Day Trip - Aubrey Falls

Day Trip to Aubrey Falls - May 28th, 2014

There are some places that we just keep revisiting because they are so beautiful and because we know that we see something new each time. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were going to discover when we returned to Aubrey Falls yesterday. 


Setting off under a cloud-covered sky, but with fairly warm temperatures, we kept our eyes open for wildlife - one of our favourite pastimes. Just as we headed north from Iron Bridge, we spotted an elk crossing the road ahead of us. We've seen them before in this area, usually far off in the surrounding fields in this farmland area, along with wolves, bears and, of course, deer by the dozen. This was the closest we had been to an elk in the wild in Ontario. 


One of the things that Alan misses about the U.K. is the springtime, which is much longer than here in Ontario. That being said, there were many blossoms along the roadside - some of which had a nice fragrance. 

Just south of Aubrey Falls, there is a large area that was destroyed during a forest fire back in 1948. Although the scenery is rife with burnt tree stumps, the resilience of nature is shown by the new growth and upshoots that are abundant on the forest floor. 

Upon arrival at Aubrey Falls, we covered ourselves with insect repellent - based upon our experience from last summer when we had been bitten to pieces!! In fact, there were fewer bugs around than we had expected. 

The walk from the parking lot always reminds me of an aisle in a natural cathedral, with white birch trees on either side of the trail. With the clearing sky, and emerging sunshine, the forest floor was lit up and the contrast between the freshly sprouted leaves on the trees and the pure blue sky was impressive - especially as the puffy clouds kept changing shape to create ever new vistas. 

Having heard the roar of the falls long before reaching them, it still thrills us to step onto the bridge over the gorge and see them for real. (When we had trekked here just over a week ago, the waters were just trickling as the GS had turned them off by the time we had reached there in the late afternoon. This time, we had left early in the morning so that we could get there before this would happen again). We were rewarded by the familiar sight that always enthralls us. There's something about running water that we find mesmerizing - and very calming. 

While standing at our normal viewing spot, Mark noticed a crag on the other side of the gorge which was closer to the actual falls. We wondered if it was accessible, so we investigated in our 'Adventure Mode'. You can imagine the glee in our hearts when were able to navigate the rocks, nooks, and crannies and emerge right there on the crag with a view of the falls which was awesome!!

Alan near the top of the falls 

Never thought Alan would dangle his legs!

...or lie down so close to the edge!

Mark taking it easy at the top of the crag...

Mark - feeling on top of the world!

Thumbs up! Mark on the crag!

After spending about an hour just drinking in the experience, we started our journey back home, marveling how different things looked when the sun was shining. 

Amazing sky on the journey back.

Part of the beautiful Mississagi River

Open Farmland - in contrast to the surrounding hills

Flack Lake from a distance

Rapids on the Little White River

46 pounder - landed in May, 2013 - Flack Lake

On the way back, we dropped in to Laurentian Lodge to meet a couple at whose wedding Alan is going to officiate in June. Mark took a walk up past the waterfalls there to the beautiful Flack Lake where, last year, someone caught a 46lb lake trout. This is now mounted inside the restaurant at the Lodge. 

One of the many lodges at Laurention Lodge Resort

Finally, we took a detour along some local back roads in the hopes of seeing a bear or two. Alas... no luck today (and I suppose we should count ourselves lucky - having seen 4 the day before!!!). However, at the end of the day we had seen an elk, a deer, and two sandhill cranes. We also come across a small lake that we hadn't seen before. Mellon Lake appears to be mostly for fishing... though it did look swimmable and it has placed itself on our 'to do' list for this summer. 

As if to say, "I'm not a bear, but will I do?", this hawk stayed still enough for us so that we could get several shots of him. 

Another wonderful day - with weather and wildlife cooperating!!

For more pics, please click here to see a slideshow. 

Return Journey

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. 

Observing Animal Behaviour - Up, Close and Personal!

Observing Animal Behaviour - Up, Close and Personal!

On the way back from Sault Ste. Marie this afternoon, we stopped at a favourite place of ours on the outskirts of Iron Bridge where we have seen so many deer over the winter. In town, there are a couple of homes that have feeding stations in their yards and the deer flock there in herds.

Just on the eastern edge of the town, there is a rock which is known by locals to be the gathering place of one of the local herds. Today, we counted 15 of these creatures and decided that, as this was probably going to be the last time we see them until next winter, it was about time we got up, close and personal with them.



