Thoughts on Days Off

As a supply ECA (Early Childhood Assistant), I get many days off during the week. And although I wish I had more work then I'm getting, I quite enjoy the time off as well. Days off work during the week are especially pleasant because there is something to be said about those mornings. Maybe its the fact that you can finally savour those smells coming from the bakery down the street, or the morning frost (or dew), or maybe it has something to do with spending the day off while others are at work; finally getting to spend that quality time among your thoughts (hopefully the pleasant positive ones) without interruptions, be it the kids, the man or that annoying friend who you love but can't stand all at the same time.

I feel like I appreciate those days off even more than my weekends because they almost feel like bonus days. You know, days where you don't have to think about mindless or mindful work. Days where you have an hour to cook a descent breakfast or brunch (depending what time you chose to wake up). Days where you can walk out your front door and feel like nothing will affect you negatively because its a bonus day and nothing has to be planned or worried about. 
I think bonus days are important, especially in the Western lifestyles, where we get wallowed into this plague of debts; whatever they may be. I say this because these debts consume our lives. We feel morally obligated to pay the off. And if its not moral obligation, its personal consciousness of being debt free. 

The point I am trying to make is getting consumed in such day to day problems, makes us forget to appreciate and moreover enjoy the beautiful, calming things in life; family, friends, nature and our communities. However, bonus days give us time to reunite with those feelings and moments of bliss. 

Today, was a bonus day for me. Not only did I get the day off and the weather was great, but it also happens to be my name day Mihaela (St.Michael and Gabriel Day). I woke up early, as I am used to doing for work. I spent my morning organizing things I always wanted to, but never got around to doing. Now, although these things seem to be important, really have no importance in the grand scale of things and I'm sure it doesn't take me writing it for you to agree.

The best part of my day was spending the noon hours in Westdale, eating a Vegetarian Panini and a Pumpkin Latte from a local cafe (My Dog Joe) all the while walking with my puppy Mina through the Ravine Road Trail and its various side trails and visiting my grandmother. 

For me, food is an important part of life. I live to eat, not eat to live. I think food is creative and inspiring. Each meal, each food or beverage tells a story through its taste, smell, appearance, sound, texture and most of all with who and how you eat it. That is why on my bonus days, if I am not taking the time to create, I'm definitely out enjoying food!

They say that those people who own a pet live a less stressful life. I don't know if that also leads to a longer life. What I do know is I get a sense of complete happiness when I see Mina having the time of her life exploring and discovering the world. Even when I come home from work she makes me feel like I'm the most important person in the world and that my presence is not only noticed but favoured. It just doesn't matter how my day went, you'll be sure that when I get home, she's there to put a smile on my face or make my day even brighter. So, what better way than to appreciate her then by taking her out?

There's a warm fuzzy feeling inside of me when I think of grandparents. It's probably because when I visit my grandmother, she always has some warm food ready for me in case I'm hungry. And when I walk through her door, I can just see how happy she is to see me, which in turn makes me smile even more because let's face it, everyone loves to love and be loved. If you're lucky and have the patience, the best part about grandparents is the great stories they tell; whether they are fiction or true events that they lived. Needless to say, my bonus day wouldn't have felt complete without visiting her. 



So maybe it was an epiphany that got me to ramble on about days off or maybe its something greater (a change urn for in our Western society) or maybe it's a little bit of both.  Whatever, it may be I thought I'd share what it is I enjoy doing on my days off with the aspiration that it will inspire someone to not just have a day off but to have a bonus day instead.


Signing Off,

Anca Mihaela

Fall Is Almost Over...I Miss It Already

Waterfalls In Pictures

This past Thursday, I had the day off work and decided I wanted to go for a hike and find waterfalls I had yet to visit. It was a gloomy day, but considering all the constant rain we had received recently (causing one to succumb to indoor activities for so long), I would take just about anything to do something outside of the house. The best part of this scenario is that the rain actually made for better waterfalls and so it was a great time to venture.  
Every time I set out, I can't help but be in awe of the numerous waterfalls I have access to only a few minutes away. At the risk of sounding cliche, Hamilton or (GHA) is a beautiful city and I truly believe this.  
Although the weather was gloomy the waterfall didnt fail to impress. I found Borer's Falls and Great Falls, both located just a ways off of Hwy 5, Waterdown area. 

