canoe point state park

for labor day, a. & i decided to take some much needed r&r.  through some research, i found canoe point state park, a remote state park that's only accessible via boat.  while we could have rented a boat from one of the many marinas throughout the thousand islands, we chose to travel via kayak.

this meant everything we needed for the weekend had to fit in our dry bags (and let me tell you, when a sleeping bag takes up most of one, you have to pack uber efficiently- it's like backpacking, but with a boat).  once we reached the thousand islands, we parked on wellesley island state park- the most direct launching point to canoe point, loaded our kayaks and began our paddle.  the water was choppy and there was quite a bit of boat traffic, but the hour paddle was leisurely and very enjoyable.

when we reached the island, we set up camp and collected firewood for the evening.  our camp site, covered by trees, sat right on the water & in the evenings as we sat by our campfire,  we watched the moonrise over the river.  during the day, we hiked, kayaked to rocky beaches, swam in the river, collected firewood, and a. fished as i read.

on our last night, we packed our dinner and returned to a beach we found earlier that day.  we set up our space and cooked pad thai as we watched the most glorious sunset fall below the endless water.  as we sat quietly, enjoying dinner and soaking up the last few rays of sunshine, we chatted about what's next and vowed to keep camping trips like this part of our new california life.  on our way back to camp, we enjoyed a moonlit paddle on the quiet, still river.

a slow-paced weekend was definitely what the doctor ordered.  we couldn't have asked for better weather, water conditions or campsite (though we're convinced the island was run by spiders.  never in our lives have we seen so many in one place.  yuck!) between the sun, water, hikes and fantastic paddles, we were completely in our element.  and the last few days of summer, in our opinion, couldn't have been more perfect.

water-side camping essentials.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

a. & i are spending this weekend on canoe point; a small island in the thousand islands only accessible by boat.  in addition to a tent and food, the above are some of our watersport & camping essentials.

basically, we're going to spend the next couple days in our bathing suits as we swim in the river and nights by the campfire enjoying the full moon, solitude and one another's company.  we're excited to get away & camping is definitely one of our favorite activities.  making this trip the perfect hooray to end the summer.

i hope you and yours have a fantastic labor day weekend!

a weekday wedding?

why not?!?
these past two days, a. & i had a fantastic time celebrating as our good friends tied the knot this last tuesday.  we took advantage of the opportunity for a little stay-cation & after an evening of dancing and fun, we spent the night in a quaint motel in clayton, ny.

the wedding was spectacular.  we were among many friends, most of which had been stationed with a. during his last two deployments.  the camaraderie among these men and women is so strong and their experience fostered lifelong friendships.  so needless to say, we were among great company.

the bride & groom arrived by boat and had an intimate dock-side ceremony.

after the ceremony, they offered rides through the bay in antique boats, had a slew of lawn games, and an awesome sunset.  the wedding took place on the patio of the clayton antique boat museum.  this was such a rad venue and the perfect backdrop for a unique tuesday wedding.

we spent the entire next day on the water.  after brunching with the happy couple we borrowed paddle boards and took to the bay.  it was fantastic.  if you've never had the chance to paddle board, hop to it.  the first time we sup'ed was in costa rica.  we aren't able to do it often, but when we do, we fall in love all over again!

all said & done, this was a great excuse for a brief getaway and the perfect day to celebrate a new life of love and adventure.

a long easter weekend.

thursday morning my sister and her little man flew out to spend easter with us & it was wonderful.  better than wonderful, in fact.  having her and niko around, totally made my month & easter that much more special.  it has been 4 years since she's visited our little home and i was more than happy to show her around.

while in town, we took them to their first hockey game and road-tripped to michigan to spend the weekend with our extended family.  to break up the 8-hour road trip, we stopped in buffalo to meet up with one of my sister's old roommates for coffee and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring niagara falls.  it was a beautiful day- so we really lucked out- & lindz got some awesome shots (although the below pic is courtesy of niko).

after an remaining five hour ride, we finally arrived in michigan.  my other sister had arrived that evening as well, so it was a full house.  we spent the rest of the weekend catching up with one another and the family, playing cards, games, hiking in my grandparents backyard, exploring ann arbor (of all weekends we had to visit, it was hash bash) and celebrating easter- complete with a brunch & an egg and beer hunt.

the ride home wasn't too bad, but the weekend went much faster than i would have hoped.  i had so much fun sending time with everyone & loved the all the company.  especially that of the little man who can belt out jason aldean's dirt road anthem, asks "why?" after everything you say, and starts each sentence with "an jen."  melts my heart.

it was a totally awesome easter & we had such a great time.  this is the second year i've trekked it to michigan to spend the holiday with our grandparents and family & i hope to keep this tradition alive for more years to come.

winter in niagara

two of my co-workers are in the u.s helping us gear up for a few upcoming conferences.  one, from south africa and the other from australia.  while here, they really wanted to see niagara falls (can you blame them?).  i couldn't wait to see the falls in the winter so i happily volunteered to chauffeur.  

we are about 3 hours from niagara, so generally, the drive isn't that bad.  unfortunately, we hit really bad weather the entire drive east.  a lot of snow, wind and sleet.  i thought the entire trip was going to be a bust.  once we arrived to the falls, the weather stopped- but it was still very cloudy.

the iconic falls are unlike anything i've ever seen.  the sound of them hits you first.  then, you see the mist, rising against the sky & finally the falls.  they're mesmerizing.  the last time i was in niagara was september- right before a. left.  here is a picture from that trip...

and here is one from my trip over the weekend.

i was blown away by the contrast.  it was beautiful.  peaceful.  and stunning.  unlike anything i had ever seen.  oh, and cold.  really cold.  the mist sprays everywhere and on everything.  in some areas i felt like i was on the moon.  the best part?  we were some of the only people there.  

generally, niagara is swarming with people.  lines miles long & you practically have to elbow people to get a decent view of the falls.  granted, in the winter everything is closed (sorry folks- no maid of the mist tours), but in a way, it's almost nicer.  

everything- and i mean everything was frozen- thanks to the mist.  i've never seen anything so beautiful in my life- just don't stand under the trees...falling ice!

finally, we had the rare opportunity to feed the wildlife.  while we were walking to the restroom we walked over a bunch of whole, shelled peanuts on the path.  curious, we picked some up, cracked them open in our hand, and waited.  patiently.  and it was worth the wait.

we really lucked out.  it was a beautiful day and i'm jealous of myself for being able to visit the falls in the winter.  if you ever have the chance, i highly, highly recommend making the trip!