After settling in Canada, the next adventure awaited us: we bought a boat – an inflatable boat! Why an inflatable boat? We thought it would be a great way to explore the nearby lake – and honestly, it was! (Well, at least to a certain point…)
Inflatable Boat Adventure – Joy with Small Obstacles
It felt almost serene steering the boat across the lake, surrounded by quiet nature. To my delight, I discovered that there were no blackflies in the middle of the lake. A little paradise, free from those pesky insects!
However, I quickly realized that with stronger winds and medium waves, I’m not exactly „wave-proof.“ I got a bit queasy, but at least there were no blackflies on the water – definitely a plus!
First Look at Loch Lomond’s Fire Trucks
Another highlight of the week was our first glimpse of Loch Lomond’s fire trucks. The fire department in this region has an interesting history. It was established many years ago to ensure protection and safety in the remote and rural areas of Cape Breton. Today, they primarily respond to fires, especially in the surrounding forests, as well as houses in isolated areas.
On average, the fire department handles about 50 calls per year. These involve not only fires but also medical emergencies and accidents, which are often a challenge due to the region’s remoteness. Particularly during the summer, the risk of forest fires increases, making the fire department crucial in protecting the environment. They work closely with the local communities to ensure quick response times and provide residents with a sense of security.
What’s especially impressive is that most of the firefighters are volunteers, sacrificing their time to protect their neighbors and the environment. (Here are some impressions of the fire trucks.)
Permaculture Meets Cottage Garden – Our Plans for the Future
We recently built and planted our first raised bed. The first plants are already sprouting, which makes us very happy. While raised beds aren’t strictly part of classic permaculture, we see them as a first attempt toward a balanced gardening system. In the long term, we’re planning a combination of permaculture and a traditional cottage garden.
A cottage garden is characterized by a clear structure where both ornamental and useful plants are combined. Paths typically separate various beds, and plants are often grown in mixed cultures. Cottage gardens are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. This blend of permaculture and a cottage garden will allow us to harness the advantages of both approaches: sustainability, biodiversity, and beauty.
The Tranquility of the Wildflower Meadow
At the bottom of our property lies a wonderful wildflower meadow, currently in full bloom. Here, I often find peace and let my soul unwind. It’s amazing how much energy you can draw from such a simple place.
For Diana, our dog, the meadow is also a little paradise. She loves to explore the tall grasses, searching for small creatures like mice and snakes – a world full of discoveries!
Challenges in the Job Search
Unfortunately, there’s still been no progress regarding the job search and work permit. We’re still looking for solutions, but at this point, we’re considering alternatives. Remote jobs could theoretically be an option, but these aren’t allowed with a tourist visa.
After many discussions, we’ve set a deadline: If there’s no progress in the job search by then, I’ll return to Austria to work at our house. Gernot will stay in Canada with the animals and continue working on our project. Why would I return to Austria? As a midwife, it’s much easier for me to find a job in Austria, while Gernot has better chances of earning an income in Canada through his music and the company Bras D’or.
Bras D’or – Our Vision for the Future
Gernot founded the company Bras D’or in Austria, which promotes sustainable investments in nature. The project offers two main programs: „Dauerwald,“ a forest project aimed at promoting biodiversity, and „Obstbaum,“ an investment opportunity in fruit trees to strengthen regional independence and create ecological jobs. In the long term, we plan to open a branch in Canada, allowing Gernot to apply for a work permit as the managing director of the Canadian subsidiary. This would be an exciting alternative to our current job search.
Your Thoughts?
Have you ever created a cottage garden or a raised bed? How do you combine permaculture with traditional garden styles? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences, tips, or questions with us – engaging with our community is important to us.