Borer's Falls

Borer's from the Trail

Although the falls were spectacular, I wouldn't suggest visiting these falls for the first time with children or those afraid of heights. I say this only because the 300m trail leading to the falls is a little dangerous, as its close to a busy road and a few scary bits were if you slip you might fall.  However, I find that the trail can be avoided if you know exactly where Borer's Falls is so that you can park on the side of the road rather than in the designated parking lot. Without further adue Borer's Falls in pictures after Hurricane Sandy 

 

River flowing from Borer's Falls

 

Great Falls

I found that Great Falls has a fairy easy access if you are coming by car. There is a parking lot on the side of Mill St. Rd (Waterdown Rd. turns into Mill St. when traveling towards the escarpment from the Hwy. 403) 
If you're up for a nice hike with a friend or your pet, visiting Great Falls is a really good option. From the parking lot, the falls are very close (hence the easy access). There is a trail that starts there as well, which is fairly maintained. I would say its a beginner to medium level hike. Nothing too complex, but there is some uneven terrain. 

Great Falls in November!

 












Until next time; Happy Waterfalling! 

A.Mihaela

Waterfall Days: Tiffany Falls

Another great waterfall found sitting on the Bruce Trail,  nestled in the Niagara Escarpment found in Hamilton. Tiffany Falls is named after Dr. Oliver Tiffany; a doctor that served in the district surrounding the falls for forty years. Apparently, he was a loved man by the community. It is said that over 600 people attended his funeral.

A dry river due to Tiffany Fall's lack of water flow.

 

These pictures were taken on a very humid and hot day. Hamilton had not received rain for quite some time and the lack of water is clearly evident here. (It seems like a perfect time to post this because the waterfall should be over flowing with water after the week we just had, which will make for a great surprise.) When I visited there was a lady with her two dogs coming as I was leaving. She told me that she brings her dogs to Tiffany Falls for a little swim to cool off during the summer months. I am sure her furry friends weren't too impressed to see what they had found that day.

Clearly marked and well maintained trail to Tiffany Falls.

 Tiffany Falls is located off of Main St. West Hamilton (which turns into Wilson St.) half way up the access way to Ancaster. There is a small parking lot off on the right side of road (if you are ascending the escarpment) where you can park and walk on the Bruce Side trail the rest of the way. Everything is clearly marked and it is not a hard trail or a very long one.  
Happy Waterfalling! 
 

Hamilton's Green Space: Hamilton Beach Trail

A cute couple enjoying the scenery of Lake Ontario, just off the Hamilton Beach Trail

Hamilton has a beach. Yes, it's true! It is not the Bayfront Park Beach spot but we do have one and back in the day they even had an air ride that circled around a nearby public outdoor pool. Today we have a new outdoor pool that can be found at the Lakeland Centre and a whole lot more!

Mate*(tea) time on a rock

In 2003, Hamilton
Waterfront Trust and City of Hamilton completed the Hamilton Beach Trail that spans 8.5km. It is the perfect trail for roller bladers/skaters or bikers are the trail is neatly paved and smooth. For me, I'll just enjoy the scenery by foot, and enjoy my Mate (tea) on a rock overlooking Ontario Lake, thank-you very much.  

Along the strip there are also plenty of places to tan or jump in the water if you do dare. Yes, our beach is sandy, like with  real sand. To be truthful some places are a little rocky, but it shouldn't deter you as you can find a better spot. The Hamilton Beach Trail also connects with many different trails in Hamilton and in Burlington and has easy access from highways, Beach Blvd., Van Wagners Beach Rd.,  and by bus (HSR Route 56 or Burlington 1). 

Barangas

The trail also goes in the Confederation Park, passes Barangas Restaurant/Night Club, Hutch's, and the new Lakeland Community Centre (outdoor pool, basketball courts & more) among many others. 

Just like many of the other places in Hamilton I've blogged about, there is nature to be seen and appreciated on the trail as well. It is home to animals and plants that are endangered or very rare to find, making its ecosystem very important. I managed to take pictures of some birds, but only one photo was worth sharing here.

Just some of the Beach Trail art

Lake Ontario

With all this warm weather we've been having, this is definitely a trip you would be glad you made. Either for the exercise, the scenery, or an excuse to spend more time with the family, the Hamilton Beach Trail is perfect! 

Hamilton Beach Trail

See how clear the water is, awesome!

Happy Venturing in Hamilton! 