Mark had brought along some oatmeal and almonds in the hopes of coaxing them to feed from his hands (or from a plastic bowl that he also brought along).

Parking the car on the roadside, we ventured into the bush to where they were, approaching slowly and cautiously so as not to frighten them off. There were a couple of tree-stumps for us to sit on, so we placed the bowl about 10 ft away from where we were ensconced.

A few of them ventured close, but kept wary eyes upon us. After about 15 minutes of sitting in stillness and silence, I slowly moved towards the bowl and moved it about 15 ft. from where we were, thinking that by increasing the distance from where we were to where the bowl was now placed, it might entice them by widening their proximity to us. I then returned to my forest seat, and waited.

After what seemed an eternity, one of the deer ventured ever so tentatively towards the bowl and finally put his (her?) nose inside, promptly removing it and walking away from it. We thought that perhaps it was put off by the human scent that had been embedded within the plastic.

Mark suggested that I should empty the contents from the bowl onto the forest floor. So, once again, I guardedly moved towards the bowl, picked it up, and showed the interested animals the contents of the bowl by letting some of the oats fall from my fingers back into the bowl. Some of the deer moved further away when I started to edge towards the bowl; but there were about three of them that stood their ground, looking on with interest to see what I was doing.

I poured the contents into the spot where the bowl had been, and then took the plastic container back to my stump and waited.

Sure enough, after a few minutes, one of the deer delicately tiptoed near to the oats and started to feed from them. Once this had occurred, a few more came forth, all within 15 feet of us. It was quite a magical moment. It would seem that, once one of the creatures started to feed, the others gave themselves permission to overcome their timidity and approach the food - though there was one who wanted to hog it all, and kept the others from their share.

While observing this, we noticed a couple of interesting behaviours. One fairly small member of the herd, came quite close to us, looked directly at us and several times lifted its leg and stomped it on the ground. We watched it do this a number of times - mostly with its right leg, but sometimes with the left. It was as if it was trying to tell us to get lost and leave them free to devour the gift that we had left. A little later, a larger deer exhibited the same behaviour, all the while keeping his (her) eyes upon us.

Click Here to See Deer Stomping. 

Another fascinating behaviour we witnessed was the sound, reminiscent of a snort, or sneeze, would emit from one of the deer, which we took to be a warning to the others not to get too close. A few times after this happened, the whole herd took off, usually in the same direction, leaving only one or two brave animals that stayed fairly close to us - never letting us out of sight. (You can hear the snort, very briefly at 0:16 in the movie above).

Each time this warning was issued, we stayed completely still, and after about five minutes, the others slowly returned to where they had been before.

Mark told me that he had brought all the oatmeal and almonds we had and that they were back in the car. I went to collect them and the deer were all in the same place and did not move until I started to move towards them. A few galloped away, but most of them stayed quite close.

In the interests of fair play and equality for all deer, I poured out five piles, making sure that they could all see what I was doing, once again retreating to my observation place to wait patiently and see what they would do. Sure enough, a few of them came to three of the piles and starting to eat, while keeping a careful watch in our direction.


Although one of the others gave the warning signal, two of the deer ignored it and continued to munch away.

For about an hour we interacted with them in this way - and Mark was in his seventh heaven to be sure!
We decided to leave them and return to the car, feeling a sense of awe at how close they had let us come among them.

As soon as we were back at the car, all of the deer moved in on all of the five piles, obviously relieved that we had departed to leave them to their meal.

It was truly a spellbinding and spiritual experience - one that we won't forget for a very long time.

The Power of the Name

The Power of the Name

There is something special about our name. It’s probably one of the first words that we readily respond to – and that continues for all our lives. Though we are not totally identified with our name (we are much, much more than that), our name is a powerful entity that sets us apart from those around us. It is the way in which we are singled out, whether we are present or absent from the conversation.

When we give our name to others, it speaks of a change in the relationship – from a contract, to a deep friendship. If we withhold our name, there is a usually compelling reason why we choose that action – a refusal to enter into some kind of partnership, even at the basic level.

Parents-to-be often spend hours choosing a name for their new addition, whether the criteria include family tradition (we named her after Aunt ____), the sound of the name, or its meaning. There is usually a purpose for the final choice. We surround the giving of the name with ritual – from simple naming ceremonies, to more elaborate christening or baptismal services.

