As we walked the curve of the bank of a small stream near Mine Pond, Stephenville, a fellow hiker said something that I've not forgotton.

"Stop," he said, "Be still. If you look and listen, there's a whole world around us."

In a few moments, the natural world that had been on the edge of my consiousness came alive. The deeply earthy scent of the streambank. The murmur of wind rustling the leaves in the trees. A flutter of grey jay wings. The subtle rustle of the grass at my feet.

I've paddled, hiked and explored all over Western Newfoundland in every season. I know how peaceful, even soul-soothing, a day in the great outdoors can be. Yet even I as a photographer for many many years had forgotton something important: Stop. Be Still. Look and Listen.

In today's busy world we sometimes forget to slow down and celebrate the wonders of nature that once came to us so easily as children. With her beautiful landscapes and amazing experiences, Newfoundland and Labrador is the perfect place to remember.

  Submitted By: Aiden Mahoney