tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44762787853660591102024-03-05T00:13:00.457-05:00Barbara MartinBarbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.comBlogger583125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-23690034529868301772016-07-01T00:46:00.003-04:002016-07-01T00:48:38.806-04:00CANADA DAY - CONFEDERATION 1867 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ2qwjdnn0A-fJ8eDGpA5LtmDbX0Izp2nawGPTGZTi6EbLvmjXyYyHDV_DrxWZ7E0GeMzIdVXFj3rwPKaXZYDN2onDn6j8ynKqg54MJvSytg1WAn06Yo8jf4OT9rvYD87FkBsDSKpZ-A/s1600-h/Canada+Flag+by+vtgard+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344721302573773698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ2qwjdnn0A-fJ8eDGpA5LtmDbX0Izp2nawGPTGZTi6EbLvmjXyYyHDV_DrxWZ7E0GeMzIdVXFj3rwPKaXZYDN2onDn6j8ynKqg54MJvSytg1WAn06Yo8jf4OT9rvYD87FkBsDSKpZ-A/s400/Canada+Flag+by+vtgard+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 238px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most Canadians celebrate this day with picnics and barbeques followed by fireworks after the sun sets. The historical significance of a country joining east and western parts on July 1, 1867 set the stage for a dynamic beginning. A post I wrote in <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2008/07/canada-day-confederation-july-1-1867.html">2010</a> explains the background of bringing this country together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: -vtgard CC=nc-nd-flickr; Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-7688514653304010482016-06-29T00:30:00.000-04:002016-06-29T01:09:54.511-04:00Finding the Right Background<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtUpoh8ik87XaeanheKdnoCWrXwGi2PY5mYOqhb-LoYJXFgexewNroUWxu0aMuikYIogfL70-gpZ8zYWjoPY__ECqhZzmUneg4nBJgI2WSIuJ4HfflfOFcOImTOq6iGYtyEpyNB9if73D/s1600-h/Just+south+of+Active+Pass+Victoria+BC+w+Olympic+Mtns+in+bkgrd+large+by+gordmckenna+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380569699130579650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtUpoh8ik87XaeanheKdnoCWrXwGi2PY5mYOqhb-LoYJXFgexewNroUWxu0aMuikYIogfL70-gpZ8zYWjoPY__ECqhZzmUneg4nBJgI2WSIuJ4HfflfOFcOImTOq6iGYtyEpyNB9if73D/s400/Just+south+of+Active+Pass+Victoria+BC+w+Olympic+Mtns+in+bkgrd+large+by+gordmckenna+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 168px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
My dark fantasies delve into a variety of historical backgrounds: current and past. The distant past intrigues me, yet pinpointing a particular time that provides a proper setting is important.<br /><br />What will the primary characters do there? How will they fit in? What challenges will they encounter? What is so important for them to be there? These questions do not readily occur to me until I have several partial chapters drafted.<br /><br />My ideas just pop into my head at any given moment of the day. I jot them down on a pad I carry specifically for this purpose. Later I look at them individually or in a group to see if anything further develops. Sometimes it does; other times no. If not, I put the ideas aside for another day.<br />
<br />
As I work on describing a particular scene another idea that fits with the story will come unbidden. My editor in the States, when going over my first manuscript, was amazed at all the things I had come up with. He was curious where they came from. I told him "they just come".<br />
<br />
There have been times when I ponder over a particular scene or a proposed conflict. I have found when using a technique from my meditation exercises, i.e. by focusing on intention one receives what they are asking for. I have an inner feeling to go to a certain location. Usually, either the library or the discount bin at Indigo. By going to the area where the topic is most likely to be found, the book is often there. Just waiting for me to come and pick it up. The Biblical saying: "Ask and ye shall receive," works for me. Well, where my writing is concerned it does.<br />
<br />
I had a conflict idea for the third manuscript about certain characters becoming lost on unchartered seas. This idea has been hanging around for several years now, and I considered what I knew about sailing from the past ... not much, except for the historical and swash buckling sagas or the "Master & Commander" stories.<br />
<br />
Several weeks ago I went to Indigo to pick up a book by Ann Daum, "The Prairie In Her Eyes", and while doing so, wondered what I might do about my unchartered sea idea. A perusal of the discount bins in the non-fiction history section revealed it: the book that explains the reason why my main character goes out onto unchartered seas. A perfect reason with intriguing historical speculation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: Gord McKenna CC=nc-nd-flickr - Active Pass south of Victoria, B.C. with Olympic Mountains in the background.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-29743973923883139992016-06-08T00:41:00.002-04:002016-06-08T00:50:05.724-04:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJqx0Ix_4hSi-JbMuN5s-LyeNMc6Gumj3Y0sAisOCwmVRUUOkEgCO3kSZWNt-cnzLnj_ctf2IyZhk4ZvCfFh7sY7SPCG2neZI5ifVcMy5TkTAu0aqJ9mt7GtYkNWDVltewCL5H0iySmK1/s1600/Photo0098+FEMALE+YAK+HIGH+PARK+15JN13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJqx0Ix_4hSi-JbMuN5s-LyeNMc6Gumj3Y0sAisOCwmVRUUOkEgCO3kSZWNt-cnzLnj_ctf2IyZhk4ZvCfFh7sY7SPCG2neZI5ifVcMy5TkTAu0aqJ9mt7GtYkNWDVltewCL5H0iySmK1/s320/Photo0098+FEMALE+YAK+HIGH+PARK+15JN13.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Scottish Highland Cattle are one of the variety of animals kept at the <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2008/06/toronto-my-town-monday.html">High Park</a> Zoo in Toronto, Ontario. This zoo is open to the public at no cost.<br />
<br />
Its interesting to note the fence around the tree to protect it from the cattle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: BEMartin2013<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-73526155742224182442016-03-22T22:34:00.002-04:002016-03-23T15:19:56.810-04:00Ida, AlwaysA few days ago, I happened across a children’s store, Mastermind Toys, on Dundas Street West in Toronto during a walk and popped inside to see what they had. In the book section the cover of this picture book was there among others enticing the reader to pick it up, first. Ida is a cousin’s name in my family, and that initially prompted me to pick up the book. Followed by the cute cover.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Ida-Always/Caron-Levis/9781481426404">Ida, Always </a>is a warm, comfortable story about friendship between two polar bears in a large city park: Gus and Ida. Their friendship enables them to face the illness Ida has and that she is not going to recover. Even after Ida is gone, Gus comes to understand that she is still with him: in his memories of their activities together.<br />
<br />
Well before the end of the book, I was struck with emotion from similar encounters of my own experiences. Its an excellent book, done in a manner to enable young children to understand the grieving process.<br />
<br />
This is a picture book for ages 4 to 8. Once again, Google and Blogger have not worked together to allow me to load an image of the book cover.<br />
<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Ida-Always/Caron-Levis/9781481426404">Atheneum Books </a>for Young Readers<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Available:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/ida-always/9781481426404-item.html?ikwid=Ida%2c+Allways+by+Caron+Levis&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Chapters Indigo </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/176-0619562-1782031?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ida%2C+always+by+caron+levis">Amazon.ca</a><br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-10863855908236676062016-02-03T21:36:00.001-05:002016-02-05T01:01:27.787-05:00The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Cat, this is Finn. He’s going to be your tutor.”<br />
<br />
“He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task now is to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion… and more. But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.”<br />
<br />
This novel is about a coming of age story for a young girl who has been raised and tutored by an android. It is also a romance with the usual elements of finding, losing and then rediscovery albeit with a twist.<br />
<br />
Cat’s relationships reveal her outlook on the life: of being a selfish, conceited and impulsive character. Her interaction with Finn was one of trust with friendship coming later when she went to him in times of need. Some of those occurrences redefined Finn’s terms of service.<br />
<br />
Finn’s personality is revealed in glimpses as he appears at various intervals. He is stoic, direct and mysterious. Although Finn insists he doesn’t have any feelings they are quite apparent to the reader. He has no smell, his movements and speech are slightly mechanical. Yet, there are those times when Finn vibrates that provide speculation.<br />
<br />
Artificial intelligence has been developed in the robots and androids until it is recognized as a type of consciousness – thus, begins their demands for rights. Finn leaves his position at the Novak’s residence and begins employment and life on the moon at the research station.<br />
<br />
As Cat continues her life without Finn, she struggles with the demands of society and happiness. Her behaviour remains the same, with no concern for the other person. It’s a sad state that her character does not improve with the passage of time or by the end of the novel.<br />
<br />
My apologies to Angry Robot Books for not uploading a photo, but Blogger was unresponsive.<br />
<br />
<br />
Book format: trade paperback, 400 pages<br />
<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://angryrobotbooks.com/?s=The+Mad+Scientists+Daughter ">Angry Robot Books</a>, imprint of Osprey Publishing<br />
