We are going on a treasure hunt: geocaching and hiking at Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point

November 30, 2016February 13, 2018 / Oleksandra Budna / 10 Comments

People sometimes ask me how we choose locations for our microadventures. Well, there are a number of considerations: closeness to Toronto, whether we’ve been to the place before (although we do like to go back to the same places, especially in different seasons), the number and length of hiking trails, etc. The decisive factor, however, … Continue reading We are going on a treasure hunt: geocaching and hiking at Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point

Hiking at Mount Nemo and Our First Snow of the Winter

December 24, 2015August 12, 2016 / Oleksandra Budna / 8 Comments

Officially, it’s winter here in Canada. Although you wouldn’t say it as we’ve been wearing light spring jackets and running shoes for the past three days and the temperature is expected to rise to 15ºC on Christmas Eve. Sometimes, I feel like we overslept and woke up on the first day of spring. On Saturday, … Continue reading Hiking at Mount Nemo and Our First Snow of the Winter

Permanence of Change: Hiking at Boyne Valley

November 14, 2021 / Oleksandra Budna / 1 Comment

Today I realized it’s been almost two months since I posted anything on the blog. And sure, I could blame it on colder weather and fewer camping trips. But that, of course, is not the main reason. Connecting with nature, after all, doesn’t require days of paddling or backpacking. Nature can be experienced anywhere: during … Continue reading Permanence of Change: Hiking at Boyne Valley

Change on the trails of Kelso

November 14, 2017November 22, 2017 / Oleksandra Budna / Leave a comment

What is the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to fall? I usually think about change. Not only the obvious fall colours but also the way nature slows down and the hush that coats the earth as it prepares for winter slumber.

Geocaching at Crawford Lake = perfect birthday celebration

March 18, 2016August 12, 2016 / Oleksandra Budna / 15 Comments

Our younger son turned 12 about two weeks ago. Usually, his birthdays are elaborate affairs that he plans himself. He picks a theme, comes up with activities and then chooses a cause that will get half of his birthday cash. The party usually has something to do with his hobbies. So in the past, we’ve … Continue reading Geocaching at Crawford Lake = perfect birthday celebration

Hiking at Rattlesnake Point: no rattlesnakes but lots of lookout points

November 16, 2015August 12, 2016 / Oleksandra Budna / 24 Comments

At the end of last week, my husband finally emerged from under a pile of tests and report cards. So on Saturday we decided to celebrate by going on a hike at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area.

On change and connection at Point Pelee

December 18, 2019 / Oleksandra Budna / 1 Comment

I’ve been thinking about change lately. And not only because the world is suspended in a grey space between the fall lushness and the white splendour of winter. Or because we are about to put another decade behind us. Our family is going through a change as well. Not a massive seismic shift. More of … Continue reading On change and connection at Point Pelee

All I want for my birthday is a sunrise and a long trail

September 20, 2018 / Oleksandra Budna / 4 Comments

I haven’t posted anything in the past couple of months. Our four-week trip turned into a lengthy vacation from all things Internet, and with planning, preparing, packing and unpacking, there was little time to write and post updates. Now, back home with both my camera memory card and the one inside my head filled to … Continue reading All I want for my birthday is a sunrise and a long trail

Lessons from the Tent: What I Learned During Our Camping Trips

July 17, 2015August 12, 2016 / Oleksandra Budna / 8 Comments

So my birthday is coming up soon, and as always around birthday time, I started thinking about life and stuff. This year, my mind drifted towards camping probably because camping is on my mind most of the time, but also because for me, our trips have long outgrown the definition of a hobby and become … Continue reading Lessons from the Tent: What I Learned During Our Camping Trips

Nature Literacy: Why Children Need to Spend More Time in Nature

February 2, 2015 / Oleksandra Budna / 2 Comments

Last week was a Family Literacy Week in Canada. Lots of resources and tips were shared about reading and language development. Both are essential skills for every kid, without a doubt, but all those posts made me think about the kind of literacy that doesn’t often get much air – nature literacy. Recently, I read … Continue reading Nature Literacy: Why Children Need to Spend More Time in Nature