Travels – Nature "Anne" Me

Well, my little sister got married on Monday! It was a wonderful ceremony and we had the opportunity to visit New Orleans in the process.

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We didn’t stay long. It was a quick flight down, touristy things one day, wedding day, and fly back. But, we saw some beautiful scenery.

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Even in the middle of the city, they had some green park areas.

Now, please keep in mind that we didn’t stay long. There is so much to see and do, we didn’t even get a real chance to start! It was a short stay but as you know, I love greenery.

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For my sisters wedding, we went to Auduborn Park where she got married under one of the trees. Let me tell you, some of the oak trees in this park are about 240 years old. It is still hard to image, something that old. Imagine what those trees have been through!

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This is the Tree of Life. This is the tree my sister got married under. Isn’t it beautiful? It was old, reaching, and clearly well loved. Lots of people would sit under it’s boughs and enjoy it’s protection. We were able to have the ceremony under it’s embrace.

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Look at those majestic boughs! Where I live in Canada, we don’t have anything this grand. I was in awe of how large the branches were and how they would reach the ground meters away.

Though my stay in New Orleans was short, I definitely would love to return.

Have you been to New Orleans? What did you enjoy doing? I need ideas for next time I go!

When my husband and I got married last year, it was wonderful. We had a lovely ceremony in my grandfathers backyard.
For our honeymoon, we decided to explore Vancouver for a long weekend. As the weather is once again freezing, I am reflecting on warmer weather and beautiful scenery!

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It was a beautiful sunny day when we toured this iconic park. So pretty in fact, we went twice! Once to walk around, another time to take a boat tour around the bay. It was stunning to believe that such a place existed in Vancouver! It’s trail system was spectacular and the people all had one common purpose: to be outside, enjoying the sunshine!

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The trees were stunning. Tall, magnificent, and so very green. You can feel the history and magnificence when you walk beneath their branches. With the sun coming just between them, there is no other feeling like it on earth. It is refreshing, energizing, and rejuvenating.

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The views from some of the lookouts was also breathtaking. It was surreal to look out and know that the ocean was a short distance away. I was hoping to see whales, but no such luck! Seeing the sailboats sail past and the big cargo ships off in the distance gave me the impression of vast networks all intertwining to connect people. Much like nature connecting with other pieces to create a vast network. All working together.

This trip truly was amazing. J and I didn’t have much time or money to take a trip last year but this was one that will be treasured. Stanley Park was definitely my favorite part of our trip. It was heartwarming to see a place that was so full of nature and beauty being preserved in such a busy place. And well used! Lots of people were out enjoying it’s fresh air and views.

3 things to keep in mind:

It gets busy! Try to visit in the morning. This will ensure you get a parking spot (if you drive) and you will get to enjoy it without a lot of the crowds. Earlier the better!
Parking is not free. This was a bit of a shock to us but it makes sense. There is little space on the island park so they want people to use other modes of transportation. But there is a bit of a fee to park. The nice thing is, once you park, you are good for as long as you need.
It is a long way around. We were optimistic about making it all the way around the park on foot. This did not happen. It is a long way around but it is doable. Just budget your time wisely. There is a trail that loops the entire island!

Tell me, what is your favorite place to visit in Vancouver?