First off, I’d like to wish everyone safe travels, happy holidays, and a wonderful New Year! This will be my final post until 2014, and I’ve taken a silent vow to try and avoid Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and all my other social media outlets as well. (Though I’ll still be checking email on a daily…
Author: marialegault
I spend my time hiking in nature and reading great novels.
The Rope by Nevada Barr
Barr, Nevada. (2012). The Rope. Minotaur Books; New York. I’ve always been a big fan of Nevada Barr’s mystery novels, for two reasons: 1) they take place in the serenity of nature (more specifically, in various U.S. national parks), and 2) her central protagonist is the gutsy and seemingly invincible park ranger, Anna Pigeon. I…
rare Charitable Research Reserve
The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a great place to hike at any time of the year. Use of the trails at rare is open to the public and free of charge – interested visitors can hike along the River Trail, Maple Lane Trail, Grand Allée Trail, or Springbank Farm trail (see the trail map…
The Incense Game by Laura Joh Rowland
Rowland, Laura Joh. (2012). The Incense Game. Minotaur Books; New York. Sometimes it’s nice to delve into a book packed with historical details and rife with emotional intrigue. Laura Joh Rowland‘s book The Incense Game nicely delivers on both fronts; it details what happens before, during, and after a powerful earthquake that struck a vast…
Learning Independently – A Required Life Skill
This past Saturday, I wrote a blog post about my desire to eschew energy-consumptive activities with little meaning to my life in the long run. I proclaimed that instead, I want to focus my energies into building up a valuable base of personal skills – an endeavour applauded by Cal Newport in his book and…
A List of Little Significance
“That’s not important” and “No, thank you” are two phrases that I find particularly challenging to say. Perhaps you know the feeling; a friend or family member asks you to assist with something and the task suddenly takes on extreme and looming dimensions in your mind. Put into the context of everyday life, the task…
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent
Kent, Kathleen. (2013). The Outcasts. Little, Brown and Company; New York. I have not come across many Western novels that I find particularly thought-provoking, but Kathleen Kent’s novel The Outcasts was one of the most moving and thoughtful books I had the pleasure of reading in 2013. Set in Texas in the 1870s, the novel…
Jackson-Gunn Old Growth Forest – Norfolk County, Ontario
In the depths of cold December weather, it’s always nice to start planning spring and summer hikes. If this is something you’re currently attempting, I would strongly recommend the Jackson-Gunn Old Growth Forest for its spectacular and sensitive beauty. Remember to reduce your impact while hiking in this area – respect what you’re stepping on…
Dryden Tract and Sudden Tract – North Dumfries, Ontario
Two of my favorite hiking spots within a 30 minute drive of my apartment on Courtland Avenue in Kitchener are the Dryden Tract and Sudden Tract. These parcels of land are located in North Dumfries and are a little tricky to find if you’re new to the area. I provide full coordinates and Google Map…
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Newport, Cal. (2012). So Good They Can’t Ignore You. Hatchette Book Group; New York. I have followed the work of Dr. Cal Newport with interest for some time now – his blog called Study Hacks: Decoding Patterns of Success is immensely popular and started when he was a computer science Ph.D. candidate at MIT. Even…
Huron Natural Area – Kitchener, Ontario
On the south side of Kitchener, Ontario, there is a 107-hectare natural area fondly referred to by locals as the Huron Natural Area. With ample volunteer, financial, and community support, this slice of nature within the city has thrived as a cultural, environmental, and educational hotspot. While hiking through this area, I was most cognizant…
Some New Additions
After much thought, I have decided to add two new ‘themes’ to my blog. These themes will focus on my favorite activities; hiking and reading. Hiking Highlights will take viewers on a virtual journey (either through pictures or video) of my hikes in Southwestern Ontario and beyond. Book Delights will expose readers to various books…
Maria Legault 