and wildlife in all seasons.

We are so lucky to have this quiet little pathway that connects Waterloo and Kitchener.

During a break from my festival duties I snuck over to City Café for a coffee and bagel. There I started chatting with a lady who told me about a series of stories along the trail created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the trail in 2007.

You can find it here:

http://www.ironhorsetrailstories.ca/index.html


Created by Sarah Anderson, it is fascinating to listen to the people who truly enjoy the trail, and to learn a little about the history and the delicacies that grow there.

The first Animate the Trail event began in 2012. It is held on the same weekend as the Henry Sturm Festival, so we now have a trail-long event with several neighbourhood volunteer groups creating fun activities and entertainment  for children and people of all ages to enjoy.
It is a great way to bring people together and strengthen our community.

Flyboard A BIG SPLASH at Tall Ships in Toronto

I went to Toronto to see the Tall Ships and what did I see?

Flyboard.

It’s sort of a Cirque du Soleil on water crossed with moonwalking and surfing.

You have to see it to believe it. Really.

Check out their website for lots of cool videos. http://flyboardquebec.com/

Makes me want to try it… almost.

These guys are brave and daring.

When I asked co-founder Patrick Vallieres if you need special skill to do this, he assured me that no, anyone who can swim can do it. Ha!

                                   Alone but Happy




Swan Chase November 2012
There was a chill in the November air, so it was time for the Victoria Park Swan to go to his winter home. But he was not quite ready. After a few laps around the lake  he was caught and transported to Stratford where there are lots of swans, with the hope that he would find a new friend.

 



  He did come back this spring with another swan, but it did not last. Apparently the new swan was a bit of a ruffian to our gentle fellow,  so once again he is alone. But he seems to be happy and healthy.