Is it possible to travel in your own back yard, to see familiar surroundings with the wide-eyed fascination of a first-time visitor?

Just this morning, I took a walk near where I live. Although I live in the city, I am luck to have some nice parks near-by, and easy access to the Ottawa River - an inspiring vista at any time of the year.

Although I enjoy my daily exercise, and the scenery along the way, my eyes are not always fully open. Rarely do I see things in a new way. Today’s cool, rainy weather inspired me to get more out of my walk than soggy feet and a yearning for the summer gone by (or wishing I was in Mexico, on my next trip). I prefer to live in the moment, which does take effort at times.

Today I concentrated on the colour in the changing leaves of fall. This may seem cliché, but I find it fresh each and every season. Just to add to the challenge, I brought my digital camera. Despite the rain, the low light levels, and my dull frame of mind, I was determined to come back with at least a couple of acceptable pictures. Then I upped the anti: at least one photo I can publish on my website.

It is amazing what you see when you look for it. By focusing on beauty, I discovered new things that I would other wise pass on by. Yes, the walk took longer than expected, and it is true - I didn’t exactly get great physical exercise. I did exercise my enjoyment channel and the observant part of my brain that is normally much more active when I am in unfamiliar territory on a trip to a new destination where everything is strange and wonderful.

Through a macro lens, even on a basic digital camera, there is a whole new world waiting to be discovered, and it is probably right under your nose.

You may not walk around wide-eyed in your own neighbourhood, but you can become fascinated by familiar surroundings if you look closely at what you pass every day. Yes, you can remain in a travelling mood year-round, even when at home.