You can also visit Susan’s Website to read her Blog and see her photos!
https://www.suenagy.ca/MyBlog/
The Beak Seekers are also participating in the “2022 Great Canadian Birdathon”. We have chosen the 3 days we are birding at Point Pelee (May 8-11) to do our Birdathon). The Beak Seekers will be making an extra push to find as many bird species as possible with a lofty goal of seeing 100 different birds there during those 3 days.
The Birdathon is a national event to help raise funds For Birds Canada and bird conservation in Canada. A portion of the funds raised by our team will also be directed to the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), and will be dedicated to their Young Birders Program. We have received a lot of help from Ontario young birders this year and we would like to give something back in return. Donations will be accepted till the end of our Big Year!
To read about these organizations please visit their websites:
https://www.birdscanada.org/
(http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.whatwedo),
(http://www.ofo.ca/content/young-birders).
If you would like to make a donation you can do so here:
The Adventure Begins!
The Beak Seekers
Facebook Announcement: January 17, 2022
Last year, after we had a very successful year of finding different birds in Ontario, we (Diane Weiler, Susan Nagy) decided that we were going to try for a BIG YEAR in 2024. We picked that year because we thought it would give us time to plan, and also we both have BIG birthdays that year!!
BUT THEN - In the first two weeks of 2022, we were both out birding every day. And then, one day last week, we decided to do a road trip and chase 4 rare birds in 4 different cities. After finding 3 of them we realized we were having so much fun birding right now - why wait until 2024!
We both love to travel and since that is restricted now with Covid, it just makes sense to go for our BIG YEAR Now! This way, when we can travel, we will have our BIG YEAR behind us (plus we may need a break from each other by then!)
What’s a BIG YEAR you say? Well for some very serious birders, this means trying to break the Ontario record for the most species seen in one year (347), but our goal is to combine our love of birding and photography by finding and photographing 300+ birds in 2022. In 2021, with a lot of effort, we found 255/267 birds. So, for us to reach 300, it will be a huge challenge and will involve many road trips (and last minute, dashes for rare birds)!
We will keep you updated on our progress when we don’t have binoculars and cameras in hand.
To our birding friends out there: We need all the help we can get so please share any good birds! We will be travelling across Ontario and would love to visit you and your favourite hotspots.
Diane Weiler and Susan Nagy
“The Beak Seekers”
Big Year 2022
Beak Seekers Big Year Update
Facebook Post January 25, 2022
Yesterday, we reached our first milestone! We have both seen 100 species of birds in Ontario so far this year. It has not been easy. We have been out birding every day in all kinds of weather including standing on the edge of Lake Ontario in -18 (without windchill!!) looking for gulls and other water birds. We have been up as early as 4:30 a.m. in order to travel to our destination for first light. That is only going to get worse as the sun rises earlier :-). We have gone trudging through snow that was over our boots, on icy slopes lugging our cameras and binoculars and dressed in so many layers it is hard to move. It may sound as though we are complaining but we are loving it!! It has been a wonderful way to spend January, usually a dull, boring month - but not this year!!
A big thank you to our faithful driver, navigator, motivator, good friend (and my husband!) Jim. He is also a great bird spotter, and he carries the scope for us too!! Thanks Jim - this would be so much harder without you!
We have also been amazed at how many birders have offered us support in our Big Year quest. We have a great birding community here in Ontario! Thank you to you all.
Diane’s Updates
February 1, 2022
Well, we have a month under our belts, starting off our Big Year. We both have gone out every day, most of the time together, but each on our own as well. We have birded in our local London area parks and trails. We have also travelled to Sarnia, Strathroy, Melbourne, Ipperwash, Kettle Point, Windsor, Guelph, Brantford, Long Point, Port Rowan, Rondeau, Ridgetown, and this past couple days in Burlington, Niagara, and Oakville. Much of our distance travelling, Jim, Susan’s husband, has been our loyal and faithful driver - which we are ever so grateful for! And on top of that Jim hauls the scope for us and is an excellent bird spotter! Thank you, Jim!!!
We upped the count to 105 each by the end of January. We have birded in some pretty wicked weather, very cold (-18 without windchill on the shores of Lake Ontario) and snowy – sometimes so snowy it was hard to even identify the birds through our binoculars! But we have had many pretty nice days - for winter. And of course, we have - as good birders must - risen bloody early in the morning to enable us to get to some of those destinations for first light.
On road trips, our vehicle is full of binoculars, cameras, scope and all the food, and necessary winter clothing required. Sometimes when we have ventured out on the trails, we felt we could hardly move wit so many layers of clothes on! We can hardly wait till the weather warms up so we can shed a layer or two! And then there are the tangled straps for our camera and binoculars that often give us grief when we try to put them on or take them off
But we are really having fun!
We are so amazed at how many birders have offered us support in our quest! It has been pretty awesome! There is an amazing birding community in Ontario, and it is so great to be a part of it! We love to meet our local birders on the trails, and get to know each other, and sharing tips, what you have seen and where and of course, ‘how are you’! But it is pretty funny for birders trying to have a conversation. Mid sentence, if movement in the bushes is sensed, one birder’s binoculars will go up, and everyone else follows suit, looking in the direction of the other. If there is something of interest, the ‘spotter’ tries to describe where to look. This can be quite a challenge – “behind the bush with the few red berries, to the left and up 15 feet, sitting on the branch on right….dang, he just flew off!” And the conversation picks up where it left off (if we can remember what it was!).
Something else we have found so far on this adventure, is that we are learning so much! Getting more familiar with some of the birds’ calls and songs, identifying the underwing markings of hawks, and differentiating between the many sparrow species. And then there are the friggin’ Gulls! Oh boy what a challenge it is trying to identify them. Not only are there many similarities between gull species, but each gull itself, looks totally different depending on how old they are! And to add misery to the madness, they are usually flying in large flocks – never sitting still long enough to make out those markings! Just this past weekend, in Niagara, at the Queenston Sand Docks, there was a ‘Little Gull’ reported…just one! And well, there were thousands of gulls flying around and around and around!!! The one defining marker for this gull was that it is dark under the wings. It took us forever to find it – and then keep following it with our binoculars so we could tell each other where it is…flying past stairs…now past the drain on the far side going left to right…now going right to left, down on the water,,,up in the sky…etc etc!
Getting a photograph of this ‘one’ was impossible! Amazingly we did manage to get a shot when we were here last year, so we will have one we can use if we don’t get a shot during the remainder of our Big Year.
Update February 3, 2022
In the last couple of weeks we have managed to see a number of rare birds to add to our Big Year list. In Niagara we saw a Black Vulture, Razorbill, and a Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Unfortunately the Duck was not doing well. There was an effort to capture it, and take it to a rehab location, and I think they were successful, as we haven’t seen any postings since. We haven’t heard how it is yet though. I think we saw it the day before or the day it was captured. So we both managed to see it just in time I guess.
A few special birds have been seen around the London/Middlesex area too. A number of sightings were posted of a Golden Eagle, and a Red-shouldered Hawk. This had us driving the backroads looking for it. One full day with no success, but a couple days later, and more backroads, we finally saw a Golden Eagle. Then on another backroad, we saw three! No luck with the Red-shouldered hawk yet though.
Today we are on our way to Algonquin for a couple days to hopefully see some of the winter birds that cannot be found in our area. Then on to Ottawa for a couple days for a few more birds. At the moment we are stopped on Hwy 11. Been here for about ½ and hour so far, and no signs of movement. Not sure what it is but pretty backed up.
I will update you on our Algonquin adventure soon.
Later
Well the adventure started out with great clear roads, which was great considering the snow storm we left behind in London. Smooth sailing!!! NOT! Just south of Gravenhurst the traffic was stopped. Hoping it was just a short delay, we ate our lunch, and waited. And waited and waited. It was 4 hours before we were moving again.
Ahhh the trials and tribulations of the Beak Seekers! To add to our misery, we lost 4 good birding hours in Algonquin. Now it is likely to be dark when we get there. But the wine is chilling and dinner just needs heating up, so it will be a nice relaxing evening and we will make a game plan for tomorrow hopefully having good luck with the birds to make up for today.
We did however do some planning and strategizing for the months ahead.
Update February 5, 2022
We have a new motto this year….Get the Tick and then the Pic!
Usually we are more intent on getting a good photo of the birds we see. But this year we have had to change that strategy. We need to get a good look at the bird through our binoculars, checking colours, patterns and other markings, to ensure we have a good ID of the bird so we can confidently add it to our Big Year list. Mind you there are times when we have such a poor view through the branches and or it is flying away, that the pic is helpful in identifying the bird. And of course, some birds we do need the pic to enable us to study it to determine which bird it is! We are learning so much on this venture!
Well we finally made it our motel in Whitney (east of Algonquin Provincial Park) at 6 PM on Thursday night. It was a very long day on the road. We did drop into a couple parking lots of the trails in Algonquin Park, to see if we could hear or see any birds as day turned to dusk. But no luck.
But we had our ‘happy hour’ when we arrived, and a great dinner in Susan and Jim’s ‘luxury suite’ at the Dream Catcher Motel! And the wine was dang tasty too of course. We planned our next day, and hoped to make up for the lack of new birds on our travel day.
We were up bright and early Friday morning – as usual – and ready to get on the road by sun-up. Holy Moly it was cold! As we stepped out the door of our rooms, the hairs in our nose froze! You know it is cold when that happens! -25C (-29 wind chill!) Thankfully we had come prepared and were dressed to the nines - a little different meaning to that saying than you might be used to! Big Sorrel Boots, and 4 layers of clothing! just the eyes peeking out above our scarfs! We waddled to the car - certainly not sporting any kind of fashion statement!
But it was an awesome start to our day!! There in the parking lot we saw, and photographed, Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks, Purple Finch, and White-Winged Crossbills! 4 new birds for our Big Year list! WooHoo! 4 new ticks for our Big Year list and many pics too! Our disappointment at the loss of birding opportunities yesterday, was replaced with smiles and high-fives! But dang, our fingers and toes were already feeling the cold, despite the hand and toe warmers in our mitts and boots!
As we were watching and photographing the birds, our friend Quinten Wiegersma arrived. We had arranged to meet with Quinten this morning, as he had – to our great delight – offered to bird with us for a part of the day. Quinten is also from London, but has been working as a Naturalist at Algonquin for the past 8 months. He has an amazing ear for birds! He can recognize so many birds by hearing their songs or calls - a skill I hope one day to develop - even half as good as Quinten! Before heading off to the trails, we checked out the feeders behind the Visitor Centre.
There was a different bird in the distance, so I let my camera go to grab my binoculars and have a better look. Clunk!!! my stomach fell as I looked down to see my camera laying on the deck. In my excitement to see all the birds in the parking lot, I had neglected to clip my camera onto its harness. The clunk did not sound good. I tentatively picked it up, aimed it an focused on something.....Whew, it still worked!!!
We had been blessed with a clear-sky day! It may have been mighty cold, but it was incredibly beautiful! Algonquin also had a big snow on Wednesday, and the trees wore fresh thick white coats. It was so pretty against the intense blue sky.
Our next stop was Spruce Bog. It is a great hike any time of the year, and Friday was no different. We enjoyed the hike but were not successful in finding any new birds.
Next, we were off to Opeongo Road. We drove to the end of the road where the plowing had ended. A small parking lot there has always been a good place to see Canada Jays and other birds – and in winter possibly a Pine Martin (a small mammal of the weasel family). We pulled in to the parking lot, and pretty quickly saw and heard white-winged crossbills. Here we were able to get a couple photos of them. Then I saw a set of tracks heading off into the trees. I followed them hoping it might lead to a Pine Martin. “Grouse!” I yelled!! There, right at the edge of the parking lot, in the low brush was a ruffed grouse! But no sooner did we all get a quick view of it, it was off into the thicket. Susan managed to snap off a quick shot, but by the time I put down my binoculars and picked up my camera, it was gone!
Off we headed to the Logging Museum trails. Here we hoped to see the Black-backed Woodpecker. Last year we had made numerous trips to this location on various visits to Algonquin, trying to find this bird, and it wasn’t till the last day, when we gave it one last try before we left for home that we finally got a glimpse of the female through the branches. Today, we hiked, and stopped, and hiked and stopped, listening for light tapping sounds of the woodpecker pecking. We watched for movement in the trees. But once again we were skunked. Quinten did hear a Canada Jay in the distance. We all stopped to listen. Then we heard it too - a very faint call. As we had not yet seen a Canada Jay, we stopped and waited, and watched in the direction of the call. It sounded like it was coming a little closer….and there it was! Only quick views, but enough to add it to our list. Tick!
Then it was off to drop Quinten off at the Visitor Centre.
After Quinten left us, we returned to each of the areas, trying our own luck. We did see another ruffed Grouse, but no new ticks.
We headed off down the road, eyes scanning the roadside trees and bushes. I mentioned i still needed a Raven and to keep eyes on the lookout for them.
A little further along, we pulled off the road to see if there was maybe an owl in the trees there. We opened our windows to look and listen, and two ravens flew right up, and onto the snowbank beside the car!! It was so funny – not much work for that Tick!
All in all, it was a very good day! home for a celebratory toast to our luck, and dinner. then downloading and having a look at our photos from the day. We didn't last long though. we were so tired we were in bed pretty dang early!
Saturday dawned colder than Friday! Temperature -29C with a wind chill of -40C! OMG! But we are tough cookies and piled on the layers and headed out. Our main target this morning was to find the woodpecker. We headed back to the Logging Museum Trail. We decided we would first check the tree Quinten had showed us yesterday, where he had seen it a few days before. we were all looking up into the tree and scanning the trunk, when Jim piped up and said – “Here It Is”! Oh joy! And while we didn’t notice at first, it soon became apparent we had the male Black-backed Woodpecker this time! Tick! and Click, click, click, click!
That was it for our time in Algonquin. it was time to leave.
A big thank you to Quinten Wiegersma for taking the time to bird with us and share his expertise and keen ear!
Now, off to Ottawa!
To be continued...
Update March 1, 2022
We saw 8 new birds in Algonquin’s bringing our list total to116 birds! Now it was on to Ottawa to hopefully add a few more!
It was about a 3 – 3.5 hour drive to Ottawa. As we managed to see the Black-backed Woodpecker much quicker than we had even hoped, we were on the road a little earlier. We were going to meet up with Jeff Skevington that evening to explore some new territory. Our plan was to drop our things off at our Air B&B, grab a bite to eat and then meet up. But when in contact with Jeff to make meeting arrangements, he mentioned an area on our drive, that might be worth birding for the Gray Partridge. Vincent Fyson had also sent us some information on where to look and what to look for in the way of tracks in the snow. (See photo of partridge tracks in Big Year 2022 Photo Gallery). So instead of heading straight to Ottawa, we started exploring the back roads in that area, looking for Gray Partridge tracks that would hopefully lead us to an actual partridge! We covered a good amount of area, up and down backroads, scanning the snow for the tracks and the birds. We did find some tracks, but alas no birds, and we realized we had better get on our way to our meeting point with Jeff and change our focus to searching for the some other birds.
We didn’t have time to drop off our things as planned, so once at our meeting place, we proceeded to dress in our many layers, hoping we would stay warm enough during our search. Jeff arrived shortly after and we headed off on foot, ears and eyes tuned.
The day’s light was fading as we walked. We scanned trees and listened. And then….there at the top of a small fir tree, soaking up the last of the sun’s rays was……a Porcupine! Not at all what we were looking for, but a very nice surprise. He/she was snacking away on the branches and bark. We snapped a few frames and returned to our task at hand. The day turned into night, and yes the temperature dropped too! Jeff delighted us with his owl calls – “Who-Cooks-For-You”. He called and we listened, hoping for a response from the dark woods. Alas, no birds were feeling social, and eventually we had to pack it in for the night. We made arrangements to meet Jeff at his place in the morning, and continue our search for other birds on our wish list.
Our home away from home was a very welcome sight. Hungry, cold and tired, we unloaded our car, threw a frozen lasagna in the oven, set out crackers and cheese, and of course, poured ourselves a well deserved glass of wine. (Ok - maybe two!)
We were off to bed shortly after dinner, and it seemed a moment later, we were back up again! Coffee, breakfast and lunches packed, we headed off to Jeff’s. As we pulled into his driveway, Susan received a text from Jeff. “Have you got a Hoary Redpoll for your list yet?” She texted back that we had not. And the next text from Jeff was “don’t slam the car door and come quietly to the front door!”
We felt excitement as we grabbed our cameras and bins and as we approached the house the door was opened and we were welcomed by Angela, Jeff’s wife. A quick greeting and we were sent to the back room of their home. Bird calls were playing through a speaker into the room, and a wall of windows looked out onto an amazing back yard!
We were awestruck at all the feeders and all the birds flitting around! Then Jeff pointed and said ‘there it is!’ And a Hoary Redpoll was right there! This was a lifer bird for all three of us! (A lifer is a bird you have never seen before) And this was a bird we did not hold high hopes of seeing this year either! What a way to start the day!
We were loving the bird calls Jeff had playing over the speakers as we watched all the bird activity in the yard. Purple finches, pine siskins, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, and more. We actually saw 14 different species in their back yard!
“I think I just heard a Pileated Woodpecker” said Jeff! We looked at him, and that is when we realized, the bird songs playing over the speakers into the room, were actually the sounds from the yard piped in! He had a baby monitor outside! And to Susan’s delight, the Pileated Woodpecker was right there! A new bird for her list. And we marvelled at being able to watch – and hear - the birds without disturbing them. We could have sat there all day, but we were on a mission, and we soon headed off to see what the rest of the day would bring.
Because of Covid, we decided we should take two vehicles. We would follow Jeff and then hike together when we arrived at the next location. First we headed off to a location where there ere known to be Red-headed woodpeckers. We walked up and down the roads in the area, searching the trees and watching for movement. Finally there it was! Tick!
After driving backroads for a while and no luck finding new birdsfor our list we decided to move on to another on our wish list - the Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck. This would be another lifer for us. The Barrow’s is very similar to the Common Goldeneye Duck, but instead of a small white circle on the face of the male, it is shaped like a white crescent. The sides of the male are also slightly different, with different black markings There were a few locations where this bird had been seen in the area. Unfortunately, because of the cold weather, all of the spots where there had been open water, were now frozen over. It was near 2pm so time to finally have lunch and warm up.
Next on the list was a Hawk Owl. Another lifer if we could see it. We followed Jeff to the next location. It was amazing as the owl was sitting tight on the top of the tree in clear view – and over a walking/biking trail! Lots of people were stopping to share the excitement.
So after getting our Tick and many pics, we were ready to start looking for our next target bird – the Gray Partridge. No sooner had we decided to head out, we received a call from Vincent Fyson. He had found a couple partridges on a backroad not too far away. We jumped in the car and headed to that location. We pulled up, saw the 2 partridges, stopped the car and started shooting. We had maybe 2 minutes before the birds flew off! So exciting! Another lifer! Tick!
The day was fading fast and we decided to try one last place for our Barrows Goldeneye, an area near the Champlain Bridge. It was the one place where there was open water and many common Goldeneyes were roosting there for the night, but they were all quite far from shore. The light was dimming and the weather was changing now too. The wind and blowing snow made it difficult to get clear views - even looking through the scope. So we could not determine if the “one” Barrow’s was among them, so we called it a day.
And what a great day it was! Thank you so much Jeff and Vincent!
The next morning we thought we would walk a favourite path before we left for home. We parked the car, donned the gear and headed up a small hill to the path. Lo and behold, there sitting on a low bush, enjoying the morning rays, was a Hermit Thrush! A new one for the list! A little further along the path a flock of cedar waxwings flew into the trees and bushes ahead of us. We hoped maybe there might be a Bohemian Waxwing among them, so we scanned each bird with our binoculars. The Bohemians look very similar to the cedar waxwings, but have a little different shade to breast feathers (gray - while the cedar’s is yellow)and the colour under their tail is a cinnamon brown, unlike the cedar’s white under-tail. No luck, but they were beautiful in the morning sun, snacking on the berries in the bushes, and posed nicely for a few pictures.
A lovely end to a great and successful trip. 5 more new birds raising the list count on February 7th, 2022, to 121!
Update March 9, 2022
Well it has been a month, since the last update, and we have been continuing our journey. From February 7th to 18th, we spent most of our time around home, birding locally in our parks and on our trails.
We were pretty excited, achieving our first milestone of 100 species by February 1st. But then things slowed right down, and it was a bit of a slog trying to add new birds to our list. February is like that in many ways. Winter has started to take its toll on everyone. The many layers of clothes you have to wear to stay warm when you venture outdoors is tiresome! And the birds have not started to make their way north. We have enjoyed getting out and exploring new and familiar trails, and we always keep looking, but it has been slow.
