MY HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE

My Hawaiian Adventure!
If you are anything like me and live in a colder climate, the winter months bring thoughts of sunshine and warmth. In fact, right around mid February, that is ALL I can think of! “Is Summer here yet?” or “maybe I can sneak away somewhere tropical!” Well, this winter was no different and I somehow found myself booking flights to the Big Island of Hawaii.

The adventure was incredible, the sun was hot and the scenery was magical. For those of you who have never been to the Big Island of Hawaii I will explain a little. After I landed in Kona on the west side of the Island, my friends and I rented a Jeep. I highly recommend a 4X4 as there are some awesome spots you can only get to with an off-road style vehicle. We proceeded to drive the coast southbound to the town of Volcano. Staying at a quaint Bed and Breakfast I woke up to the sound of more birds than I could begin to identify and then the familiar sound of crowing Roosters in the coop below. After some amazing Kona Coffee (and let me state: I don’t drink coffee, however the local Kona coffee was so amazing I was drawn in immediately by the aroma and the comments from my friends, and decided to pour myself a cup.) But as I was saying… we then headed to Volcano National Park and got out some morning caffeine energy by jogging the rainforest paths, (okay I jogged and they took the short cut). Then we drove for miles across old lava flow where you could see nothing but charred barren ground. Later we headed up the East Coast of the Island and took a Helicopter ride in Hilo over an active lava flow. It was incredible to see hot, molten lava oozing out of the earth and the destruction that only Mother Nature can create. Heading as far north as we could drive on our little “goat trail” we found Waipi’o Valley. Its stunning vistas captivated me as soon as we arrived. That afternoon was spent exploring the shoreline and meeting a small herd of horses wandering the same beach. I spent some time sitting in the trees allowing a mare and her young foal to approach me. The picture above is of a young, bay filly that took the most interest in my presence.

One of my favourite things about the Big Island in Hawaii was how many different landscapes there are in just a few hours of driving. We drove the entire Island in a few days and went from humid tropical rainforest, to miles of lava rock, through endless lush, green acres of cattle, horses and goats grazing, to desert with cacti, and then snow capped mountains and sandy ocean beaches. Yes, it was all there and I explored each and every one.

My favourite area was Waimea. For those of you familiar with this area you might have guessed the same. Waimea is a ranching town based around the Parker Ranch, which was the largest Herford Ranch in the entire world! In the last few years the Parker Ranch has had to sell off a lot of their grazing land and so they have since downsized their herd to about 30,000 head – That is still A LOT of cows if you ask me! The area is beautiful with lush, green, rolling hills and snow capped mountains gracing the horizon. I did also love the beaches. Each morning I found myself snorkeling, paddle boarding or trying my hand at surfing! Paddle boarding quickly became my favourite morning activity. I loved heading out from shore and scanning the horizon for the sight of whales. Yes, I was lucky enough to see a couple Blue Whales while I was drifting.

The wildlife was quite spectacular as well. More birds than you can imagine, hundreds of tropical fish simply a few feet from shore, majestic Sea Turtles sun bathing or floating along beside the snorkelers, and colourful Geckos and other lizards. I’m sure some of you will be happy to know there are no snakes on the Island either! I saw quite a few sneaky Mongooses around, so maybe that has something to do with the absence of snakes.

All in all, my trip was everything I wanted it to be. Full of adventure, animals, amazing sights and of course the warm rays of the sunshine!

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Well, here we are six years after Heartland began its journey. I don’t think I could have ever imagined a more suiting role for my lifestyle, and the path Heartland has carried me down has been incredible. Six years ago, to imagine I would be residing on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta with a menagerie of animals around me would have seemed to be a pipe dream. Now, to be living and breathing it everyday is too fitting. I guess where I am going with this, is you can never dream too big. Positive visions will always push you to achieve your goals, no matter how reachable you may think they are at the time.

I’m sure presently the big question for many Heartland fans is, “Will there be a sixth season?!” I personally am in the dark on this as well. CBC is going through major budget cuts and they have thought it best to wait until they can confirm the renewal or end of all of their shows before they let one in particular know of its fate. I know you are all anxious to find out – as am I – but we will all have to wait a little while longer. At least there are new episodes spread over the next couple months to tie you over. 

Alberta has been much more generous this winter in terms of weather than last year. Although a high of -20 degrees Celsius is forecast for this week, it is back above freezing next week as it was with the last. I don’t mind the cold when we get the odd warmer week here and there… after all I am living in Canada in the winter! My horses are all cozy in their blankets and we have been making frequent trips up the road to a heated indoor arena. Cash, my buckskin Quarter-Horse is such an easy-going two-year-old. He is coming along under saddle and nothing seems to upset him. Pepsi is now living at an English barn up the road as he enjoys jumping far more than waiting around in my pasture for me to entertain him. Tango is content to hang out in the snowy field with Cash, but I have been having him join me at the arena so he can knock off a few of those winter pounds!

My dogs China and Remi love the snow. China gets cold quickly due to her petite figure and coat, however nothing can stop her from her “duty” of keeping the coyotes off the property. She lays in my bay window most of the day and night, and once she spots a wandering coyote she jumps up, runs around the house barking until I let her chase it off. For a smaller dog – she is very brave! Remi on the other hand… who I got with the idea of protecting my chickens from danger … is terrified of the coyotes. When her best friend China runs off over the hill, Remi whines and barks from the safety of the porch…

All the other animals on the farm are doing well. My barn cats, Mouzer and Turner have made themselves at home in the house for the cold winter. They are perfectly content to spend all day and night, cuddling on the bed… oh the life of a cat! The chickens and peafowl are cozy in their heated coop and whenever a break in the weather occurs I let them out to forage in the yard.

As for me? I’m enjoying a small hibernation while this winter weather takes hold. I have thoughts of taking a trip south for a few weeks, but haven’t decided where or when yet. I have been getting caught up on everyday things that get put aside during the busier part of the year. Over Christmas I flew back to Ontario and spent a whole month with my family and friends.  I brought Remi, China and Mouzer along with me and thanks to Haley my house sitter, all the critters on the farm were well cared for while I was gone. It was great to be able to have lots of time to visit with everyone and enjoy a relaxing Christmas.

I assure you, as soon as I hear the word about Heartland Season Six, I will let you know. I wish all of you the best for 2012 and remember to make everyday count.

Happy Trails,

Amber

YOU'VE BEEN WAITING!

YOU'VE BEEN WAITING!!!!

And here it is! The new 2012 Amber Marshall Calendar. This one of a kind calendar features Amber and her many animals. Get to know her pets better by their monthly biographies and pictures. This calendar is the perfect Christmas gift! Watch for it at the Royal Winter Fair.  Click Here to purchase the 2012 Official Amber Marshall Calender