January is already over. It was a polar month, where my windows had frozen (the joys of winter in Canada) but full of nature outings. I think I’ve finally found the secret to no longer having cold feet at minus 40!
Outings
We started the year by going to Birds Hill Park, where I had wanted to see this century-old house for a long time. First hike of the year too, a tiny 2 km but in minus 38 degrees, it doesn’t matter that it’s not longer!
Then, since we had more than a meter of snow that does not melt, snowshoes, snowshoes, snowshoes. I did some twice in a week. The first was a guided outing to Fort Whyte Park, at night (I hadn’t been back there since doing a bison safari in 2018). It was really cool to be able to navigate only by the light of the moon, without a flashlight. The second was in the area of Roseisle, a great 4 km uphill and downhill trail.
And then this afternoon, another walk in the forest, in a corner of Beaudry park accessible only when the river is frozen.
Daily life
I received a diagnosis that I did not expect but which explains the headaches I have almost every day: my glasses are too strong. So, I have to change the glasses but I also tested contacts for the first time. What a pleasure of no longer having fog with the heat + mask combo!
In January we have a French tradition of baking galette des rois, an almond cake. I also made a lot of shopping at MEC (new winter hiking shoes, because mine were 20 years old, and merino socks) after receiving my 3rd dose. And then my in-laws gave me a great gift: skates! After 5 years in Canada, it’s time to get started!
Culture
I saw
Season 1 of Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau) a French series on the post-mission return of a the French Intelligence Services spy. And Don’t Look Up, which gave me nightmares several nights in a row. If you’ve seen it, I’m curious to know what you thought of it!
I read
What Storm, What Thunder, by Myriam J.A. Chancy, which intertwines the stories of several characters before, during, after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. I had a lot of trouble reading it, it was beautiful and sad at the same time.
Nomadland by Jessica Bruder, which I think inspired the film which won the Oscar last year? This is an essay in which a journalist follows Americans for several years who live in their cars/vans/motorhomes and move about according to seasonal jobs, notably at Amazon. It’s fascinating.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero,because I decided to read personal development books from time to time. This one is cool for giving yourself a boost of motivation and realizing that what you’re doing has value.
On the blog
On Youtube
I’m super proud of this sponso video – dog sledding, overnight camping in the woods, walks east of Winnipeg. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would be very happy if you took a look at it or check out the Stories on Instagram 🙂
What’s planned in February
I’m going to have things to show you… and it’s the Festival du Voyageur! Otherwise, I will also receive my Christmas present: cross-country skiing lessons. I’ve never skied in my life so I really don’t know what to expect. It would also be nice to put on the skates and get started. In short, the month will be active and busy! Have a great month!
