In the Footsteps of Vikings at L’Anse aux Meadows

An image of the Viking settlement re-created at l'anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada.

Recognized as the first location in North America visited and settled by Vikings from Greenland, l’Anse aux Meadows in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.  New research released in 2021 proves that Vikings were living at l’Anse aux Meadows as far back as 1021, a thousand years ago. Read more

St. John’s, Newfoundland is a Feast for the Eyes

Colourful row of houses in St

an image of a ship docked in St. John's harbour, Newfoundland, Canada

Maritime weather might be foggy and rainy, more likely freezing with severe Nor’westers and dastardly blizzards in winter, but everyone agrees that St. John’s, Newfoundland is a feast for the eyes despite the climactic conditions.  Colourful facades light up any day no matter the time of year. Read more

A Rauparaha’s Copper Butterfly in New Zealand

Rauparaha's Copper butterfly near muriwai regional park, new zealand _3241

An image of a Rauparaha's Copper Butterfly near Muriwai, New Zealand

It was enjoyable making our way through the sand dunes at Muriwai on the North Island of New Zealand.  The observation deck looking over the Gannet colony was our destination, but delights awaited us along the way such as this pretty Rauparaha’s Copper Butterfly. Read more

Among the birds in the Waitakere Hills near Auckland

An image of Lone Kauri Lodge in New Zealand.

After picking up a rental car in Auckland, New Zealand, Bob set about driving us to our first accommodation in Karekare at the edge of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park in the Waitakere Hills.  What a warm welcome we received at Lone Kauri Lodge and what a nice touch to see the Canadian flag flying proudly from their flagpole. Read more

Butterflies And Moths We Sighted In Tuscany

Stone cottage at Il Colombaio di Cencio, Tuscany

The morning following our arrival in Tuscany at first looked like it would be dreary and wet.  A light sprinkle of rain dampened the patio stones as we ate breakfast, but by the time we finished our fruit and cereal, warm September sunshine cast shadows of the tall trees surrounding our farmhouse, so we set off to explore the vineyard.  Butterflies and moths were everywhere in our dooryard, on the wildflowers and clinging to bushes and vines. Read more

Our Time Among The Romantic Loire Valley Castles

An image of Chateau de Chenonceau in Centre Val de Loire in France.

Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley in France

Having left the hustle and bustle of Paris behind, Bob and I next planned to spend a few days in the countryside.  On our list of must-sees were some of the  Loire Valley Castles such as   Château de Chenonceau,   seen above, as well as Monet’s Garden in Giverny and a tour of the Palace of Versailles. Read more

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