So when we hear of a new or rare bird, we are on the move! That is what happened on February 19th, when we heard about a Townsend Solitaire in Washago Ontario. Cameras and gear got loaded in the Subaru, and we hit the road .
It was a little iffy on the 401that day, as there was only one lane cleared from the previous nights snow. But traffic was moving steady and everything else was looking good. Then onto the 407 and all lanes clear and it was smooth sailing. That is until the traffic was starting to back up, and everyone was slowing down. It was a few kilometres until we saw the problem, a row of snowplows stretched across all lanes! I guess that is why the road was in such good shape! Luckily for us, we had only a few kms left until our exit onto hwy 11. As we scooted along the weather started to deteriorate. And then we were into the snow-squalls and white-out conditions. Not much fun. We were worried, that when we finally arrived, we would not even be able to see the bird!
After close to 6 hours, we made it to the location in Washago, and John Challis, on whose property the bird had been hanging around, greeted us with good news that he had just seen the bird. We got on all our winter gear, and proceeded to stand and wait for it to return to one of the crabapple trees in his back yard. It was blessed cold and the wind was whipping around us. We figured we had a bit of a wait, so we pulled the neck-gaters up over our noses and our toques down to our eyes and hunkered down. Thankfully we only had to wait 5 minutes, and in it flew! It posed in the tree closest to us allowing us time to photograph and enjoy the moment!
It was a quick turnaround then, and we made our way back to the highway and towards home. We were not as fortunate with our drive home, and the visibility was near zero during the many squalls we went through, but with hazards flashing, we made it home before dark - safe and sound! And we got the bird! Whew! Bird number 123 for me!
The rest of February and early March was slow again for new birds. But we still checked our local trails and hot-spots, getting out every day. We made a few trips out of town to Burlington and Oakville. A trip to Long Point, and Erieau areas, and a few Sarnia runs too. We added American Wigeon, Wood Duck, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Kildeer, Cowbird, Grackle and Virginia Rail to our lists. By March 4th I was at 131 birds!
Then March 5th we were off to Ottawa again, hoping to find the birds we were unable to get on our February trip. On our way we made a stop at Humber Bay in Toronto, where a juvenile male King Eider duck was reported. It was a bit of a complicated hike to the point, and very icy, but we finally got to the there safely, and were very happy to see he was still there! A few decent photos too as he was very close to shore! (One day I hope to see an adult Male King Eider – the colours and markings are amazing!) Here we met Mark from Ottawa, who also knew the folks we were going to meet up with in Ottawa! Small Birding World! Tick 132!
Next we were headed to another location in Toronto - Marilyn Bell Park - to see if we could find a juvenile male Harlequin Duck that had been reported there. Unfortunately we had no luck, so back on the road to the Capital!
We arrived late afternoon in Ottawa and arranged to meet up with friends Angela and Jeff Skevington for a hike to a local hotspot. It was a little colder here, with deeper snow and an icy crust on the top making the trek a little more difficult – breaking through every second or third step. But we made it to the area we had aimed for and scouted around, listening and looking for new birds. After about an hour and a half with no success, and with the light seriously fading from the sky, we decided to head back to our cars and head to a Dining Hotspot! Going out for dinner! What a novelty! It has been awhile since I have enjoyed going out to a restaurant!
The place the Skevington’s chose was amazing - La Roma- an Italian restaurant on Preston St. The meal and the wine were spectacular, and the company was wonderful! We had a great evening.
The next morning March 6th, we woke to and icy mess. The previous night freezing rain had coated everything. The trails were pretty treacherous, so we put our crampons on our boots. The freezing rain turned to rain now, so we covered our cameras and ourselves in raincoats and headed out.
We took the Rideau River Pathway near Hurdman Bridge looking for the Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck. We had come here last time, but everything was frozen and no open water for the ducks. Today there was more open water, and many more ducks, but alas the Barrows was not one of them.
We put a request out on Discord Ontario Birds, to see if anyone had seen one today, and if they would let us know if they did. We had an immediate response that there had been one seen on the river at Carleton Place in Centennial Park. So we headed there. The weather had changed dramatically, and now the sun was shining and it was 11 degrees! Perfectly balmy!
We headed along the trail by the river there, checking as we went. We could see a few ducks here and there, but not the Barrows. Then I looked again and a 3 ducks surfaced from a dive right beside us….and yes the Barrows was one of them, along with a male and a female Common Goldeneye. We did the Happy Dance and the high-fives! We also were able to get a few photos of the two together to show the difference in the markings. What a treat. So a Lifer and another Tick! 133
The rest of the day we spent driving backroads around areas where a few of our target birds had been seen and reported. We were hoping for Red Crossbills and Bohemian Waxwings. We saw lots of different birds, but had no luck with our goals.
Then as we were driving down one of the many roads, there was a yelp from the front seat! “That was a Barred Owl” – Susan cried! And sure enough, there on a wire – right on the side of the road – sat a beautiful Barred Owl! We had driven past, so up the road, we turned around, got windows open and cameras ready, and slowly drove back by it on the far side of the road. There were many oohs and ahhhs, AND clicks, as we passed with hopes for at least one sharp shot! We then left it be, and moved on. Tick 134!
We did see numerous flocks of waxwings flying overhead that day, but we could not determine if there were any Bohemian amongst them, or if they were just cedar waxwings. (Nothing wrong with cedar waxwings – they are beautiful – but we had those on our list already.) They both have a different song/call, and a slight difference in colour on the breast (yellow on the cedar and grey on the bohemian), and very different colour under the tail( cedar is white while bohemian is cinnamon brown), but it was too hard to see those markings when they fly by so fast. And I do not know my calls well enough yet, to be absolutely sure what I am hearing.As the day was ending we decided to try different backroads looking for another owl. Tonight we lucked out and were able to catch a glimpse of a Great Gray Owl flying back into a field! A lifer for Susan (I had seen one once before in BC), and a big treat for both of us! Home for dinner, downloading pictures and of course a little wine to celebrate a good ‘3 Tick Day!’ Now at 135!
The next morning, Monday March 7th, we headed over to Britannia Ridge, one of our favourite spots in Ottawa, for a short birding hike. We did not see any new birds, but finally got a glimpse of an Eastern Screech Owl that frequents the area! We already had seen one in London earlier in the year, so not another tick, but a beautiful owl and a few nice pictures.
Jeff was going to bird along the back-roads on his way to work, and we were off to join him. He has incredible skills at knowing the birds songs and calls, and their behaviour, and we learn so much birding with him!
We repeated the back road runs we did yesterday with him. While he was confident of a few sightings of Bohemian Waxwing flocks, we could not just take his word for it and count the tick! So we listened and learned and hoped we would soon see/hear and be confident with our own sightings. We did see cedar waxwings, evening grosbeaks, lots of robins and was our last in Ottawa, and my Birthday! We packed everything up ready to head out of town. But first we
We decided on one last run of the backroads on our way out of town, for the bohemian waxwings. It was stunningly beautiful out! The night before had snowed, and the trees were coated with layers of white. And to add to the beauty, the sun came out and the sky was a bright blue! Such a pretty sight!
Again, we saw and heard numerous flocks with no confirming sightings. Unfortunately, it was time to hit the road. We kept our windows down and camera ready while we drove to the highway on the backroad. And then a flock of waxwings flew across the road in front of the car! Jim slammed on the brakes, Susan and I jumped out of the car. The flock had landed in a tree not too far from the road. Looking through all the branches we were able to confirm they were Bohemian Waxwings! OMG! So exciting and a wonderful Birthday Present! Tick 136 and a few pics too!
On to Algonquin – Very Happy Beak Seekers!
Update March 12, 2022
On March 8th we left Ottawa, and about 3pm arrived in Algonquin. We headed up Opeongo Road first, as there had been a sighting for a Boreal Chickadee there. We drove to the gate (The rest of the road is closed in winter), parked and spent a bit of time in the small parking lot there. No luck on the Boreal, but there were Black-capped Chickadees, and lots of Blue Jays. A bird was making the strangest of sounds, and it took us awhile to realize it was a Blue Jay! It was different then any sound any of us had heard before.
There was also a possibility of a Spruce Grouse here, but alas, no show.
We walked past the gate and up the road for a couple kilometres. It was a beautiful day, with sunshine, blue sky and the snow from the night before had coated the trees.
As we walked along, 3 Canada Jays started following us, hoping for handouts, I am sure. They posed nicely for photos as we went. We checked the marsh area hoping to see the otters that are often seen in the area, but there was very little open water there for them to pop up. On the way back we came across some small flocks of Common Redpolls. A few of them posed for a photo, which we appreciated. Then on to Spruce Bog trail with hopes of finding a Spruce Grouse. We met another photographer who told us there was a grouse up in the tree ahead. We hurried along and managed to find it! But when we looked closely, we had a feeling it might be a Ruffed Grouse – a bird we already had for our list. We were very excited at first but then felt a little let down when we thought the markings were not right. Oh well, we couldn’t complain as we had an amazing stretch of good birds this trip.
We made a stop at the Visitor Centre and checked the feeders out back. Purple finch, pine siskin, pine grosbeak, common redpoll, chickadees and jays and a few others were flitting around and offered some nice shooting.
We had booked a place in Huntsville for the night, and were going out for a Birthday dinner, so we headed off. When we arrived, we looked through our shots while enjoying a little wine and cheese. We debated whether we might have seen a Spruce Grouse. We quick sent off a photo to our friend Quinten in Algonquin. Almost immediately he responded with a positive ID of a Spruce Grouse! Woohoo!! Tick 137!
We had a fun time at dinner, and I have to say it was a Great Birthday Day!
On the way home the next day, we decided we would try again for the Harlequin Duck at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto. We walked along the water scanning as we went. This time luck was on our side again, as we caught sight of him in our bins. Tick 138!
We all had a nice look at him through the scope, took several distant photos and headed on home.
It was an amazing trip with lots of additions to our Big Year List, and more fun adventures together.
March 11th, Susan and I decided we would head to Sarnia in hopes of finding a Cackling Goose for me, and a Ross’s goose for both our lists. It was another cold and windy day. As we drove along highway 22 towards Sarnia, we saw a few small birds on the shoulder of the road. They flew off of course, but we pulled over to watch and see if they would come back. They were Horned Larks, and as is their habit, they flew right back again. We searched through the small flock with our bins, and almost at the same time, we called out “there is a different bird there!” of course before you can get enough of a look to see the markings and make a positive id of the bird – off they flew again, and again. But eventually they settled for just long enough for us to see it was a Lapland Longspur! In fact, two of them! Susan managed a quick shot through the windshield to confirm! Tick 139! We found this bird sighting pretty funny. We have driven numerous backroads on numerous occasions looking for the Lapland Longspur. They often hang around with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings, and you usually see these flocks on gravel roads, where they are feeding along the shoulders, on the road and in the adjacent corn fields. To find them unexpectedly on Highway 22 was quite the surprise!
We then headed for the Hiawatha Horse racing site in Sarnia. In the centre of the track, there is a small pond, and that is where both the Ross’s Goose and Cackling goose had been reported the previous days. We arrived and climbed the hill to see into the pond….6 Canada Geese and 2 Mallards. Dang!
On to our next option. A cackling goose had been seen at a golf course in Sarnia. We arrived in the parking lot to see chain link fencing surrounding the area. Looking through the fence we could see several Canada geese. I started scanning through the ones I could see, hoping to get lucky. But it is trick finding a Cackling goose among Canada Geese. You see they look almost the same except smaller and with a stubby beak.
So scanning and looking at each one to check for the differences. After maybe 10 minutes, I was inspecting a couple geese which I determined were Canada when. A little head popped up in between them from behind a hill. Then popped right back down again. I could have sworn it had a stubby beak! But I had to wait awhile longer to see it pop up again. This time I had my camera focused on the spot, and when it popped up, I let off a stream of shots and Bingo! Tick 140!
Update April 25, 2022
So it has been awhile since I last updated my blog. It has been a pretty busy month. Lots of rare birds to ‘Twitch’ (chase), which has been exciting. And now the spring migrants are arriving. So the Big Time of the Big Year is here!
On March 13th, I joined an OFO (Ontario Field Ornithologists Field trip at Long Point. It was great fun, meeting some new people and learning of new birding hotspots. Also lucked out and saw my first American Woodcock of the year. Tick #141!
For the next week we birded closer to home. It was a slow stretch for new birds. Only a couple new ones.
We heard about a Eurasian Wigeon at Hillman Marsh (near Point Pelee) on the 20th, so we jumped in the Subaru and headed over. When we arrived and were heading into the shorebird cell to see if we could see it, someone was heading out, and said all the ducks just flew! We scoped anyway but were skunked today. On the 21st we headed back to Hillman Marsh as it was still being reported. If at first you don’t succeed….! We arrived earlier today. As we were heading to the shorebird cell, the sky erupted with ducks! We still tried scoping for awhile hoping maybe our Wigeon had stayed behind. No luck. I did get a new bird for my list though – a Blue-winged Teal. Tick #144
We continued and headed to Shrewsbury to try for the Eurasian-collared Dove that has been seen there regularly. Susan had tried already a few times with no luck, and this time was no different. Dang!
But then we got a call from Steve Charbonneau – he had a Eurasian Wigeon at Rondeau – in his scope now! We were only 20 minutes away, so we Zoomed there. He waited for us and kept it in his scope – following it until we arrived! Woohoo! Thank you, Steve! It would have been pretty hard for us to find this one duck in the midst of hundreds of other ducks since neither one of us have seen it before! We finally got our bird plus we did get it in our scope too, and took a couple photos. And no sooner had we done that, the whole works flew! Whew!
Tick #145 for me!
But wait! Steve called again, saying the Eurasian-collared Dove was perched and singing on the church steeple in Shrewsbury! So off we zoomed again. Of course, it flew before we had a good look at it to confirm. But we spent some time searching and were able to re-find it!
Tick #146
We then hiked in Rondeau provincial park and got our first Warbler of the year – Yellow-rumped.
Tick #147
On the 24th we did a road trip to Toronto area birding hotspots. We tried again to find the Fish Crow – but it wasn’t in the cards again. But a Red-necked Grebe and a Horned Grebe were added to our list! Ticks # 148/149
An Osprey and Eastern Phoebe closed out the month of March with ticks #150 and 151.
On April 3rd I joined and OFO field trip at Point Pelee. Another great trip, with new and familiar faces. 3 more birds got added to the list. But at the last stop – Hillman Marsh, I came down from a viewing platform, and felt a sudden pain in my knee. It had been feeling a little achy for a couple of weeks but nothing that felt serious – and being that we were out walking every day, and changing from rubber to winter to hiking boots, it was kind of expected. But now it was feeling more serious, and I was hobbling by the time made it back to my car. I headed home. At an EnRoute stop on the way, I knew I was in trouble as I could hardly walk. And by the time I made it home… well I was pretty scared what might be wrong. The swelling was increasing. My friend brought me over a cane and ice packs. The next morning, I called the doctor and was able to get an appointment for 4:30pm.
I was thinking maybe a bad sprain. A friend mentioned maybe a torn meniscus. Well, the doctor did an assessment, and as she entered her info into the computer, she started talking about knee replacement and possible surgery for what may be a torn meniscus! What the….! I countered her, saying how could I possibly need a knee replacement – I had not been having any pain before this! And i walk a lot! She shrugged and said we will see what the X-ray and MRI says. I asked if this would possibly heal on its own. She shook her head. I asked her if this pain will lessen without surgery, and again she shook her head.
I walked (hobbled) out of there in a state of shock. Stopped for an x-ray on the way home. When I finally got home, I realized what this really meant. There goes my Big Year fun. The road trips we were looking forward to would be off the table for me. Hell, Birding would be off the table for me. And not being able to walk – well, I was pretty devastated.
And now I had to tell Susan – my Big Year Buddy – the bad news. That was hard. We were having so much fun together.
I had been going to physio for shoulder issues, so asked for a longer appointment on the Wednesday, to see what I could possibly do to improve my situation. By Wednesday, I wasn’t feeling in as much pain – but still not able to walk without a cane. At my appointment, Andrew calmed me down, and said this should not be a problem! After a full assessment, he told me there is a good possibility that in 4-6 weeks I should be much better and able to walk confidently. I would wear a brace to support my knee and had to be careful not to twist it. I was assigned several exercises to do.
What a difference of diagnosis!
I did however have to miss out on an Ottawa trip with Susan and Jim. They were leaving on the 7th, but I did some birding by car to make sure I could carry on with the Big Year! I did miss out on a couple of good birds in Burlington, as they were not there when I was finally able to drive there. But I finally got the dang Fish Crow! Tick 158
It has been 4 weeks since I hurt my knee. I continue to wear the brace and do my exercises and physio, and I am happy to report, I am walking fine! The Big Year is still on for me!
On April 12th, another rare bird showed up in Ontario. This time it was in our own back yard – Komoka Provincial Park! A Black-necked stilt! I was car birding along the shores of Kettle Point but hurried there, hoping it wouldn’t fly before I got there. When I arrived, a few of the local birding folk were there with binoculars and scopes focused across the pond. I was lucky enough to catch a really nice view through Bill Lindley’s scope. Bill was kind enough to keep it in his scope most of the day so those coming from all around would be able to see it. Thanks so much Bill! I did manage to capture an identifiable photo. Tick # 159!
On April 14th i decided to drive to hillman marsh, sit on the bench there at the shorebird cell. It turned out to be a good day. 6 new birds there – Caspian Tern, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpipers, and Black-bellied Plover. And a Great Egret on the back road home. Ticks# 161-167!
April 16th, I took a road trip to Long Point. A Lark Sparrow was being seen and was not a usual visitor in Ontario. I walked the area it was seen for 1 ½ hours with no luck. I then headed over to Old Cut Bird Banding station and walked around the trails there. No new ones there, so I headed back to the search the area for the Lark Sparrow again. A number of birders were also walking the area. Finally, someone spotted it and put out the word to the rest of us. Another great bird! While we were celebrating, someone called out – Eurasian Tree Sparrow! An even more rare bird was there among the other sparrows! When I got home, I realized I had a photo of it before it was identified! Two Ticks #168 and #169!
Found a Pine Warbler at the Pinery on the 20th - #170.
My knee was much stronger now, so I joined Susan and Jim, and we were off to Wiarton to join another OFO field trip led by Martin and Kathy Parker on the Bruce Peninsula. It was a great few days. On our way there we stopped at Wasaga Beach, and we were so lucky to see a Piping Plover! #171!
Over the next two days I bagged 6 new birds for my list! A Wilson’s Snip, Brewers Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Palm Warbler and a Broad-winged Hawk. But the winner of the big prize was a Western Tanager! Another rare visitor! Special thanks to Sean and his son Deklan for welcoming us onto their property to see the Tanager that was frequenting their feeder! Ticks now at #178!
To be continued!
Update May 7, 2022
April 25 - the next morning after we returned from our Wiarton trip, we headed off to Hillman Marsh. Once there we set up the scope and scanned the Shorebird cell. With everything at quite a distance, it was difficult identifying some of the shore birds that were dabbling in the shallow waters and the mud-flats. We have started calling out the markings on the birds to each other. We then take distant photos with our cameras and try to distinguish what the bird might be. Then looking at our bird apps on our phones, comparing the pictures there with our photos and the markings we were able to determine through the scope, we would often be able to come up with the correct ID. Sometimes though, we are still not sure. We did identify Marbled Godwits, and a Spotted Sandpiper in the distance, and a couple of Green Herons in a tree off on the side of the cell. But there were 3 other birds we studied and studied. We thought maybe they were Hudsonian Godwits? But were not sure as they were too far for clear views. Lucky for us, Jeremy Bensette arrived as we were heading out. Jeremy is the holder of the current record of the number of birds seen in Ontario in one year (346 birds, I think), and is an incredibly knowledgeable birder. He checked the birds we were seeing and identified them as Long-billed Dowitchers! He explained the identifying factors that confirmed that ID. Another great learning experience!
Those three new birds brought my count up to Tick #182!
