Celebrating Earth Day Year Round – How You Can Make A Difference

This sponsored post originally appeared on the Harmony Village blog. Check it out for more information on the new development on Lake Simcoe in Barrie, Ontario. 


I love nothing more than enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s through taking a hike, canoeing or just walking in my local park. But I’ve seen it many times before: the empty paper coffee cup or plastic lid on the side of the hiking trail, the paper bag and packaging from the fast food meal somebody decided to take during a walk at their local park, or even worse, the plastic bags that end up in rivers and creeks.

We don’t like seeing garbage on our properties, and it’s just as unacceptable to see it littering parks, conservation areas and provincial or national parks.

With Earth Day fast approaching, on Monday, April 22 we should all be aware of how we can do our part through small actions that cause big change:

• Always take out what you take in: pack a garbage bag with whatever food and beverages you bring with you when hiking the trails or camping. It will make it easier for you to carry out the garbage you create.
• Pack a garbage bag and rubber gloves in your knapsack for those occasions when you do spot garbage on a trail. It takes a few seconds to pick it up and you feel good for keeping natural settings beautiful. 
• Bring food and drink in reusable containers that you are naturally inclined to take home with you. It’s very rare that we see Tupperware thrown on the ground at our local parks and hiking trails. 
• Take your kids and grandkids into natural areas and parks and teach them how littering can make things look ugly. Involving them in the picking up and disposing of garbage instills a positive attitude about being responsible for the keeping the world around us clean. The more you expose them to this at a young age, the better the chances they don’t litter as they get older. 
• If you see somebody littering, pick up the item and say “I think you dropped this.” They may have deliberately have thrown it away, but pointing out that you’ve seen them litter can subtly shame them into taking it to the closest garbage can or recycling bin.

Always keep in mind that actions speak louder than words. When others see you being responsible and concerned about keeping natural areas clean, they will most likely do the same.

Spring cleaning the blog

We've been taking a little break from regular blogging to do a bit of spring cleaning and preparing to move this blog from Blogger to Wordpress. We apologize for the lack of inspiring photos and ideas for day trips or hikes. We promise to get back to blogging soon! 

 

Crawford Lake Conservation Area near Milton, Ontario in Early Spring

Crawford Lake shrouded in mist in early spring 2011

I was going through some of my old photos from a few years ago and came across these one that I took at our favourite hiking spot, Crawford Lake Conservation Area, near Milton, Ontario. They were taken in early April 2011, on a foggy day.

There were only a few people hiking the trails or walking with their dogs. With no breeze, the atmosphere was serene. Parts of the lake still had ice, and in other areas, we could see the melt happening right before our eyes.

Even in early spring, Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a beautiful place to hike. The many gravel trails mean you aren't stepping deep into mud and the boardwalk around the lake makes it even better.

I hope my photos inspire you for a spring visit!

Our Very First Dishcrawl Experience - Locke Street, Hamilton, Ontario

Four great Locke Street restaurants in one night, for $60 plus taxes per person. You can't get that with Winterlicious or Summerlicious in Toronto, or other restaurant prix fixe campaigns that have become increasingly popular in various towns and cities.

We recently wrote about Dishcrawl, which hosted its premiere event in Hamilton this past Tuesday, March 19th on Locke Street.

Frank and I didn't know what to expect, but we had the sense that we'd be going on a culinary adventure.

David Hanley, the Dishcrawl Hamilton ambassador, reached out to me to invite us to participate as media. We jumped on the opportunity and loved every moment of it.

The meeting spot was Courtyard on Locke, with the location being revealed just the day before. In the span of about 15 minutes, the group of participants grew to 44 people. For businesses participating in Dishcrawl, it's a great way to get exposure to people who are truly interested in checking out new dining venues.

Here's what we experienced and thoughts on each:

Fine Dining Etiquette - Infographic

When I was in Grade Seven, during a class trip to Quebec City, we learned the proper etiquette for using cutlery and glassware during a fine dining situation.

Some of what was taught was what I had learned at home from my parents and grandparents. They taught me the European way of holding a fork in my left hand and my knife in my right. Most of my fellow students used their right hand for the fork and really didn't know into which hand the knife went. Yet, there were many other things that I didn't know - all the extra knives and forks that were placed before me were a mystery. Which one to pick up for the salad? Which one to use for the entree?

We did learn all the basics, but it's been a long time since Grade Seven. I found this infographic on Daily Infographic and couldn't resist re-posting it here. It's one of the most comprehensive and best-displayed examples of what the etiquette is for fine dining (aka, eating at restaurants that don't have a uniformed teenager serving you over-salted fries). Many of these tips can be applied to dining at your chain family restaurant and will distinguish you from a uneducated slob to somebody who takes care with their meal.

