My Happy Place -WP Photo Challenge

Last week the theme for WP was “Happy Place“. I had an idea right away, but due to travelling home for a few days I hadn’t the chance to post until now. Even though a new theme has been posted I couldn’t let My Happy Place go.

The question was where do you go to unwind, escape and get away from it all? I couldn’t pick just one so I have included a few of my happy places below.

1. The sky…

In Shanghai we didn’t get clear blue skies often, but when we did I would stare at the clouds and blue sky. Evenings I loved to take in the colourful sunsets with the Shanghai skyline silhouetted.  Back home I enjoy the clear skies, fluffy clouds and colourful sunsets too. Even though they are a regular occurrence I never tire of them.The other night a colourful and unusual cloud pattern danced across the sky. I couldn’t resist.

Patterns and sunsets in the sky

2. The beach…

The warm sun and sand beneath my feet with the soft surf relaxing every cell in my body…ahhhh. Need I say more? As a child we went to the Atlantic Ocean and walking on the sand looking for shells or throwing stones into the surf was fun. As an adult I have been lucky enough to visit beaches all over the world. The best was the little cabins we stayed in the Philippines where the sound of the waves lulled me to sleep. The powdery beaches in Cuba are phenomenal as well. Whenever stressed I enjoy looking at a beach pic on my computer desk top.

The waves, soft sands and warm sun

3. The mountains…

Since I have been out in Calgary the mountains are a short drive away. The fresh air and smell of pine is so relaxing. The view of the snow capped mountains from the city are spectacular, but up close even better. The surreal blue of Lake Louise is something to see.

The mountains, blue lakes and smell of pine.

4. Books…

Escape with a good book

The absolute best is a book. After a long day it is nice to curl up with a book to help you de-stress and fall asleep. A good book is great to lose yourself in and shut off the busy day.

 

What is your happy place?

 

Travel Theme: Magnificent Mountains

In Canada we have many types of mountains… Growing up the Niagara Escarpment was ‘the mountain’ to me. It was steep and big especailly when you were little. People in my small town referred to it as the ‘mountain’. You either lived on the mountain, in town, or by the lake.Comparitively it is an anthill when you look at Canada’s other mountain ranges.

           Part of the Niagara Escarpment.                Photo Credit: Flickr.com

Each summer we went out East to visit family and drove along the Cabot Trail, part of the Appalachian Mountains. They were much bigger than our mountain. The twists and turns along a steep windy road was scary due to the stories from family and many a close call of accidents and near misses. The endless view from the rolling hills of the ocean where it meets the blue sky is worth the trip.

The Winding Roads along the steep cliffs of “Smokey”.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com

We are also home to the Rocky Mountains to our West. My first trip West was in 2004. The mountains and fresh pine air was amazing. Banff and Lake Louise, divine. I returned in 2007 and we did a small road trip through the Rockies along the Alberta and British Columbia border. It was late April and into early May. To my surprise I awoke to a fluffy snowfall and was amazed to see snow when at home it was 15 degrees warmer. In the foothills it was warmer and as we drove higher we had snow, lower rain. On the East of the Rockies we had snow and rain, but when we crossed over onto the West side we had clear skies and sunshine. Due to their size the Rockies affect the weather 🙂

Castle Mountain part of the Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rockies

Thanks to Ailsa at Where’s My Backpack for this week’s theme.

Stay tuned….