We continued to Point Pelee and drove out to the tip. The weather was deteriorating, and the rain started coming down. Only showers though, so we continued on our quest. A Yellow Warbler flew in to greet us. And then a beautiful Hooded Warbler flitted through the low branches of the trees along the path! He made it difficult – as warblers do – to manage to capture a shot, but I was able to catch a couple of quick photos of ok quality. We then wandered around Sparrow Fields – a trail just off the tip at Point Pelee. It was still drizzling, but not enough to call it quits. And we were glad we didn’t, as just around the next bend, we had a Blue-winged warbler very close to us and nice and low. Not that that made it any easier to capture a photo mind you, but we gave it our best shot – heehee! And then right away after that, a Golden-winged Warbler flitted by- again close and low. Such a treat! This is not a bird i have only seen once before, and while I didn’t get any great shots, I enjoyed every minute of it! We saw a few more new birds on this trail – A Swainson’s Thrush, a Blue-headed vireo and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Now at Tick #190
We then headed over the West Beach footpath. Unfortunately, the rain did not hold off anymore, and came down in buckets! We were in for a penny now, so just kept on birding, with rain-gear on both us and the cameras, we worked hard to keep the raindrops off the binoculars and camera lenses. We were happy to add a Nashville Warbler, a Baltimore Oriole, Grasshopper Sparrow, and a House Wren to the list here. But then we called it quits! Wet and tired, we made our way home. But what a day despite the weather! 16 new species for the list and a few pretty nice photos! Now at Tick # 194!
The weather was looking much better the next day, so on a high from yesterday’s haul, and thinking we wanted to keep our good luck spree on an upswing, Susan and I headed to Point Pelee - again!
This time we started off wandering the Woodland and Redbud trails. A Whip-poor Will had been reported, so we spent a bit of time checking out the area. No Whip-poor-will, but a beautiful Blackburnian warbler was our next find. I think he was out enjoying the end of the rain too! Then a call came through of a Whip-poor-will over on the Tilden Woods trail. The chase was on again – and off we ran! Thankfully the bird was resting before its nightly forays, so he was still there when we arrived. What was so special this time, was that it was at eye level and close to the trail – allowing us some pretty nice views and even a few decent photos! We also saw a White-eyed Vireo that day. Now at Tick #199!
On the 28th we headed to Long Point. As we were driving along the road towards the turn-off to Old Cut, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak flew onto the side of the road! Nice start to the day as this was a bird we had not yet seen. Then we headed to the Old Cut field station.
This is a great spot for birding. The field station bands birds as they travel through during migration. Nets are put up along the trails which catch the birds as they fly. They are removed from the netting, taken into the banding station there. Here they document what birds, what bands they have on their legs, then put new bands on. Then they are released again. The band(s) identification gives info on where they have been banded before, therefore seeing where they have travelled, and if they are returning. It can also tell them how old the bird is. Visitors are able to watch this process and see the birds up close.
We walk the trails around the field station looking for new birds. Today we heard a Kentucky warbler had just been banded and released, so we were hoping to add this bird to our list. No luck today though. We did see our first Ruby-throated hummingbird. At the Old Provincial Park, we saw a warbling vireo, and a least flycatcher. We heard that the Kentucky was just seen again at Old Cut. So, we headed back. After searching for about an hour, we decided, we would check a couple other locations for other new birds.
And the Susan received a text from Kiah Jasper, one of the young men that is also doing a Big Year (and hoping to beat the current record of the number of birds seen in a year). Bird Alert! There was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Presquille – near Kingston. Kiah wondered if we wanted to chase it with him. Kiah was heading east from Point Pelee. Unfortunately, I had plans to go to Theatre that night with friends, so had to decline, but Susan was game! We decided the best bet was for Susan to meet Kiah in London at a spot just off the 401, so we quickly changed course and headed back to London. We pulled into the meeting spot 1 ½ hours later, and in about 15 minutes, kiah arrived and filled his car with gas, and they were off!
Just before the theatre began, I got a text from Susan, with a photo from the back of her camera. She got the bird!
The next day we headed back to Long Point, as the Kentucky Warbler was being seen, and we wanted to try again. We searched the area for awhile without success and were about to try a little further down the road, when we got another text. Tufted Duck at Point Pelee! This is a very rare bird to see in Ontario – they breed across Eurasia, from Iceland to the British Isles, east across Russia and Siberia. Only casual visits have been recorded on the northern coasts of Canada.
Yep, we were off again! 3 hours later we arrived a Point Pelee, hopped on the tram to the Tip, and rushed down the West Beach Trail. Along the way Birders heading towards us were reassuring us it was still being seen. That was good news!
Once we arrived the birders there with their scopes had lost sight of it. As it is with those rare birds, this one was somewhere amidst a large raft of hundreds of ducks and scoters. A fair way off shore. And of course, the tufted duck looks almost the same as the scoters! We scanned slowly with our binoculars while the others scanned with their scopes. A couple of times the others found it and offered us a look through their scopes. But ducks swim and they disappear again quickly into the throngs!
We decided we should return to the car and get Susan’s scope and come back and spend some time scanning in hopes of finding it. When we returned, a couple others birders were there now with their scopes. They had no luck so far.
Susan scanned for awhile, then I took a turn. I had just come across a small group of ducks a little closer and away from the others and wondered if one of them was it. I was just about to get Susan to have a look too, when one of the others yelled ‘got it’! It happened to be in that same small group, and I believe the one I was looking at. It was nice because it was much closer (still out a way though) but we could clearly see the tuft on the back of its head. We were also able to see all black back which was an ID factor that differentiates it from the scoters. A few so-so photos and then they flew! A couple flight shots and then they were gone. Our chase this time was not in vain - Whew! Tick #204
We decided to have a look for the Louisiana Waterthrush that had been seen recently on Wildwood trail. There were a few other birders there looking for it, so with more eyes looking we had a better chance of finding it. We were scanning the edges of the marsh, up and down the one section of the trail where it was seen. Suddenly, I saw it, skulking in the grass on the other side of the marsh! Streaked white breast, white eyebrow and bubble-gum pink legs!
It was a good bird day today! Tick #205
In the evening on April 30th, a Mega Rare bird was seen by James Holdsworth at the Thedford Sewage Lagoons. A Marsh Sandpiper! This bird had never been reported before in Canada or Eastern North America! This was Big!
The Marsh Sandpiper is usually seen from easternmost Europe to the Russian Far East, with the majority wintering in Africa and India. Some migrating to Southeast Asia and Australia! Quite the find here in Thedford Ontario! Way to go James for recognizing this bird!
Jeff Skevington, President of OFO (Ontario Filed Ornithologists) was contacted. He knew many birders were going to want to have a chance to see this bird. He needed to contact the local officials to see if access to the site could be made available. But of course, this was Saturday night! But he persevered and eventually was able to get in touch with the mayor of Lambton Shores, and together they worked a plan.
A new program had just been initiated at OFO. The overarching goal of OFO's Rare Bird Ambassador program is to try to facilitate as many rare bird viewing opportunities for the Ontario birding community as possible, all while ensuring positive experiences for the hosts, whether they be private landowners or some other authority (e.g., a conservation authority).
The agreement was that Lambton Shores would allow access to the site. OFO’s Insurance would cover those accessing the site. For insurance to cover though, an OFO Member needed to be always present to ensure the visitors followed the guidelines in place, and also help them find the bird. (It was mostly at the far corner of one of the treatment ponds, and access was limited to only one side.)
So OFO members worked shifts from 8am to 8pm while the bird stayed. Many of the local birders, Susan and I included, took numerous shifts. Many of the people travelling from afar, who wanted to see the Marsh Sandpiper, and were members of OFO, offered to take shifts while they were there to see the bird.
The Sandpiper stayed about 10 days. During that time, over 700 birders came to see this rare entity. Birders from as far away as Michigan, Missouri, Connecticut, and even from Texas made the trip!
And then the Marsh Sandpiper carried on to parts unknown!
This was Tick #206!
On the 1st, we headed to Rondeau Provincial Park, Keith Mclean Conservation Area, and Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. Added 5 new birds to the list – Chestnut-sided Warbler, Savannah Sparrow and Cliff, Bank and Rough-winged Swallows now at Tick #211.
We did a couple more days at Thedford Lagoons, and picked up Solitary and least Sandpipers for our list. Tick #213
And then we were headed off on our 10 day Birding Marathon to Pelee Island, Point Pelee and Rondeau Provincial Parks.
To be Continued - Stay Tuned!
Update May 11, 2022
It is May 5th, and we are heading off on our 10-day Birding Marathon. 3days on Pelee Island, 4 days at Point Pelee, and 3 days at Rondeau.
It is Migration Time! This is the time when you bird from sunup to sundown, and sometimes even some night birding, listening for different species that are usually only seen or heard at night.
This time we took two vehicles, as Jim was hoping to do some bike riding while we were birding, so not as much room for all the gear.
I headed out earlier than Susan and Jim. First stop was Erieau. A White-faced Ibis had been seen on the Marsh Trail, and we were hoping to see it before it left. This is another rare bird for our area and would be a great bird to see and add to our list!
I headed out early, and put in a call to our friend Steve Charbaneau, who lives there, to see if he was aware if it was still being seen. And if so, was it still at the same spot? Once again, he was a huge help, and headed out early to see if he could find it. On my drive there I received updates from him, as he searched. And lucky for me he found it and gave me directions to where he was, and he kept an eye on it till I arrived! He pointed in the direction to where he was seeing it. I put up my bins, searching in the distance. Steve then said: “Put down the bins and just look right in front of you!” And there it was, barely 30 feet away from me! Thank you so much Steve!
Steve was heading out to do his own birding, so I stayed and photographed the Ibis, keeping an eye on it till Sue and Jim arrived. If it flew, I wanted to be able to make sure Sue could still see it, even if it was at a distance. They arrived about an hour later, and it had just wandered off a little way but still within easy sight, and close enough for decent photos. Further along the path we also saw a Black-throated Blue Warbler, a Common Yellowthroat Warbler and a Sora.
Tick #216!
And now we were off to Pelee Island. We had reservations for the Ferry at 4pm. The ferry ride was smooth, and we pulled into our cottage around 6pm. We did pick up a Brown Thrasher and an Eastern Kingbird on the way.
The next day, May 6th, the weather was not the greatest. Raining hard and high winds. So, we took the morning to update our blogs, process photos and take a breath to be ready when the birds arrive and the marathon really begins.
The afternoon was a little better, not pouring rain at least, so we dressed for the weather and headed out. We decided to explore the Island a bit. First, we headed to Lighthouse Point, birding along the roads as we went. At Lighthouse Point, there was a boardwalk along a swampy area. We saw a huge snapping turtle – so old he was covered in moss! A great camouflage!
Moving along we arrived at the shore of the lake. The water was high and the trail to the Lighthouse was washed out a bit. But fortunately, we had our rubber boots on and timed it with the waves and managed to make it without incident. I went to take a photo of the Lighthouse, trying to get it straight, but that resulted in a very tilted horizon. The lighthouse was on quite a slant. We explored a little but wanted to get to a better birding location so returned to the car and drove over to Fish Point.
Once there, we headed through the trails. Our first greeters were a pair of beautiful Red-headed Woodpeckers! Lots of photos with these two! Then we hiked along the trail, over to the beach and out to the Point. On the way we caught glimpses of a Cape May Warbler, the only new bird we saw today! We did see lots of Yellow Warblers, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers that gave us lots of photo opportunities. The winds were so high that we could hardly hear the birds, and it was determined that with that strong south wind, the birds were probably on the other side of the lake waiting for it to calm – or for a north wind- and make it easier for their journey. So, we wandered back through the trails and headed back to or home away from home.
The next morning, May 7th, was still windy, but the rain and stopped. We got an early start today, heading to Fish Point again, hoping for some new arrivals. We had a lovely few minutes photographing a Yellow-throated Vireo and added a Veery, and an Indigo Bunting to our list. Pretty quiet otherwise.
We decided that evening, to go to the Point for sunset and see if any new birds might have flown in. Just as we were arriving, a flock of about 60 Black-bellied Plovers with a few Ruddy Turnstones flew by us and circled around. And then they landed right there on the point in front of us! It was awesome to see and photograph! They stayed maybe 10 minutes, then flew off.
We met a couple, Sue and Dave, who came at the point for sunset. Both worked for the Pelee Island Winery. Sue asked if we would share a couple of our photos for their Facebook Page. We were happy to, and she shared our photos, did a little write up on us and our Big Year adventure, and added links to our websites.
The next day, May 8th, we were catching the 4 pm Ferry so we packed everything up and headed back to Fish Point and the roads around it to have a last look and see if any new birds had arrived overnight. The weather had finally improved significantly, and we enjoyed the sun and lack of strong winds. And we did find a couple more new birds for the list before we left the Island.
11 new birds for us on the island!
Now at Tick #228
Point Pelee
Our arrival at Point Pelee was the start of our Great Canadian Birdathon Challenge. Susan and I had decided to participate in this challenge to raise money for Birds Canada. The Great Canadian Birdathon is a national event raising crucial funds to support bird conservation efforts throughout Canada. A portion of the funds we raise will go to the Young Birders Program at OFO (Ontario Field Ornithologists). We chose the dates May 8th to 11th for our personal goal of to see 100 different bird species in that period. (See the links at the beginning of this blog for more info on Birds Canada and OFO.)
We enjoyed the ferry ride over to Leamington. We were joining an OFO trip at the DeLaurier Homestead Trail in Point Pelee National Park at 7pm, so I headed straight to my Motel and unloaded my things and Susan and Jim headed to their Air B&B which was closer to the park. We managed to arrive just in time for the hike. Pete Read was our leader tonight, and one of the main focuses was to see, and hear, the woodcocks that were known to be in that area. They usually start their mating rituals once the sun sets.
“The male woodcock’s evening display flights are one of the magical natural sights of springtime in the East. He gives buzzy ‘peent’ calls from a display area on the ground, then flies upward in a wide spiral. As he gets higher, his wings start to twitter. At a height of 200–350 feet the twittering becomes intermittent, and the bird starts to descend. He zigzags down, chirping as he goes, then lands silently (near a female, if she is present). Once on the ground, he resumes ‘peenting’ and the display starts over again.”
(From Cornell’s All about Birds website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Woodcock/overview)
We were able to locate a male on the ground. We watched as he started calling, and then gave a fantastic display to impress the female that must have been close by. We were impressed too! He repeated this over several times while we watched him with our bins in the dusky light.
Finally, we headed back to our accommodations, and set everything up for an early start the next day.
5am on May 9th, we headed into the park. First tram out to the Tip was 6am. We heard the parking lot at the Visitor’s centre (closest lot to the Tram and the Tip) can fill up by 5:30 am. The next closest parking area is a minimum of a kilometre from the visitor’s centre, and we knew we would be walking all day around the Point, so we wanted to save all our energy for the trails. Thankfully we were in time to get a good spot to park and a seat on the first tram out to the tip.
Our goal here was to witness a ‘Reverse Migration’ – if there was one that day. Reverse migration is a phenomenon in bird migration where a bird flies in the opposite direction of what is typical of its species during migration. It is thought that birds become disoriented by 180 degrees and hence embark on a south-bound trip in the spring when they should be heading north. Most birds that undertake these reverse migrations could be inexperienced, juvenile birds.
We joined Jeff, Kiah, William and Ezra who were already there. We were hoping we could have help identifying the birds in flight. Numerous other birders were at the tip with us. It was quite the ‘flock’! This was a new experience for me. I had never even heard of reverse migration before! It was a good learning experience. I don’t know flight characteristics and/or the markings on the underside of the many birds, so I managed to pick up a few new tips. It was very interesting, as experienced birders called out the birds as they flew over our heads, and off the point. It was a challenge to get the bins on the birds when they are flying, so I missed numerous birds for the list, as I was not able to get a clear look to identify them. But I got 5 new ones here. Apparently, this was a slow morning at the tip, and the migration was not yet in full swing. The winds had not been favourable for a few days, enough to help the birds on their northern flight.
We spent about 11/2 hours binoculars pointing up and with ‘warbler-neck’ symptoms beginning! (Sore neck from looking up to see the warblers which are usually at the top of trees)
We left the tip and headed into the park to scour the trails. We saw numerous birds and were able to get some nice photos, but not too much new for the list.
The next morning, May 10th, we repeated the previous day’s agenda and headed to the tip bright and early. Today turned out to be a Banner Day! The winds had changed, and the reverse migration was amazing! The tip was packed with birders and the excitement level was pretty high! There was talk that this had been one of the best reverse migration mornings at the Tip in a long time.
I was able to get my bins on more birds this morning and was able to identify more than yesterday too. 5 new ones to add to the list, including a Blue Grosbeak which was a nice bonus bird! (there was one in London last year at Killaley that caused quite a stir, and birders from all over came to see it). We also saw Dickcissel, Philadelphia Vireo, Sanderling and an Acadian Flycatcher.
The rest of the day we hiked the trails getting lots of steps in and were rewarded with a couple more new birds.
One bird alert came in late in the day for a Plumbeous Vireo (never heard of this one!) at Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area, a short drive from the park. (We also received a text from Kiah that we should definitely go for this one!) So off we went. We met a couple other birders there but none of us were having any luck. For such a rare bird, we were surprised there were not more birders there looking?
As we were thinking of heading back, we got a call from William. “Come now to the field alongside the park on the edge of the farmer’s field!” We hurried over. Here we found where all the other birders were! And the birds!!! It was what is called a fallout of Warblers. It seemed like hundreds of warblers were dripping off the low bushes and trees along the side of the field! No warbler-neck here!
It was hard to keep the jaw from dropping open it was so amazing! I have heard about ‘Fallouts’ before but have never had the experience. It was hard to know where to point the camera, they were everywhere and at eye-level. And to add to the joy, it was the ‘Golden Hour’, and the light was perfect! So many wonderful photos! This will certainly be a treasured memory of the Big Year Adventure!
May 11th was our last day at Point Pelee, but before we headed off to Rondeau Provincial Park – the next leg of our Birding Marathon, we scoured a couple more of the trails, picking up 4 more new birds.
Each day at Point Pelee, we would get alerts of birds that we still needed, being seen on another trail, and each time we would run off in hopes of a success find. On occasion we would get lucky, but often the chase was in vain. Darn birds have wings you know! We missed out on the Yellow-breasted Chat, Kentucky Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, and Plumbeous vireo to name a few, but I am still pretty happy with all the great birds we did see!
I had never been to Point Pelee for the Spring migration before. It was an amazing experience. We met so many wonderful people and had such a great time!
May 11th was the last day of our Birds Canada Birdathon Challenge. Susan and i hoped to see 100 different species during our time at Point Pelee. We are excited to tell you that we exceeded our goal, and our count was 126! You can still make a donation (up until December 31, 2022) to this worthy cause here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bird-studies-canada/p2p/birdathon22/team/the-beak-seekers/?fbclid=IwAR0CfCyyk9R9bR-EJHf__twhPDQeZ_UgxjcPxIy-zkyAJxu20X3qS45ljso
At the end of our Point Pelee adventure, my list was at #248!
To be Continued…
May 13th, 2022
Now we were off to Rondeau. We heard of a Wilson’s Phalarope at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, which was on the way, so that would be our first stop.
Yes, we birders love Sewage Lagoons! They are great places for shorebirds, and they are Hotspots for other good birds too!
Lady Luck was with us again this time, and the Phalarope was still there. A little far away for good photos but a new bird for the list so big smiles!
We checked into our Air B&B at Morpath. This place was amazing! It was an old United Church that was being restored, and it was done beautifully! The host greeted us and gave us a tour and shared a bit of the history. It was only a 15-minute drive to Rondeau so the location was perfect.
We had dinner, then headed over to Keith McLean’s Conservation Area to check for any migrants that may have dropped in. We saw 21 different species during the hour we were there. No new birds but a few new photos to add to the collection. We called it a day and headed home for Wine and Cheese.
Early on May 12th, we headed to Erieau – a short drive from Rondeau -looking for an Eared Grebe that had been reported. It was a good start to our day. It was there swimming close to the pier allowing a few nice photos.
We then headed to the Erieau Marsh trail for a walk. This is where we saw the White-faced Ibis at the beginning of our Migration Marathon. The Ibis was no longer being seen, but a Lincoln Sparrow hopped out on the path for a few quick shots. We then heard from a couple other birders on the trail, that they had just seen 2 Black-crowned Night Herons along the path across the road. So off we went. Once again, we were successful, and one of the two had waited for us to arrive before flying off.
Jim decided to do a bike ride today, so Susan and I headed off to Rondeau Provincial Park for a walk down the Marsh Trail there. We were hoping to find some American Bitterns in the reeds along the shore, but they stayed hidden from us. In fact, it was very quiet for birds, but we had a great walk for a couple of hours and saw 31 different species. No new ones, but once again we got a few photos. We then decided to check out one of the interior trails – the Spicebush Trail. It was quiet here too, and no new birds, but here we did see 21 different species. Moving on now to wander around the campground area. There are often good sightings here, and since it is early in the season, not too many campers to disturb the birds. 15 different species here but alas no new ones.