Now get out there and do some fine dining!

Click on the image to see a larger version

Things to do in Burlington, Ontario

The evening view from Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, Ontario

Since April 2012, I've been a resident of Burlington, Ontario. However, my many first-time experiences in this beautiful city go back to early 2010. My husband Frank, a long-time Burlingtonian, was proud to show me the sights and activities the city has to offer.

About two years ago I posted things to do in my hometown of Mississauga, Ontario. This time around, I'm sharing with you, in no particular order, things to do in Burlington:

The Proper Women's Hiking Boots For Hitting The Trails

My hiking boots - it's been a while since this photo was taken. Time to go shopping!

I've seen this situation many times over and cringe every time I do. A young woman, stylishly dressed in the season's latest jeans, shorts, top etc. Instead of ankle-supporting hiking boots or at least hiking shoes with treads, on her feet are flimsy flip flops.

It's a hiking disaster waiting to happen, particularly when the trail is muddy, rocky or full of roots and other obstacles.

Proper footwear on hiking trails - no matter how easy or difficult they are - is a must-have in my opinion.

Walking in flip flops for any extended period of time has been deemed to be unhealthy, altering the way you walk and damaging your feet, knees, hips and back. If you don't believe me, read this article by Dr. John Whyte.

This is why I reserve flip flop wearing to only the beach.

Dishcrawl comes to Hamilton, Ontario's Locke Street

Glasses and plates set on a table in the window of a restaurant on Locke Street in Hamilton, Ontario.  Photo by Frank Bourne (www.outdooradventurers.ca)

Imagine trying out several restaurants in a neighbourhood in a span of a few hours. You come out of the experience knowing that you may want to go back to all of them at some point, or perhaps only one or two.

The experience is Dishcrawl, a program that has become popular in cities across the US and Canada. Now, it's coming to Hamilton, Ontario's Locke Street, a neighbourhood we've explored in the past.

The premiere Dishcrawl in Hamilton is happening on Tuesday, March 19th at 7 p.m. For $60 you will have a chance to taste and enjoy food from four Locke Street restaurants. Ticket holders will be updated 48 hours before the event start time as to where they will meet.

Dishcrawl founder, Tracy Lee, is excited to bring the program to Hamilton.

"Dishcrawl has been extremely well received in Canada and Hamilton has an incredible restaurant scene that really deserves to be showcased," says Lee. "We are so grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the restaurant and foodie community in Hamilton and looking forward to even bigger Dishcrawl events!"

While most of the restaurants for this Dishcrawl are secret, I suspect that Courtyard on Locke is one of the participating venues, based on tweets.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.dishcrawl.com/hamilton

Related articles

• Dishcrawl: "A Pub Crawl, But With Food"

Top five camping sites near Toronto

Campfire photo by Frank Bourne of Outdooradventurers.ca

Getting a dose of nature away from Toronto, Ontario does not require hours on the road. At most two to two-and-a-half hours are needed to get to fantastic campgrounds.

We've either camped or hiked in many provincial parks or conservation areas in Southern Ontario with campgrounds over the years and love that they aren't too far from home.

In 2011, I wrote on the top five beaches in Ontario... the interest in this list has been phenomenal. However, there are also been searches for the best campgrounds and campsites in Ontario. 
 
To make it easier to decide where you want to camp this year, we've pulled together a list of what we consider the best campgrounds that are about two hours from Toronto, along with distances so you can plan according to your preferences.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

40 minutes from downtown Toronto

Nestled in between Oakville and Burlington, Ontario Bronte Provincial Park is a short trip westwards on the Gardiner Expressway and QEW. It offers many hiking trails, a small animal farm (including some beautiful peacocks) and campsites. Camping here is almost like glamping - if you need to get to a grocery store, you've got one just south on Burloak Drive (Longos). While you may get a few racoons and coyotes sniffing around for food, the good news is you most likely won't encounter a bear. This is one of the few campgrounds in Ontario that is so close to major urban centres.

Tip: This is a great place to camp for the first time with little kids who may be unaccustomed to being outdoors overnight. It's close enough that you can pack up and head home if the need arises. As well, it's close to major hospitals and walk-in centres in case of a health emergency. 

Spring Festivals and Events in Central and Southern Ontario

Spring is just around the corner. March and early April are a transition period in Central and Southern Ontario, where there are fewer snow storms, geese and other birds begin reappearing and in some cases, colourful crocuses break up the drably coloured ground. 

This time period is one where you plan out your backyard or balcony garden, take a March break with kids or grandkids, and get more active.

Here are a few festivals and events in Central Ontario and Greater Toronto area that usher in the spirit of spring for you to enjoy: