A Feast for the Senses at Rialto’s Produce Market, Venice, Italy

image of a fruit and vegetable stall, Rialto Market, Venice, Italy

Knowing that local Venetians fill their baskets daily at Rialto’s produce market on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, Bob and I left the fish market behind in search of the fruit and vegetable stalls.  Bursting with colours and aromas, they were a feast for the senses. Read more

Our Hike Along Mud Creek Trail On Waskesiu Lake

image of mud creek trail, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Mud Creek Trail in Prince Albert National Park in central Saskatchewan, Canada, had piqued our interest when we passed by the trailhead early one morning on Waskesiu Lake.  It showed promise as a good place for a leisurely hike after our planned boat tour of Hanging Heart Lakes.  By the time we got back to the trail, Bob and I were ready for some exercise. Read more

Tickled Pink In Christ Church’s Great Dining Hall

image of Christ Church College great dining hall, Oxford University, Oxford, England

As avid fans of the Harry Potter series of books and Harry Potter movies, Bob, our son and I were dying to visit the locations at Oxford University where some of the movie scenes were set.  We were tickled pink by Christ Church College’s Great Dining Hall. Read more

A Tale of Two Pine Martens

image of a pine marten in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada.

In the winter, it is customary for Bob and me to look for Pine Martens in the woods of Algonquin Park, in Ontario, Canada. Read more

A Thunderstorm En Route to Witsand Nature Reserve Kalahari

image of the roaring sands, Witsand Nature Reserve Kalahari, South Africa

Everything was locked up tight in Upington, South Africa on a Sunday, so Bob thought an excursion would be a good way to spend the day.  Unfortunately, a severe thunderstorm thwarted our plans to visit Witsand Nature Reserve Kalahari, the site of the roaring sands. Read more

Our Bumpy Ride to Monteverde

At the end of a week staying in La Fortuna, in Costa Rica, it was time for Bob and me to move on.  We were looking forward to a guided bird tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve among other things.  It was a bumpy ride to Monteverde, but the scenery enroute was gorgeous! Read more

Our Gondola Ride In The Floating World Of Venice

image of Jean and Bob in a gondola, Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

After Bob and I completed our walking tour of the Rialto Markets, we thought it high time we hire a gondola.  Who could pass on a dreamy gondola ride on Grand Canal?  It was such an iconic thing to do when in Venice, Italy. Read more

Botanical Beach Glory

During our travels to Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, Bob and I decided to visit Botanical Beach along the Pacific Ocean coastline.  It took us about 2 hours to drive there from Victoria. Our visit was carefully planned so we would arrive at low tide.  Low tide provides the best viewing opportunities and ensures your safety. Read more

Green Heron Nabs a Frog

Green heron with a frog

Bob and I have seen Green Herons on many occasions, but the opportunity to observe one actively catching prey and going through prolonged efforts to make that prey suitable for swallowing was something new and fascinating. Read more

Luna Moth Caterpillar On The Move

Luna moth caterpillar in Ontario, Canada.

Jean found this Luna Moth caterpillar mid-August on our cottage deck here in Ontario, Canada. From what we can see, this caterpillar is in its 5th instar, the 5th molt, which is the last instar for this type of moth. Read more