<br />
Author website: <a href="http://www.casandraroseclarke.com/">Cassandra Rose Clarke </a><br />
<br />
Available:<br />
<br />
ISBN 978 0-85766-265-1<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/181-6428523-8453120?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Mad+Scientists+Daughter">Amazon.com
</a>><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/search/?keywords=The%20Mad%20Scientists%20Daughter ">chapters.indigo.ca </a>Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-49513226193327458712015-12-19T00:54:00.000-05:002015-12-19T23:46:54.893-05:00Kettle Valley Rail Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZXkXzS0VqddI3m0UDiLJQ2lWyYsxykGKerAWnutcE-ke5IAnXBh3SgnimoMEjMvxSmajng0ZHBFJ7r8UeSPlv7u8PByDz119yFqvKgot3JCPFAqy6PallKaa7URnqqzqgTpxL2Nf8W6L/s1600/584px-Little_tunel+on+kettle+valley+trail+by+jmh649+wikipedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZXkXzS0VqddI3m0UDiLJQ2lWyYsxykGKerAWnutcE-ke5IAnXBh3SgnimoMEjMvxSmajng0ZHBFJ7r8UeSPlv7u8PByDz119yFqvKgot3JCPFAqy6PallKaa7URnqqzqgTpxL2Nf8W6L/s320/584px-Little_tunel+on+kettle+valley+trail+by+jmh649+wikipedia.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is an abandoned railway bed that winds through central British Columbia between Midway and Hope. The 600km route offers the cyclist or hiker unique trail experiences: tunnels, trestles moving through mountain forests and a small desert. With the many camping facilities along the trail allows for extended trips or weekends.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tourismkelowna.com/do/activities-attractions/myra-canyon/">Myra Canyon </a>near Kelowna, B.C. has a series of 18 trestles on this portion of the picturesque trail. It may pose a challenge for those with fear of heights.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kettlevalleyrailway.ca/">KettlevalleyRailway.ca
</a><br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettle_Valley_Rail_Trail">wikipedia</a>Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-28428444726612159402015-10-26T00:22:00.001-04:002015-10-26T00:22:09.491-04:00Graydon Hall ParkThis 5.3 hectare (13 acres) park is located at 215 Graydon Hall Drive, North York on a plateau near Don Mills Road and the 401. It can be reached by the 122 Graydon Hall bus which stops on either the west or east side of the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ7hqTnx2UXdzZMWxq8Jo5m6uRQpMmvmZSh-b1oaEWDQjPX0o6edZXYHte49QfvkP-TsZ98uBYJyqDmrruqx8W59dHqHtK-Uhm7jEwH7sVWcjcM_00xE6rlPrdtRGCWba4dRNYF84aGwr/s1600/Photo0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ7hqTnx2UXdzZMWxq8Jo5m6uRQpMmvmZSh-b1oaEWDQjPX0o6edZXYHte49QfvkP-TsZ98uBYJyqDmrruqx8W59dHqHtK-Uhm7jEwH7sVWcjcM_00xE6rlPrdtRGCWba4dRNYF84aGwr/s320/Photo0277.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7LDHtlyqi3EN3K6-Yhgmr1ppFwDV6fsokfL3vtux2wTcYU3yQgOo84krGx455jDl17GtGoJydV7bkV2n_e_k9fAUj1LL-gj9bYqhb3XiMOUq-Ef4nfWMENqhp2JwECRG0O-U86XpDjwm/s1600/Photo0268+G+H+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7LDHtlyqi3EN3K6-Yhgmr1ppFwDV6fsokfL3vtux2wTcYU3yQgOo84krGx455jDl17GtGoJydV7bkV2n_e_k9fAUj1LL-gj9bYqhb3XiMOUq-Ef4nfWMENqhp2JwECRG0O-U86XpDjwm/s320/Photo0268+G+H+Park.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One hundred acres of farmland was purchased by the successful businessman, Rupert Bain, and transformed into the Graydon Hall estate. Graydon Hall, itself, was completed in 1936 at a cost of $250,000, an extraordinary sum for the time. This was followed by landscaping, and a 9-hole golf course, terraced pools in a garden area at the rear of the mansion. Bain was an avid polo player and a master of hounds at the Eglinton Hunt Club.<br />
<br />
A large part of the Graydon Hall manor property was sold to EP Taylor on which he built stables, kennels, polo field, and race track in 1950. In 1951, the mansion house and grounds were sold to Nelson Morgan Davis to Intercity Forwarders. In 1952, Bain died of a cerebral hemorrhage after a riding accident.<br />
<br />
<br />
Near the sign to the park is a pathway that goes behind the mansion along the southern edge of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYK99x5EQWaSXhbt7t2WPWhFh3uZoP7YLiTn9fbZgbyJslfqwiEoHQlSkMlyTHff5QBMz4ifyXYUslDqKwT0_r8uNUK64NOX2plrZWadU6uo-nVbyr9gcFMk-sa5IRl-7z2ErRKXkxzys/s1600/Photo0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYK99x5EQWaSXhbt7t2WPWhFh3uZoP7YLiTn9fbZgbyJslfqwiEoHQlSkMlyTHff5QBMz4ifyXYUslDqKwT0_r8uNUK64NOX2plrZWadU6uo-nVbyr9gcFMk-sa5IRl-7z2ErRKXkxzys/s320/Photo0278.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The path leads past thick wooded and brush filled areas.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeiQtSkpm-icswKQ70WHqQxAkYZMaWTtf4lhqfi4HPf18g1zFlW94COCD30LtBSGClDMWaTEdUGDp8bYT7rLenKWHPxw2j61Kvvl_GkOsBORLoCfo4s0njDr2B5EE22M49-61Dffxses2/s1600/Photo0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeiQtSkpm-icswKQ70WHqQxAkYZMaWTtf4lhqfi4HPf18g1zFlW94COCD30LtBSGClDMWaTEdUGDp8bYT7rLenKWHPxw2j61Kvvl_GkOsBORLoCfo4s0njDr2B5EE22M49-61Dffxses2/s320/Photo0276.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh0_atyLWCXggN68QFO1VwWL1x0Fv2EtSP-1w40AkgbvXvxOzlY7Ga6MxQdqyOdh-lBd1cY2KuJNzY5j73aUnIZ7ZPt9b8es3jHOrCXYUgKOdsjvRdWDR_ysk_GEYxgLBX02Zu8SgAmnC/s1600/Photo0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh0_atyLWCXggN68QFO1VwWL1x0Fv2EtSP-1w40AkgbvXvxOzlY7Ga6MxQdqyOdh-lBd1cY2KuJNzY5j73aUnIZ7ZPt9b8es3jHOrCXYUgKOdsjvRdWDR_ysk_GEYxgLBX02Zu8SgAmnC/s320/Photo0279.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Leading to the rear of the mansion is a break off path through close underbrush.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ckNLh5PVn4Xma8ame94IcytdJf3Vk7gcuG_4lNdevk5YmHy8CYl-4eGjbSKXQk-HGFnwCGx-wlTlAvzbAJoRQvLIGXEuLcScxC6VY08WdIKmnRYoyqFz5ykcKHvi8PBMZsDajGRQKu8l/s1600/Photo0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ckNLh5PVn4Xma8ame94IcytdJf3Vk7gcuG_4lNdevk5YmHy8CYl-4eGjbSKXQk-HGFnwCGx-wlTlAvzbAJoRQvLIGXEuLcScxC6VY08WdIKmnRYoyqFz5ykcKHvi8PBMZsDajGRQKu8l/s320/Photo0283.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a short walk over a lush well kept lawn between two rows of trees bordered by low stone walls is an iron fence protecting the grounds of the Graydon Hall Manor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK8c6n9n7kDfIYdCRTojY6VhQLazMFs0NAyUldr0nwZxE7j-OngG6j0BynIqjfVOg17gvzRa3mznzCmRbGpIs-1fTV7BU_0yPrYk_x6AxfxY5bUSMpzoUyhfVhIcNajwNThhFbedpguOi/s1600/Photo0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK8c6n9n7kDfIYdCRTojY6VhQLazMFs0NAyUldr0nwZxE7j-OngG6j0BynIqjfVOg17gvzRa3mznzCmRbGpIs-1fTV7BU_0yPrYk_x6AxfxY5bUSMpzoUyhfVhIcNajwNThhFbedpguOi/s320/Photo0286.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Research: Sheridan Nurseries: One Hundred Years of People, Plans and Plants. By Edward Butts, Karl Stennson. Pp 100- http://www.torontoneighbourhoods.net/neighbourhoods/north-york/graydon<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: BEMartin2015<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-64863616122672655602015-07-20T19:05:00.000-04:002015-07-20T21:44:00.121-04:00On the weekend, a friend took me out to a farm near <a href="http://www.downeysfarm.com/downeys-farm-market-pick-your-own.htm">Caledon</a>, north-west of Toronto to pick strawberries for an hour or so. As a child I had gone to the Okanogan in British Columbia to pick apples and pears from the trees in the orchard fields.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1enoxvBv_7lDtWGCoCXGee4PC0iP0XLvTMCPKdtvYTLYUPGxc_lU2W9qSgx6WPpycpi9uawcRd-8DaeQ4IPf9rJwcN-BcK-3sxMCzthTlz1ssg5E9TzmUS3-jMbu9cQ9v90buJ1jvwMR/s1600/Photo0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1enoxvBv_7lDtWGCoCXGee4PC0iP0XLvTMCPKdtvYTLYUPGxc_lU2W9qSgx6WPpycpi9uawcRd-8DaeQ4IPf9rJwcN-BcK-3sxMCzthTlz1ssg5E9TzmUS3-jMbu9cQ9v90buJ1jvwMR/s320/Photo0349.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It wasn't much different. Instead of walking into the orchard to find the trees laden with ripe pears and apples, the farm provided a tractor and wagon with benches to take the pickers out to the fields, about 800 yards from the gate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGik3OqNSsm2bUrrHtD6gpzNGfLW0_amOR_zUcYEGYlkcn8Rf3BaH-_7nVhT_DssxPs5bUV6-ui-zGjw8cT_zvFEMQohQEacffTFlZdBT1LgF8d3_kJqzuvRzPEjAlgqFmwrImaVFC32Ow/s1600/Photo0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGik3OqNSsm2bUrrHtD6gpzNGfLW0_amOR_zUcYEGYlkcn8Rf3BaH-_7nVhT_DssxPs5bUV6-ui-zGjw8cT_zvFEMQohQEacffTFlZdBT1LgF8d3_kJqzuvRzPEjAlgqFmwrImaVFC32Ow/s320/Photo0344.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The scene and trip reminded me of John Steinback's novel "The Grapes of Wrath".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The berry picking went well, as there were plenty of ripe strawberries to be had in the numerous rows. In less than an hour, we had a full basket, and it was back to the gate to weigh in. The cost was $2.50/lb, with the basket coming to $15.00.
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, at the farm were an assortment of pens of farm animals: a donkey (looked more like a burro as it was smaller than any donkey I had seen before), two goats, and some horses. I apologize for the photo of the goat who wasn't very co-operative as she was more interested in eating the grass at the edge of the fence and any strawberries children happened to drop specifically for her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0KdINSB1UrV4n9mrMGh4qr3-TGmoYATkEbrYwnztqDogQwC7kggB98mkuW1wUzeRSsvBdxa-A-FwgOil2rKarHv34KNFxM2usvQoGUiPLDNv6PkpykliywwoCuMmV2gmmo1rXFgd38tX/s1600/Photo0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0KdINSB1UrV4n9mrMGh4qr3-TGmoYATkEbrYwnztqDogQwC7kggB98mkuW1wUzeRSsvBdxa-A-FwgOil2rKarHv34KNFxM2usvQoGUiPLDNv6PkpykliywwoCuMmV2gmmo1rXFgd38tX/s320/Photo0348.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As for the strawberries when I got home, were a nice treat -- I must say they are alot better than the store bought ones. Perhaps a bit smaller, but juicier with more flavour.
