Water, Wildlife, and Wonderful Skies!!

Water, Wildlife, and Wonderful Skies!!   - May 15th, 2014

Northern Ontario provides a plethora of opportunities to witness stunning scenery, breath-taking views, and the excitement of close encounters with wildlife in the natural habitat. 

Since moving to Elliot Lake, nearly a year ago, we have had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time (sometimes by sheer luck, others by design) and some of these occasions have been captured in pics or on short movie clips. 

We've become acutely aware of the transience of these rendezvous moments... burning sunsets that change within the blink of an eye.... wild animals that just won't hang around for a photo-op.... and the ever-changing journey of water as it makes its way in obedience to the law of gravity. 

There have been so many spectacular moments that are consigned to memory - viewings of wolves ... perched bald eagles ...the silent glissade of a garter snake.... all of which were too quick and fleeting to be caught on camera. 

Although photos (and even movies) don't do justice to the reality they represent, we are pleased with the hundreds of pictorial reminders of the wonderful experiences we have had while discovering the local area within driving distance from our home. 

Here are a selection taken from our Samsung Galaxy 4 cellphone/camera - excuse the plug!!

Water

Mark and I have always been drawn to water. This element seems to invoke a variety of emotive states, but predominantly one of peace, tranquility, and awe. Whether it is the stillness of an early morning lake, or the powerful movement over cataracts and rapids, we can't resist stopping and taking in the moment. 

Huron Beach - just 40 minutes away

Bridal Veil Falls - Kagawong, Manitoulin Island

Beaver's Lodge - Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Rapids on White River

Cataract Falls - North of Blind River

Cataract Falls - North of Blind River

Falls at Laurentian Lodge, 30 minutes north of Elliot Lake 

Wildlife

The fascination of animals in the wild has been with us since the very beginning. I remember sitting on the porch in front of our house on the Holland Marsh and watching a spider sitting in the corner of its web, waiting for some unsuspecting insect that would provide its next meal, and being captivated by seeing it move quickly to wrap the insect in a silken spool before returning to its corner to await the arrival of its dessert. 

The abundance of Canadian wildlife that we have in Northern Ontario is astounding. When we drive just outside of Elliot Lake, we do so with a positive expectation that we will see deer, bears, foxes, and the occasional moose and wolf. Always from a safe position, and with a healthy dose of respect for the fact that these creatures ARE wild, we have been able to get up close and personal with some of our friends.

Freddie Fox - last Fall

Barney Bear

Barney Bear taking a peek at his admirers

Two Elk in a distant field

A curious Freddie!

Flutter Grouse

Pileated Woodpecker

Rocky Raccoon

Sandhill Cranes

Seagull about to attack Mark!

After spending 15 minutes peacefully feeding with us being nearby, Barney finally flees in the wake of a passing truck.

Mark captured this scene of a flock of sandhill cranes taking off on Manitoulin Island. 

In this one movie clip, he brought together our love of sunsets, silhouettes, and wildlife.

Skies

Who can look at a sunrise or sunset..... or even an angry-looking sky..... without feeling a sense of awe and inspiration? Each 'sky-moment' is different, temporary, and unrepeatable. That's what makes each experience new and unique. For me, silhouettes of trees against the background of a blazing sky provides a thrill - especially when each branch and twig can be clearly defined after they have been divested of their leaves. Please enjoy this slide show of some of the splendours of the skies that we have been able to capture. Here is the link: Skies and Sunsets. 

We are determined that our love of nature will never be overtaken by a familiarity which could descend into taking things for granted. Our desire is that we will always find in nature the Source in which we all partake - and allow it to resonate deep within us as we get in touch with our inner being. 

We hope that all of you who read this blog will be uplifted and will experience the inner peace that we feel when we spend time in our natural environment.