Next was over to the Pony Barn, another small trail. While we didn’t get any new birds again, we did have some amazing photo opportunities with several different warblers – especially the Canada warbler. It kept flying around the small swamp area in front of us and landing on various lovely perches! Quite a few birders were there to enjoy this spectacle. We were only there 35 minutes, but it was a very small area and others were coming down the trail, so we decided to let others have a chance at some nice photos too. We also needed to meet up with Jim, as he was back from his ride, and we were going out for dinner tonight at Rondeau Joes.
After dinner we checked out the beach by the visitor centre. Only 7 species here, so we called it a day and headed home for….Wine and Cheese!
The next morning May 13th, we rose early and headed over to Keith McLean’s again. Linda and her husband Derek were coming in from Lucan and were going to meet us there. We were all there for about 2 hours and saw 40 different species, and while Susan and I did not see anything new, Linda upped her list with quite a few new birds! It was a fun time for all of us!
We then headed on to the Maintenance Loop (Warbler’sWay) and then the Tulip Tree trail. Linda added a few more good birds to her list on these two trails too, including the Prothonotary Warbler which is a prize bird. It is an endangered species, and not found many places. But Rondeau is one of the places it breeds, so there is often a good chance to see them here.
It was around 2:30 now and we wondered if maybe the Pony Barn would provide a repeat performance today and give Linda some nice photo opportunities and a couple more new birds. Once again, the Canada
Warbler put on a good show, and we all got some more nice photos. And Linda a couple more new birds!
Linda and Derek headed home, and we headed back home for dinner… and wine and cheese ο.
This was our last day at Rondeau and our last planned day for our Migration Marathon. But Susan and I were feeling a little down from not getting any new birds for a couple days, so we decided the two of us would head back to Point Pelee for a couple more days. There were sightings of many birds we still needed, and we were just not ready to give up on the marathon just yet!
I was still at Tick # 252.
We reorganized our things, packing our needs into ‘Boo’ (my Subaru). Jim packed up his things and headed home, and Susan and I headed back to Point Pelee.
to be continued…
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NEWFOUNDLAND BOUND!
Well a road trip to Newfoundland is finally a reality. The camping gear is packed in a new Thule Pod on the roof of my Subaru Outback. I ‘practiced camped’ last year, to see if I could make this a camping trip. And throughout the summer and fall, I honed the sleeping arrangements to make it tolerable to the old bones! A cot seemed to do the trick after all was said and done, and now I am more than ready!
The pod held more than I thought it would, and that left lots of room in the car for cameras and photography paraphernalia, the cooler and a few other comforts and essentials. I haven’t driven long distances for a while, so not sure how that will go, but have given myself lots of time to make the trip there.
The pod held more than I thought it would, and that left lots of room in the car for cameras and photography paraphernalia, the cooler and a few other comforts and essentials. I haven’t driven long distances for a while, so not sure how that will go, but have given myself lots of time to make the trip there.
My plan is to meet up with ‘Kevin Pepper Photography’ for a photo workshop - June 5 to June 12, 2018
The Viking Trail and Iceberg Alley
(The blurb on the trip)
“Have you ever wanted to stay in your very own lighthouse? This trip will have you waking up in our very own private lighthouse inn to the smell of a home cooked breakfast as you look out across the north atlantic ocean at the entrance to Iceberg Alley.
Do icebergs captivate you? Imagine an up close and personal viewing of some of the largest tabular and cathedral icebergs at the entrance to the world famous iceberg alley.
This is the perfect trip for the photographer that loves photographing by the ocean in and around old abandoned fishing villages, icebergs, and lighthouses, with a backdrop of stunning golden hour... and we can't forget the Humpback whales that are migrating north as the icebergs are travelling south.”
The workshop is starting at Deer Lake Newfoundland and ends in Quirpon on the edge of ‘Iceberg Alley”. Exploring the west coast of “The Rock”.
Before the workshop, i hope to start my adventure in the SW corner of the island, right off the ferry. A few days of camping, birding in the Codroy Valley, and reaquainting myself with the ocean!
After the workshop, I will head back to Deer Lake to pick up my car and gear, and head out on my own again with the goal to circumnavigate the island. Wildlife, landscapes, people, seafood, local arts and artists and, what I am really looking forward to….the Ocean! After living on the west coast for many years, the Ocean became part of my soul, and it will feel good to smell the sea air, wander the rocks and tidepools at low tide, and just sit while the waves wash up on the shore. Ahhhhhn! And of course there are Puffins! Doesn’t get much better than that!
So visit my blog, over the next month or so, and join me on my new adventure! I am sure it will be a fun time! I will update you on the fun and foibles of my adventure, when I can. See you soon!
Friday morning May 25
At 6 am, I hit the road east from London Ontario. Packing went smoothly- which for me, is a miracle! All the preps for my car - ‘Boo’ - tune up, snow tires off, summer tires on (that might have been a mistake!), gassed up, and all cleaned out of all but necessary stuff for the trip. And for me – hair cut, bills paid, apartment cleaned - well sort of. π¬ and all those other things like fridge cleaned out, dishes done, plants all gathered together, for my awesome sister-in-law to take care of, and fresh sugar water, grape jelly and oranges out for the humming birds and my Baltimore Oriole family.
But packing was easier this time, as I had lots of room to pack. The Thule Pod on the roof of the Subaru, held way more than I thought it would, which was nice. So all the camping gear and a bit more went up there. Coolers, camera gear, suitcases, food and dishes on the lower level!
I was a little worried though, as I had to leave Boo all packed – except camera gear and fridge food - and parked outside! With the Pod on top, it would not fit into my underground garage spot! But hey I just had to have faith! And with the help of my guardian angels, all was just fine.
My travel partner ‘Ookie the Ookpik’ raced me to the car! And was as excited as I was to get on the road! Hey all, meet Ookie!.Ookie was adopted at Expo 67, and at the last minute, he popped up to say he wanted to go with me! I figure a road trip is way more fun with a buddy, so I agreed whole-heartedly!
I was a little tired - didn’t sleep that last night as good as I’d liked to have, but I stopped for a couple rest stop naps along the way, and I made it to the east side of Montreal the first day. A few hiccups that day. First there was Toronto rush hour. Man that is a wicked mess! Then just before Kingston, there had been a terrible accident, unfortunately with fatalities. that resulted in the 401 eastbound being closed!
Hmmm. That was probably a two hour wait and and hour inching along. But about 7 pm I was finally into my little motel room, and after a good walk, it wasn’t long before I was sleeping ‘Like a Baby Lion’, as my good friend says!
Saturday May 26
Woke early and on the road again the next morning by 6 am. Today it was smooth sailing. Motored along, and no need for naps today either! I am sure I saw a bear high up in a tree on the side of the road, along the way, but a semi was on my right ( yep I was passing him - Go Boo Go!)so there was no stopping to confirm or try to get a shot of it. Dagnammit! I am going to Newfoundland! No detours!
Well maybe one detour. Never trust a friggin car GPS! I had faith, and didn’t do enough homework. (Hey, I had a lot of packing and prep work to do!) and sometimes technology sucks right? So Ended up in St John New Brunswick! Probably an hour south out of the way. Go figure. No idea why!? Lesson learned, read the map too! I think it was taking me to another ferry across to Nova Scotia. I had a couple other worries along the way that I was on the wrong road. For some reason the Trans Canada Hwy shows as other road numbers here. And it is not always #1, it is #2, or 20or whatever other road. So confusing!
But I was not in a hurry, so found a cute little motel for the night.The Hillside. Lakesh the owner was a really nice fellow and we had a good chat. (Hmmm, going to have to start learning the Atlantic & Newfoundland lingo, so I can sound local! I don’t think Chat is a word!) unloaded the camera gear and the overnight bag, and headed out for my walk. Gotta get those 10000 steps in! And I need that stretch after such a long drive. (One thing I tried to do at all my stops, was park in the farthest spot away from the rest stop facilities. It gave me a stretch at each stop.)
Sunday May 27
Today is a much shorter day of driving, even with the detour from yesterday. Maybe 6-7 hours. Easy-peasy! I could take the overnight ferry to Newfoundland Sunday night, but I love being on the water and especially on the ocean! So I booked myself for the Monday morning sailing. And had a nice little sleep in!
And then with CBC radio turned on for Sunday Morning, and Ookie perched on the dash, Boo started us on our journey for the day. It was another smooth-sailing day, and we made it to Sydney Nova Scotia by around 3pm. Settled in at the Clansman Motel and went off for my walk. Tonight I went out for dinner and had a good feed of Haddock and fries! Ok so I will need to walk some more!
Monday May 28
Another good sleep. Then in the morning, shower, grocery shop, and pack up again. And ice for the cooler. Then in line for the ferry. Arrived two hours early as directed. So time for a walk around the terminal and down to take a look at the Atlantic Vision – the ferry waiting there for us, that will carry us over to Newfoundland.
Nice and relaxing wander, that is until I was surrounded by security! I guess I was out of bounds! Well not exactly surrounded, but approached and asked to “step into the truck Mam”. Radio announcements –“yep I got her”! But nice guy all said and done, and I got a nice tour of the shipyards and he took me to where I could get a good shot of the ferry. Heehee!
And then I was taken back to my car. None too soon either, as they started to board pretty quick. I am sure it was early! Wasn’t supposed to leave till 11:45 am. We were well on our way by 11:30. And the skies were blue and the waves small, and although it was a bit cool, wandering the deck with Ookie was great fun. Checking for whales and dolphins, but no luck yet.
But Ookie was going on and on, about wanting to go up to the bridge and see the Captain. So we asked the Senior Chief Steward, if Ookie could have a picture taken with the captain. Sue Holmes, the Senior Chief Steward, arranged it with the Captain, and off we went up to the bridge. Apparently no one had ever asked to take their Ookpik to the bridge, so Ookie was quite the star. He got to read the charts, sit in the Captains chair, be the lookout for icebergs, and a few other neat things. Unfortunately the Captain had been called away, so Sue took a picture of me and Ookie together. It was fun. Got lots of laughs! And Ookie was ever so pleased!
We wandered the decks some more, and then at about 4:30, we landed in Newfoundland! Stopped off at the visitors’ centre and picked up some info, then 7 km down the road to JD Cheesman Provincial Park. I had booked three nights here. So registered and headed to the site to set up before dark. It was cool, but still sunny, and all was well until I tried to hammer the tent stakes into the ground. There was so much friggin rock that the temper was starting to boil. After a number of expletives, Harold, from Parry Sound – my neighbor, came over and asked if I could use some help. I apologized for my expletives, and we both tried to get the stakes in for the next half hour. Half we finally got in, the other half maybe halfway, but that had to be good enough. Thanked Harold, and off he went to his dinner. I cooked up a feast, and more for the next day as I heard there might be some rain. That way I could reheat quickly and not get too wet. And then a little wine to celebrate! I’m Here!
Well the rain started that night, and it poured and poured. But lucky for me there were no leaks and I slept just fine.
Tuesday May 29
And then I awoke to more rain, pouring rain, never ending rain! So I had my camper’s Lazyboy ( my camp chair) in the tent, and I sat and read and watched the rain. Eventually I got a little antsy, so I donned all my rain gear and headed out to go for a walk. Walked to a lovely little water falls just over the bridge, the set off to the beach. A 2km walk by the road. It rained, and slowed to a shower, then a mist. Then it rained again. I still enjoyed it and after arriving on the beach, walk for an hour or so along it. The sound of the waves cancelled out the rain in my mind, and it slowed again to a shower then a mist. But once again, the clouds opened, and I headed back.
Lucky me though, the rained stopped long enough for me to heat up my dinner (leftover pork chop and veggie stirfry) and then i quicky ran into the tent to eat, when the rain started again. Whew just in time before it poured again. (I love my guardian angels!) Had set myself up good for staying in the tent. Had all I needed. But the wind was picking up now, and it was getting pretty dang cold. Calling for frost, maybe snow! Yikes. So all the clothes – long johns and fleece and toque and gloves – stayed on, and I snuggled under my down comforter on my cot, and read for awhile. The wind was loud and so was the rain, so I popped in earplugs. And slept pretty fine again. All was well in my little nest……that is, until morning!
Wednesday May 30
Well the tent was rocking, and it wasn’t me! I took out the earplugs and the wind was howlin’! First things first. Outhouse across the road. Then next was to try to get my tent fly tied down tighter as it was lifting like a parachute, and pulling all those half in pegs out! Right into the wind it was! I was trying to pull it down to tighten and noticed it had ripped some of the attachments right off as well! It was a hell of a Nor-Wester! There was no way I was pulling this down. It had to come off. I was grateful that it had dawned a blue sky day!
Well it was a chore and I had not planned on trying Parachuting for the first time with a tent fly, and I was pretty dang close to lifting off a couple times! But with some crazy finagling, I managed to get it unattached and in the tent. Really nice that it was a blue sky day as the top of the tent is screen! Exhausted I sat in my chair, seriously considering motelling it across Newfoundland! “I am to old for this”, I screamed!
And the thought of packing it all up was first in line of thoughts! But I sat, and caught my breath, and calmed down. And tried to consider the other thoughts vying for attention. I went for a walk, around the campsite. Virtually empty, except for a few other folks with nice warm campers, but I spied a site, that was out of the really wicked wind. And it was all grass. And still on the water. I went back and took one of the tent pegs already out of the ground, my hatchet, and went to see I could get the pegs in there. I think that was the first deciding factor. They went in with ease! So a possibility to relaunch. But could the fly be fixed? A Ranger was trying to find and recover all the garbage cans and recycle boxes that had blown everywhere in the wind! He laughed saying ‘you sure were in the wrong place with that wind! No protection there!’ I laughed too, with tears in my eyes.
Well off to the ranger station, to see if I could move to that site. All was cool there. Then the next, was moving it all – another strong vote for motelling raised it’s hand! But all was done by noon. And with that roll of duck tape I brought along, and the door and fly opening facing into the hill alongside, and out of catching the wind, I decided I could weather another day or two.
While I sat, for a breather, I thought “I want a friggin drink”! But a little early for this girl, so instead I packed up a snack, water, got the binoculars and the camera, and decided I was taking the Smokey Cape trail to the ocean today. Brian the Ranger at the park had suggested it. Said there were great views. I had also asked Brian about other wildlife in the area, and if they ever see moose in the park. He said not too much. And havent really seen a moose in the park for a long time.
So hopes dashed for a moose at my campsite I headed out. And the sun was shining, still a little cool, but not bad. A couple layers did the trick, with my rain jacket tied around my waist I set off.
Thank you Brian! It was a beautiful trail, and I turned back Into a happy human being! The landscape was wonderful, and the views to die for! I am not sure how long the trail was but it was lots of ups and downs, and steps, and rocks, and view after view! Then up high on the rocks, the bays leading to the campsite and the rivers ocean bound, and ocean, appeared. Such a sight! I sat and soaked it up for awhile. Then on towards the ocean I headed.
This time I had binoculars and my camera, and I hoped to see the piping plovers that are nesting there.
I headed down the sand dune to the beach, and was hit with a wallop of wind! And sand! Jacket wrapped around the camera, I pushed on to the nesting area. Staying at a distance, I scoped out the area but to no avail. I think they were all hiding from the wind today! And I figured I should too. So went looking for a spot to have my snack. I found a log around the corner out of the wind, sat down, brough Ookie out to see the Ocean……and immediately the wind snapped up most of the sand from the beach and threw it at us! Ookine was back in the sack in no time flat! I tried to protect the camera and get up and out of there, not a gracefull picture! But we hightailed back behind the windbreak and onto the road back to the campsite. Took the road back instead of the trail as it was getting close to dinner time. Saw a number of Yellow rumped warblers on the way, and white-throated sparrows – for by birding friends. Not much else, but after that wind I am hoping for a fallout!
Then Brian and Arlene, another ranger drove by and stopped to talk. Laughing about my ordeal at the campsite. I thanked Brian for the recommendation of the trail and how beautiful it was. We went our separate ways. Ack at the campsite, I decided I was lazy to cook tonight. So an avocado, cheese, tomato, and onion sandwich was the order! And a glass of wine! Sigh! The wind was still pretty strong, not in your face strong, but I had had enough for the day, and moved my chair into the tent, and read for awhile. One thing with the cooler weather, there are no bugs yet – one vote for camping! So I could leave my door open and keep an eye outside. The birds are singing all around. Lots of robins everywhere! And I heard and saw a kingfisher today too.
Early to bed for this cowgirl. I think I put on near 25 km with all my moving and hiking. Hunkered down under the down comforter, on my lovely cot, I read a bit more and was sawing logs in no time.
Thursday May 31
Thursday dawned a lovely day. A nice slow start, coffee, eggs and toast, and watching the water run by my campsite. Yellow-rumped warblers in the trees over my head! Brian the Ranger stopped by this morning too. Apparently there was a moose in the campsite! Very close to where I was. He said, he had hoped to get a picture of-it with my tent in the background, and send it to me, ‘while you were sleeping’! but the moose deeked into the trees and he wasn’t able to. Maybe tonight I will hear him and get a glimpse. I have seen a beautiful coyote, and a couple rabbits, and along with the birds, that is all the wildlife I have seen so far.
I forgot to mention one thing, in regards to the morning I almost parachuted back to the mainland. One trick I tried was to move Boo to block the wind to make it easier to get the fly down. It didn’t work. But Boo has now been initiated into the “first scratch club”! Those back up screens are awesome, but you still need to use those side mirrors! The fire pit (which is a metal box, on a stand with a grate on top) managed to sneak into my route. Nothing terrible, just a wee scratch. Boo feels like a grown-up now!
So after my lazy start, I jumped in Boo, and headed to the Codroy Valley. There was a trail I found on the rainy day, when I went out for a drive on the backroads, after my rainy walk. That day it was really just to get in the car and get warmed up, but the drive was nice too. For those that know me well, you will laugh when I tell you, I had the heat jacked up, blower on high and seat heaters on! Oh but it felt nice!
Anyway I headed to a Wetlands trail I found. I was hoping that there might be a fallout of birds after the big wind. It was a beautiful walk/trail along an estuary. Camera and binoculars in tow, I saw magnolia warblers, black & white warblers, yellow warblers,yellow rumped warblers, and swainsen thrushes. They seem to be plentiful everywhere this spring. Also some ring necked ducks, a pair of american wigeons, a blue heron, and another bunch of ducks flying, that I think were pintails. And the cutest red squirrels who for awhile posed for me, but then I must have outstayed my welcome as they started yelling at me! So on I went. It was a slow cruise today. A break from the bigger hiking day yesterday. Ookie seems to love getting out in nature! The little bugger tried hiding on me in the marsh marigolds, but I finally found him! Ever since he wangled his way to the bridge on the ferry, he also seems to like getting into all sorts of mischief!
Back home around 6 pm. Cooked a little dinner, washed dishes and clothes in my foldable dish-bin, and headed down to the rangers cabin to link into their wifi. I managed to finally get the first part of my blog up and a couple mails and texts, then back to camp and organized a few things for departure tomorrow for Gros Morne. Heading up island into the mountains. Hmmmm I wonder if their snow has melted? Here’s hoping!
Night night!
Friday June 1
Well Friday I got everything packed up and was on the road North. Rangers Arlene and Bryan dropped by to see me off! Told me to make sure I go to the Kitchen Party in Rocky Harbour! I stopped and filled up with gas and a few supples, just north of The Campground. It was one of the old fashioned non automated pump! Been awhile since I saw one of those. And they did all the work too! Nice!
The drive towards Gros Morne had some beautiful scenery! Stopped for a couple shots along the way. (I will post some photos in the “Newfoundland or Bust Image Galleryon my website when I get good wiFi) And at last to Berry Hill Campground! Thanks Arni Stinson from Orillia for the tip. Great spot! Close to Rocky Harbour for the kitchen party too! Woohoo!
Gros Morne is a National Park. Lots of snow still on the mountains here! Probably partly from the snow storm they had a week ago. I am not sure what the elevation is here, but I definitely was heading uphill on the way.
Got a nice site, and cursed my tent up. Almost got the cot fully together too this time, but I was tired of cursing, so let one last bar be. Why the heck do things have to be so hard to put together? I think I would have needed a winch to enable me to get that last bar in place. Sheeeshhh! Ah well isnt really necessary, so the heck with it! It hasn’t collapsed yet!
The night before I left Cheesman Park, I briefly me a lady from Ottawa. We met up again here at Berry Hill. She has one of those little teardrop campers you pull behind your car. Pretty cool…..or maybe I should say pretty warm! It has a furnace/heater. The back flips up to a built in kitchen area. The side door opens to a small space with cupboards, a bed, and a port-a- potty!
All luxuries – when you are living in a tent! And wearing your long-johns, toque, socks and mitts to bed!
