by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley
I will admit I have been jealous of Church friends who can afford to travel upon their retirement. Some go on scenic road trips or grand tours of Greece, some travel the great Canadian Rockies by rail, and many have gone on Cruises, which makes me think of the adventures I had with my children while growing up. However, it's never too late to become a tourist, in spite of your age.
As a single parent, my funds were limited, but I had great family support, which allowed us to have many adventures.
Growing up my daughters were exposed to many adventures within Ontario. A favourite pastime was our visits to Niagara Falls: a view from a unique perspective; we also enjoyed Maid of the Mist, Journey behind the Falls, Marineland, Skylon Tower, Clifton Hill, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, The Royal Ontario Musem, along with Camping Adventures to Provincial Parks, and Day Trips to Cullen Gardens, and Wonderland. One of the kid's favourites was when my sister signed us up for The Canopy Tour in the Haliburton Forest. I was no daredevil, but kids were natural explorers, and the bigger they got, the more they wanted to do!
The breathtaking views of the canopy tour were broken into four parts: A scenic drive through the private forest, next we paddled a canoe across a wilderness lake, and then a guided walk along the rapids. The final leg of the journey was a Canopy Tour among the treetops. At 20 meters above ground, you could see the Haliburton Forest from above. I was great up until this point. The guide provided us with the necessary harness and carabiner clips. However, I was too short to reach them; my youngest daughter had to clip me and laugh while I cried! I was stiff and sore for weeks afterwards. Fun memories.
Today, health and financial situations vary and create limitations when it comes to travelling, but there are still plenty of getaways to suit just about any physical ability or budget. By the time my article gets published, I will have had my first knee replacement and look forward to some travel in the next few years. However, I really like to stay close to home, a real homebody. I decided I was happy for those who could afford these big vacations after retirement. The Bible addresses jealousy and cautions believers against harbouring this destructive emotion. The scripture emphasizes the importance of contentment and trust in God's providence.
Canada is a great place for seniors, with its first world-class infrastructure and jaw-dropping sites. Whether you want to visit the magnificent National Parks, there is an adventure for every taste. You don't need to be young to savour the sites. Your travel journey starts now.
コメント