As our time is drawing to an end here in Ontario, I am torn but excited at the same time. British Columbia has been my home for so many years and I have been away for almost 3 years now. Though I was born here in Ontario, it’s never been home. It’s so difficult to explain to people, but there is a burning inside of me to get back to my home. There are some very beautiful areas in Ontario, places such as Belleville, or Cottage country, Northern Ontario is breathtaking. I, however, live in the Niagara Region currently and there is truly so little to offer.
Ontario – Niagara Region
During my stay here in the Niagara Region, I have been introduced to many different people, some very interesting and some not so much so. A perfect example was just the other night at Starbucks. Three young ladies likely in their late teens, talking rather loudly about how they hate immigrants. I thought this kind of funny since they were not Native Americans, so their families were immigrants somewhere down the line. They looked over and saw my wife sitting there, and Michelle is from the Philippines. One would think they would maybe cool it, but no a simple “awkward” and they continued their discussion. As far as I am concerned this is not the Canada I grew up in. It sickens me to hear things like this being said by the next generation. I can somehow understand my parents thinking like that though I would never agree with it.
This is certainly not the first time I have heard such comments. I have even heard things like that from some of my family. One reason that makes us want to move from the area. There is nothing here that we can relate to, we are explorers, travellers. Our enjoyment certainly not sitting in the backyard weekend after weekend seeing how many beers we can down. This seems to be the extent of many in the Niagara Region.
Time to move on from Ontario
Now that we are in the early stages of the summer, and we have been able to work the kinks out of our Motorhome it seems like a perfect time to move on. Since Michelle is new to Canada, it seems like a perfect idea to do a drive across the country so she can get an idea that there are wonderful places in this country. There are many places that immigrants can be at home, respected and treated as equals. I have learned over the years that people become “institutionalised” where they are too afraid to learn and grow. Once this happens they become closed to anything new or different and then all that is left is judgement.
Our plan is to depart late afternoon on the 2nd of July, and we are going to do our best to travel no less than 500 km a day so we can arrive in the lower mainland of British Columbia 10 days later. I have made this trip on a number of occasions, and I have to say there is something so special watching the amazement on someone’s face during their first cross country journey. I know Michelle took joy when we were travelling the Philippines watching me as we travelled all over Negros Occidental, now it’s my turn to watch her.
Shooting Pictures for Canada 150
I am most excited about 10 days free to shoot images as we cross the country. I am hoping to find the time to shoot celestial images as we cross through the Prairies. There should be some fantastic opportunities for night shoots, and if we are really lucky there will be some fantastic opportunities for weather pictures. I am looking forward as well shooting in the mountains if possible. There is a special spot in my heart for sunrise/sunset and water. I am wanting to shoot long exposure if possible. I am also doing a review of a set of presets and brushes for Lightroom so be sure to keep an eye for that review!
Since this is Canada 150, and we have the opportunity to travel across Canada, explore like we love to do. Memories last forever, those are the only things we can keep with us forever. Houses, cars, pools they are material, but memories are forever! I am so looking forward to shooting images as we go. On “Instagram” I use a tag called #seenthroughyourbedroomwindow, I am hoping to be able to add many shots under this heading. I love the fact that every day we will have another amazing view to take in. My sister Deb is coming along with us, and I am very excited about her joining us. She will be piloting “Little BlueJay” as we make our way across the country.
It All Started in Ontario
As a child, I played competitive hockey here in Ontario, first with the Penetang Jr Kings and then with the Belleville Bulls of the OHL and the Trenton Bobcats their farm team. I spent most of my teens living with a billet in a different town and travelling by bus to games. Most of the time I was on the road and I loved that feeling of being on the move. Later with the Navy, and then of course when I retired I lived abroad. Michelle keeps asking if I am excited about the trip, and so far I have been pretty calm but I know once I am on the road all of the stress from getting the trip organised will drain away and this will be another trip of the lifetime!
Be sure to follow along with us, enjoy our stories and hopefully many many pictures. Are you on an adventure want to share? Let me know we would love to hear about your adventures as well!!