Deep in the Snow

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I have always believed that to enjoy winter, one must get outside and get involve in some of the outdoor activities and sports Canada has to offer.  This is easier said then done for many, and specially for a “made in Colombia” canadian such as myself.  Nonetheless, I have been trying to stay true to my believes and have been out skiing a couple of times, have wonder around town (camera in hand) during the few snowstorms we’ve had, and most recently, headed up north to the Algonquin Highlands in Ontario  for my first ever snowshoe trip along with my girlfriend Kako and my good friends Amy and Juan.

WOW!   What a amazing weekend I had.  The scenery around Haliburton is just mind blowing.  The snow-drenched trees, the hilly roads surrounded by snow and frozen lakes (lots of them), and the random deer sighting, made this the perfect backdrop for my snowshoeing initiation.

On the first day we headed to the southern tip of Algonquin Park to checkout the High Falls.  Ploughing through the heavy snow, we made it up the narrow tree-wrapped path and after passing several frozen ponds we reached the falls… Such a magical place, and such a great feeling to be out in the snow, surrounded by trees and seeing the water rushing down the mountain and overpowering the ice and snow covering it.  We could not help it and took out a flask with warm tasty whiskey to celebrate this wonderful moment.

On the second day, our snowshoes took us over to the historic Log Chute and the Hawk Lake.  The log chute  is the only one that remains standing in Ontario, and lies at the bottom of the Crests of the Kennisis trail.  Hiking up this trail was a tough workout and it is not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely worth every bit of effort!  Walking through the forest felt like getting lost in a scene of Alice in Wonderland.   We were fortunate to have very deep and powdery snow and lots of sun piercing through the trees, which made it easier to bear the very cold -20 degrees nature surprised us with.  The top price for this hike…the beautiful views of the Kennisis River, which cuts through the forest on a perfect zig zag!

As I said before, the best way to enjoy the winter is to get out there and enjoy the picturesque canadian outdoors.  I am totally sold on this idea and very thankful for getting the opportunity to visit such an amazing place as the Algonquin Highlands.  Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoy taking them.

B&B Heaven in Haliburton

Hidden in the woods around Wiskwabi Lake, in Haliburton Ontario

Shabu Shabu dinner offered by the wonderful hosts at Akané B&B.

Views during a morning walk around Akané B&B

This is the morning view of the woods that surround the beautiful Akané B&B.

 

I recently came back from a weekend get-away in Haliburton, Ontario, and  my very first Bed & Breakfast experience courtesy of Akané B&B.  Oooh my…how fortunate I was, having found this wonderful and homey wood cabin in the middle of the Algonquin Highlands!  From the moment I pulled into Akané, I knew I was in for a treat.  The dream-like winter scenery of its surroundings, the comfort of its wooden architecture, the exquisite food (Shabu Shabu dinner, oven-baked eggs and waffles for breakfast), and the unsurpassed hospitality of the wonderful hosts Mieko and Gary, made my long weekend vacation perfect.

To all the B&B lovers out there, it would be wise to add Akané B&B to your list (www.bbloghome.com).  You will not be disappointed.  As for me, I’m already looking forward to visiting them in the summer!

Translation: Acabo de regresar de Haliburton, Ontario, y de mi primera experiencia en un Bed & Breakfast cortesía de Akané B&B.  Wow…que afortunado fuí al haber encontrado está maravillosa y acogedora cabaña en medio de la región de Algonquin Highlands.  Desde el momento en que estacioné sabía que lo que se venía era de lujo.  Los paisajes invernales de ensueño, la comodidad de su arquitectura, la comida exquicita (cena Shabu Shabu, huevos al horno y waffles al desayuno), y la insuperable hospitalidad de sus anfitriones Mieko and Gary, le dieron el toque de perfección a mi fin de semana largo.

Para todos los amantes de los Bed and Breakfast, sería muy sabio agregar a Akané B&B a su lista (www.bbloghome.com).  Les aseguro que no se arrepentirán.  Por mi parte, no veo la hora de regresar en el verano.