Greater Snow Geese watching at the Cap Tourmente

Yesterday I went Greater Snow Geese watching at the Cap Tourmente here in Quebec. Unusual activity? I thought so too, but here in Quebec, I really want to push myself out of my comfort zone and try everything that is open to me- I guess it’s these things that will establish me as a person but also help me grow. Right, enough of the profound talk! 

Guess what, I really enjoyed it.

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife area is recognised for its exceptional sight of migrating geese

during the seasons of spring and autumn. It is a vast area, covering 24km^s of raw land and offers various hiking trails for all abilities- all guaranteed with picturesque views obviously.

My friends and I had chosen two trails, La Falaise (4.2km) and Le Perriere, (4km) all in all, relatively short hikes. However, despite them being short, La Falaise was in fact quite challenging as it was incredibly up hill. Imagine yourself on a treadmill at low speed but maximum recline. Except without the smooth surface. Oh, and feeling terribly hot and sweaty, but it being too cold to take your big coat off. The previous hikes I had been on were much longer in distance, but didn’t require as much effort in one go. However, I will stay true to myself and say La Forêt Montmorency still holds the title of, most challenging hike- so far. 

We arrived to the viewpoint for the first hike and it was absolutely stunning. A magnificent landscape with the river St Lawrence looking at its finest.

It still takes me a while to realise where I am, and how lucky I am to be appreciating the earth’s natural state. Sometimes, I will be sitting in the middle of nowhere, having my lunch, facing what is no longer valued nor protected in todays world. We (myself included) have become so immune to the natural resources that have been given to us as a gift, and instead chase the artificiality of this world. I often find myself at peace whilst on these trips and perhaps it is the loss of inner peace that could be one explanation out of the hundreds, as to why so much is happening in this world. 
Who knows?

 When I return to London, I know I will most likely return to the repetitive sheepish city life, (that I have become so used to and appreciate) but I will never forget that I have been exposed to how this world had started, and to always appreciate what we have. I am definitely not someone who is against modernity and progress. I cannot deny my love for the materialistic things in life, but sometimes it is good to take a step back and think with a clear mind.

This wasn’t supposed to be a blog in which I took a reflective turn, so I apologise for the slightly, misleading title but I promise it came out naturally!

In the pictures below, you can see some of the colours of the leaves changing, giving us a naturally colourful setting. Thankfully, we were also especially lucky with the weather, the sun was out despite it being so cold. Just the day before, we were treated to a grey sky and pouring rain. Today too, it a beautiful day with a gloomy grey sky and more rain(!)

After having finished the hike, we were lucky enough to observe flocks of snow geese flying in sync. Guides were available to answer questions and also give us a small presentation. We then returned to the warmth, ready to go home. 

If you look closely you will see the flying geese!