<br />
<br />
Photo Credits: ©BEMartin2015<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-75777790275327183492015-07-13T22:58:00.000-04:002015-07-13T22:58:05.707-04:00John Scadding's Cabin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAqqQgJ3ODtaJGB397rGPNvP5Hz7kbBFdKldTa9uBgiJAiWLBXGgzQFSbwd2RWkBcGYtxvHXRM5NrIDN1Kf7boLPw2JPgNIwFzdemNHlED590vjVe6lNnjFZoXOSWp-LPOM_Z1uYuzo9_/s1600-h/CNE+Grounds+Scadding+Cabin+wikipedia.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321057010232056514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAqqQgJ3ODtaJGB397rGPNvP5Hz7kbBFdKldTa9uBgiJAiWLBXGgzQFSbwd2RWkBcGYtxvHXRM5NrIDN1Kf7boLPw2JPgNIwFzdemNHlED590vjVe6lNnjFZoXOSWp-LPOM_Z1uYuzo9_/s400/CNE+Grounds+Scadding+Cabin+wikipedia.jpg" /></a>[1]<br />
<br />
Last year, while at Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition with a friend, I stopped by to see the Scadding Cabin, located near Lake Shore Blvd. West to the southern portion of the grounds. In 2009 I had <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2009/04/my-town-monday-torontos-industrial.html">written a more comprehensive </a>account of the history behind the Cabin and its exposure at the Toronto Industrial Exhibition held in 1879.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE6Carz7IJHwP3vSCbr4WCVoANIVy4lw0aQvWGMXHRNleNdKLN3hp54ze1jw5-qvwHoy_s6h2eQMU1AOrubC_9SwAdlVUH1lkocmO7rAGKPj7SBfNRkQM8WP-InA7dZT8rd50s62d0T5j/s1600/Photo0213+Scadding+Cabin+Aug+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE6Carz7IJHwP3vSCbr4WCVoANIVy4lw0aQvWGMXHRNleNdKLN3hp54ze1jw5-qvwHoy_s6h2eQMU1AOrubC_9SwAdlVUH1lkocmO7rAGKPj7SBfNRkQM8WP-InA7dZT8rd50s62d0T5j/s320/Photo0213+Scadding+Cabin+Aug+2014.jpg" /></a></div>[2]<br />
<br />
The log cabin, built in 1794, was first owned by John Scadding, a government clerk and close friend to Upper Canada’s first Lieutenant Governor, John Graves Simcoe. The cabin was located on Scadding’s 253-acre property on the east bank of the Don River near where Queen Street and the Don Valley Parkway cross today. Scadding lived on the property until 1796 when he returned to England with the Simcoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C-xAkFGRewkvC3OzwiF_qDF_fMuWp4z0kMLcJpCjRSrPtgaBt3YZi7K6P4xrp5g56E4UjGqC5Yr2AVfHWDJCJznVzNFy9ShvM_YMbnINClybKfDFBGPwGZHfWtzPCwA8FYzcb9pHnjH3/s1600/Photo0210Scadding+Cabin+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C-xAkFGRewkvC3OzwiF_qDF_fMuWp4z0kMLcJpCjRSrPtgaBt3YZi7K6P4xrp5g56E4UjGqC5Yr2AVfHWDJCJznVzNFy9ShvM_YMbnINClybKfDFBGPwGZHfWtzPCwA8FYzcb9pHnjH3/s320/Photo0210Scadding+Cabin+2014.jpg" /></a></div>[3]
<br />
<br />
When John Scadding returned to York in 1818, he sold the property and its cabin to farmer William Smith, who used the cabin as an outbuilding. In 1879, Smith offered the cabin to the 10-year old York Pioneers Association.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLXngpRO2qe9tBAauq2B2c5_gerdVFiOZXKJUM85Tt_E-dlDVSPK4N9Sq-Wlm2ozMpo-NE7vHHEP9Fl7iRIKJXnzNgNETMiDQizEVAPPpLtt8q0IODLDg2eS1Yhspl255XOv61kYjIPZP/s1600/Photo0211+Scadding+Cabin+2014+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLXngpRO2qe9tBAauq2B2c5_gerdVFiOZXKJUM85Tt_E-dlDVSPK4N9Sq-Wlm2ozMpo-NE7vHHEP9Fl7iRIKJXnzNgNETMiDQizEVAPPpLtt8q0IODLDg2eS1Yhspl255XOv61kYjIPZP/s320/Photo0211+Scadding+Cabin+2014+B.jpg" /></a></div>[4]<br />
<br />
In the summer of 1879, the York Pioneers dismantled the cabin and reassembled it at the location of the inaugural Toronto Industrial Exhibition now the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ9JRFyRP_CBkMo5bQ_8qRa4XgaUPwnV7gtWfiZgIQs1knYQmzuhtreSjREx66J9mHONBrYFUVO5QS95ZpuNvqWFsULKeoWYY1BNsgiDrxJxaLIyWpbyAVxmO3MUHemSp7SSKM6JDwYHU/s1600/Photo0212+Scadding+Cabin+2014+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ9JRFyRP_CBkMo5bQ_8qRa4XgaUPwnV7gtWfiZgIQs1knYQmzuhtreSjREx66J9mHONBrYFUVO5QS95ZpuNvqWFsULKeoWYY1BNsgiDrxJxaLIyWpbyAVxmO3MUHemSp7SSKM6JDwYHU/s320/Photo0212+Scadding+Cabin+2014+C.jpg" /></a></div>[5]<br />
<br />
Volunteers from the York Pioneer and Historical Society dress in period costume to explain about the artifacts in the cabin.<br />
<br />
At the time I visited, no one was allowed up to the second floor or bedroom area. Considering the narrowness of the stairs to the south it might pose a hazard to someone venturing up them.<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credits: [1} Wikipedia Commons, [2][3][4][5]-©BEMartin2014<br />
<br />
Research:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2009/04/my-town-monday-torontos-industrial.html">1894 Toronto's Industrial Exhibition
</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yorkpioneers.org/cabin.html">York Pioneers
</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://torontoplaques.com/Pages/Scadding_Cabin.html">Toronto Plaques
</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-59793832505974828682015-06-25T22:16:00.001-04:002015-06-25T22:21:32.001-04:00Hiking the Sundance Canyon Trail - Banff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsww47om0nRJhokXTu8AXwXf4NybVE2zGToyGQwM5gGxho2x9_W-nkX6u53_pYlYdSBwZRRh0O9-PtfBGVeZ0u8xIrRqnEZa7WPAj6a6xsLALYD3UZ21HX4LFNVUUnWSEzod24TNdJiOw/s1600-h/Bow+River+Banff+bridge+mt+rundle+large+by+melanieio+CC%3Dnc-flickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395806124194251266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsww47om0nRJhokXTu8AXwXf4NybVE2zGToyGQwM5gGxho2x9_W-nkX6u53_pYlYdSBwZRRh0O9-PtfBGVeZ0u8xIrRqnEZa7WPAj6a6xsLALYD3UZ21HX4LFNVUUnWSEzod24TNdJiOw/s400/Bow+River+Banff+bridge+mt+rundle+large+by+melanieio+CC%3Dnc-flickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
[1]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Trail Length: 4.3 km taking about 3 hours<br />
Elevation Gain: 145 m (470 ft)<br />
Maximum elevation: 1545 m (5,070 ft)<br />
Maps: Banff Up-Close (Gem Trek)<br />
<br />
<br />
Check <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092">trail</a> and <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/miseajour-update/miseajour-update-byk.aspx">bear</a> conditions from Parks Canada before setting out. Recently the population of grizzly bears has increased and are more often encountered and seen around the Banff townsite. An article in the <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Grizzly+bear+eats+black+bear+popular+Banff+hiking+trail/8816001/story.html ">Calgary Herald </a>in August 2013 reported an incident where a very large grizzly bear (225-275 kilogram) killed and ate a small 45-kilogram black bear that had been foraging on the trail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From the intersection at the south end of the Bow River bridge make a right turn onto Cave Avenue. Go 1.2 km to the parking lot where a paved walkway leads to the <a href="http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog/2008/12/05/a-visit-to-banff-national-park/#more-847">Historic Cave and Basin </a>site. Walk past to get to the hiking and bicycle path.<br />
<br />
Some years ago, the paved road to Sundance Canyon was open to vehicular traffic. However, now it is used only by hikers, horses and those who wish to bicycle or use roller blades.<br />
<br />
The first portion of the trail leads down to the Bow River.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielaedBV-NZWJOFpMHMS3_Ad5SfsBLOU1KCJjUPImTHjpjIh6Xk_3Gfju7dJiBgu3Rak_OKLlZn8cjEwv2QDJXCPzKk2trenloGhiiO15AytosYMftQXHbSQ46bDNBrrGwVAIlHkHBgIi6/s1600/bow+river+from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielaedBV-NZWJOFpMHMS3_Ad5SfsBLOU1KCJjUPImTHjpjIh6Xk_3Gfju7dJiBgu3Rak_OKLlZn8cjEwv2QDJXCPzKk2trenloGhiiO15AytosYMftQXHbSQ46bDNBrrGwVAIlHkHBgIi6/s320/bow+river+from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[2] <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For about 1.5 km the trail follows the shoreline of the Bow River before turning south toward Sundance Canyon. Views of Mt. Cory 2789m, Mount Edith 2554m (the spike top), Mt. Norquay 2525m can be seen to the north.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-7mEjUzv1aVswtT8tkZJBmhZMM6Q9_X1LWzKWyhMOIr8elT2Yfsdj4G-OnOB_AumhMQmMiJm1AS-FJmmRXDwtLtqvrTVZ3PpS7JwMQ7vXWz6Y2RJAO0aep06eGA0gwUlVzUSoEJ_c2_Y/s1600/view+from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-7mEjUzv1aVswtT8tkZJBmhZMM6Q9_X1LWzKWyhMOIr8elT2Yfsdj4G-OnOB_AumhMQmMiJm1AS-FJmmRXDwtLtqvrTVZ3PpS7JwMQ7vXWz6Y2RJAO0aep06eGA0gwUlVzUSoEJ_c2_Y/s320/view+from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[3]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtvkIrY2s-_hc9LPWP9Pq2Yten7-R2OiH6g85d5F5kROaHm5CXIJN5i8knbm71dFt76qjPA57SCDWvUfIkmEt-5YtapjiN0QfUIBTFGXdg1IafoNh4PDrklQBhyC9CCLJNF7aICJsmWNm/s1600/from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtvkIrY2s-_hc9LPWP9Pq2Yten7-R2OiH6g85d5F5kROaHm5CXIJN5i8knbm71dFt76qjPA57SCDWvUfIkmEt-5YtapjiN0QfUIBTFGXdg1IafoNh4PDrklQBhyC9CCLJNF7aICJsmWNm/s320/from+sundance+trail+large+by+erictitcombe+CC=flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[4]<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAMxzW9Z73fPxCzJTlOupacQaoNfjxFw_fTfFLYDC7_mX39D6PUlUhzS6x_H6mtGpqjMqIvEjXQUw8JoZy3L61OSjy-nAYf0mwtATIbK6JxQC7Pt9QRDLN84tgVIWXELosYQ5mFv2DRgc/s1600/Sundance+Canyon2+large+by+John+Vetterli+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAMxzW9Z73fPxCzJTlOupacQaoNfjxFw_fTfFLYDC7_mX39D6PUlUhzS6x_H6mtGpqjMqIvEjXQUw8JoZy3L61OSjy-nAYf0mwtATIbK6JxQC7Pt9QRDLN84tgVIWXELosYQ5mFv2DRgc/s320/Sundance+Canyon2+large+by+John+Vetterli+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[5]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEnzkcuuZTS8Oa1jU9gTjT63DYjKV0ZE2FoWRsX1cMZt7VoN9CDRje0EHt60F4EAXehO-M9b4-msX2oHFTFuVvbupzp3I2MSmCrJ2fEwYspytGorvuLQYfJvgo9cjfW74DvyHeuwcG9cK/s1600/Sundance+Canyon+large+by+John+Vetterli+CC=sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEnzkcuuZTS8Oa1jU9gTjT63DYjKV0ZE2FoWRsX1cMZt7VoN9CDRje0EHt60F4EAXehO-M9b4-msX2oHFTFuVvbupzp3I2MSmCrJ2fEwYspytGorvuLQYfJvgo9cjfW74DvyHeuwcG9cK/s320/Sundance+Canyon+large+by+John+Vetterli+CC=sa-flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[6]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The trail and bicycle access ends at the Sundance Canyon picnic area. There a 1.2 km foot trail climbs into this canyon, bridging the Sundance Creek, and looping back down the other side of the canyon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKT6yQt0IGqt13mM05oTHPIf86IJU9fmcmaBjnhyphenhyphen9P7J75O37bqZkkoEwF8Bxy8KiaL95afA8lvFzGa8wpS_Wuhqt1P45Ujlm21RRs2lXOHVq4xWU1CsxZ8MJkb0gtYKA42j2tj01NiXg/s1600/Sundance+Canyon+large+by+casmium+CC=nc-nd-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKT6yQt0IGqt13mM05oTHPIf86IJU9fmcmaBjnhyphenhyphen9P7J75O37bqZkkoEwF8Bxy8KiaL95afA8lvFzGa8wpS_Wuhqt1P45Ujlm21RRs2lXOHVq4xWU1CsxZ8MJkb0gtYKA42j2tj01NiXg/s320/Sundance+Canyon+large+by+casmium+CC=nc-nd-flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