And it is just totally unfair and crazy how your bladder thaws so fast in the morning, as soon as you stand up, and to add to the misery, you have to get the friggin zipper door open on the tent, and then the 200 yard dash! Sigh. Camper envy!
o a lighthouse close by, in Rocky Harbour. Not sure of the name, but a good chance it was the Rocky Harbour Lighthouse! Walked a few short trails, and headed down to the rocky beach.for a bit. Then to a meadow where there was a good chance for moose. No luck. Saw two pretty big jack rabbits munching on the grass. Quite the size they are!
A little fishing village For sunset. Beautiful sunset. Not so much for colour, it was a golden glow, but the rocks and the reflections were pretty wonderful.
Saturday June 2
Had a great walk today around the “Beaver Pond trail”. It is about a two km hike around the little lake. It was supposed to rain, so I had put on all the rain gear, and got the camera’s in its rain gear-too. It didn’t rain. But I’m not complaining!
Saw a couple warblers – black throated green and yellow rumped. Swainsons thrushes. And toads. And Peeper frogs! The must have been a convention for peeper frogs! I have never been able to see them before. They always seem to stop peeping when I approach. But today they were everywhere, lolling and peeping on the top of the water, outstretched to the max. Feeling just like I was I guess.
I had a lovely sit on a rock by the water with another rock to lean back on. Watched the peepers float and scoot, float and scoot. A couple gulls carried on quite a conversation, on a rock across the way. There was a little sun so I soaked it up-for a good while. Sigh.
Once back at the campsite I cooked me up some Turkey thighs and veggies for dinner. Lit up my first camp fire, and settled into my camp chair, wrapped up in my blanket (inherited from Gert, my mother-in-law. She’s still taking good care of me! Jessie came over to join me. So we had laugh fest till all the wood went to ashes and then into the tent for the night!
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Sunday June 3
Well lo and behold if there was a lovely sight to see in the morning! Opened the tent door to make my morning dash, everything was white! Yikes! I thought it was cold last night. Pretty - but friggin cold!
Today was a day to tour in the car – with the seat heaters on! Jessie was thinking the same thing, so we decided to go together. My turn to drive. We did a full day tour. Trout River, Woody Point, the Tablelands. Met some great folks! A side road off the Trans Canada with Woody Point our first stop. We were in the shop – ‘Hunky Dory, Folk Art and Things’. How could you not stop at a place called that spent some time looking at the local arts and crafts, and talking to the Artist there that did some interesting wood art. His wife did rug hooking. Lots of her own local patterns that were very Newfoundlandish. Got some photos of her work Joyce!
Mentioned I was in a tent. We all had a good laugh! He left and another artist came in to take over. All of a sudden the door opens a bit, a head pokes in, and this burly voice yells, ‘You the Lady in the Tent?’ He proceeded to tell me that he had a trailer out back. It has heat, power! I replied, so you figure you could make an easy sell huh? No, No he said. I don’t want to sell it! My Second thought (which I did not say out loud), was oh my! Well I probably don’t have to even tell you, you can guess what I thought! But all that got cleared up quickly when it was made clear that I was just welcome to use it if I wanted out of my tent and a warm place to sleep! The stories are true, they are so friendly and kind!
That was in Woody Point. We wandered around the town for a bit cute little town. Small village with lots of character. Time for a little bite to eat. Fish and chips again! Yummm! Then on to Trout
River, a little further down this road. First though, we stopped at the Gros Morne Discovery centre.
Saw my first moose here. Had my photo taken with it, and gave it a little kiss to say thanks. Yeah yeah, it was a statue of course.
Then headed down to the wharf to see the boats and views. But on the way, something caught my eye. I made a U-turn, headed back, and sure enough my eyes did not betray me! There poking their heads out the window, of a little house, were three cows! Unfortunately their ear tags did not have a number. It just said “Beef”. Their fate had been cast already. But I figured they could use a little loving, while they were still here, so went up to the window to give them some good scratches on their heads. Well there were not 3 cows, but six! Once the first one got a good scratch, the shoving started to get their turns. Such adorable little bulls. Then their was a squeal! And another squeal, then a real out break of squeals, as three little piggies came charging on a little door in the side of the house! Too cute.i headed over to-say hi to the little guys, but then the cows got upset, so after a little nose rub for the piggies and a little scratch, I head back to the cows-making sure each one gets another scratch and an ear rub, before we started to leave.
But Wait! There’s more! Then the chickens came running across the road! We asked them why, but they wouldn’t tell us their secret. After a little encouragement, the rooster came over and posed for a few photos. Seriously! Came right over in front of me not 2 feet away, and strutted and posed this way and that. So funny! Jessie was shaking her head by this time. So had to tell her my nick name – ‘Di-Doolittle!
On the road again, to the wharf. Windy as heck, when we got out to the far edge where it opens to the bay. Looked like all the boats were in today. Pretty sure I would not want to head out on that water today either? Lobster traps, crab traps.
Then it was off to the Tablelands. An amazingly beautiful stretch of oxidized rocks. Orangey, yellow rocks. There was a great trail here, maybe 2km one way, so we headed out on a hike to the end where there was a waterfalls. Really unique landscape. Some of the trail was along boardwalks. The rest on a rocky trail. This area is famous for the uniqueness of its geology. The wind on the way back was straight on and in your face! And Cold! So the decision was, we should go for some soup. Another great little restaurant, this one in Woody Point.
it was still pretty dang cold out, and now it was about 7:30 pm. Neither one of us wanted to head back to our cold sleeping quarters, so we decided we would head to the Kitchen Party in Rocky Harbour. It was great fun! Right off the bat, Jessie had a couple from New Brunswick - Rod and Brenda, laughing (probably shaking their head at us at first, but laughing to be polite I think). But soon, they got as crazy as us and we had some good laughs together. after that we were fast friends!. Then the show started, with A Newfoundlander playing his guitar and singing, then pulling up some of the folks up to tell a story or sing a song. Then he got us all up doing a jigg. Too much fun! And then it was time for those who wished, to get ‘Screeched In’. Well I was driving so unfortunately I had to decline this time. But Rod would have none of this, so secretly he had it all arranged, that I would get screeched in and they would slip in pepsi instead of Screech! Then I learned this was the ceremony that included Kissing the Cod! Too late now, so up I went with the rest of the folk!
We had to recite “the Pledge”, dance a little jig, sing a song, throw back the screech, kiss the cod and sing oh Canada! This is not an easy feat - all this! But certified I am! Except I haven’t really Screeched yet, so I would imagine I will have to do a repeat on that part!
It was only about a ten minute drive to the campground from the Kitchen Party, and about 11:30 we headed home. I dropped Jessie off, looped around and parked the car at my little oasis, and headed to the washroom before I jumped into bed. Well by the time I made it back, and was zipped into my tent, I decided taking off any clothes would be a mistake. So I tugged my toque down over my ears, pulled my
Scarf up over my chin, slid on the mitts, and just crawled in under my duvet, and pulled it over my head, to hopefully get warmed up quicker.
And there was another day of adventure finished in style!
Monday June 4
Well another day dawned early, starting with the birds singing their morning songs….at 3:30 am! Sunrise is at around 5 am, so they must like to get an early start. Of course when you wake up even just a little bit, and it is cold, that friggin bladder wakes up too. But no 200 yard dash for me this time! Just get the boots on, undo the zipper (that never opens easily when you have to pee), and behind the tent I went. It was not raining or snowing, the sky was clear, the stars were out in all their glory- which translates to being it was clear, and ‘ dag-nam freezing’, and that resulted into a quick retreat back under the duvet!
Slept a little later this morning. Mostly it was too cold to get out of bed! But also because tomorrow I am heading to Deer Lake to meet up with the photo group, and I want to start off well rested!
These workshops are usually pretty exhausting as you get up early to photograph Sunrise, which is currently 5:20am and we have to get somewhere and set up for that sunrise ( which usually means leaving an hour earlier!). And we finish at about an hour after sunset – which pm. (Then we have get back home). And then all day long you find all those other neat places to explore and photograph. And somehow in there somewhere, find time to eat and sleep.
Laundry was on order. Then, clean and organize the car, and pack my bag and camera gear for the photo trip. Don’t want to have to do much more that take down the tent, and store the camping gear in my car top Thule, in the morning.
Once that was done, jessie and I headed to Western Brook around 1:30, to hike the trail back to a small lake. Just so beautiful! About an hour or so one way. Wonderful photo opportunities along the way. A lovely sit in the sun on the lake. A little snack, then the hike back.
We both headed home for dinner, then a little more packing up for us both, as Jessie is heading east tomorrow to Twillingate, and I’m off to Deer Lake. Then we got out the leftover wine, a little Kalua and Bailey’s, around one more campfire before we part ways. We really had fun together these last few days! Jessie was the best tour guide, and hiker, and loads of fun! Will miss exploring with her! Thanks Jessie, from Ottawa! It was a Blast! Travel Safe!
Tuesday June 5
Packed up the tent first thing. (another plus for the motelling plan!) frigg! it is a pain! Got everthing away, ready to head to Deer Lake. Unfortunately couldn’t get the key out of the Thule, which also translates as it wouldn’t lock. You cant take the key out until the lock is engaged. And it just would not engage!
Frustration got the best of me, and I took a moment to stomp my feet, and curse a little. Then took a walk to the washroom, brushed the teeth, washed the face etc. Cooled down, headed back and tried again. ( Motelling is coming out on top!)
Finally I just left the key in the dam thing, and headed out! If I couldn’t get it out, it is unlikely to fall out right? Stopped to pay the ranger for my last night. There were a few guys con-flabbing with the ranger at the park entrance, so I figured they might be a good group to challenge to get that pod locked and get my key out.
So I laid out the challenge, set up my little foot stool for them so they could reach, told them they didn’t have long as I had to make it to Deer Lake by noon! I did acknowledge, that I figured they were probably all pretty smart engineer types, so it shouldn’t take them long. I headed off with Rob the Ranger, to pay my bill, and left them to it. They were still at it when I returned. I asked them what the hold up was? And ‘ Jimminy Cricket’, if they didn’t figure it out, and pull that key out of the locked pod, toss it to me, and tell me to have a safe trip! It was awesome! Thanks guys!
Camping just got back in the books again! Mind you it does help to know I would be spending the next 8 nights in a cozy next too a warm bathroom!
Off I headed north to the meeting place – Marble Mountain Inn, just north of Deer Lake. Stopped to gas up, and made it just there just a little past noon. We couldn’t check in till 4pm. Met Kathy from Rochester New York, one of the workshop participants. Kevin Pepper – the workshop leader, and John from Albuquerque New Mexico, returned from Tim’s. Kathy left to take back her rental car. We headed in to the little breakfast nook, where I got a coffee and a couple tasty-treats, and set up to write more on my blog. Joanne from Montreal came down from her room. Soon it was time to pick up Joe from Toronto, at the Deer Lake Airport. And we all went together.
After that we headed back to the Inn and checked into our rooms. Dropped off our bags, and then met for Dinner Downstairs. We got to know each other a bit during dinner, but shortly thereafter it was off to bed, because the fun begins tomorrow morning at 4am, and we are headed out for our first sunrise shoot!
Wednesday June 6
That am alarm was a pretty rude awakening! But all were on time, and off we headed off in the dark, camera gear all stowed in the back of our van. This morning’s shoot was at a Lark Harbour. Beautiful colours and a lovely setting! Once there, the early morning woes disappeared and the colours just kept getting more beautiful by the minute. Purples and pinks and a lovely setting. After the sun rose and the colours faded, we headed off.
I had the front seat of the van today. It is a six seater with a Thule pod on te top like mine. We were heading off to the next photo site -a fishing village - when up ahead I saw a moose! I grabbed onto Kevins’s arm -our driver and workshop-leader - and yelled ‘Moose!”. Kevin slammed on the breaks and saw the moose too, then I realized it was a statue, then Kevin did, and everyone else saw it by now too. We both groaned. Then we all graoned. Out first Moose sighting and it had to be a statue. We were still all laughing about it, when the dam thing ran off! That was the one that got away! It took us awhile to stop laughing over that one!
We headed to a fishing village and tuned our eyes and cameras to capturing abstracts, well a few if us did, and of course the fisherman and their boats etc. It was a fun exercise. I said good morning to an older fisherman as he was driving by slowly. he stopped and we had a long conversation about this and that. By the end of it, I was-starting to understand what he was saying! The dialect here , especially in the fishing villages, is very musical and words are melded together! What added to the challenge of understanding, and catching the odd word, was that he only had two teeth. But he was a great guy and we had a few laughs.Then off for a little lunch in woody Point?
At And off to another location. On the way Kathy spotted a moose, and we turned around, parked, and crept up slowly taking insurance shots as we went. This big fellow was ever so accommodating! We must have had close to ½ hour with him. He continued to eat the marsh grasses, looking up at us every now and then, bit didn’t seem too stressed with us there, so we moved a little closer, closer, closer! We were probably a couple hundred yards away when we settled in to watch and shoot. It was amazing.
Then we left our buddy in peace, and headed off to Lobster Cove Lighthouse. Great trails, and perspectives for photography. Fiddle heads everywhere ripe for the picking. Sea views from atop the rocks and even a few jack rabbits. They are big! And right at the end of our time there, a Boreal Chickadee flew in and landed on a branch near me, and posed for a photo – a lifer fro me! On to Rocky Harbour, for sunset. Unfortunately, that was a bust as the clouds rolled in thick. So we headed back to the Cabins in Middle Brook. Did a little water fall photography, experimenting with shutter speeds . Then we put together a great Bbq and relaxed for the evening. Then hit the sack to be ready for another day.
Thursday June 7
Up again for sunrise, this time off to a lighthouse near Blow Me Down Park. Not the saturation of colours as the previous morning, but a nice setting. The moon was over the lighthouse as the colours developed. Soft and pretty.
Then to Lobster Cove Lighthouse. Great trails, and neat perspectives for photography. You can get all-the way down to the shore, or walk through the tuckamores ( spruce trees bent and entangled by the wind) to some incredible sea-views. There were Fiddle heads everywhere, ripe for the picking. Wonderful sea views from atop the rocks and even a few jack rabbits. They are big! I bet their feet are size 11! And right at the end of our time there, a Boreal Chickadee flew in and landed on a branch near me, and posed for a photo – a lifer for me!
Then we headed to Western Brook Pond. I did this hike with Jessie earlier, but this time I was able to focus a little more on photographing. Great tuckamores here too! “One tree Rob” ( a photo friend) you would be in your Glory! While we were there, we thought we might get a good sunset, but the clouds were moving in thick along the horizon. But a couple loons started calling and while at first they swam away, when the light was low and soft, they swam back and gave us a few opportunities to photograph them before we left.
On the way back to our cabins, we stopped again at Lobster Cove Lighthouse, and tried a little night photography and light painting. It was a Bust for me, as I have not done enough photographing in the dark to feel knowledgable of what settings I should use, etc. But I tried for awhile, then gave up and wandered back to the vehicle where Kevin, our leader, was waiting for us.
And off to bed!
Friday June 8
Sunrise wasn’t looking like it would be worth the early hour rising, so we all had a sleep in. This morning it was time to pack up once again, and start our journey north to Port Aux Chois where we will stay one night.
we stopped at a historical site, that was also a good photo opportunity – a red saltbox house on the sea, some great sea scapes, and an old house that turned out to be the museum. Kathy and I took photos of each other on a Rock – so we had proof we had been to “The Rock”! Then wandered with our cameras for an hour or so.
As we left, Kathy said to the group – whoever finds us some caribou to photograph gets a free dinner! Right around the next curve, there they stood, as if they had been expecting us! Three full size caribou, molting their white winter coats. Another large male was wandering in along side a small lake in the background. There are not a lot of places that you are able to pull off on this stretch of road, but Lo and behold – if there wasn’t a pull-out right there across the road from them. Perfect setting too! We had quite awhile with these amazing animals!
It made me pretty excited about my fall trip up north to Nunavut, for the caribou migration! And a really nice surprise is, that Kathy is also going on that trip, so we have already arranged to be roommates.
Then it was off to photograph some abandoned dories. Not really my cuppa, but I have to-say, once I put my mind to it, I really enjoyed it, and I think I might have captured a couple of nice images too.
Tonight we slept in our hotel at Port aux Choise.
Saturday June 9
The morning dawned again, with no sunrise, so we packed up, had breakfast at the hotel and headed up the west coast towards our next stop, Quirpon Island (pronounced Karpoon) We had to make it by 4 to catch our zodiac over to the island.
Along the way we had numerous beautiful photo ops. We had pack ice and small, but significant icebergs, right off the shore. Then a really neat scene at Flower Cove. There was an old house on one end of a long spit and a lighthouse on the other end. There was a haunting feeling to the scene. And the weather was also grey and bleak, which really added to the mood.
Hey, Maybe it was ghosts that took my glasses! Yep they disappeared right about then. I did do a search before I left, but could not find them! Joe came over and helped me look too, but to no avail. Sigh. Maybe they were in the van somewhere. Here’s hoping! Good thing I brought my spares with me, plus I always have reading glasses with me too, so all is well.
On down the road to more shores lined with pack ice and small ice bergs. One had a likeness of Daffy Duck! Newfoundland’s Disney World!
We made it in time, and on the ride over we had the opportunity to circle a ‘blocky’ iceberg. There are different terms for icebergs, depending on their size and shape.
Now meals here are a blast! All those staying here ate together family style, and the lovely ladies put together a feast for us every meal! And they were so much fun too! So many fun folk met over our meals during our three days here and before and after meals as we continued our chats around the table or in the living room. It was such a wonderful atmosphere.
Sunday June 10
This morning dawned pretty nice weather wise. We spent a few hours photographing around the island. A few reflections, ice in the bay, and anything else that caught our eye.
Back for lunch. Boy these ladies put on the spread every meal!
In the afternoon, We then got ourselves dressed up warm for our 1st of Zodiac tours off shore to get up close to the icebergs. It was amazing! We worked our way around a few good sized bergs, and then wondered if we could get out to the big one out there a ways, before our time was up. Paul, our zodiac pilot, and Trina the first mate, got us secured in the back of the zodiac holding on tight, and Paul put the pedal to the metal and we took off almost airborne, towards the behemouth out thar! It was maybe 10 km away. And wow as we got closer we realized she was even larger that first thought! Estimated at 200 feet tall, and a long journey around. Spectacular. The etchings and colours on the ice berg were so incredible. I remember how much I loved the blues of the ice and water in Antarctica, and it was so like that here. We could only get so close to these bergs today as there is always a chance for them to calve or even turn over, which could cause us lots of grief should we be too close!
It seemed Time was up way to soon, and we high-tailed it back to our island for Jiggs Dinner! It was very good!
The meal most typically consists of salt beef (or salt riblets), boiled together with potatoes, carrot, cabbage, turnip, and cabbage or turnip greens. Pease pudding and figgy duff are cooked in pudding bags immersed in the rich broth that the meat and vegetables create. Condiments are likely to include mustard pickles, pickled beets, cranberry sauce, butter, and a thin gravy made from the drippings of the roasted meat.
Apparently a polar bear had been sighted on the mainland along the shore. We were warned to not wander too far, as it would just be a quick swim for our polar friend to make to our little island.
But after dinner, there looked like a sliver of a possibility of a pretty sunset out there, so Kathy and I headed out onto the helicopter pad. Unfortunately Joanne had sprained her ankle and was taking it easy, otherwise I am sure she would be out there with us. We kept our eyes open while photographing. It turned out to be a beautiful evening with nice colours and compositions. Kathy was shooting more wide angle shots, while I used my telephoto, and picked out smaller areas for more detailed shots. One of the wonderful things about photography is everyone sees things in a different way and it opens tour eyes to trying different angles. After a couple hours we were getting pretty chilly and the colours and light was fading, so we headed in, downloaded our images, and caught up on other tasks.
That night a few sat around together in the livingroom, telling stories and sharing thoughts. When all else had taken leave, Kathy and I stayed awhile, processing our images.
Off in the distance you could hear the giggles start in the back rooms – the staff quarters. Well let me tell you, they had me laughing pretty hard hearing their stories! They thought we had all gone to bed! They were a little surprised when they saw Kathy and I still up when they came out to turn off the lights. Then we all laughed together for a bit!
Monday June 11
It dawned a rainy and windy morning, so did a little computer work, and leisurely breakfast. Spent some time downloading my cards, making sure I had everything transferred over to my hard drives before I have to start reusing my cards. Found some complications, some missing on lightroom. They are there but showing as missing, and ……oh never mind! It is all screwed up! So I Gave that, up an tried to process a few images. A few nice ones.
The girls were housed in the main building, each with our own room and washroom. So we did not have to go out unless we wanted to, just make it downstairs for our meals. Had a little relaxing time shooting around the rocks before lunch, watching the pack ice move quickly past. And focusing on little plants, and details in the rocks too.
