Fall for Fall at Dundas Peak

(Note: This is a photo heavy post.)

I do one or more of the following to relieve stress: I get a massage, go shopping, do yoga, enjoy an aromatherapy bath and/or shop some more. However, from my experience, the best medication for stress is still going on a nature trip. And the best thing is, you can do it free! There's something about becoming one with nature that makes you forget all your worries. Thankfully, in Canada, nature is just close by anywhere you go.

For weeks, I've been thinking (non-stop) about finding an interviewee for my project at my other job -- to the point that I get restless and feel sick to my stomach. So last weekend, to momentarily take my mind off the project, I decided to do something I always wanted to do and invited our friends, Ate Shayne and Ate Sheena (whom I will also refer to as the Rollan sisters for brevity), to go on a hike with us at Dundas Peak, which is just a few minutes drive away from home. 

I have seen so many photos of how beautiful it is during autumn, so I waited for the right moment before going. I originally planned it with my mom and dad, but thankfully they decided to say no at the last minute, because it was an hour long uphill hike. Their joints and back would be aching up till now if they came (hehe).  And because I was sulking (or rather, pretending to sulk) after my parents told me they weren't coming anymore, my sister (who told me earlier she was sick) decided to go in their stead -- which, when I think of it now, was not such a great idea since Thea is too fit (she goes to the gym a lot) and walks too fast that we couldn't catch up with her during the hike! 

I took my ever trusty Nikon camera with me and snapped... well, a bit too many photos, so that was another reason why I was lagging behind. Hihi! And okay, yes, I'm also a lola (grandma) inside a 25-year old body. Hahaha! Nevertheless, even though my knees aren't made for hiking, my will is always stronger than my knees!

My sister with the Rollan sisters

Look at how Thea is having too much fun despite being sick... may sakit daw!

Along the way, I just kept saying, "wow, ang ganda..." *click* "Ang ganda!" *click, click* 

I must have said "ang ganda" a hundred times. Pero 'di ba, ang ganda talaga? ;) (tr: You have to agree that it's that beautiful, right?)

Some people actually don't like fall because it's the prelude to winter and it's when the weather gets colder. I don't like the cold either, but autumn never fails to amaze me. I think that during this wonderful season, nature always teaches us something -- to try and make our lives colourful before we lose it and to appreciate life before it's gone. That's why, it's no secret that besides summer, fall is also my favourite season! 

If you think the photos you've already seen are breathtaking, be careful when you scroll down because you might just need CPR when you see the next ones. ;D It was a bit dark when we started the hike and there were times when it was too bright, but thankfully, God gave me the right amount of light when we reached the peak to take good pictures. :)

Of course, everyone gets to take turns for a photo op.

Ate Sheena first...

and then Ate Shayne...

and then my buwis-buhay sister... seeing her sitting near the edge almost gave me a heart attack. This girl talaga!

Finally, it's my turn!

my turn!

The Sandoval sisters and Rollan sisters

selfie!

After enjoying the view and taking enough photos, we decided to head back. We wanted to see the falls, but we didn't want to stay until it's dark, so we said we'll just return in the summer. And since we enjoyed the experience so much, I'm thinking of making this autumn hike a yearly tradition. 

Of course, I have to take a few more photos on our way back. ;)

By the way, this is the condo building at the foot of the mountain where I want to live one day. One unit is around $500-$800K lang naman according to my research! I need a rich husband! Haha!
Surprisingly, after our two-hour hike, we didn't feel tired at all. We ended our trip by having hot drinks in this nice, little café at Harbourfront and to make things better, we came just in time to watch the sunset. Perfect date! ;)

photo from my IG

What a nice day it was. Don't you all agree? :)