[7]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just before the trail loops around there is a fork leading off through Sundance Pass to swing around the southern end of Sulphur Mountain to the Spray River for those considering that route.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credits: [1] melanie CC=nc-flickr, [2][3][4] eric titcombe CC=flickr, [5][6] John Vetterli CC-nc-nd-flickr, [7] casium CC=nc-nd-flickr.<br />
<br />
Research: ParksCanada Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-43932747699702910992015-06-14T23:13:00.003-04:002015-06-14T23:26:05.626-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo-DwRnaLESwSFWMZsHxun6NTF9EYJfYWeyukC_kgseL8zLdiVbnTdQs6oHed6t-yDM8-2XWfxG53En9uz04-pn6SRufvNQfvsBnsfQQWvIdpejh6HQ_REahSqS2vXJE6kEwxjH_BjQvq/s1600-h/Rockwall+by+nordique+CC%3D+flickr+c.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263220389546425986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo-DwRnaLESwSFWMZsHxun6NTF9EYJfYWeyukC_kgseL8zLdiVbnTdQs6oHed6t-yDM8-2XWfxG53En9uz04-pn6SRufvNQfvsBnsfQQWvIdpejh6HQ_REahSqS2vXJE6kEwxjH_BjQvq/s400/Rockwall+by+nordique+CC%3D+flickr+c.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 270px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever noticed that when arrangements are made to go somewhere, especially those plans made earlier in the year or the year before -- seem to go awry just before one is about to depart. Perhaps I should just go on the spur of the moment and hope for the best; something I did when younger -- and it worked out just fine.<br />
<br />
The photo is from a post about hiking the <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2008/10/hiking-trails-rockwall-pass-trail.html">Rockwall Pass</a> in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: nordique CC=flickr.<br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-26956799268100623092015-06-03T15:49:00.001-04:002015-06-03T15:51:43.243-04:00Earl Bales Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RKx5ZhsLu23PCN_oBcl5XnKosy2ko6vraBMqatcBEvKtPjXjXpApuec3LAQvnp5uaoL9f9ggtycI1CAqQx2FTxbj4zwE-y5W10fomF0iKy5-PqbcFs1ChsyxCjYJ_gHxvECZilsJX5NI/s1600/earl+bales+park+sep+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RKx5ZhsLu23PCN_oBcl5XnKosy2ko6vraBMqatcBEvKtPjXjXpApuec3LAQvnp5uaoL9f9ggtycI1CAqQx2FTxbj4zwE-y5W10fomF0iKy5-PqbcFs1ChsyxCjYJ_gHxvECZilsJX5NI/s320/earl+bales+park+sep+14.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Earl Bales Park is one of 1,600 parks within the Toronto area.<br />
<br />
Named after Robert Earl Bales a former mayor of North York, the park is located on the former farmland of his great-grandfather, John Bales.<br />
<br />
One of the nicer features of this park is the amphitheatre, where last summer I enjoyed a one-man show with a unique performance on a unicycle.<br />
<br />
There are two fire pits, dog off leash area, two playgrounds, five parking lots, nine bike trails and a senior recreation centre with washrooms. In the winter for ski enthusiasts there are ski runs, a ski chalet and a chair lift.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Research: Toronto.ca/parks<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: bemartin © 2014<br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-57518517745609472502015-05-27T23:35:00.001-04:002015-05-27T23:40:24.146-04:00Sheep River Provincial Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK60XOt1M9Xqfsbs2KwENzLAYgdc79-4Wcok-FiSSPR6s2rp5y47TcgHytoU1T3SJg-4l-h4AAbT30N-21jjKVbDbHoGZVfe41HMq44NGF8x4oQ1xiaHjPj9G84RrCVRBi01zdpbAhfnNe/s1600/sheep+river+falls+near+Turner+Valley+large+by+phoven+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK60XOt1M9Xqfsbs2KwENzLAYgdc79-4Wcok-FiSSPR6s2rp5y47TcgHytoU1T3SJg-4l-h4AAbT30N-21jjKVbDbHoGZVfe41HMq44NGF8x4oQ1xiaHjPj9G84RrCVRBi01zdpbAhfnNe/s320/sheep+river+falls+near+Turner+Valley+large+by+phoven+CC=flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sheep River Provincial Park is located 106km SW of Calgary in Alberta. Take highways AB-22 and AB-546W, or AB-2A south to Otokoks, then west on AB-7 to Black Diamond and at Turner Valley to AB-546W, leaving 36km.<br />
<br />
Sheep River is part of the Bow River watershed, providing drinking water to the towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Okotoks.<br />
<br />
The Sheep Falls are located near the Bluerock Campground and the Indian Oils Trail on the Sheep River Road at the western portion of the Park.<br />
<br />
The park is open May 15 to November 30th each year which assists the Bighorn Mountain Sheep in maintaining their herd numbers. For the avid outdoors person there is camping, hiking, biking/cycling, fishing, horseback riding, and, of course, photographing birds and spectacular landscapes. For fishing enthusiasts a fishing license is required, and there is a catch and release in effect. This park is home to Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout. For the hiker often deer, elk, bear and Bighorn Sheep are seen.<br />
<br />
For hikers there is information on the trails with <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/sheep-river/information-facilities/trails.aspx">Alberta Parks </a> showing the degree of difficulty and more information. Group hiking is essential as this is bear country!<br />
<br />
Historically, in 1884 to 1885 <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2009/03/my-town-monday-legend-john-ware.html">John Ware</a> worked for the Quorn Ranch located on the Sheep River.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: phoven CC=flickr.<br />
<br />
Research: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheep_River_(Alberta)">wikipedia</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/sheep-river.aspx">AlbertaParks.ca
</a><br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-59280910218406870152015-05-21T23:11:00.000-04:002015-05-21T23:45:38.433-04:00Plains Bison in Banff National Park<br />
<br />
Plains bison were reintroduced into Banff National Park in March 2015.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
For those unable to watch embedded see <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV9AZgo2t1k">here</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZV9AZgo2t1k&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZV9AZgo2t1k&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
In the mid-1800s the majority of Plains Bison had been eliminated from the continent except for a few free ranging herds. They have always had a role in the ecosystem by their creation and maintenance of grasslands and meadows through grazing and physical disturbance of the ground. Bison are also a food source to predators.<br />
<br />
The First Nations and pioneers benefited from the bison in years past. This reintroduction will assist the cultural reconnection which has been lost for over a century.<br />
<br />
A long-term maximum population for Banff will be in the range of 600 – 1,000 individuals. To protect the initial relocation area it will only be accessed by established trails on foot or on horseback. For those who venture too closely the bison can create safety risks such as human fatalities. They weigh 450-900 kilograms, are agile for their size and capable of speeds up to 70 kilometres an hour. The areas of “the Panther and Red Deer River valleys, and the Fairholme Bench area of the lower Bow Valley” are locations that have the appropriate range habitat to support the bison.<br />
<br />
The first phase of the reintroduction includes placing 30-50 bison in a temporary soft release paddock in the Panther-Dormer River area in the summer/fall. These plains bison will come from the herd at Elk Island National Park. The phasing in period will be over the next five years and beyond. Currently the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=19979&oPark=100092">Dormer River Valley</a> is closed for prescribed fired burnings which will enhance new vegetation growth for the plains bison to be placed there.<br />
<br />
This is exciting as it has been quite some time that Banff National Park has had the plains bison available to the public. During some of my early visits to Banff in childhood (late 1950s-1962), I recall seeing the plains bison in the various paddocks.<br />
<br />
<br />
Research: <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx">ParksCanada</a>Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-41777676147234616542015-05-15T22:16:00.001-04:002015-05-15T22:16:41.650-04:00Couchiching Beach Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo3VY9eMbLfKmr9j0ho32G4eeDcNVflV8RwR6cSRF0dsd1zQgiRyD1Xb-Bec9nAnxY8teCsxJ9T4p5ufeM2QEXtryvEzMW-dh1uxPwme5NubzrHP8KEtM92em3WK9p1fuy-1_SLQzQT8w/s1600/Photo0250+orilia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo3VY9eMbLfKmr9j0ho32G4eeDcNVflV8RwR6cSRF0dsd1zQgiRyD1Xb-Bec9nAnxY8teCsxJ9T4p5ufeM2QEXtryvEzMW-dh1uxPwme5NubzrHP8KEtM92em3WK9p1fuy-1_SLQzQT8w/s320/Photo0250+orilia.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the beginning of May, a friend drove me up to Orillia for a short visit in beautiful sunshine. The trees had only barely begun to open their leaf buds.<br />
<br />
This 14.5 acre park is located in the City of Orillia, Ontario, 80 miles / 129 kilometres north of Toronto on the west side of Couchiching Lake. It has a swimming beach, flower gardens, band shelter, picnic tables, fishing, trails/pathways, 66 benches, outdoor skating rink in winter and includes the town dock.<br />
<br />
