ICEolation - An Antarctic Journey

 " I don't often share video from others. I agree ... but when we do, it has to be exceptional! Afterall, this is where we live. " 

REVIEW - Josefina's Concina Con Alma - An Authentic Mexican Cooking Class

Let me start by saying that I absolutely LOVE Mexican food.  

Not the calorie-laden, cheese heavy, greasy, soggy stuff found in countless Mexican restaurants across Canada and the USA, but "authentic and traditional" Mexican cooking. Subtle flavours made with ground herbs & spices, mixed with the freshest fruits, vegetables, fishes and meats - all combined to create complex layered taste sensations, each mouthful designed to delight the senses. 

UNESCO recognizes the uniqueness of Mexican Cuisine.

Mexican cuisine was listed in 2010 by UNESCO for its "Cultural Intangible Heritage", gaining recognition for traditional dishes that retain the names, ingredients and cooking practices dating back to the pre-Hispanic era and incorporating influences and contributions from other cultures. Like the pyramids, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and other world wonders, Mexican food with its indigenous influences received serious recognition and to date, is the First and Only international cuisine to obtain the status.

Primer Cementerio de Cozumel

HISTORY 

The Maya are believed to have first settled Cozumel by the early part of the 1st millennium AD, and older Preclassic Olmec artifacts have been found on the island as well. The island was sacred to Ix Chel, the Maya Moon Goddess, and the temples here were a place of pilgrimage, especially by women desiring fertility. There are a number of ruins on the island, most from the Post-Classic period. The largest Maya ruins on the island were near the downtown area and have now been destroyed. Today, the largest remaining ruins are at San Gervasio, located approximately at the center of the island. 

The first Spanish expedition to visit Cozumel was led by Juan de Grijalva in 1518. In the following year Hernán Cortés stopped by the island on his way to Veracruz. The Grijalva and Cortés expeditions were both received peacefully by the Maya of Cozumel, unlike the expeditions’ experiences on other parts of the mainland. Even after Cortés destroyed some of the Maya idols on Cozumel and replaced them with an image of the Virgin Mary, the native inhabitants of the island continued to help the Spanish re-supply their ships with food and water so they could continue their voyages. Gerónimo de Aguilar was rescued at this time.

As many as 10,000 Maya lived on the island then, but in 1520, infected crew members of the Pánfilo Narváez expedition brought the smallpox contagion to the island and by 1570 only 186 men and 172 women were left alive on Cozumel. In the ensuing years Cozumel was often the target of attacks by pirates, and in 1650 many of the islanders were forcibly relocated to the mainland town of Xcan Boloná to avoid the buccaneers’ predation. Later, in 1688, most of the rest of the island’s population, as well as many of the settlements along the Quintana Roo coast, were evacuated inland to towns such as Chemax.

In 1848, refugees escaping the tumult of the Caste War of Yucatán settled on the island and in 1849 the town of San Miguel de Cozumel was officially recognized by the Mexican government.

TODAY

WE walked around San Miguel Cemetery, the Primer Cementerio de Cozumel and visited with some of the pioneer souls that first journeyed to this island; and their descendants. This is a very old place. It’s divided into two sections, the smallest of  those is directly back from the main gate and it holds the graves of the first settlers. Many of the tombs and family masoleums are adorned with gifts, photos, flowers, plants and candles. Some hold, plates and cups or glasses; left behind by visitors who shared food or drink with loved ones. On November 2, Dia De Meurtos (Day of the Dead), family and friends gather to clean, paint and decorate the grave-markers of their relatives.

 

Three Weeks on Cozumel Island & the Launch of Dive Group CANUSUKair

It took awhile to get this post completed and published. Slow Mexican internet connections!

We had intended on being away for the whole winter once again, but aging parents and the subsequent family responsibilities that followed, required we re-evaluate those plans. So, instead of a November / December 2015 departure, this years' Sunbird Adventure doesn't begin until March of 2016. This is our fourth SCUBA and Snorkelling trip to Cozumel Island, MEXICO. It’s now become a tradition! We’ll be joined this time by Janet & Andy from Illinois, USA, Joe & Rosa & their daughter Daniella from ENGLAND, UK and Randy & Heather from Saskatchewan; an international group, should be fun.

We have a few days booked at the Explorean Cozumel before joining the others at Hotel Cozumel & Resort. The Explorean is a few kilometres further south along the west coast near the Chankanaab Reef. This is a smaller resort that's part of the much larger Fiesta Americana. It's a bit more private and tucked into the jungle behind the main condominium portion of the resort. Helen scored us a good rate here and we're going to take advantage of some of the activity tours they offer and maybe see some parts of the island in a different way during this trip.

Happy Holidays and Welcome 2016

After a record breaking Christmas Eve; a balmy 17 degrees Celsius here in southern Ontario, we awoke to a cooler 6 degrees this Christmas morning. 