Another fabulous lunch, then Kevin announced that anyone who wanted their sensors cleaned, could come on down to his cabin. That resulted in a comment from one of the other guests…..” So that’s what they are calling it these days!” Well that cracked me up as well as everyone else! Sensor cleaning will never be the same again! But we headed off to do just that, as I was noticing quite a few dust spots on my photos. (This is a delicate cleaning task of cleaning the parts inside the camera where dust or specks of stuff had managed to get in when changing lenses etc. They show as little spots when you are looking at your images, and result in extra work cloning them out in post processing.)
Then come around 4 pm, it was time for our second zodiac tour around the icebergs. While yesterday there were a number of large ones near enough to get to, the wind had blown them off on their way south. So today was all about the smaller ones and the details in the blues. It really was beautiful getting up close and personal with these large pieces of ice. Today I also took my telephoto and did lots of detail work on the shapes, patterns, and shades of blue. And as we were not having to worry so much about them tipping or calving, we could get really close! The hour and a half ride flew by. And we zoomed back to the island for another delicious meal and a fun gathering of travellers.
We had another great night with the other guests at dinner and after, lounging around. It is fun meeting so many great people, from different locations, when you travel. So many fun stories! And of course the makings for new tales to tell!
Tonight I tried again to clear up my confusion of the cards and downloads, but just got frustrated again! So processed a few that turned out pretty nice, and that lifted my spirits back up again. Then upstairs to pack up our things for tomorrow morning’s departure.
Thanks all of you at Quirpon! You made the days spent there so awesome!
Tuesday June 12
We were the first group to head back to the mainland this morning. Paul and Trina, came with a zodiak full of supplies. After unloading that, they had to load all our luggage and camera gear. And then we said our goodbyes, a few more hugs and we were on our way. It will be a Long drive back to Deer Lake today, but we have a few things to see first. Lanse-aux-Meadows, a recreation of a viking village with people dressed in the costumes of the time and sharing the history and stories . This is a National Park and also a Unesco heritage site. Then another Viking Village. Developed by the locals. A replica of the ship that sailed here from. There were a few old Dorys there too, and we took a bit of time to photograph them as well. Then as we headed south, we had a few stops along the way to photograph icebergs, and other cool sights. Not for long though, as we had a long way to go. But we did stop at Flower Cove, for a quick grid search for my glasses. And just as we were about to give up, Kathy spotted them! Woohoo! Thanks Kathy, and everyone for helping out! We also saw our Daffy Duck iceberg again, but this time there was an arch in it. Not sure if we saw it from a different angle, or if it had melted on its journey southward. Although it is probably unlikely it melted as I don’t think it got warm enough to melt! I certainly didn’t!
But come dark we finally made it to Deer Lake and our rooms at the Marble inn. We were all pretty darn tired! We said goodbye to each other then, as a few were heading to the airport at 5 am. Then I snuggled in to my last motel room for a bit!
Thursday June 14
This morning, I have to admit, I lolled in bed for a long time, not wanting to give it up. But finally I headed into the shower and packed up my things, loaded them into my car, then sat for a bit in the café and had a little breakfast and coffee. I also took a bit of time to update my blog, and load a few photos to the Newfoundland blog photo gallery.
Time to head east! I stopped in CornerBrook for a few groceries, and a couple memory cards for my camera – decided I couldn’t reuse my cards, since I had complications downloading.
And It just happened, that the lady I met and hung around with in Gros Morne - Jessie, was on her way back around, and was visiting friends in Cornerbrook, so we hooked up for a few minutes and caught up on each others adventures. Then I was on the road, cross island, through the Humber river Valley, through Springdale, Grand Falls and then up to Twillingate. I pretty much drove straight through, as I was told there was not too much to stop for along this route. But as I hadn’t left until probably 2 pm, I didn’t pull in till maybe 7-8 pm. The wind was roaring and it was cold. I just didn’t have it in me to put up the tent, so I stopped in to a B&B, and while they didn’t have room, their neighbour did at Century House B&B. I got a text shortly after climbing into bed, from Daniel and Joanne, in St. johns, with contact info for his Cousin Cynthia, in Twillingate. I had been invited to visit her for coffee when I was in town. Shortly after I got a text from Cynthia, asking if I was in a tent! She mentioned later that she was going to have me come and stay with her, as the storm was getting pretty wicked and the temps had dropped significantly. I assured her I had luckily managed to get a B&B for that night.
So for one more night, Ookie and I were warm and cosy! And as I drifted off, the wind was howling, so I was sure glad to be where I was, and had a big smile on my face knowing I did not have to curse the tent up in that wind!
Friday June 15
Ah but alas, it was tenting time again, so in the morning, I headed out to the Provincial Park – ‘Dildo Run’, and set camp up once more. Yep that’s the name! They have the craziest names for things here on the rock! A ‘ Tickle’ is the space between two islands. ‘Burnt’ means ‘very cool’. And there are many more!
The provincial park is about ½ hour out of town. Yes, I am still cursing it up! I think i need to get one of those tents that you throw in the air and it pops open and is all ready to move in when it lands! Really! I heard there is such a thing!
But in a couple hours, I was set up on a beautiful spot on the water in a little bay. It was a lovely view, a little private stony beach for my chair, and some flat rocks for sitting on, to watch the sun set off shore.
There was some sunshine today too! Woohoo! It was actually feeling quite nice! I made myself some lunch then set off for town. I visited a few of the galleries in Twillingate, wandered around some shops then headed over to Back Harbour, where Cynthia lives. She welcomed me into her home and as the day was getting even warmer still, we sat out on her deck, overlooking the bay, and enjoyed the sun, tea and treats! And there were also her three dogs and a cat! So I also got my fix of puppy love and kitty cuddles!
I really had a great visit with Cynthia. We chatted for a couple hours, enjoying the sunshine. She works from her place here in the summer months, but her home base is in Tenessee. She was fixing her home up to retire here permanently. It is a beautiful spot.
So off I went, so she could get back to her work. It was lots of fun! It is so nice that you can pop into someones home, who you have never met, sent by someone you only met a few times, in another country, and have a great time! Life is pretty cool – or I should say - Burnt! Thanks Cynthia for your wonderful hospitality.
So I headed around the north twillingate back- roads and popped into Sleepy Cove. Cindy mentioned this was one of her favourite coves. And I could see why! It was a beautiful view! And the sun was still out and I think it was 17 degrees! Unheard of since I arrived here! So I just plopped myself down, and soaked it up for awhile. It was then I noticed, two huge Cell Towers up on the hill. And by golly, if I didn’t have four bars on my phone! So I could finally give a call to Donna and Eric Weiler outside Parry Sound! Had a nice chat with both Donna and Eric, and then sent a few texts to others too, to let them know I was still alive and well!
Then I took to the back roads again, pulling into the little coves along the way. Such a pretty area! Then it was time to head back to camp.
Well that sunshine with its clear skies made for a very cold night. By the time I was back to my campsite, the temp had dropped significantly. The wind was up a bit, and the air was down right cold! So I put my long-johns, fleece, toque and mitts back on, wrapped myself up in Mom’s blanket, got out the coleman stove and cooked my dinner! Brrrr! But there was a beautiful sunset, that I enjoyed after dinner, sitting on the rocks – still wrapped up in my blanket. Then it was time for bed. There was really no getting ready for bed, as I just crawled in as I was, because even the thought of taking off any layer chilled me even more than I already was!
So in my long underwear, outer layer, fleece, toque and mitts, and thick socks, I slid into the sleeping bag, pulled the toque down over my ears, and the down comforter over my head and wondered …. ‘WTF was I doing!’ Ah well it is all part of the adventure! And it is still fun…..well most of the time!
Saturday June 16
Today I was hoping to meet up with John and Julie. They were heading over to Fogo Island for the day but would return around 4. So I wandered the backroads towards the ferry terminal so I would end up there around the time they returned. On the road there,I noticed the car in front of me had stopped on the crest of the hill? I slowed right down, and inched towards him, and lo and behold there standing in the road in front of the car was a moose! He wandered back and forth in front of the car, then as the car started to very slowly move along the road, the moose kept pace for quite a way, running alongside the car! I stayed way back so as not to spook the moose, but managed to get a couple shots off through the windshield of the car and moose together. Too funny. I’ll post the pic later. Eventually the moose headed off the road and sauntered into the trees.
It was a pretty nice day again. In the 2 digit temps! I think maybe it was 12-14 degrees! It was like the tropics!
I Looked out for a place to meet up – like a pub or a restaurant, but in the tiny villages around there I guess everyone parties and eats at home! There was not even a spot at the ferry, to sit and visit, so I checked out the surrounding towns/ illages to no avail. So I invited them to scoot over to my campsite for a glass of wine or a beer. They declined saying they were not dressed for outdoors, so we would try to hook up tomorrow instead.
Lucky for them, they had declined! The temperature dropped and the wind came up and man oh man, was it cold again! Frost warnings tonight. As soon as I got home, I donned the long-johns, and three more layers, toque and mitts, and figured I would make the best of it. I thought about a fire, but even with that I could tell it was going to be just too cold. I actually sat in my car for a bit out of the cold wind! So then I set up myself in my tent, with my snacks and foods and a little nip to warm the blood, and moved into my tent, nestled into my chair, wrapped myself up in my blanket, and read for a bit.
Come time for bed, it seemed unthinkable to take even one layer off! So I just climbed into my sleeping bag with all the layers, and once again pulled the down comforter over my head, and slipped away into my arctic dreams.
Sunday June 17
Well I had from the beginning, planned on going to Fogo Island. I had planned for a couple days there, and also hoped to look up an artist I like – Adam Young. But Adam was away until the 18th, and the cold weather was getting to me, so I decided to pack up by camp, and head off towards Bonavista and the Puffins! John and Julie were based in Gander that night, so when I arrived at Gander, I texted them. But they had already headed out exploring towards Terra Nova National Park for the day. I told them I was heading that way too, via backroads to Eastport and Salvage. About the time I turned off to Salvage, I heard from them that they had gone that way too and were in Salvage already. So we ended up meeting there. Julie’s sister and her husband from Halifax (I think) were travelling with them. When I arrived we decided on a hike up to a lookout. It was an awesome viewpoint! I have a print from that artist in Fogo, of this place, so I had hoped to see the scene he painted. And there it was!
And then Julie’s sister called out ‘Whales’! And there, coming into the little port, swam two whales! They swam in and swam out! Very cool to see. So we headed down to the town again, and thought we would head across the bay where the whales had come in. The road dead-ended, and it was private property, so we were about to turn around, when a fella walked around the side of the house. So I said hello and had a little chat. Then mentioned we were trying to get out to the bay where we had seen the whales. Well then the adventure was on, and he and his Buddy, showed us the overgrown path, and led us out to the rocks. There was lots of stories to be told by the two, and jokes, and more stories! Again, the friendliest folks are from Newfoundland! After a long chat, at this beautiful spot, we headed back to our cars.
Here i said goodbye to the fabulous four, and headed on my way to Bonavista.
Well I finally made it to Bonavista, maybe around 7:30 pm. The wind was pretty wild and it looked like rain, and while there was enough time to set up camp before dark, a warm bed seemed to be way more fun, so I went on a hunt for a B&B. My first call was no Vacancy, as was the second call. That call was to Puffins Landing. Keith, the owner, said, no I have no rooms, but I’ll phone around and see if I can find you a room. let me call you back! Can you see what I mean about the kindness of the people of The Rock!?
And Keith found me a room, the last one available in town apparently! Lucky me! So of I went, tucked into my room, and Ookie and I snuggled under the homemade quilts, warm for the night! And as I drifted off to sleep, I thought to myself, “I Love warm beds and no work and no wind!
And the winner is B&B and Motels!
Monday June 18
I awoke slowly, knowing that I was not going to camp if I could help it, so when I went down for Breakfast, I asked if I could stay another night. Unfortunately, they were booked upπ₯. But they had an opening for tomorrow night.
Now that motelling had won the competition, I really didn’t want to put up the tent, but knew it was maybe my fate.
But she called over to Keith at Puffin’s Landing B&B. Once again Keith called around. And told them to just send me over he may have a room.
So finally I get to meet Keith! He had told them he had a cancellation. In fact, there were no rooms available at any of the B&Bs in the area. But keith had called his neighbour, and they had offered me their grand-daughter’s room for a couple nights! I mean how cool is that!
Thank you so much Keith at Puffin’s Landing B&B! You will always be my first call when I plan my return! And I can see from the reviews online he has been the same kind soul to many others that have come this way!
So I Moved into Jacinda’s room! Ookie, met Miss Piggy, who shared the room with us and they hit it off right away. And I met met Gord and Rhonda, my lovely hosts! I unpacked a few things. It turned out to be a beautiful day and I didn’t want to waste a minute! Sunshine, lovely skies, and a reasonable temperature! So I headed out to see the puffin colony.
I still had my toque on, but really it had become such a permanent fixture, that I felt naked without it! (Plus my hat-hair was a just Little too wild at this point!) but the wind was still blowing and the gloves and toque were nice.
I hiked out to the cliffs where the puffins were nesting. Wow! What a sight! There was a crevice between the cliff I was sitting on, and the cliff and rock the puffins were, but it really wasn’t that far away. You could watch them quite easily, and of course, I started clicking away! Giggling at their antics and in awe of my luck of such a nice day to photograph them!
I moved from one spot to the next, and finally settled into a spot near the edge over the water. Watching them fly by and out and back. Watched their interaction and mating rituals (and a little Jiggy-jiggy!) and captured as many moments as I could from where I sat. Then I heard someone say –“ beside you! Beside you!”. I looked to my right, and there maybe 6 feet away, a puffin had landed on the edge, and was checking out whether I was a threat I guess. I slowly turned my camera towards him and while I couldn’t get him completely in the frame with my long lens on, fully extended, I captured a few great portraits of him! Then I realized I could zoom out – not in, and get him full frame! Pretty awesome! And he flew off, but returned again! So I moved back away from the edge, to give him more space and less worry, hoping he would come back and be more relaxed.
And with the few others around me, we were amazed at how amazing it was. He came back again, this time as there was more room, he came inland a bit, pulling grass for nesting material (I think that is what he was doing). And he returned again and again, pulling more grass and weeds, and then even a few dandelions! Now there was a picture!
Then a few more started landing along the edge, and interacting with each other, not too concerned about the photographers and other visitors watching. It was pretty magical!
I think I spent 3-4 hours there. Even took the gloves off at one point! The sun felt warm! Then slowly I made my way back to my car, stopping along the way as I now noticed how beautiful the scenery was of the island and the sea there. The wide angle came out, and I captured some of the vistas as I went.
Back in town, I had only a bit of light left, so headed off for a restaurant meal. Hoping for lobster maybe. I ended up at Skipper’s Restaurant. While they did have lobster, they told me it would be quite a wait. So I went with the fishermans platfer. Cod, Scallops, shrimp and…..Cod tongues! Yep I had to try them, even if I wondered what the poor cod would say about it, if they still had their tongues.
Hey here’s a newfie saying…
.”what’s the matter, Cod got your Tongue?”
Hee-hee…. No there is no such saying!
But dang, everything was delicious! Even the cod tongues!
Totally satisfied after a wonderful day and delicious meal, I headed back to my warm cozy home. Motelling/B&Bing, may have got the trophy, but I was the one feeling like the Winner!
I Enjoyed a glass of wine and a great visit with my hosts, then off to put ookie and myself to bed.
Tuesday June 19
Well the day did not dawn as lovely as yesterday, rainy and cold again. Sooo grateful for my sunny day yesterday, with the puffins!
So it was backroads tripping today. Visiting lots of little nooks and crannies, galleries and craft shops etween Bonavista and Trinity to the south. I had hoped to hike the skerwink trail, but the rain was coming down just too hard, so Boo and I and Ookie, just wandered some more.
Headed back to Bonavista at the end of the day, and once again headed beck to Skippers. The fishermans platter was so good last night, that I ordered it again! And oh! I forgot to mention the Scrunchies! No not the hair elastics. Scrunchies are fried pork fat bits, that are scattered over the fisherman’s platter! Good thing I am walking lots!
Visited with Gord and Rhonda again for awhile then off to bed. Sigh, so nice and easy to just crawl into a ready made bed -and in just my sleeping shirt! This is the life!
Wednesday June 20
I got on the road early today from Bonavista to St. john’s. Said goodbye to my wonderful B&B hosts, Rhonda and Gord. My plan was to hike the skerwink trail on the way south. But unfortunately I took the wrong turn into the wrong cove along the way, and ended up missing it. So I arrived in St Johns around 1:30 pm.
Here I was welcomed into the home of a couple, Joanne Duff and Daniel Anstey, whom I met in Costa Rica in March of 2017 when I was there visiting with my sister in law Wendy for a few weeks. Now I have to say, that you would think the way I was welcomed, we had know each other for years! Yet in reality we spoke only a few times during the time I was there. But as I have been shown over the last month on my travels throughout this beautiful Province hospitality and friendliness is surely in the Genes of these wonderful folks!
No more camping for this girl! Woohoo! But today and the next couple days would probably have been awesome weather for it finally! Sunny and warm – dang near hot! I was fed an amazing dinner, and dessert, then we walked downtown to “The Rooms”. This is a Museum in St. john’s. It was fascinating. And to boot we all got senior rates! Sometimes getting older, has its benefits right! (Did I mention, I got my application form for my Old Age Pension before I left!)
We wandered back home, making plans for the next days adventures. Visited a little longer, and getting to know each other a bit better. It was so comfortable that you would think we had always know each other!
Then it was once again time to crawl into a comfy cozy bed. Windows open, and the ocean breezes flowing through!
Thursday June 21
Daniel Rex Anstey is a wonderful artist. A painter of Newfoundland scenes and sights. It was so cool to see so many of his paintings! He also delves into his imagination and his spiritual side of seeing, and this side works itself into many of his scenes, as well as his creative paintings .
Today, after a delicious breakfast, Dan and Joanne Duff toured me around St Johns. the sun was, out and the temperatures up, and we walked 15+ km! What a beautiful city! Along the waterfront, up and down the citys-centre streets, into numerous galleries , The famous George St. Bannerman park, and so much mote.And we had to stop for Moo-Moo ice cream! Yes it was warm enough to want ice-cream! With tired toggs, we headed home, where I sat back while they cooked me an awesome meal of Cod aux Gratin and fresh salad. (I could get used to this!)
But wait there's more! After dinner it was off to Cape Spear Lighthouse - the most easterly point in North America. There a Minke whale surfaced over and over again to say hello, and the gannets put on their synchronized diving show!
And a beautiful sunset to boot. Then a quick drive to Signal Hill before the light faded. What a day! Thank you both so much!
And a little more dessert, because we earned it with all our walking today! And down for the count after another incredible day!
Friday June 22
Today was another walking tour day. We headed out to Quidi-Vidi today. A good long walk. Down the hill from their place, around half of the lake in the downtown, and into the fishing village. First we hiked up to a lookout over the harbour. It was great weather for walking. Warm enough to wear short sleeves and no jacket, and an ocean breeze (not a gale!) to keep the sweat to a minimum. Loverly! Then down into the harbour village, heading back along the other side of the lake, towards home. I have to admit, I was starting to lag behind these two! I had brought my camera with 18-24 lens, and other photo needs. But unfortunately I had taken out the card to download the night before. So I lugged that puppy all day, with narry a photo taken – except on my iPhone!
On the climb back up we stopped a chases for Fish&chips. The with full bellies slugged our way back up the hill to home.
18+ km today!
Tonight was leftovers and a homemade Lemon pie from Chases. Yum!
And music night in the living room! Music was played, Songs were sung, dances danced and a good Newfoundland time was had by all!
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It is only 9 more sleeps and I am off on another adventure! Once again I am heading to the Southern Hemisphere, but this time to the other extreme for temperature. Yes we're off to Africa!
My good friend Brenda, and I, are joining Photographer Greg Downing from Naturescapes, for a three part photography workshop expedition. The first leg of the trip will take us to Madagascar, the second to Tanzania, and the third to Uganda. This is going to be a trip of a lifetime!
Departure day is October 12th. Once again I will do my best to write about our adventure as we go, and will post here on my blog, whenever we have access to the Internet.
Stay tuned for stories from the Wild Side!
I know I was a little frazzled when we started in London, after trying to pack the whole kaboodle – probably twenty times over the last couple days – and I think I was darn near fried when we finally arrived at the destination of our first adventure in Africa!
But we made it safe and sound to Madagascar! It was a very long trip, starting in London Ontario at 3pm on October 12th. It was about 3am Madagascar time October 13th, when our heads finally hit the pillows at our hotel.