East of the lake in the next photo on the green shore line is <a href="http://www.casinorama.com/About-Casino-Rama/About-Us.aspx">Casino Rama</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Tg2k8VRKTarW0obF-VlLkKTlfSA2VMX38o1ptcTK3-M7a-meOH_IW8AwY-CxONosguC3rYqbTPXoXJRUSdTMaTTocJN1e3FDcABiYJzVyzrrFDq1LLu6DuzubRVUFi2aElnJgmQSi11/s1600/Photo0251orillia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Tg2k8VRKTarW0obF-VlLkKTlfSA2VMX38o1ptcTK3-M7a-meOH_IW8AwY-CxONosguC3rYqbTPXoXJRUSdTMaTTocJN1e3FDcABiYJzVyzrrFDq1LLu6DuzubRVUFi2aElnJgmQSi11/s320/Photo0251orillia.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Couchiching is from the Ojibwe word <i>gojijiing</i> meaning “inlet” and is separated from Lake Simcoe to the south by a narrow channel.<br />
<br />
The area was first mapped by Samuel de Champlain between 1613 and 1615.<br />
<br />
For those interested, I had previously posted historical articles on Samuel de Champlain:<br />
<a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/01/samuel-de-champlain-part-1.html">Part 1</a>, <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/01/samuel-de-champlain-part-2.html">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/02/samuel-de-champlain-part-3.html">Part 3</a>, <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/02/samuel-de-champlain-part-4.html">Part 4</a>, and <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/02/samuel-de-champlain-part-5.html">Part 5</a>.<a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/2009/02/samuel-de-champlain-part-5.html"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credits: bemartin (C)2015.<br />
<br />
Research:<br />
http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/communityparks.asp<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Couchiching<br />
http://www.canadahistory.com/sections/eras/2%20worlds%20meet/champlain/Champlain.html<br />
<br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-67898197843497388922015-05-10T02:43:00.001-04:002015-05-10T21:45:21.765-04:00Cascade Gardens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jXiRFeH1J0Vmzn-NadgVeWoXYRdcWsPTJn7KAm1wsZmOQ-vHACweEQMLIyJ4xaaJDAEWovwg_pY5xSHZiH2VfNcnChS5zZid5QA4b7Ee98WJNJOOBLV2GkkJK6AvU_-0Rg0F6AqlDcDG/s1600-h/Banff+Administration+Garden+by+Fred+HsuCC.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395805722880240338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jXiRFeH1J0Vmzn-NadgVeWoXYRdcWsPTJn7KAm1wsZmOQ-vHACweEQMLIyJ4xaaJDAEWovwg_pY5xSHZiH2VfNcnChS5zZid5QA4b7Ee98WJNJOOBLV2GkkJK6AvU_-0Rg0F6AqlDcDG/s400/Banff+Administration+Garden+by+Fred+HsuCC.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 266px;" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Banff Administration Building is located on the south side of the Bow River across the Bow River Bridge. The Cascade Gardens surround the stone building and are built into the hillside of Sulphur Mountain. These gardens offer spectacular views of the Bow River and the surrounding mountains.<br />
<br />
More information on summer and winter activities can be located in Parks Canada's <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.aspx">brochures</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: Fred Hsu CC=flickr<br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-13570631299102610412015-02-08T19:01:00.002-05:002015-10-05T00:12:44.969-04:00Wascana Trails<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD8TZuLl2_V7XqD5w2jQg66oZ5OIAY6k71yPo4330ET0y2yCKSym9X0cctXtuNrEZNmWKq7rY87F5EVCj3jpXjrskxj4vrqXhIre0ftp1YFbCHqY11p4EJOPHBLtmWj2sqxinOd6EC1Ou/s1600-h/Wascana+Trails+PP+large+davidgane+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380564721435519138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD8TZuLl2_V7XqD5w2jQg66oZ5OIAY6k71yPo4330ET0y2yCKSym9X0cctXtuNrEZNmWKq7rY87F5EVCj3jpXjrskxj4vrqXhIre0ftp1YFbCHqY11p4EJOPHBLtmWj2sqxinOd6EC1Ou/s400/Wascana+Trails+PP+large+davidgane+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 267px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
The Wascana Trails are located NW of Regina along a deep ravine in the Qu'Appelle River Valley. They are part of the Wascana Valley Nature Recreation Site, covering 15km of varied terrain of hills with steep and winding ascents and descents providing excellent views of the river valley.<br />
<br />
Wheelchair access by hand cycle on North America's first off-road hand cycle trail.<br />
<br />
<br />
Directions from <a href="http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Wascana-Trails-Provincial-Recreation-Site-near-Regina-SK-2717">Trailpeak.com</a>:<br />
<br />
"Go NW of Regina on Highway #11 about 10.5km past where it turns off of Albert (#6). Turn West on secondary Highway 734. At 7.7km where the Highway takes a hard right to the N, go straight (watch for cars as I KNOW you'll be thinking of singletrack) down the gravel road. Another 1.8km (around a couple left hand turns) and you will find the well marked parking lot. There are a few signs on the way so you won't get lost."<br />
<br />
<br />
Research: <a href="http://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/travel-information/product-detail&opid=105290">TourismSaskatchewan dot com
</a><br />
<br />
Photo Credit: davidgane CC=nc-nd-flickr. CLICK TO ENLARGE.<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-78823230485731295272015-02-05T22:17:00.000-05:002015-02-05T22:17:27.830-05:00Prudhomme Lake<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2lNfXhCI_tnEccnIP7rFWVHRz2IsMwb54TtGS-ZXB_VrM-OGfqzTKp647cw93ysrZLuBAZV0484VaS6tzKbx0xUzZd_OM_1C7R67SKZIEKxTK_8Vw88wGYHHuWUeLZqjylEs1Ck9667c/s1600-h/Prudhomme+Lake+Prince+Rupert+BC+large+by+DreamEchos+CC%3Dnc-flickr.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2lNfXhCI_tnEccnIP7rFWVHRz2IsMwb54TtGS-ZXB_VrM-OGfqzTKp647cw93ysrZLuBAZV0484VaS6tzKbx0xUzZd_OM_1C7R67SKZIEKxTK_8Vw88wGYHHuWUeLZqjylEs1Ck9667c/s400/Prudhomme+Lake+Prince+Rupert+BC+large+by+DreamEchos+CC%3Dnc-flickr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432362764009545170" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although closed at this time of the year, Prudhomme Lake in <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/prudhomme/">Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park</a> in British Columbia, offers respite from the cities in the summer. Located 16km east of Prince Rupert, this park covers 7 hectares with ample campground sites to enjoy fishing of five species of Pacific Salmon. Salmon spawning occurs in August and September.<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: DreamEchos CC=nc-flickr. CLICK TO ENLARGE<br />
<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-55227615581434917182015-01-03T00:43:00.003-05:002015-01-03T00:43:55.988-05:00Winter Necessity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcEPo47M2ji0iWpJLeW6em4mZoWFiFD81MJktUWXYYuPC1osr8NXisI7nS7SK2NGkezmGg7ZbFO9cwugIriyRJ-3mn-DYhqM0IF2HsUCuENv_D1TjwkPcI_S2Y-xlZZzw5E3qYXriZaL6/s1600/winter+necessity+banff_lake_louise+CC%253Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcEPo47M2ji0iWpJLeW6em4mZoWFiFD81MJktUWXYYuPC1osr8NXisI7nS7SK2NGkezmGg7ZbFO9cwugIriyRJ-3mn-DYhqM0IF2HsUCuENv_D1TjwkPcI_S2Y-xlZZzw5E3qYXriZaL6/s320/winter+necessity+banff_lake_louise+CC%253Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Often in the winter months in western Canada, or in northern areas of Ontario and Quebec, plug-ins are necessary to keep engine blocks from freezing.<br />
<br />
Winter has plagued western and eastern Canada in strange bursts of frigid weather combined with snow and freezing rain, followed by warmer weather. One never knows how the week will turn out, or just when that next heavy snowfall warning occurs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: banff_lake_louise CC=nc-nd-flickr.<br />
<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-74541165110878914722014-11-13T23:29:00.001-05:002014-11-14T00:06:34.234-05:00Asian Carp Invasion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWkEILR-o0u2GnXDyTHloSqeFmcD98Nltg0GDDe1ezp-kfkRibSFkTTbN4JFPraheO-eDIU7NskQzOLJp3W2Pv2bmq3sTG8Pb_c5qrxIIwchHzDt-pkkZ5kEBgoMeo1kXpysmAmbe3NLG/s1600-h/Old+woman+bay+lake+superior+pp+large+Calypso+Orchid+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWkEILR-o0u2GnXDyTHloSqeFmcD98Nltg0GDDe1ezp-kfkRibSFkTTbN4JFPraheO-eDIU7NskQzOLJp3W2Pv2bmq3sTG8Pb_c5qrxIIwchHzDt-pkkZ5kEBgoMeo1kXpysmAmbe3NLG/s320/Old+woman+bay+lake+superior+pp+large+Calypso+Orchid+CC%3Dnc-nd-flickr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378155237192600674" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Ontario Angling Federation has set up a series of information sessions in several Ontario locations on how the <a href="http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/OFAH_launches_Asian_Carp_information_sessions ">Asian Carp </a>invasion would jeopardize the Great Lakes. Each session will include speakers from the federal and provincial governments.<br />
<br />
“An Asian carps invasion would jeopardize the Great Lakes’ $5-billion fishery and decimate native fish populations,” reads an OFAH press release. “While Asian carps are not yet established in the Great Lakes, their DNA has been detected near Chicago just a few miles upstream of Lake Michigan, prompting both the Canadian and Ontario governments to commit major resources to the threat.”<br />
<br />
There is concern over the risks imposed by the Asian Carp creating ecological disruption that would alter the habitat by being carriers for disease and prey upon native fish populations. As well, the socio-economic impact upon the Aboriginal communities fisheries could result in the loss of their livelihood. Legislation in Canada is needed to ensure “that all Bighead, Black, Grass, and Silver carps entering the country to be “dead and eviscerated” prior to entry as Asian Carp have the ability to appear dead on ice for two days”.<br />
<br />
Preventing the invasion is cheaper than trying to eradicate them once they have become established in the lake system.<br />
<br />
It is now illegal in Ontario to possess live Bighead, Black, Grass or Silver Carp as well as other invasive fish species. <a href="http://www.asiancarp.ca/SitePages/ReportASighting/ReportASighting.aspx">Asiancarp.ca </a>has information on how to report a sighting.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sources: OutdoorCanada.ca, AsianCarp.ca<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: Lake Superior, Ontario - Orchid Calpso CC=nc-nd-flickr.