What’s in a name? 

Since those of us who live in the west come mostly from a Judeo-Christian background, it may be helpful to take a brief excursion into these vehicles through which this understanding of names was channeled to us today. The ideas certainly did not originate with these traditions.

Traditionally, when someone was given a name, it denoted an expectation, a destiny upon which the new human being would embark upon. In Biblical times, a change of name heralded a change of destiny. Thus Abram (High Father) is renamed Abraham (the Father of a Multitude); Simon (He has Heard) becomes Peter (the Stone, or the Rock). The change of name resulted in a new way of being seen, a new perspective unfolding.

The writers of the Old Testament understood that naming something gave one power over that which is named. Hence, in the second Creation Legend all the creatures were brought before Adam (Man) so that he could name them. He even gets to name Eve (Mother of All the Living) – which probably accounts for the subordination of women to men throughout history. (This is still quoted today by some religious groups which believe that men should be the ‘head’ of the family).

For this reason, the Hebrews would not give a name to their God because you could not have power over the deity. In the story of the burning bush, Moses is given the understanding of the divine as ‘I AM THAT I AM’ (JHVH -> YHWH -> Yahweh). This is a generic name – not a personal name. After all, they understood that the Divine Name was to be hidden from humanity.

This idea is picked up in the New Testament in the stories of the casting out of demons. When Jesus of Nazareth confronts the demons he demands their name. Once he has their name, they subject themselves to his authority, and are dealt with accordingly. Later, the disciples of the Nazarene, also cast out demons. However, they do not do this in their own name, but ‘in the name of Jesus’, who empowered them to do so, in his name. The link between ‘name’ and ‘authority’ is very clear.

Moving away from these religious traditions, how does the power of naming things affect us today?

We all remember the little ditty, ‘Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me’. We were told to recite this to ourselves and others as a buffer to the emotional pain that was being inflicted upon us.

Of course, it didn’t work. Too many have experienced that, although physical injuries may heal, names that we have been called in the past can continue to haunt us throughout our lives. When little ones tell us that someone is calling them names, we’d better take heed and address the issue as soon as possible.

We often go about our day with cares, concerns, and worries that occupy our minds – sometimes constantly. We fret over issues, incidents in the past, people with whom we interact, what people think of us, what decision we should make, how to put something right etc. While these things remain in our heads, it’s as if they have a power over us. Sometimes, this leads to lack of sleep, stress, or even (in severe circumstances) clinical depression.

When we find that ‘trusted someone’ to talk to about our concerns, we often find that we begin to take control over that which has bothered us for so long. Our problems don’t seem as ‘big’ as they were before we voiced them. Until we speak them, they continue to hold power over us. Once we ‘name’ them, we begin to have power over them, to take ‘authority’ over them.

Maybe the ancient biblical writers, in their wisdom, understood this human truth and they expressed it through the tools of religious imagery that they had at hand.

We may or may not subscribe to those religious traditions today; however, we can certainly embrace the deep insights that have been preserved. It may help us to live life more peacefully and in harmonious authority within ourselves. Maybe it’s time to reclaim the truth of who we really are, which is so much more than our name. 

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Happy, Fit, & Free!

Meet Our Hero and Inspiration - Derek 'Braveheart' Walton!

 “In order to have a Life of Purpose you need to have a Purpose

 in Life. I am Living with ALS, I am not dying of ALS. After all,

 life itself is terminal.”

I had the privilege to meet Derek Walton back in 2010, when I was invited to join a team of volunteers to organize the SkyDive Fundraising for A.L.S. event that Derek had founded the previous year. As a P.S.W., Mark had been one of his care-givers for several years, but I had not personally met him. 

In May, 2002, Derek was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease - a rapid, progressive disease that attacks the nervous system and eventually leads to total paralysis.

We were all gathered in the meeting room awaiting Derek and Diane, both of whom I had not yet met. Diane was unwell that evening and so was unable to join us, but as soon as Derek entered in his motorized wheelchair, I knew I was in the presence of a remarkable man. His whole attitude and demeanour totally inspired and uplifted me, and I went home feeling a sense of awe at the courage of the human spirit. 

When I had the honour of meeting Diane at the event itself in August of that year, I felt the same sense of wonder. She is a woman of determination, strength, and tremendous compassion – laced with a wicked sense of humour and a good dose of common sense. It is easy to see why Derek has been able to sustain his positive attitude when he has a person like Diane at his side.

