One of the main reasons I moved here was to be near water again. Living in Burgundy was divine, two words: wine country. But I am coming to learn that this woman cannot live on wine alone, no matter how hard I try. Hailing from the land of the Newfound, an island in the North Atlantic, my blood is two-thirds seawater. Plus, I’m a Pisces, so there’s hard scientific proof of my affinity for all things wet and wavy.
Now I’m not saying living on the shores of Lac Léman (who knew that was what Lake Geneva is really called?) is remotely comparable to life near a stormy sea. If I even hinted as much every Newfoundlander I know would vote me off the island, regardless of how long I’ve been away. My heritage bestows reverence and respect for the ocean. We know its pleasures and its power. It’s hard to explain to landlubbers.
While I miss the romance of the sea—standing on jagged cliffs in flowing gowns, waiting for my lover’s pirate ship to emerge from the thick bank of fog and all that crap—I think the best of both worlds is found not far from my door.
And while the lake is filled with elegant swans and sculptures, there’s the steady swooping and shrieking of gulls for that added reminder of the homeland, as well as the odd heron.
It’s like a kinder, gentler version of the ocean. For all intents and purposes I would never know I wasn’t gazing upon the Atlantic, yet it seems safer than the depths that have swallowed so many of my ancestors over the centuries.
Although don’t let the word lake fool you. It’s still big water and I know too well it can take what it wants without asking permission. Here’s Neil’s video from one stormy day (mind the sound as the wind noise is quite loud)…
And last February, the water, wind and wintery temperatures conspired to create an ice storm impressive enough for any east coast Canadian…
Aaah, feels like home.
BRRR!
There are few things I like more than stormy winter weather, and those Alps in the background from the home of my ancestors – perfection! It’s my birthday, thanks for the dazzling pics!
Simply gorgeous!
I’m not overly fond of the ocean (there are things in there I don’t understand) but I’ve always lived next to major rivers and small lakes (I understand frogs, turtles, and catfish just fine). Tamer waters suit this Gemini, but I can appreciate the power and beauty of wilder, saltier H2O.
And I’m in awe of natural ice-gilded sculptures, as long as I’m not the one who has to scrape it all off!
Wow – those ice storm shots are amazing and a reminder to me that I don’t miss winter. Although, sometimes I think it would be preferable to all the dreary rain we get over here.
Hi Bobbi
We chose The Charente région in France for our vacation home as the weather does not mimic Edmonton’s,except for the périodes of Brighton sun. it is the second sunniest région after Provence. We also are on the river and in à flood plain,but were réassured the river had not flooded In the last 100 or so years. The most appealling part are the much shorter winters vs Edmonton (Oct.- April or May). Spring is about 2 weeks here and about 2-3 months in France
Morley
I love Burgundy, but your new home is stunning. I can’t imagine living close to so much physical beauty. It must make the rocky séjour (so far) a little bit worthwhile, right? Happy new year, Bobbi!
Is that your photo on top???? Gorgeous. All of them but that top one is amazing.
Hi MSB,
Unless credited, like the last 2, all the pics here are ours. That first one of the fisherman was taken by Neil using his iPhone! I have no idea how he does it.
Beautiful shots. I also grew up on the water and have tried to replace it with the expanse of the mountains – all that drama and sheerness and weather changes. It sort of works. But damn I miss a good harbour.