<br />
I apologize for no carp photo, but blogger would not allow Wikimedia photo to load for some strange reason. Is it Twilight Zone time?
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-11492988394091071582014-11-09T23:48:00.000-05:002014-11-09T23:48:02.712-05:00Cataract Falls<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsHol4OPBEBGkrhPK1blO4R0AVdBf5aTAZ8YIgx3M9B6nyMsghyvLjYdEhHUjuVW2HVZwgDZkeWOKUwp61cn7hsoSEUaHQobPoL1f5gn0zIxMsqnZeN2StzCU8erqtnda7_cmtcvW_mHc/s1600-h/Cataract+Falls+of+Fork+of+the+Credit+Prov+Park+by+bobcatnorth+CC%3Dnc-sa-flickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380573941786830562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsHol4OPBEBGkrhPK1blO4R0AVdBf5aTAZ8YIgx3M9B6nyMsghyvLjYdEhHUjuVW2HVZwgDZkeWOKUwp61cn7hsoSEUaHQobPoL1f5gn0zIxMsqnZeN2StzCU8erqtnda7_cmtcvW_mHc/s400/Cataract+Falls+of+Fork+of+the+Credit+Prov+Park+by+bobcatnorth+CC%3Dnc-sa-flickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Cataract Falls is located at the <a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/forksofthecredit">Fork of the Credit River </a>Provincial Park. Within the park various activities such as hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and birding are common.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: bobcatnorth CC=nc-sa-flickr.
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-71347270250400049922014-10-18T19:19:00.003-04:002014-10-18T20:38:27.518-04:00Hiking Trails - Abbott Ridge Trail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kAR3CEfoKwn5IGJNeIDJOKIfqYTuc0VY-2eJKZCkSpwjUv8JHwBxJ_QjoihrKDY3gdkNDjzzcHaClASEt8dccT-QasqxV8k4CuDRHE2AOV7ZAiz2Jd6MgCwqqmPTK9JdVZuLWLKaxPtx/s1600/1A-Nearing+Glacier+NP+park+boundary+hwy+1+by+RegNatarajan+CC%3Dflickr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499393443948637698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kAR3CEfoKwn5IGJNeIDJOKIfqYTuc0VY-2eJKZCkSpwjUv8JHwBxJ_QjoihrKDY3gdkNDjzzcHaClASEt8dccT-QasqxV8k4CuDRHE2AOV7ZAiz2Jd6MgCwqqmPTK9JdVZuLWLKaxPtx/s400/1A-Nearing+Glacier+NP+park+boundary+hwy+1+by+RegNatarajan+CC%3Dflickr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
[1) - Nearing Glacier National Park boundary on Highway 1 westbound with Sir Donald range in the background.
An introduction to this area was posted earlier on <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2010/07/hiking-trails-glacier-house.html">Glacier House </a>with location instructions. The first photo is borrowed from that post.<br />
<br />
Mount Abbott: 2454m<br />
Elevation of the trailhead - 1250m<br />
This trail is strenuous<br />
Length: 10km (6.2 mi)<br />
Elevation Gain: 1,040m (3,412 ft) in 5 km (3 mi)<br />
Time: 5 to 6 hours<br />
<br />
The best time to hike this trail is July to August as snow remains on the higher elevations in early July.<br />
<br />
<br />
From the campground:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJziDp0ZXj4tX5l9X5dTjEmOAQYRo9vHl8GX49I9d9vcMP3gjoIuQfR4Dji1jV49rN397aPSDI31Q68ODV86yWv_nvNY_XviN0CyCAR896S-GgPyKrMaZiqX1NQVMcQQRJGA1aD7Fgd7Dg/s1600/1B-illecillewaet+c-g+05+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJziDp0ZXj4tX5l9X5dTjEmOAQYRo9vHl8GX49I9d9vcMP3gjoIuQfR4Dji1jV49rN397aPSDI31Q68ODV86yWv_nvNY_XviN0CyCAR896S-GgPyKrMaZiqX1NQVMcQQRJGA1aD7Fgd7Dg/s320/1B-illecillewaet+c-g+05+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Cross the Illecilliwaet River on the bridge, <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgq2oGwJt8WHA4ZXCjh3arlVprQsofsFz85ykw1oYP4Dn8esVatmZTOS4SD8sx8wQcOU1KlXsXtTZ31FKzMHUwQqs1kXkKTZLTaorDTD421sKwmvyIgFThLag5nUVGhj3mpvlnkHQ1Srr/s1600/1C--Abbott+ridge+trail+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgq2oGwJt8WHA4ZXCjh3arlVprQsofsFz85ykw1oYP4Dn8esVatmZTOS4SD8sx8wQcOU1KlXsXtTZ31FKzMHUwQqs1kXkKTZLTaorDTD421sKwmvyIgFThLag5nUVGhj3mpvlnkHQ1Srr/s320/1C--Abbott+ridge+trail+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
making your way through the Interpretive Trail at <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.ca/2010/07/hiking-trails-glacier-house.html">Glacier House</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrTFS6aXCpMJwAasKycAy9UEMVGSF6UXt0mNMe6L2nA-pj4NmAplesf2StkxFS1m2xmCZRqyfQ6x85iK5i4Nptxrn0NhQPiOLmnlORLHnbJRwne7oqSSHV9qjcK5hli7HTotAhDhsi6Ic/s1600/1-Abbot+ridge+trail+sign+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrTFS6aXCpMJwAasKycAy9UEMVGSF6UXt0mNMe6L2nA-pj4NmAplesf2StkxFS1m2xmCZRqyfQ6x85iK5i4Nptxrn0NhQPiOLmnlORLHnbJRwne7oqSSHV9qjcK5hli7HTotAhDhsi6Ic/s320/1-Abbot+ridge+trail+sign+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The Abbott Ridge Trail heads west/right from the middle of the ruins.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oiCpcf1EYD3frm_6g2H3aEEIAwf2KTkAspUK9M3pxVWIa85ovI1cb_7SgW8ls9v9DKhyeXKKKrk1ZCIAykMnuO5jITr2__MeFG42On0EB20FBkeQAXOhEHURRT_uhL62yBV8JjZtnzjJ/s1600/2-abbot+ridge+trail3+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oiCpcf1EYD3frm_6g2H3aEEIAwf2KTkAspUK9M3pxVWIa85ovI1cb_7SgW8ls9v9DKhyeXKKKrk1ZCIAykMnuO5jITr2__MeFG42On0EB20FBkeQAXOhEHURRT_uhL62yBV8JjZtnzjJ/s320/2-abbot+ridge+trail3+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHdTHrlivQP90L39nCnDh7a59KsDRledwhB-hwWD97CjGxUOaG971vGZ1FW8Dv-LzF9Jbu0dp_OSY2mG13-LFlWusSkWN2ZtLjJsmrUXvUs7el6w511jouw2vfYAyJm5UrHzyHytCF4yD/s1600/4-cedar+large+by+ThomasKluge+CC=nc-salifkckr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHdTHrlivQP90L39nCnDh7a59KsDRledwhB-hwWD97CjGxUOaG971vGZ1FW8Dv-LzF9Jbu0dp_OSY2mG13-LFlWusSkWN2ZtLjJsmrUXvUs7el6w511jouw2vfYAyJm5UrHzyHytCF4yD/s320/4-cedar+large+by+ThomasKluge+CC=nc-salifkckr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZDvhCYE-CZU1np_IH0cqRmLTmDI9WzlDTvw1ZgQMxE976gQvQ6Zd8UkEuV-GKiJJ1pIE2-_6keJVNjD67Lw2XaHPKcK9eBxsd5wjqJrPe5dRzKkUwiW5e55qWBkKqLM4dZvPOeItCBgP/s1600/5-abbot+ridge+trail+98+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC-nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZDvhCYE-CZU1np_IH0cqRmLTmDI9WzlDTvw1ZgQMxE976gQvQ6Zd8UkEuV-GKiJJ1pIE2-_6keJVNjD67Lw2XaHPKcK9eBxsd5wjqJrPe5dRzKkUwiW5e55qWBkKqLM4dZvPOeItCBgP/s320/5-abbot+ridge+trail+98+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC-nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The trail switches back and forth through the forest of lush ferns and undergrowth among evergreens and western cedar.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAGaI5CEgVmHVKRq8NwxQaajA23bcgkQTxouxG6hlHObsJ1a3C_2Xf1QXz6wGdmEvB7RgI91w0hwq3LX0zAnuY1KbsaYOfozNgb_K1apDMfNF7iaQVKNA3asTxksWv5uYnDx5Qsqaj-1Z/s1600/6-abbot+ridge+trail+97+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAGaI5CEgVmHVKRq8NwxQaajA23bcgkQTxouxG6hlHObsJ1a3C_2Xf1QXz6wGdmEvB7RgI91w0hwq3LX0zAnuY1KbsaYOfozNgb_K1apDMfNF7iaQVKNA3asTxksWv5uYnDx5Qsqaj-1Z/s320/6-abbot+ridge+trail+97+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdssuMaIRsdKmLxE4WUOSTLzop5YGfswqos7K81Y8jzieI0FmYh3q6odIJ3CIQ9c2LpiTXFWjHqhpWzJuYQtzTqsN4YMKnK8TYd6dNSYV8LuzF8-cevN2vnEWfZDY3bZllNjhC76_5NVk/s1600/7-abbot+ridge+trail+93+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdssuMaIRsdKmLxE4WUOSTLzop5YGfswqos7K81Y8jzieI0FmYh3q6odIJ3CIQ9c2LpiTXFWjHqhpWzJuYQtzTqsN4YMKnK8TYd6dNSYV8LuzF8-cevN2vnEWfZDY3bZllNjhC76_5NVk/s320/7-abbot+ridge+trail+93+large+by+kleinmantar+aCC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuwXKriUFqhQoVvnXcQBUFfa-ntJF61QObWrAHnVdoOX8z4JNl8Erw673GPyH2hhItr2VNmGDlc7LovksY_sMUkhHKdIyaSSu8a6dAk7h3M5UnfpCimo085k90dHIKf6YPOWuVx648mdC/s1600/8-abbot+ridge+trail+92+large+by+kleinmantara+Cc=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuwXKriUFqhQoVvnXcQBUFfa-ntJF61QObWrAHnVdoOX8z4JNl8Erw673GPyH2hhItr2VNmGDlc7LovksY_sMUkhHKdIyaSSu8a6dAk7h3M5UnfpCimo085k90dHIKf6YPOWuVx648mdC/s320/8-abbot+ridge+trail+92+large+by+kleinmantara+Cc=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yYfjafpT-n1dqYCwsALVg7420_1pxMdCiIKiM0cmxOOhoP32RM4xKoyJpVMftw8HmXetWexfv4vDQKy5wa0zKftm026EG8o7ZXNPhsfbVnRQ_ER0nFBTbuMGhB9w_UfYA6Isy2ZMoJRY/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+71+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yYfjafpT-n1dqYCwsALVg7420_1pxMdCiIKiM0cmxOOhoP32RM4xKoyJpVMftw8HmXetWexfv4vDQKy5wa0zKftm026EG8o7ZXNPhsfbVnRQ_ER0nFBTbuMGhB9w_UfYA6Isy2ZMoJRY/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+71+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /><br />