About half of all people affected with ALS live at least three or more years after diagnosis. 20% live five years or more; up to 10% will live more than ten years. The average life expectancy when diagnosed is 2-5 years. Twelve years on, Derek is part of the 10% and, in my opinion, it's his faith and positive attitude, together with Diane's loving support that accounts for the blessing of his longevity. 

It would be easy for Derek to focus upon what he cannot do – and I’m sure that, as this disease progresses, the obvious cannot be ignored. However, Derek has found the secret of focusing upon what he CAN do, and therein lies his strength and ability to inspire others to face the various challenges that are common to us all. He says that, with this diagnosis, he began a journey which has changed his perspective on life and he truly believes that this has made him a better person.

Recently, in 2013, Derek was the recipient of the Sunnybrook Rose Award, which recognizes the exemplary efforts of volunteers for outstanding service in a fundraising capacity. (Read the full article by clicking on the image). 

Four years earlier, in 2009, Derek and Diane were determined to find an original way to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. After thinking outside the box, they came up with the idea of an annual skydiving fundraiser event. Derek, himself, participated in the inaugural event (and in three more events thereafter) by completing a tandem jump and raising pledges. The first event raised an incredible $100,000, and donations to date, together with future committed pledges, are close to $300,000. Derek is no longer able to skydive, himself, but he continues to support the event and he invites anyone with a sense of adventure to take part. Both Mark and I have participated and it was a lot of fun, as well as satisfying to know that we were also contributing to this worthy cause. 

The Rose Award is not the only award that Derek has received. Back in 2012, he received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal, reserved for recognising and honouring exceptional Canadians for their contributions to their fellow citizens, communities, and country. It was a humbling experience to witness this achievement. 

As well, Derek has received national recognition by Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, for his fundraising and awareness efforts, and was selected by ALS Canada to represent them at various governmental meetings in Ottawa. Local MP, Patrick Brown, arranged for Derek to meet with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, Hon. Leona Aglukkaq.   

Derek is realistic about his condition, but remains positive in his outlook. Recently, he told me that he had been reflecting upon his mortality and the shortness of life that we all have to come to terms with. He added that he is not afraid of the future. This statement alone, told me that he had journeyed through his darkest fears and had arrived at a place of inner peace and tranquility.  

This does not mean that he won’t have moments of anxiety in the future; but it does mean that he has found his compass, and that this will guide him back to the truth of who he really is. His wife, Diane, continues to be a tremendous support as his primary care-giver. With her at his side, Derek will always find the strength to find his way forward. 

A good friend once said to me, ‘If you could see yourself as others see you, you would be so happy!’ It made me realize that none of us are truly aware of the influence we have upon others. The movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, depicts the main character as being given a chance to see what life would have been like without him. It shows that our choices, through a ripple effect, impact those far beyond our immediate circle of influence.

Derek has been an inspiration to countless people throughout Canada and beyond. His nickname, ‘Braveheart’, is a perfect description of who he really is, and when you get to know him personally you will see that it has been well-earned. There is no courage without fear. There is no victory without challenge. Together, Derek and Diane have met those challenges head on. 

Diane is a tenacious advocate for his well-being, and is tireless in her efforts to ensure
that Derek lives with the highest quality of life possible. (For a glimpse into his life, watch this short slide show). To see her in action is to behold a strong woman who is resolved to uphold the tenet, ‘Let right be done’. She is truly a beautiful person, who blends strength and gentleness into a warm personality, which leaves you with a sense of gratitude for having her in your life. She, too, has had her challenges on this journey and her life has been profoundly changed by this disease. Her courage and determination are a testimony of her character. 

We all have challenges in life – whether seen or unseen. It is how we respond to these challenges that will pave the way for our future life experience. No matter how successful a person may be (or seem to be from our perspective), we tend to see only the glory, not the journey they have undertaken to get to that point. Derek reminds us all that the choices we make will determine how we are going to live. In Derek's words, 

'My glass is half full not half empty........ is yours?'

An online dictionary defines a hero as a man of distinguished courage or ability admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. 

For Mark and me, Derek incarnates that description and will always be our hero. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the continued example and inspiration that he gives to us personally, and to all those who have the honour to meet him. 

Note: Derek has since passed away on January 17th, 2015. He will always be in our hearts.
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