Slate Islands - Our Trusty Red Canoe

"Although some may not witness firsthand the beautiful and inspirational places, we know they exist because the canoe has shown it to be true"

Kirk A.W. Wipper in Canexus: The Canoe in Canadian Culture

Slate Islands Caribou

Woodland caribou are an elusive inhabitant of the boreal forest. They are rarely seen because they require vast, old growth wilderness forests to thrive. Woodland caribou are very sensitive to any disturbance in the landscape which might destroy their primary winter food source, lichens, and make them more vulnerable to predators such as wolves.

The Slate Islands offer a unique opportunity to observe a true symbol of Canada's wilderness. Caribou arrived in the Slates sometime in the early 1900's presumably by swimming (caribou are excellent swimmers, we saw some swim to an island 1.5 to 2 km away without hesitation) or walking across the ice. Population densities grew to unprecidented levels due to the remote, relatively undisturbed location and lack of predators.

Of course Tracey & I didn't realize how abundant they were. When we first arrived we found the perfect campsite but could not understand why the apparent spot to put our tent was surrounded by a makeshift fence.

After seeing this encounter and then being awaken in the night by heavy footsteps, sniffing and grunting (thank god we knew there were no bears on the islands) we realized the barrier was so that caribou did not trip over the tent strings during the night.

Slate Islands Sunset

In August 2005, Tracey and I canoed the Slate Islands 12 km south of Terrace Bay, Ontario in Lake Superior. Due to unusually dry conditions that summer, several large forest fires were burning on the mainland. Through binoculars we could see helicopters with waterbombing equipment fighting the fires. Smoke clouded the skies. The result was this incredible blood red sunset and glowing reflections off the surface of the lake.

Cars - Cruise Night for Huntington's Disease

The last couple of years Boppers Cafe in Lasalle, ON has hosted a Classic Car Show to raise money for the fight against Huntington's Disease. For those who don't know, Huntington's Disease is what Tracey's Mom died of two years ago. Tracey has a 50/50 shot at inheriting the gene for this horrible disease. To find out more visit the Huntington's website.

http://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/english/index.asp

Actually, now that I have brought up the subject, another fundraiser for Huntington's is their annual Amaryllis Campaign. Do you like flowers? These are really cool. If you would like one we have lots, let us know. You may get one anyway. Otherwise go to:

http://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/english/amaryllis/

Sorry to get all heavy and grim. All I intended to do was show some cool car pictures. Got carried away - its kind of important to me though. Thanks again to Boppers.

http://www.bopperscafe.com/home/index.cfm

Ojibway - Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve, June 2005

Christmas Open House

This past weekend three local country businesses jointly held Christmas Open Houses. I was pleased to be asked to set up a display of my bird seed products at one of them - The Country Flower and Gift Shop.

http://www.countryflowers.ca/AboutUs.asp

Also taking part was The Bloomin' Gardener.

http://www.bloomingardener.com/

And last but not least Sanson Estate Winery.

http://www.mnsi.net/~dsanson/

Sorry no pictures here. I was too busy drinking wine.

Tracey's First 5km Run

One week ago today Tracey ran her first ever 5 km run - the Jingle Bell Run in Essex. Several of her co-workers pressured her into it and did the race too. However due to some directional ambiguity on the race course she actually ran about 7 km. Ouch. Way to go Tracey!

http://www.communitylivingessex.org/jingle.shtml

http://www.theessexvoice.com/pdf/2008_11_18.pdf

http://wrace.org/results/jingle/jinoverall5k08.htm

Passing the point of no return

Tracey & Co-workers

Tracey & more Co-workers



The start



Crossing the finish line

Relief - its over!

Boobies

Ha - made you look

Brown Boobies, Cayman Brac, February 2008

Fishing

Lil' Ricky's First Time At Hunt Camp

"So Dave, since its Rick's first time hunting should we let him try the best spot?"

"C'mon Rick, normally the most senior hunter gets THIS spot"



"You're sure this is the place, It looks better over there"
"Honest young Rick, every year two or three deer are taken from here, sometimes they swim right up to the rock. The only thing is - you have to hold incredibly still, otherwise they will see you."


"WOW, I can't believe they gave me the best spot"

"So, how long should we leave him out there?"

Starting to cramp up, but still keen

"Ha, Ha - Very funny guys"