Our next travel destination is San Miguel, Cozumel, Mexico where residents are also waking up to 6 Celsius (suspect the day time highs may be a 'wee' bit different though). So for today we'll pretend we are already in Mexico.

We want to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and a fabulous 2016.

 Thanks for following our adventures. 

Click the video ...                                                                                         

Wry & Crusty ...

BASECAMP 10.11.15 ... " Last Camp and a Big Sleep "

We've been spending a lot of time over the past few weeks, putting 'our property' to bed for this coming winter, brrr! Another work day's over. It's happiness hour and I've just made friends with a pleasant Pinot Gris in a stemless tumbler. I'm relaxing in front of a warm wood fire and I'm composting ... err, I'm composing this post (now that was confusing!). 

 CHEERS!

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT: 325 Days In 2014 / 2015

This year we travelled from ... as far south as the State of Quintana Roo on the Yucutan Peninsula of MEXICO, then north along the south and eastern USA from Florida to New York and finally, northeasterly from Ontario on a circle tour of the Atlantic Provinces in CANADA.

The map below is interactive; you can expand, zoom, pan and click  for additional detail.

Our Last Night in LOAF - The Sounds of Silence

After driving almost 700 km today (with at least half through violent gusty cross-winds and head winds) we decided to stop in a beautiful village (which will remain nameless) in Quebec. It had a campground, with a lovely sounding name, still open, so we pulled off the TransCanada Highway. Our concern was that it would be too close to the highway and the sounds of the many tractor trailers would keep us awake.

Nothing like a gurgling fountain to make you relax.

                    

Hiking The Bay of Fundy

The WORLD'S Highest Tides 
and 
A Meal At Nova Scotia's BEST Restaurant 2015

Home to the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy is a 270 km (170 mile) long ocean bay that stretches between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Canada’s east coast. Each day 160 billion tonnes of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy during one tide cycle ... MORE than the combined flow of all the world’s freshwater rivers! 

We hiked at several locations as we travelled around the Bay of Fundy; in the bay at low tide, above the bay along the coastal trails and in adjacent forest near the bay. We also had one of our best restaurant meals E V E R ... anywhere !

Lighthouse Route & The Evangeline Trail: Peggy's Cove to Grand Pre

The Lighthouse Route and Evangeline Trail 

In a loop, south west from Halifax to Yarmouth, Digby and on to Wolfville and ending at Halifax ... follows Nova Scotia’s South Shore, where the past is a part of everyday life. You’ll find it along quiet country roads, where ox teams still haul lumber, and in coastal villages where fishermen still row wooden dories out to sea.  Explore towns like Liverpool and Lunenburg while taking in majestic coastal scenery, featuring 20 lighthouses - from the dramatic beauty of the Peggy's Cove lighthouse to Yarmouth's towering Cape Forchu lighthouse to the harbour fishery in Digby and on to the vinyards of the Annapolis Valley.  

Traveling With Raisins - Part II

In November 2014 we did a wonderful (but frustrating) trip with 'The Raisins'. 

For those of you who missed our first post on the joys of traveling with Raisins, the term 'Raisins' is a term of endearment for people of a 'certain age'. In this case it refers to my wonderful father & his bride (a.k.a. my evil or wicked step-mother - whom, by the way I love dearly). Again, I must stress this is a term that they introduced me to. If you missed Part I, please feel free to read it here. (or for those that did - please feel free to refresh your memory and re-read it) - I think this is important to truly understand the real frustration of traveling with 'the Raisins'. 

The Raisins' View From Their Hotel Room

Bluenose II

 We were fortunate to be passing through Lunenburg, Nova Scotia at a time when the BLUENOSE II was accepting cruise passengers to sail Lunenburg Harbour. How lucky is that and how could we not go?

The original BLUENOSE was launched as a Grand Banks fishing and racing schooner on 26 March 1921 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The Two Masted Schooner was designed by William Roué and built by the Smith and Rhuland Shipyard.

Hope For Wildlife

Many of us have watched the Canadian television show filmed in Nova Scotia, called 'Hope For Wildlife'. 

This short post is about a whole lot of good, that is being done there, for some of the other creatures that we share this planet with!

Today, we had an opportunity along our drive, to visit their facilities and do a short walking tour. Hope took in her first rehab animal, a robin that had been attacked by a cat, in 1995 while working as a Manager at the Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital. The veterinarians at the hospital did not know what to do with the injured bird, so Hope took it to her home in Eastern Passage and starting doing research on caring for injured wildlife. Skip ahead 15 years ... the Hope for Wildlife Society has grown to over 100 volunteers and now rehabilitates over 2500 animals per year from all over the province. Funding still comes primarily from donations, as well as corporate and government grants, community groups, and annual fundraisers.