About 1.0 km along the trail a waterfall from Avalanche Creek can be seen on the other side of the valley to the east.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjRVTvP9MvfzqJM9RwTIHSRiW97hlYfv31rUoEQ_5v032NRHz6KpeBRSokuqvaMBvE_02O-u7qyeOlxJqoEqaY4By-MFzzm3sgPOnfFVBD7j2nQoCn2KfBt0nal7Fmf3arsTKrZYwxcD7/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+95+large+by+kleinmantara+Cc=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjRVTvP9MvfzqJM9RwTIHSRiW97hlYfv31rUoEQ_5v032NRHz6KpeBRSokuqvaMBvE_02O-u7qyeOlxJqoEqaY4By-MFzzm3sgPOnfFVBD7j2nQoCn2KfBt0nal7Fmf3arsTKrZYwxcD7/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+95+large+by+kleinmantara+Cc=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
At the 1.3km mark Avalanche Mountain (2861m), Eagle Peak, Uto Peak (2927m) and Mt. Sir Donald (3246m).<br />
<br />
At 1.7km the Hermit Range across the highway to the north and Tupper Glacier to the NW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At 2.5km mark is Marion Lake, really more of a seasonal tarn. This lake is named after Reverend Wm. Spotzwood Green's daughter. Reverend Green and Reverend Swanzy climbed the area in the early 1900s. The water is clear, and the basin gouged out by a glacier in the rock.<br />
<br />
At 2.9km the Illecillewaet Glacier becomes visible through the trees.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVb0GfoGUerciZhyphenhyphenTstXuKZ6-Ww5tk6tV52keuXSUdeeQ87cACpx8SKGM5ZQ5dkWIhJ36nT4ZvPjlXMkl_PXOiQTjyMyIV5DiDqXiKZqUvZQ26Etdu6Q2Hiu6g7HZr3h-ZLf-EUbZziDo/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail5+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVb0GfoGUerciZhyphenhyphenTstXuKZ6-Ww5tk6tV52keuXSUdeeQ87cACpx8SKGM5ZQ5dkWIhJ36nT4ZvPjlXMkl_PXOiQTjyMyIV5DiDqXiKZqUvZQ26Etdu6Q2Hiu6g7HZr3h-ZLf-EUbZziDo/s320/abbot+ridge+trail5+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
After Marion Lake Junction at the 3.0km mark there is a longer trail which swings past the Abbott Observatory to ease the legs of the hiker before heading to the top of Abbott Ridge and across. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJcGeNYbpgzCq7T8S8261HXcjynqY9oWMev7Tt3SBzsSFNijDAnKM_EwSzE8Mc_CMA5ii80X4OpZUFM5Y8QY0EbV9FXrkGRycz3Q4zibXTveVqVSU-3U5SrweK7zf9avdVIVTMAOTLR3y/s1600/abbott+ridge+trail8+39+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJcGeNYbpgzCq7T8S8261HXcjynqY9oWMev7Tt3SBzsSFNijDAnKM_EwSzE8Mc_CMA5ii80X4OpZUFM5Y8QY0EbV9FXrkGRycz3Q4zibXTveVqVSU-3U5SrweK7zf9avdVIVTMAOTLR3y/s320/abbott+ridge+trail8+39+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Or, the hiker may take the short cut to Abbott Ridge (more strenuous than the previous portion of the trail). This is on the north side of the ridge. Be prepared for snow portions on the trail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUM4HkTXSIiX9arGjesU2fNQwhGxLDok4VQ9YtWFsWwLFhQYwtMReNP2aRDQmWOq5RNedMQbJdifYedbC_WVL0WLoTHDUlJwN3k4WcuytByB1BiLcWejPtadHjzqiAyDaa5ChuhHJWpf9/s1600/17-abbot+ridge+trail+82+large+by+kleinmantara+CC-nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUM4HkTXSIiX9arGjesU2fNQwhGxLDok4VQ9YtWFsWwLFhQYwtMReNP2aRDQmWOq5RNedMQbJdifYedbC_WVL0WLoTHDUlJwN3k4WcuytByB1BiLcWejPtadHjzqiAyDaa5ChuhHJWpf9/s320/17-abbot+ridge+trail+82+large+by+kleinmantara+CC-nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Above the treeline on the lower ridge is alpine tundra. When traversing scree slopes be careful not to mis-step and fall resulting in a nasty trip down. This is a treacherous area to the unwary.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ84Cpx1xRJHEr9sBpfVg7Fo_Mcv4RLRCRb1bDdlBarXifi3iTNG-CkGGUrqw67wfJgZMyLGfvr4AqSydGHhovY8ORmqX6OgK9aUPQ33NcXXam16tniF0AyZNev_BatYDlXaKt0lAj68Rj/s1600/16-abbot+ridge+trail+83+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ84Cpx1xRJHEr9sBpfVg7Fo_Mcv4RLRCRb1bDdlBarXifi3iTNG-CkGGUrqw67wfJgZMyLGfvr4AqSydGHhovY8ORmqX6OgK9aUPQ33NcXXam16tniF0AyZNev_BatYDlXaKt0lAj68Rj/s320/16-abbot+ridge+trail+83+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
At 3.1km is the false summit of Abbott Ridge. Here you leave the trees and ascend through charcoal grey rock to the Abbott Observatory. Although exposed to the elements, there are great views.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the swing around to the Abbott Observatory at 4.5km. Here the cabin provides an emergency shelter for snow research and avalanche personnel who climb up here once a week during the winter.<br />
<br />
<br />
After the observatory, follow the trail to the base of the cliffs where the trail switchbacks up to the ridge.<br />
<br />
Once on the top of the ridge magnificent views of the surrounding area can be seen. Expect gusty winds.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4sUtxIKKmsadEiUEUSe03HfZuAYhuSPLHbKTkzwMnYO1G4yTfqYo1secCdt4p9pQZzTkwGLiy9gh-YHGIlTafqVMqZoDTqUtFWda_nWDUqKFxRy5XvCSvLpIoy_BqPogOIlMZwl20UKX/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+48+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4sUtxIKKmsadEiUEUSe03HfZuAYhuSPLHbKTkzwMnYO1G4yTfqYo1secCdt4p9pQZzTkwGLiy9gh-YHGIlTafqVMqZoDTqUtFWda_nWDUqKFxRy5XvCSvLpIoy_BqPogOIlMZwl20UKX/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+48+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RA-d9JcpDLFScQhLwHgLWIIm5fbJHFZK65PKlVI6bYmBTCNs6Cm5ikts7TsMYHj-lb-WsZo9WuX8ihJpPZPb-ysJNLmhKyw7xL6p7UCz9beAxth9WVPhmflBCpk2QrM1nyGcrBiWakMB/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+51+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RA-d9JcpDLFScQhLwHgLWIIm5fbJHFZK65PKlVI6bYmBTCNs6Cm5ikts7TsMYHj-lb-WsZo9WuX8ihJpPZPb-ysJNLmhKyw7xL6p7UCz9beAxth9WVPhmflBCpk2QrM1nyGcrBiWakMB/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+51+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_C6HMzW8i_0Aq8qOpKniTVgp_mYOK08Crcsmk1C0Eq0xFJHHfWl07OOyHzRgXjhGAL7qNsQXAFpsL0FhEF96ICmZofynuG985y52pw877JKAvoCwDcayRqXDkS8qDzaCLNQPPgEd-23-/s1600/rogers+pass+by+turbone+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_C6HMzW8i_0Aq8qOpKniTVgp_mYOK08Crcsmk1C0Eq0xFJHHfWl07OOyHzRgXjhGAL7qNsQXAFpsL0FhEF96ICmZofynuG985y52pw877JKAvoCwDcayRqXDkS8qDzaCLNQPPgEd-23-/s320/rogers+pass+by+turbone+CC=flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDQQ-IqJq60GFCXZAHsaZEn52TowNmJjlQIqhDWzrg3Yhv8mGClWthRGtULDpM9ZyWcNhyphenhyphenJCSqphS8pgJ540sJXCS8RJ6upVIcMwLKgf7CIZOpYXoh5wuXQ7qxb7jlKhfCFmDk0-NtJM/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+49+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDQQ-IqJq60GFCXZAHsaZEn52TowNmJjlQIqhDWzrg3Yhv8mGClWthRGtULDpM9ZyWcNhyphenhyphenJCSqphS8pgJ540sJXCS8RJ6upVIcMwLKgf7CIZOpYXoh5wuXQ7qxb7jlKhfCFmDk0-NtJM/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+49+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To the southwest is Mount Bonney (3100m) and its glacier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the end of the trail on the top of the ridge where you can see the Illecilliwaet Glacier in the background.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z3wzNqDh9exNHCTbeT81d7-6uXDWDTUcM2fRZIheGRbdChXM_4jBj4Su8myZ6EZEFEdB4W7jFx4-WcP00pj7eo_Fz-v7KochpTCSgi5NBjiiLhfNtzVYUOgjmiH11BkyiXFhXfokdHnC/s1600/abbot+ridge+trail+60+end+of+trail+sign+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z3wzNqDh9exNHCTbeT81d7-6uXDWDTUcM2fRZIheGRbdChXM_4jBj4Su8myZ6EZEFEdB4W7jFx4-WcP00pj7eo_Fz-v7KochpTCSgi5NBjiiLhfNtzVYUOgjmiH11BkyiXFhXfokdHnC/s320/abbot+ridge+trail+60+end+of+trail+sign+large+by+kleinmantara+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Always check the weather and hiking conditions before you venture out. Be prepared for rain or snow squalls which can occur unexpectedly in the mountains.<br />