A.Mihaela

My Mini Garden Update (Last Week of June)

Oregano

 

Cherry Tomato

Thyme

 

First Tomatoes of the season!!

Red Peppers

Could it be squash?

I thought I would give a little bit of an update on how my garden has been getting on. It is such a personal accomplishment to see my little plants growing, blooming and flowering. My cayenne peppers have flowered and have some peppers already showing. Its quite fantastic. My cherry tomato plant has had its first cherry tomatoes ripen. (I didn't get to try them because they were picked by a trespasser). :(

Also, in two pots, I planted some squash (or eggplant, I dont remember) and green peppers. I have seen something growing in the pot but I do not know what it is. My confusion comes from the fact that the soil was not 100% cleaned of other seeds. Meaning I used dirt that was in my backyard from previous seasons. I hope that it is what I planted and not just an outdoor weed that grew there. If anyone can identify the leaves, I would appreciate it.

Red Peppers

Anyways, enough baba-ling.
Here's My Mini Garden Update in pictures.

Cayenne Peppers

Happy Gardening!

A.Miahela

Hamilton's Green Space: Main Loop Trail (Dundas Valley Conservation)

 Yet another place in Hamilton that I had never visited before I started my blog. This makes me realize that even though I claim to be an advocate of Hamilton's treasures and beauty, there is still so much that I haven't experienced myself but preach about. If I have no audience, I am constantly opening my own mind to Hamilton and its boundaries. 

Dundas Valley Conservation Park's Main Loop Trail is a 3.4km terrain through forest and orchard, crossing through rivers, creeks and connecting through other main trails, like the Bruce Trail, and the Hamilton/Brantford Railroad Trail among others. Now, if you are thinking 3.4km is a long walk, don't be discouraged! I am not the fastest walker (maybe the slowest, now that I think about it due to my short-ness) and I walked, on average 800m/ 20mins. That means 1 hour and a half of walking through the forest in the cool breeze, not under the direct heat of the sun, but among plenty of creeks to splash my feet in for refreshment. 

Here's a map that you will find at every check point along the path:  
This trail is shared by walkers/hikers, bikers, and horseback riders aside from the wildlife that you might be lucky to encounter. This means, you will have to be careful not to step in horse doo-doo when admiring the trail.
Having said this, the Hamilton Conservation Authority does a very good job of maintaining the trail because considering the size of Dundas Valley Conservation, there was no garbage through around and saw horse droppings in very few spots. The trail itself is also very well maintained as you do not have to be a professional hiker, biker or equestrian to use it. There also can be found a variety of benches spread accross the trail where you can take a break if you need. This is the spot where I spent my lunch:


I accessed the Dundas Valley Main Loop Trail from the Bruce Trail via the Heritage Trail, however it is also easily accessed by car and by other trails and/or side trails. I would suggest planning your visit to the Main Trial Loop as a full day trip if you do not have easy access to a personal vehicle. I know that my next visit to the trail will be by bike from the Hamilton/Brantford Trail from Dundurn St. South. Personally, I am curious about the connections of the trails and how it is possible to bike in Hamilton without being right on the road with cars all the time, not to mention the exercise. For more information about the Dundas Valley Conversation Park, Main Trail Loop and how you can access it feel free to drop me a line otherwise please refer to the Hamilton Conservation Authority website.

The history of Dundas Valley is also something you can learn about when visiting the Main Trail Loop. The different owners of the land and how they used it. The Hermitage is among its history with two locations to encounter on the trail. Here is just a glimpse of some of the ruins that you will see:

The Dundas Valley is also a recognized environmentally significant area as it is home to many endangered species or species that cannot be found anywhere else but here. Which makes for a even bigger treat when you encounter some of these animals and plants.

Here are some more pictures of the trail passing through the Orchard, other trails, interesting flowers, and in short the 'paysage' of my walk this past week. I clearly was lucky to get such a gorgeous day on which to enjoy the whereabouts for the first time.

I hope that you will find the trail just as amusing as I did. Also, if you are the type of person that truly loves spending time in the outdoor, consider the HCA Annual Rewards Card to enjoy more benefits when visiting Hamilton's Green Space. The Hamilton Conservation Authority does the best job they can do to keep all of its green space maintained and membership is a big contributor. I, myself am a general member on this site (no fee) but will soon buy my HCA Rewards Cards to have easier access to all the parks and events that the HCA host year-round.

Happy Adventuring!

Signing Off, 

A.Mihaela