Finally, after a two-year absence, I am back in my magical place “Nature’s Nest” on Tupper Lake in Nova Scotia. Due to covid, Canada did not allow entry to foreigners until September 7, so I was forced to take an autumn holiday. No worries – autumn is a stunning time of year in eastern Canada.
When I arrive, the leaves have just started to turn. Day by day, the colours everywhere become more intense and widespread. Three weeks later, the landscape is aflame with red, yellow and orange from the deciduous trees interspersed with dark green from the fir trees.
A tranquil treasure
The colours on my own property are also pretty stupendous, whether in sunshine or fog.
I spend my time slowly. In the mornings, the water is completely still. The rising mist adds a sense of mystery. Don’t forget to turn on the sound if you want to hear what I am saying.
The quiet mornings are a good time for canoeing. I feel as if I have the whole world to myself. Sometimes I just let the canoe glide along slowly, without paddling.
From the canoe I can view my house from a distance. I can also visit the neighbouring beaver lodge.
The first few days are warm enough for sitting outdoors or swimming. Later, I move indoors to do some writing. The lovely, peaceful view is very inspirational.
Sometimes, when my father was sitting gazing into the middle distance, I would ask him what he was doing. He would say, “Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit.” Well, that is also how I spend a lot of my time here. Just sitting. Looking at the same view but in different kinds of light.
The nights here are pitch black, so it is great for viewing the moon and stars. Note the sliver of moon in the top of the photo. It looks like a nail clipping.
Sometimes I go for walks on my property, either along the rocky shore or in the wild, untamed wood.