For the complete story visit the official website: Hope For Wildlife

The Wildlife Centre

The Fortress of Louisbourg

  The Largest Historical Recreation In North America

The Fortress of Louisburg is a National Canadian Treasure. 

If you are interested in early Canadian history and want to learn something, then Read On.

The restoration carpenters, recreationist staff and Parks Canada should be commended for the job they have done at this site to preserve an important and pivotal part of our history ... kudos to all!

If You Are From Newfoundland and Labrador ... You Should Be Proud!

We'll soon be leaving Newfoundland & Labrador. 

But, before we do, here is some helpful travel information for anyone that might be planning a trip to this Province. Most of this is gathered from official Canadian government records, local myth & legend and tourist brochures. I haven't bothered to verify any of this, but I also haven't made anything up.

Isle aux Morts

A typical village scene in this beautiful province.

Along The Viking Trail: Part Two - Port au Choix south to Deer Lake

Moving southerly now ...

HAWKE'S BAY

Rainy weather dictated our activities somewhat on this first days drive along the southern half of the VIKING TRAIL. At this time of year, some seasonal business operations, small town museums and points of interest are shutting down. We missed out on a couple of places we would have stopped to investigate ... like the Nurse Bennett Heritage Home.

We were able to visit the Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre and Fishway. Years of logging and other resource developement in the area had an adverse effect on the Atlantic salmon and before 1965 only a small population survived. The Fishway is a  success story that combined the initial efforts of the local community and the eventual participation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Along The Viking Trail: Part One - St. Anthony south to Port au Choix

If you are intrigued by the lives of the Peoples that combined to form the earliest history and culture of Canada, then you won't be disappointed by what you can learn in this part of Newfoundland and Labrador. The drive we are now on, follows the path of a brief Norse habitation along the North Atlantic coast of North America... and it's fascinating!

The VIKING TRAIL

Newfoundland and Labrador Route 430 is a 415 kilometer (258 mile) long paved highway that traverses the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. The route begins at the intersection of Newfoundland and Labrador Route 1 (The Trans Canada Highway) in Deer Lake and ends in St. Anthony. 

We will travel it in the opposite direction. Officially known as the "Great Northern Peninsula Highway", it has been designated as the "Viking Trail" since it is the main auto route to L'Anse aux Meadows, the only proven Viking era settlement in North America. It is the primary travel route in the Great Northern Peninsula and the only improved highway between Deer Lake and St. Anthony. It is the main access route to the Labrador Ferry terminal in St. Barbe.

whOOse watching yOOur property ?

Many of us that travel, rely on friends to watch over our home  while we are away. 

It's always a relief to know that everything back home is in good hands.

I recently recieved a Property Check Report from The DARK Side ... our watchful neighbour.

"Just a little miffed.

So I was over at your place today, trying to open the windows from the outside.  Can't be done unless you can find a good hand sized rock.  Of course Mr. Neat & Tidy has gathered them all up and created a nice attractive pile..............somewhere.  Only thing left are these big ass stones and I left my Egyptian slaves in Egypt. 

Sooo I head over to the garden.  No squash, no beans, no carrots, not a damn rutabaga in sight.! There was one, you can count it, don't even have to take off your socks, One teeny tiny red tomato. So I took it! And now there are no tomatoes.  And then I found many many acorns.  So I took them!  The garden was ashamed that there was so little.  The forest was proud.  I told the garden I would return.  

I am now at home making Margo an acorn salad.....ummmmm yummers"

Crusty ... feeling relieved, I think?

Less Stuff, More Life

My Favourite Direction is North

Well no, maybe I should have said ‘my favourite direction is remote’, instead. 

I haven’t been to the extreme southern latitudes, so I can’t really comment with any authority. I would probably like the southern tip of South America as much as I like the north of North America (NA). 

This current road trip through Labrador took us to North West River a few days ago; a small, fishing village at the junction of Grand Lake and Lake Melville. It’s the most northeasterly place in NA that you can drive to. Population a few hundred, small tidy homes, place smells like fish, old HBC outpost, it’s a friendly spot. Clarence, the resident town greeter informed me that he often relaxes by watching sea trout jump out along a nearby point at the towns' shoreline. Clarence is in his early 60's and has lived here all his life. He fished commercially for 25 years, worked janitorial duties in the local Grenfell Hospital, was stationed as an armed polar bear security guard in a government operated camp further up the Labrador coast at Nain and he is an authority on the history of the town.

Battle Harbour, Labrador

We sailed on Iceburg Hunter, 16.8 kms one way from Mary’s Harbour to Battle Harbour.

Water was calm, weather was clear, some cloud, some wind and quite warm. Dolphins and humpback whales on the voyage over and humpbacks on the return trip.