<br />
Research:<br />
Glacier National Park <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/glacier/index.aspx">http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/glacier/index.aspx</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credits:<br />
<br />
{1} RegNatarajan CC=flickr
<br />
All other photos:<br />
<br />
kleinmantara CC=nc-sa-flickr.<br />
<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-54063907548700608782014-10-17T22:56:00.000-04:002014-10-18T18:37:50.042-04:00Saskatchewan Crossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl_TF3Y22CgF_-pnx6BZGsk0D6DTLqNA8HGvzR5vSMHTn7N6RW3-TzZBRe81SVFUH2CN83jgRQ8y9wf4WIAra4ZQjvAVxY1k86GJ6JnjjUNhD7JjaQ0H98SncKA92AxLHitam88x-mu90/s1600/Saskatchewan+Crossing+large+by+eurotrash+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl_TF3Y22CgF_-pnx6BZGsk0D6DTLqNA8HGvzR5vSMHTn7N6RW3-TzZBRe81SVFUH2CN83jgRQ8y9wf4WIAra4ZQjvAVxY1k86GJ6JnjjUNhD7JjaQ0H98SncKA92AxLHitam88x-mu90/s320/Saskatchewan+Crossing+large+by+eurotrash+CC=nc-sa-flickr.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
During the 1800s, the Saskatchewan Crossing was used by fur traders making their way into British Columbia. Located at the junction of the Icefields Parkway #93 and the David Thompson Highway in Banff National Park it offers a jumping off place for hikers and backpackers.<br />
<br />
The Glacier Lake Trailhead can be located at the parking lot on the west side of the Icefields Parkway 1 km north of the Saskatchewan River Crossing Service Centre. The distance is 8.9km one way with an elevation gain of 210 m, and an elevation loss of 220m. The hiker is looking at 6 hours for a round trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Parks Canada provides information on activities available on its <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.aspx">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: eurotrash CC=nc-sa-flickr.<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-77703800439010994612014-06-12T23:30:00.000-04:002014-07-02T13:48:06.334-04:00Dragonslayers From Beowulf to St. George by Joseph A. McCullough (Book Review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDlzdoz_w__xv39Iszlp6TBfO49K2wOKKxZoO-oHC94csSLAY7rHzOzvJm5Il_QhZj8w6cNtGm0bjgSAzZf5LE3k0rK6KZgfreHqxr_3EZZY0r6MK_lg9AYhTlrKToRxR4JIoi_EMsXuz/s1600/OA_Dragonslayers-200x269_105147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDlzdoz_w__xv39Iszlp6TBfO49K2wOKKxZoO-oHC94csSLAY7rHzOzvJm5Il_QhZj8w6cNtGm0bjgSAzZf5LE3k0rK6KZgfreHqxr_3EZZY0r6MK_lg9AYhTlrKToRxR4JIoi_EMsXuz/s320/OA_Dragonslayers-200x269_105147.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
"<i>With its fiery breath, scaky armour, and baleful malovent stare, the dragon became the ultimate symbol of evil and corruption in Eurioean folklore and mythology. Often serving as a stand-in for Satan, or the power of evil gods, dragons spread death and hopelessness throughout the land. Only heroes of uncommon valour, courageousness, and purity could hope to battle these monsters and emerge victorious. Those that did became dragonslayers.<br />
<br />
<br />
"The list of dragonslayers is small, but it is filled with great and legendary names. Hercules, Beowulf, Sigurd, and St. George all battled to the death with dragons. Other heroes such as Cadmus, founder of the City of Thebes, Dieudonne de Gozon, the Knight of Rhodes, and the Russian warrior Dobrynya Nikitich, might be less well known to Western readers, but also fought and defeated dragons. This book retells the greatest legends of this select group of warriors, while examining the myth of the dragonslayer in historical, mythological, and even theological contexts."<br />
</i><br />
<br />
DRAGONSLAYERS is part of the Myths and Legends. Mr. McCullough has done a superb job of putting together well researched material complete with illustrations. It covers multiple sections: Ancient Dragonslayers; Norse Dragonslayers; Holy Dragonslayers; Medieval Dragonslayers and Dragonslayers From Around the World.<br />
<br />
<br />
Advance reading copy provided by Darrin Turpin with many thanks.<br />
<br />
<br />
Book format: paperback, 82 pages<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.ospreyadventuresbooks.com/books/dragonslayers/">Osprey Adventures</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Available:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragonslayers-Beowulf-George-Myths-Legends/dp/1780967306/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402630693&sr=1-2&keywords=dragonslayers">Amazon.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/dragonslayers-from-beowulf-to-st/9781780967301-item.html?ikwid=dragonslayers&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Chapters Indigo</a><br />
<br />Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476278785366059110.post-68921020006678048422014-06-09T21:07:00.003-04:002014-06-09T21:07:36.935-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpK5jmYbpjHA6ASJsewBnIBkc-lko3uegs2-D47gpfJtRKSjR1Y5Xlt9-t8fl0B3hLYKyJl5H-QXLqx0WmDXNmyekYxjLV-K0UVYPH66E89g1_yOeOPNsujWbBh3WaLLdUJhIACSfBxRW/s1600/6208963259_4ffacdf06e_b+1902+Ice+Grotto+in+Akulkan+Glacier+large+by+Jasonwoodhead23+CC=flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpK5jmYbpjHA6ASJsewBnIBkc-lko3uegs2-D47gpfJtRKSjR1Y5Xlt9-t8fl0B3hLYKyJl5H-QXLqx0WmDXNmyekYxjLV-K0UVYPH66E89g1_yOeOPNsujWbBh3WaLLdUJhIACSfBxRW/s320/6208963259_4ffacdf06e_b+1902+Ice+Grotto+in+Akulkan+Glacier+large+by+Jasonwoodhead23+CC=flickr.jpg" height="320" ssa="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There had been an ealier post on the vastness of the cosmos and its different life forms, as as the karma or one's consequences of their actions which was deleted in error by accident. This may have been instant karma or just a rash decision of pressing the wrong button instead of "Update".<br />
<br />
Over the years I had read about various types of meditation where one could learn over time answers to questions. It took several attempts of trial and error to mix bits of methods together to facilitate appropriate responses.<br />
<br />
One time I was curious about how choices were dealt with, and I queried over how a person was chosen to assist another in a given situation. My meditated answer resulted in a brief internal vision of standing and looking up a very tall lectern where a large book rested, open two-thirds in. Behind the lectern stood a tall man dressed in a long dark coloured robe, the forefinger of his right hand slowly making its way down a list of entries. He turned the page and continued down several more entries until he reached the one he sought. Behind the man were tiers of shelving.<br />
<br />
I took note of my position in comparison to the man and discovered I stood less than knee height on him.<br />
<br />
Afterwards I contemplated over this experience, thinking it to be a visit to the Akashic Records. At the time I had not seen the entry nor knew what the entries in the large volume were for except it seemed as if the man was trying to find a match to my query.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: 1902 Ice Grotto in Akulkan Glacier by Jasonwoodhead CC=flickr.<br />
<br />
Barbara Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.com6