October 14th
We have arrived! in the late hours of the 13th, we landed in Antananarivo, the capital of the island of Madagascar. it was an airport like many I have arrived in. two planes arriving at the same time - 11:30 pm - the small airport absolutely packed with people and no one knowing for sure. what line up to get into. well line up might be a little far-fetched! it was basically a free for all with everyone looking for what they thought was the best direction to try and hoping for the best. we managed to catch the eye of an officer? and found out which "line" we should go for as we already had our visa and then it was the hurry up and wait thing. first window we passed muster and were allowed to proceed, second window, once again we did good. then we needed to pick up our luggage. it took a long while but all arrived in tact, and we were off to go through customs. not expecting to be three times lucky, we were waved over by one of the officers, but with another flick of his wrist, he just sent us on through without a second look!
Even better our guide and driver was there to pick s up! it was now about 115 am on the 14th. We left London ON on the 12th at 3 pm from London ON. Saw his sign right a way, but not before we had 3 porters grabbing our carts despite our objections! thinking we might have a fight on our hands, we connected quickly with our driver and the 6 of us were now a close knit little group. neither Brenda or I wanting to relinquish control or possession of our things, we all held tightly to the handle of the carts! off to the exchange desk where we changed our U dollars into Madagascar Airiary. it was then we watched as our carts headed for th door! I don't know what Brenda was thinking at that moment, but my stomache flipped over! the saving grace was our guide stayd with them, and the tummy flopped back into place.
off to the hotel we headed, after one of the porters tried to tell me we needed to pay 6 euros! not funny anymore, so I quickly told them I have no euros and remained silent till the bags were all loaded in the car. passed him 5000 ariary and jumped in and shut the door! sounds like a lot, but it is only $1.75.
Ah but it was nice to get into the hotel room! we hardly said a word as we went through our own unpacking and organizing, and other than a few moans, groans and other unintelligible sounds got er done! then we opened the bottle of wine we bought in duty free, and sat and acknowledged each other, as we often do, with a salute to the beginning of our adventure. A few more things organized as we sipped, and by 3 am our heads hit the pillow and we were both probably snoring by3:01!
While the flights all worked pretty well, Both Brenda and I have had our moments leading up to the day we left London. Brenda's new Camera had to take a quick trip to Toronto Canon Emergency for a fix - covered under warranty. while she was there she dropped off our visa applications for Madagascar. at least the trip was not too bad, as the camera was covered under warranty and the visa required a trip to TO anyway. but not sure the time frame in which the camera would be fixed was a little worrisome. meanwhile I ot my laptop out to take with me and realized it would not allow upgrades and it was clear the other larger laptop, weighing in ant close to 15 lbs - -it really was old! was not going to make the trip. so it was off to get a new computer with just a few days left before we left. Meanwhile Brenda also came to the same realization. Thanks to friends" input and suggestions, I finally ended up at Canad Computers on Wellington Rd and they had just what the doctor ordered! so I said - Ill take two!!!
Ah, but they only had one.and every one of their stores were back-ordered!
so the adventure to find another was activated. and when talking to ASUS - the computer company, they couldn't ship to Canada. in the US they directed us to Amazon where there were 4 of this very computer, and the warranty was covered. but oh yes they cannot ship to Canada! of course not! thankfully we have a mail drop in Port Huron so another trip was made to pick it up. that was friday before we left! Brenda got hers hooked up readying it .for the trip when she noticed the dam thing wasn't charging. so Saturday was a trip to Canada Computers, only to find out it was a bad battery and it was pooched. but no worries, they can order in a battery and it would be here in three weeks. Right
now the call to ASUS warranty department. not much better. so for Brenda her old clunker made the trip, the rest will be dealt with when we return. so those two events along with an order Brenda was waiting for from Groupon that came in at the last minute. a lovely iPad case and an Otter case for her phone. both arrived in time. but they were the wrong order! so that was Brenda's three!
Then it was my turn. The day before while packing, I could not find my one lens. no idea where the heck it was. key to this trip of course! a mild panic began to brew. an hour or so later, I remembered lending it to Brenda to try with one of my cameras way back. I called and tentatively asked with hope in my voice. YES! yahoo. And then the night before, my packing almost done, I scooted downstairs to get my tripod out of the trunk of my car.
Not there.
A more serious panic was welling up inside. where the blank was it? Again that space between the knowing and not knowing dragged on until finally I remembered I had taken it and a bunch of other things out of my trunk at the Aeolian hall to enable me to pick up 7 cellos and a couple violins. so it was at the Aeolian Hall. but it was a holiday weekend. no one answered my email that night. as early as possible in the morning, I started calling folks and final Bryan came through and me there at 10 Am. I picked it up, zipped home rearrange my suitcase to get it in and my friend picked me up at 12:30 for the Airport. a little close for me!
but wait there"s more! flight to TO was all cool. arrived and had lots of time absolutely no one at security and we breezed through. made it over to our gate sat down, ordered a drink. where was my iPad? back on the plane! want to guess what I said? Yes. over and over and over! that was my three. and to make a long story short, all worked out in the end. it was found, I needed to head down to arrivals to the lost and found to pick it up, and then back to the gate. I did not breeze through security this time. probably a couple miles long. OK with me though, as still lots of time and I was thankful - on Thanksgiving Day! but Brenda now guarding all our things was bursting at the seams! very happy to see me when I finally arrived. not that she waited to say anything to me!
So, we have both had our "Three" so I am thinking we are good to go for the rest of the trip!
Anyway, we are here, safe, content, and laying low, snoozing and organizing ourselves and our gear bags for the trip starting tomorrow - Friday - with Greg and the rest of the folks on the Madagascar leg of the trip.
Ciao for now folks! will write again soon!
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βLooking forward to sharing my journey south in October/November - With additional stops in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia Argentina.
Departing October 12th. Check back then
Below is a little History of "Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance". an Epic Journey!
A documentary on Shackleton's trip to reach the south pole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyQRHHHXntc
The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–17), also known as the Endurance Expedition, is considered the last major expedition of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Conceived by Sir Ernest Shackleton, the expedition was an attempt to make the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. After the conquest of the South Pole by Roald Amundsen in 1911, this crossing from sea to sea remained, in Shackleton's words, the "one great main object of Antarctic journeyings" The expedition failed to accomplish this objective, but became recognised instead as an epic feat of endurance.
1914–1917: Map showing the sea routes ofEndurance, Aurora and James Caird, planned overland route of the transcontinental party, and supply depot route of the Ross Sea party:
October 12, 2014
πΌ. Well the bags are packed (too heavy again)πΆ
πΆ I'm ready to go,
I'll be standing soon outside my door π§
π΅I have to grab my π· camera And say goodbye π΅
cause,
πΌ. I'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again!πΆ
Dam song is stuck in my head now!
Well actually I do know that! And it is almost a month away, so too soon to go there. Have me a maple leaf lounge free pass for the airport, so going in style this time. Of course that will change drastically when I get into that wee seat in economy! But I will enjoy the lounge for a few hours!
Anyway, I say, Adios Amigos! I will hopefully be able to share the journey here on my blog while I'm away. Check back now and then for updates!r
October 22 2014. Port Staley Falkland Island.
hi all, a quick copy paste of what I have written so far. But Internet is difficult on the ship so am taking quick advantage of internet today. Am having an absolutely fabulous time! The wildlife and scenery is beautiful! I have a great roommate, and the people on board are great, friendly and well travelled, so very interesting. More on that the next time. For now here is the trip so far!
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well it was a scattered first day. Got on the road a little later that I had wanted to -7am- but that was just fine. It seems no matter how well organized you are there is always something you forget to do! But I Picked up a cup and a thermos of Starbucks dark roast and dialed the Sirius Satellite radio to the coffee house for the early morning acoustic music, set my trusty friend(my camera) on the seat beside me, and hit the road!
roads were quiet and the border was empty of cars so I sailed right through! The sky was looking a little grey and a few drops were hitting the windshield, so I stopped at Walgreens to pick up some apparently very good seasickness medication for my fall trip. I have a pretty strong stomach, but they say there is this one crossing that is bound to get you! then into Walmart to pick up a couple things. Of course I found a few other things! A cooler for the road trip to have snacks handy, and a cool watch on sale! Big numbers, glow in the dark. A nice one for these old eyes! But back on the road pretty quick!
solo road trips are fun, cause if you see a neat looking antique shop, you can just spin around and go have a look-see! Hee-hee! Ah yes I remember it well, by the time you ask if the other person(s) in the party would like to stop, you are so far gone and past, you can never convince them to go back! so there was the antique shop, and then there was the fruit stand for some apples, and peanuts, and a lime ( for the later refreshments), which was the next stop. The great American truck stop! Just like our truck stops right. A little of everything. There is all the snack food, and the possible needs you might need on the road, like toiletries etc. And of course cold pop and juice and bread and milk. And woo-Hoo! The ice cream cones were huge with lots of flavours! One Stop Shop! Oh yes I forgot to mention the beer, wine, and liquor! Yep picked up some coolers to go with the lime of course! And then.......I suddenly stopped in my tracks. It is a little hard for me to comprehend what I was seeing. And well, a little hard to express what I was feeling when I scanned my eyes along the one side of the truck stop. Partly because by jaw had loosened and dropped to my chest. I lifted my iPhone to take a picture. You know, a picture is worth a thousand words right. Well as I clicked the shutter, this huge, heavily tattooed guy stepped out in front of me and I captured him in the shot. I stammered and stuttered ( still not able to speak clearly) and told him I would immediately delete it. He glared at me and agreed that would be a good idea. Yikes. Well I did take a few more shots. And when you see the photos below, you'll better understand why I quickly offered to delete! But wait! There'a more! A whole section of perfume! Ah yes, but with a catch.... There was moose piss, deer musk, to name just a couple...but get this, there must have been over 40 different "scents"! If you hide in the forest..can anyone smell you?
oh boy! Then they had a wall of fame, or as I call it a wall of 'Shame'! No words. This picture tells many stories.
ok, so I walked out of there with no ice cream (this is a very unusual occurrance)! I was down the road still reeling from it, but laughing an the insanity of it all. Well It seemed so for this wildlife loving Canadian girl!
at first my decision was to travel up the Saginaw bay eastern coast, but midstream I changed my mind ( a true woman here!) and headed overland to East Tawas. According to Nat Geo Birding Spots book, Tawas State Park was a great birding hotspot. So that is where I set my GPS to and arrived around 6:00 pm. Headed out to the State park to check what birds are there and see where the best trails were. The ranger there, Matt, was great! A birder himself he gave me all sorts of info of where and what for the local aviary population. And then proceeded to say if I wanted he would take me around to the local sites in the area to just give me an orientation of the best spots! What a great deal. He also recommended the Bambi Motel. Cute, clean, and only $55a night!
Matt was also waiting for a fellow from Conneticut who was coming in the next day, who he was also a birder. So the two of us hooked up with Matt after we wandered through the Tawas State park in the morning. I wandered from 6:30 am till 9:30 am. Great spot, orchard orioles, Baltimore orioles, cedar waxwings, sandpipers, yellow warblers, redstarts, a hobbling skunk, and a few others I cannot think of at this time. I was heading out to the shore where the piping plover was nesting, but did not get there before it was time to head off. I then headed north to meet up with them. We spent 4 hours stopping at different sites including Tuttle Marsh, and grasslands by an old airport, and air museum, that also looks like a fun shoot - not just for birds, the planes and museum too! Backroads everywhere! I GPS saved all the locations for a future time. Will have to return! The dust was crazy but it was a fun time. I returned to Tuttle marsh and wandered along the marshes and lagoons. Dragonflies were so abundant and they're were some Big Ones! So covered in a thin layer of dust I felt dirty and happy. Once a Tom Boy, Always a Tom Boy!
Headed back to my lovely motel room at the Bambi Motel at about 7:30 pm. A good day. For my birding friends...osprey, American "Bittern, (Sora), Pie-Billed Grebe on nest, (Conneticut warbler, Golden Winged Warbler, Kirkland Warbler), brewers Blackbird, Bobolinks, spotted sandpipers, (Virginia Rails) , and more. Brackets are around those I didn't see but were a possibility in the area.
A snack in my room and a cool glass of Mike's hard lemonade and a good sleep. On the road North now and over to my Photo Workshop at Nettie Lake with Chales Glatzer.
hope all is well in Ontariariario! Will write again soon. Must tell you about the Party Store!
cheers,
Diane
My good deed for the day! found this guy in the middle of the road and helped him to the other side. actually i helped a few of them this trip.
This is my surprise find at the truck stop. a little of anything or should i say a Lot!
Nothing like a Zombie to practice on! I like the pink gun! or even the pink with camo!
But wait! There' s'more! So many to choose from. And this is just at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere! What would they have at a gun store?
and here is the wall of shame!
June 10th Arrival at Nettie Lake
And now here is my new home away from home at Nettiebay Lodge!
my side of the duplex!
and then my view of the lake....
This amazing subarctic trip begins on November 17th with a group dinner and a night spent in Winnipeg, Manitoba, our launching point for our next 10 days of adventure. On the 18th, we'll fly north to Churchill and immediately hit the ground running with a photo tour of the area, followed by dinner and a night spent in town. Our third day sees us get on the Tundra Buggy® for our odyssey to the Tundra Buggy Lodge® from the 19th to the 27th, where we'll spend 8 nights and 7 full days on the tundra photographing everything that moves. On the 27th, we'll return to Churchill in the evening and fly back to Winnipeg for our final dinner and the final night of the trip. You'll then depart for home on the 28th.
November 17 blog:
Well i arrived safely in "Winterpeg" - I mean Winnipeg this morning. The timing was perfect. Winnipeg got their first snowfall! It is cool(cold to most!) but this is just a test run for Churchill. -30 degrees last I heard.
Awaiting the arrival of others on the tour. We will be getting together for a welcoming dinner tonight. Unfortunately the lead photographer - John Marriott - will not be coming. John's dad was admitted to hospital in Salmon Arm with a life threatening septic infection. I am sure there will be other experienced photographers to learn from, but I will miss meeting and working with John Marriott.
See John's web site:
http://blog.wildernessprints.com/2010/07/photographing-in-canadian-arctic-june.html
We will forge ahead though, keeping John and his Dad in our thoughts.
We are going to photograph the Polar Bears!!! And the list decided at dinner tonight by Roberta ( and agreed to by all) also includes gyr falcon, arctic fox, ptarmigan and caribou! In the non wildlife area, we hope to shoot the northern lights. It will be an adventure what ever happens.
Over the next 11 days, we will work at getting some great shots during our time in the arctic. Tomorrow morning we fly to Churchill and have a town tour and experience life in the northern community. We will stay overnight in Churchill, then the next day, slowly make our way out to Cape Churchill. We apparently will be heading to where the lodge is now located, then it will be disassembled and moved to the Cape, where we will "park our parkas" for the week. Speaking of parkas, they have provided parkas for us. Lovely goose-down parkas! No doubt we will keep warm! π Maybe not such a big problem for me.π and to-boot they are blue!( my favourite colour)
Got the Sorrell boots out ready for the morning and all the other arctic-wear required to prevent frostbite, or worse yet, losing all feeling and becoming "stiff and inflexible"! Not a good thing on an adventure expedition. We really must remain flexible! π
So will travel in a convoy out to the cape. I could take 6-8 hours. Hopefully lots of wildlife on the way. Mind you, tomorrow there are a few of us that are, weather permitting, and a guaranteed window seat, may also take a helicopter out for some aerial photography! This is a big thing for me. I Looooovvvvve helicopters! And it is one of those thing that I like to do when I can see something spectacular. While I have spent some time in the Arctic over the years, this will probably be a unique experience. We'll see how it all turns out.
Hopefully this new way of communicating to you about my adventures will work better than the emails. Once you have the link, you should be able to follow along (if I am doing it right? All new to me as well).
Please feel free to share the blog address if you like. I will try to add some photos when I can.
But of course there is the possibility that we won't always have access to the internet -if at all. If that is the case, I will send them out when I get home one day at a time.
November 18
Hello from Churchill Manitoba!
Wanted to let you know we made it to Churchill safe and sound. A couple photos from earlier...Pretty much all iPhone pics).
What do you think this is?
First aid kit on the bus in Churchill. You better hope what they have in the red kit works!
Hayley our guide has been awesome!! A transplanted Kiwi, who has done incredible outdoor adventures, and guided many places, and has even written a book! Great personality and very efficient!
And now for the rest of the story.....
While they were working on the plane, they brought in a bus and took us to the Winnipeg Zoo for lunch! Nothing fancy, but they had also arranged for tour guides and the took us on tour through some of the areas to visit the animals. And yes, we saw our first live polar bear - "Hudson"! You can read Hudson's story here...
http://www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca/attractions/exhibits-info.php?entry_id=18034
HUDSON – photo from Zoo website
As we wondered around - in our very warm, but very bulky parkas, we looked like a herd? Flock?....whatever.... of penguins shuffling along in the snow! And hey who ever thought we would see snow leopards on this trip? A adult pair with two young. What an incredibly beautiful animal!
And I think it was also the first time a "herd of parkas" wondered into the South American exhibit! It was a little warm for all. After a short while wandering with two great zoo guides, we boarded our bus again to return to the hanger. The plane mechanics had given it their best to make the necessary repairs, but the tour company ended up chartering another plane from "Calm Air" to take us to Churchill. We left Winnipeg about 4:30 and arrived here about 7:30 pm.
There are about thirty people in all. Our small group has 9 photographers. California, Florida, Kelowna, Vancouver, Lively Ontario, Canmore Alberta, Mosley Ont, one more I can't remember, and London Ont...Me! In the other groups, there is a gentleman from India, the UK and numerous US states.
They had dinner dinner options sent to us on the plane. We made our choices and relayed back to Churchill. (My dinner was Arctic char, with wild rice risotto, and it was delicious! )
The tour company team Frontier North, and Polar Bears International (PBI), did a fabulous job making the most of a day full of conundrums! Get this....because we were not able to pick up supplies in Churchill as a result of our late arrival, they even took a liquor store order! Where else but in the north would this happen!
Check out their links!
http://www.frontiersnorth.com/our-story
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org
Now I'm ready to sleep. Our plans have changed again. We will have the morning in Churchill and leave on tundra buggies to the Tundra Buggy Lodge at ~1:00 pm. We are going to spend the night there and break camp the next morning. Don't know about the chopper ride yet.
On a last note. On our way from the airport, we saw 2 arctic foxes. Coming out from dinner and crossing the street back to our hotel,I said out loud, "ok how about another arctic fox before bed? Where are you Buddy?" Not 20 seconds later one crossed the road not more than 30 yards away! I just have a way with animals! Actually, we were told this is a huge year for the foxes. Regardless, they were beautiful pure white with lovely big bushy tails!
And as a last last note.... The northern light were faintly flickering in the sky as we headed to our home at the Tundra Inn.
This may be the last blog till I get home. Not even cell service in Churchill!
Good night all. I will write and send when/if I can.
Diane ( the fox whisperer)
This is actually the ceiling in the Winnipeg airport.( sorry I turned it upside down and threw on a filter (above) just foolin' with ya
Ok now...so where did I leave off?
Right now we are moving overland, camp in tow. Now this is no easy feat on a regular day! But today happens to be a hell of a day for this.
But I am getting ahead of myself and I should bring you up to date on what has happened since arriving in Churchill.
November 18 Update:
Unfortunately John's father passed away and he will not be joining us. We have all been thinking of him and missing him, and hope he and his family are doing OK.
there is a great group and we are already having fun! We boarded the plane to Churchill at 7:30 am and headed up to Churchill. After flying half an hour, the pilot tells us a gauge isn't working and we have to return to Winnipeg. About 10 minutes my seat mate and I noticed the prop on our side was just slowly blowing in the wind! But our pilot got us back on the other engine fine and landed like we were a feather. Awesome job. Then we notice that all the fire engines were waiting to meet us! Quite a reception! So now they are working on the engine, while we relax in the pilots lounge. We hope to still get there today. The skies are starting to show blue, so I think it will be a good day! The adventure has begun!
November 19
First thing this morning we headed over to the restaurant for breakfast.haley came to a few of us that had shown an interest in a helicopter tour. We all being photographers had not wanted to pay the price if we did not have a window seat so we could photograph. The answers were back and there were window seats for Five.! Alrighty then! Roberta and I from our group and three others, Joel ( Chief Counsel for India and south-east Asia) Gary a civil engineer from somewhere, and Dorthy from Pittsburg.
It was a beautiful clear sky morning, sunrise colours lighting the eastern skies as the skis lifted from the tarmack. Off we swerved towards Hudson Bay. The ice on the bay had formed two weeks early this year. The patterns of the windswept snow and in the ice were beautiful.The small trees growing on the land before we reached the taiga, had long shadows cast by low magic morning light. Awestruck we continued, looking,of course, for the elusive, white on white, Ursus maritimus, the sea bear, most commonly known as the Polar Bear!
