Throwback: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley — wow, there’s nothing quite like it, Imagine yourself way up high, overlooking the colourful mountains in breath-taking west Virginia. Drenched in southern charm, Shenandoah Valley is a great place for hikers, bikers, adventurists, and lovers of life alike!

Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. It stretches approximately 300 kilometres from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke, Virginia.

Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Mountain

The spectacular views — the sun falls over the incredible mountains at the Shenandoah National Park. Like most national parks (in Canada, as well), you will have to pay an entry fee to gain access to the park. It is also important to come prepared — the land is vast and seemingly wild to the unfamiliar

Shenandoah Mountain
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park

Winterdance Dog Sled Tours in Haliburton

What a way to ring in my 30th birthday – an incredible experience at Winterdance Dog Sled Tours in Haliburton.

We took the 2.5 hour drive on one of the coldest days of the winter, approximately -25C up north. Brrr! To stay warm, I wrapped up in many, many layers of course! But unfortunately, the cold still got to my toes after the 2-hour experience.

As mentioned, the tour at Winterdance lasted just over 2 hours, and included a training session, a meet-and-greet with your dogs, and full speed ahead for the sledding! The great aspect about this tour group is they take the time to train you. They allow you a lot of beginner freedom.

We had five dogs on our sled, and the trails were a lot more challenging than I expected. As you know, I went dog sledding in the Yukon (read HERE) which was on much more flat grounds.

BONUS! To my surprise, Winterdance Dog Sled Tours even bought a cake for me and the other participant celebrating a birthday — what a lovely surprise! Making my 30th birthday experience even more memorable.

Winterdance Dog Sled Tours Winterdance Dog Sled Tours Winterdance Dog Sled Tours Winterdance Dog Sled Tours

Yahooooooo!!

Rouge National Urban Park

What a view: autumn at Rouge National Urban Park.

Enjoy!

Rouge National Urban Park

Rouge National Urban Park

Pumpkins at Pingles Farm Market

As part of my yearly tradition, I once again visited Pingles Farm Market in Hampton, Ontario (just outside of Oshawa) for my annual Pumpkins at Pingles Farm Market photo opt.

Despite a strict no-dog policy, the farm allowed me to bring Táta after hours for some golden hour snaps! They turned out great — always such a picturesque backdrop.

This has been one of my favourite places every year to enjoy autumn. Not only can you pick up your perfect pumpkin, but they offer fresh fruits, backed good, wagon rides and a corn maze.

This year, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Táta for these annual photos. Also, congratulations to Pingles Farm Maket on celebrating 30 successful years in our community!

If you’re curious to see my previous Pingles Farm Market entries, you can find them here:  201620152014.

Pingles Farm Market Pingles Farm Market Pumpkins at Pingles Farm Market Pumpkins at Pingles Farm Market

October at Stroud’s Farm

We welcomed October at Stroud’s Farm this weekend! It’s hard to find a dog-friendly farm, but Cindy at Stroud’s Farms allowed us to take some pictures with Táta — so thank you for that!

Stroud’s Farm is a great place for Whitby and Ajax residents especially to snatch up their pumpkins. The farm’s storefront can be found at just west of Lakeridge Road on the south side of Kingston Road. They have a beautiful selection of soon-to-be jack-o-lanterns on display at the front of store — perfect for a fall photo! They also offer a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, other foods and flowers.

Many thanks to Stroud’s Farm for helping us welcome this wonderful month of colour! It’s my favourite time of year!

Stroud's Farm
Stroud's Farm
Stroud's Farm