And there she was! A mom with a young cub sauntering along. The shutters had certainly been clicking before, but now the rapid fire of multiple cameras and the oohs and ahhhs of the photographers, clearly indicated something special was in our sights! The pilot turns the chopper on its left side and then it's right to give all an opportunity to have a good view. And then off we went to continue looking for more...a large male curled up in a bed of kelp he had dug up for himself...another mom and cub curled up behind a hillock of dirt or snow with a large male approaching - this had potential to be an event as the mother started towards the male leaving the cub behind her. All ended peacefully.
A huge dark grey cloud bank was developing over the open waters of Hudson Bay. That beautiful deep blue grey hue contrasting with the clear deepening blue sky north of the 69th, still had a hint of soft sunrise pink.
And then we have to turn around. An hour sure goes by fast. But a wonderful start to the day.
Back in Churchill with a few hours to explore before we had to head to the launch point. I dropped off one of my cameras, dressed up warm and headed out on the town! I think I forgot to tell you how cold it was. It was that cold that as soon as you step outside, the moisture on the hairs inside your nose freeze and the freezing air sends a tingling current to your cheeks, numbing them almost immediately. There was hoar frost on every thing visible. Quite beautiful! Pressing the shutter as I went I captured a few images around the town. I stopped in at the museum, which was very interesting, unfortunately not enough time to really do it justice. Ther were also wonderful carvings and artwork from northern artists.
As I left the museum, there was this sweet pup waiting for its owner. Welcoming a puppy fix, I felt it necessary to warm the poor little fellow. So we had a little lovin' which he and I both enjoyed!
Next stop was the grocery store to stock up on chocolate, ( I do have my priorities) the a couple galleries and then back for lunch. I quickly gobbled my lunch realizing that I hadn't yet had my passport stamped at the Post Office (nice to know they still have some business eh!), and also another forgotten priority - the liquor store! While they had taken everyone's order yesterday, it was decided since we had the morning free after all, we could shop ourselves.
That done, I headed back, grabbed my camera gear and hopped on the bus to the Tundra buggy launch.
We are finally on the road to our camp!
The tundra buggies are assigned to their groups. John Marriott's crew is on Buggy 10. Until now we had all been milled together for the flights, tours and meals. Now we had time to get to know each other, but not before all the camera gear was readied for the journey ahead!
So we we off in a little "Buggy Convoy" to our home for the next night. As we got close to our destination we finally spotted a polar bear, sleeping in the willows on the side of the road. We crowded out to back deck - not before dawning a layer or two, to see and try to capture a shot in the low light. Very hard to spot cream on white in a distance, especially in fading light of dusk. And a moment later there's an arctic fox running along side our buggy - more white on white. Getting close to camp now, we put the cameras away. We have arrived! Home for only one night but home all the same. It was a fair trek today and we were ready to stop.
November 20
So this is a big day. The camp has to be packed up, broken down, and hooked up to the tundra buggies for the move from this site, to our final destination of Cape Churchill. So it is a pretty early start. We must Ensure all your gear is stowed safely. Nothing on the shelves or loose in the bunk house. There are two bunkhouse. The have up and down bunks on both sides of the aisle. The bunkhouses will be towed by tundra buggies today, as will the kitchen car,the lounge car and all the rest. It is a long process getting everything ready. It requires many workers on the ground, which in this location is pretty dangerous. So many workers are guards with rifles as lookouts for any bears approaching, and the guests are put on the tundra buggy, doing circle rounds around the camp base area to make the camp aware of any bears in the outer areas that might head their way. Once the camp was ready, the tundra buggys backed into their loads , hooked up, and at about 11:15 am, the convoy was on the road....well not a road exactly....over the tundra and the taiga on the routes that have been used before. These are not easy roads! Boulders everywhere, the odd place the ice is not real solid. But it is only 32 km, so it shouldn't be too bad right? π±
I don't know what speed we drove at but it was not fast. Then along the way, our buggy caught a boulder and the drive shaft broke and then punctured the oil pan. Oh yeah baby, the adventure continues! Then we passed over a soft are. Our driver, Buggy Bob, felt it starting to sink and gunned it and made it out ok. Unfortunately the buggy behind us did not. And it took a couple or three hours to pull it out. The water here is not deep at all, but it was not an easy feat to get them out of it. I have to say also that the speed they managed to repair a broken driveshaft and punctured oil pan, gives Jiffy Lube a run for their money! These guys are amazing.
So stop and go, a slow slow go, and finally about 11 pm we arrived at Cape Churchill in Wapusk National Park. Yes 32 km , and 12 hours to cover the distance. But wait there' s'more. we are here yes, but now the camp has to be set up! We were fed lunch and soup and coffee and such on the way. Now to appease the restless natives, ( who had no idea what all this involved ) they brought out the wine and cheese for a happy hour! I don't think I mentioned, but, each buggy is like a school bus, but it has a bathroom in the back and a propane stove to curl up to when it gets cold...π³. That day we were in the centre of a blizzard. No visibility, snow horizon, and colllllldddddd!
So the crew had the worst conditions to do a tear down, but for us photographers, the day lost was a day we probably would not have had much to shoot, so not as big of a loss as it could have been. But the temperature with windchill was certainly at the very most -30, but I think it was colder. The wind that day would numb the fingers so fast that pushing the shutter next to impossible.
So it took from 11 till 2:30 am to set up camp. We were captured in our tundra buggies thill they were done, but the wine helpedLasagna was served at 3 am , and finally to bed. Up again in the morning at 7 am to head out again, and the day dawned cold and foggy, with very little visibility. But it did clear up and it ended up to be not a bad shooting day. But I must save that for another email, as it is now time for dinner.
Stay tuned for some more adventures and some magical moments! Hopefully I will have time to process some photographs to show you more than iPhone shots. Hope you are well.
Thinking about you John and hoping you are doing ok.
Hugs!
Lots of love for now,
Diane
Ps. Today -19- with the wind chill -27
November 23
Hi again,
Just got in (11pm) and am trying to thaw out! I think you are right Sue, it sure felt like it was colder than -19...however you look at it, it is dang cold!
The Northern lights appeared tonight and a few of us were out on the decks photographing them. The sky is clear but the wind wicked! Tomorrow is supposed to be -40 with the wind chill factor. Anyway, i cannot get ahead of myself here. Just wanted to send a few more photos I could get from my iPhone tonight. It is the first we have had internet since we arrived.
Stay tuned for ....."The Rest of the Story!"
Chatter chatter .... shiver shiver!
Diane
PS thanks for your emails! Nice to hear from you too!
Just starting to take the camp down. It was a blizzard: defined as temperature -12c or less, wind 40km or more, visibility 1km or less! It was all of that and more.
A tundra buggy pulling a bunkhouse. This was the one that broke through the ice and needed pulling out.
Made it through this soft spot!
Me on the Back Deck leaning into the Wind!
The wind was wicked! Shooting out on the back deck of the buggy. We are out in our buggy from before sunrise to after sunset. (8am to 3:30 pm)Sometimes shooting off the back deck, sometimes out the window with cameras set on beanbags on the window sill to steady. As I was shooting off the back deck Thursday, my bean bag fell off. We were shooting a mom and probably a two year old cub at the time. Fortunately they didn't notice and we were able to retrieve once the two left.
FYI we are not allowed to get off the buggy at any time nor set foot on the ground. Last night a huge male was ........oh heck you'll have to wait for that story! I need to get some sleep!
Good night!
November 21, 22, 23, 24
So I think we left off at Thursday the 20th, but now the days are all running into each other and I have lots to catch up on. And before I go farther, computer geek that I am, I am unable to process any photos because I have not got a new enough copy of Bridge/Photoshop on my little notebook computer, and there is no driver for my new canon 7D camera, which means I can't even look at them myself! So I am trying to remember to take I phone photos, and when that doesn't work, taking photos of the back of my camera display of the photos I'm taking on my camera. Convoluted for sure. All this is for you!
Camp sent up at Cape Churchill with blue sky!
And it is way too cold for my old battered original Canon 5D to even consider shooting! I keep the battery in the inside pocket of my Goose down coat, pop it in the camera, turn it on.....nothing! And you all know I emit a good source of heat. You'd think it would have enough of an effect on the battery to make a difference. So I may have to share any decent photos I capture at a later date, after I return home.
But the stories and the adventures continue. The first morning we headed out after the move, was blustery and probably still a blizzard (as earlier described). And colder than a witch's ........ You know what I'm saying. Most of the wildlife had "hunkered down" as the saying goes here. We found a male polar bear hunkered down behind a willow bush. He had dug himself a nice little hole and was curled up sleeping. Occasionally lifting his head, stretching, or standing to re-position himself, all to the cacophony of the shutter- percussion section. It really is pretty funny. Most cameras sound like a burst of machine gun fire, with one lonely camera going, click...click....clickπ΅. Yep. That's me. If I was a guy I'd have penis envy! The monster lenses 500 or 600mm with extenders, are like large serving platter at their outer end, and probably about two feet in length if not more. My lens is maybe 8 inches long, and cup size at the end.
So we will see if size matters! (Let me assure you it does!- now I am talking photography here everyone!)
But all in all it is amazing! The first day, while blizzard conditions, and cold like a son of a gun, we still had a great time, and were wowed by the bears we did see. Because the ice on the Bay has frozen two weeks early, a number of the bears would already be out on the ice looking for seals. Especially the males. But we will get to see more over the next few days, as the weather improved. I am drawing a blank on the first days sightings, as I cannot refer to my images. But we have had some amazing magical moments and I will try to recall and share.
The terrain outside our buggy
Friday dawned with a frosty fog, but the blue sky was evident through the hazy layers, and we hoped for a clear day. And the sun dawned with beautiful colour, softened by the fog, and casting a rosy hue over everything. It seems like the "magic hour" for photographers - usually the hour before Sunrise and the hour after sunset - seems to last all day here. The shadows are long and the colour may fade, but still graces the landscape softly, and often times, the wildlife. Truly magical.
The skies stayed clear (translation here: way colder!) for both Friday and Saturday. And the shooting was awesome. Pink glow to the polar bears coat, rim light behind the arctic hare! And the bears came and gave us some "Buggy Love"! I had my own magical moment. I was on the back balcony of the the tundra buggy. Watching a large male approach far off on the ice. It came closer and closer, shutters clicking wildly. Until those guys with the huge lenses could no longer get a photo because it was too close! You could hear it snuffle! It's eyes were huge, round and black and shining.
I had a few more shots than the others, but then he was even too close for my lens, so I stopped shooting to just watch. He came towards me on the back deck, stood on hind legs, paws against the side of the buggy and with only two feet maybe between us, we had eye connection. It is impossible to explain the feeling. But it was like a gift to have this moment with this bear. A moment of buggy love, and it was all mine!
He proceeded to give some buggy love to those on other buggies, we captured their moments on our cards which will give you an idea of what I am talking about - whenever I can show you.
Saturday in the early morning rosy light we had two young males sparring in the willows. It was so incredible! They would fight and bite, and roll on the ground, then both on their hind legs battling it out. We figured the two young guys were practice fighting. They would fight for awhile, then lay down not far from each other, even right beside each other, and rest. Than 10 minutes or so later they would spar again! When they were done, and were moving on, that is when we notices the blood marks on them. Were't just playing!
Then there were moms and their cubs, some with "COY" cubs (cub of the year) some with cubs a little older, two years old and looking very healthy. Usually we look for bears heading in from quite a distance, find a place some where we could be on their path and then we sit and wait. This has worked great more often than not. They come so close, it is a huge thrill being so close. The bears will approach from the side, circle at a distance, their tongue darting in and out to assist the nose with scenting the potential dangers. If no danger is felt their curiosity will push them closer. Really though, they are so dang hungry that it would not take any enticing to encourage the bear to have a people snack! It is hard to remember this important item, they are just so beautiful. Many males will weigh over a ton! They are the largest bear. Much larger than grizzlies.
Today we had two moms and cubs. One cub was a coy, one a two year old. The mom with the coy was very lean. You could see her shoulder and hip bones poking through, and the cub was crying it was so hungry. The mom was so desperate for food, that she took no precautions whatsoever, and ran towards the buggy. She was very skittish, but so desperate for food that she was licking under the front of the tundra buggy next to us. We were not sure if there was some kelp on it from sinking on the track to camp, or she was so hungry she was licking any bits of oil she could from the undercarriage. FYI they use non toxic and biodegradable oils etc as well as bio diesel fuel on the buggies. So while she was not in any danger, is was disheartening to see and hear how serious their plight was.
We had arctic fox and hare today as well. A fleeting sight of a snowy owl as well. The light was flat today and the temperature had warmed considerably. Much more comfortable on the buses and While shooting. We also had Collared Caroline, and her cub and Bruno today, a very large male.
The clouds have moved in, a storm approached during the last of the day, and it is now snowing to beat the band! Tomorrow is supposed to dawn much warmer again, with a -8 predicted for the high. Balmy!!
Oh yes about that awesome male I mentioned!.........
To set the scene. Every day when we return from our day on the buggy, there are appetizers and wine awaiting. In addition, Friday night, the owner made and served Ceasers, and on Saturday night, Wisers whiskey, and Hockey Night in Canada, by satellite. Also every night we are treated to a presentation. Or something special.
Friday night, Emma one of the staff brought out her guitar and sang and played. She has a reputation of bringing in the big boys when she sings! And tonight was no exception. A huge male polar bear arrived outside the lounge buggy and placed his paws up on the side, raising its head to have a look see in the window! HUGE!
We have had two other "big boys" wandering around the camp over the last couple days. Very cool to look out the dining room window, the lounge or even your bedroom window and watch them pass by. Over 1 Ton of beast that can have a reach of over twelve feet, when standing on their hind feet, very cool until they tell you the story of how one night one managed to push in the bottom of the door to the freezer room.!
Tonight a couple of arctic foxes were frolicking around in the new snow. These guys never stay still, constantly moving, quickly darting this way and that noses to the ground. They are no more than the weight of a house cat ( not including your cat, Mark H. , in this comparison!)
They are the toughest arctic animal according to parks canada speaker Dwayne. But they only have a life cycle of about 4 years.
We have had talks by Richard from Illinoisan, who has built a wetlands on his property that now draws a great number of birds. As well as a yard that attracts song birds, humming birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
And parks Canada, Dwayne, told us the history of the area and the Hudson Bay fur trade. About the wildlife too. Tonight were representatives from Polar Bear International.
Never a dull moment. No chance to get cabin fever from being cooped up all the time. So many amazing moments! There are 27 clients on this trip. We are the only people this year that will be allowed to be in Wapusk National Park! Pretty lucky! We will be out shooting for two more days, and then will make our way back to Churchill Wednesday for our flight to Winnipeg. But still two more full days of photographing!
Hope you have all managed to dig out in ontario, and you are all warm and safe.
November 26
The photos are not good quality here, but it looks like there might be some great shots in there somewhere. And these are actually pretty sharp in the camera. I can only hope for the same on the big screen when I get home. Hopefully you will drop by my website once I get home and am able to process and upload a few of the good ones. It will take me a week or two to get some up probably!
We have had amazing photo opps. Two days in a row of sunshine ( which I am hearing is a very unusual occurrence here) and wonderful magic hour colours. And today, while it had snowed like crazy all night, and the day dawned dark and dreary, a little light poked through at opportune moments. We would have a period of fairly nice shooting conditions, and before you could say "Wapusk" we were in the midst of a whiteout. Then the sky would open up, a little light would shine through. Then there was horizontal snow that turned into another white out, and again a little light. But then it closed in and stayed that way from one pm on. But we did end up shooting some amazing things today. We watched and photographed some amazing animal behaviour with foxes. Some photos will probably not be for everyone, and some were incredibly adorable. And a couple of polar bears as well.
Followed two arctic foxes for awhile, watching they searched for food, then digging a small impression in the snow, curling up, and having a snooze. Always with one eye peeking out to check for danger. That was the fun and adorable part. The second part of the day we observed a red fox with a kill. Some witnessed the chase and the kill, while our buggy arrived just after. The prey was one of those adorable arctic foxes we had just been watching. But it was very interesting to watch him as he buried food for later and made the most of every bit of the food he had captured.
This is certainly the arctic. Unpredictable from one moment to the next. But there are other more serious issues that need to be shared too. Remember the mom and cub I mentioned, that was so thin? It is a long time from when the cubs are born and the mom and cub come out of the den. During that time, the mom does not eat. Sometimes it can be six months until she eats. The main diet of polar bears is ring seal. They must have access to the ice to enable them to hunt the seals. But that ice has been receding steadily (global warming). Take a look at the polar bears international site at the video that shows how the ice has decreased in size over the last number of years. And as a result of this and other factors, In 2008, in the US, polar bears have been identified as threatened under the endangered species list and In Canada as a species of special concern. Check out this video on the Polar Bears International (PBI) site, showing how the polar ice has declined. Pretty shocking!
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/about-polar-bears/tracking/sea-ice-loss
Polar bears international has a great website with invaluable information about polar bears. I think you would find it interesting. Great info for kids too.
Well breakfast is being served! I must eat and then we are off for our last day of shooting. Tomorrow we head back to Churchill to get our flight to Winnipeg. Overnight there and home on Thursday. Will take some time to absorb all that I have seen and experienced here at Cape Churchill. Today snow again this morning but maybe clearing by noon. Fingers crossed for a good day of shooting.
May not be blogging again till I get to Winnipeg or even home. I think a bit of a party tonight! But I will be I touch again when I can. Til then take care, check out the PBI site. There were some web cams too!
Ciao for now from the arctic!
November 27
We are now on the plane from Churchill to Winnipeg.
Yesterday on our last day on the tundra, it was quite cold once again. And while there was a thick haze hanging low in the sky, and visibility was low, we could occasionally see blue through it, and had high hopes for a clear day ahead. We headed out for the day at 7:30, after breakfast, and while we drove in the dark, Buggy Bob our driver, watched closely for any signs of wildlife. We readied our gear for the day's shoot...Cameras on a higher ISO for the low light of morning, batteries and cards in warm pockets daily to be changed out pronto when the others ran out. Then the layers of clothes on. Of course there is already three layers when we get on the buggy but now we added more. So on top of the long underwear and the next layer of clothes we add fleece, parkas, thin gloves, heavy gloves and sometimes mittens. Scarves around faces, balaclavas, toques, and the parka hood ready to flip up. You see, we either shoot out the open windows of our row of seats ( each photographer had the bench seats on each side of the buggy so we could move from side to side depending on the location of the wildlife. ) Or head outside onto the back deck and be out in the open.. It is more often than not windy, so with the already low temps, probably -35 on average - you had to factor the wind into the equation, and when that was all calculated, "It was Friggin Cold!!
So you could whip off the outer mitt once you were ready to start shooting, and flip back the the finger tip flap on the next hand covering, and your thin liner gloves would allow you to feel the buttons and dials on the camera to change setting and push the shutter button as necessary. Once the fingers froze, you could flip the finger tip flap back over the fingers, and/or rush over to the propane stove and try to warm the hands up enough to continue shooting or to get feeling back for the next shooting opportunity.
Arghhhh Billy - We photographers are a tough lot!
Out on the deck you would have the addition of the wind to deal with, but often times you would have more room to manoeuvre. There is always a price for a good shot! That wind would be biting to your face, and the lips, cheeks and nose would be numb quickly. I'd try to pull that parka hood with the fur rim as tight as possible around my face. Another thing I found was helpful was I would always try to pull the balaclava over my nose, because your nose would touch the metal parts on the back of the camera, and freeze in an instant (although luckily it would not stick! ). But then again, when you did that, the warm air of your breath would sneak out the top opening and the moisture from your breath would produce a layer of ice on the screen, or fog up the eye piece. But you know what? A little suffering makes these photographs seem all that more special, for all the effort it took us to get it!
Yes it is true, we photographers are also a crazy lot! π
We did not have the greatest of luck for wildlife on the last day, but did have a sun dog, and then a second sun dog, one on each side of the setting sun. It was quite the spectacle to top off a great adventure.
We had some amazing sights, experiences, and connections with the wondrous wildlife of the arctic and witnessed the amazing ability of that wildlife to adapt to such a hostile environment. It was easier to understand the harshness of the environment, while being out in it every day, in all types of weather, and the difficulties all the animals have, just to survive.
Well that's it folks. It was fun sharing my adventure with you! Hopefully before too long I will manage to get some photos up on my website ( www.dewphoto.zenfolio.com ), and I hope you enjoy seeing the awesome wildlife we saw as well!
Take care!
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