Our Visit to the Polar Bear Habitat, Cochrane, Ontario

 Our Visit to the Polar Bear Habitat, Cochrane, Ontario

Today, we were able to dust off one of our long-term bucket list items - one that we've toyed with for several years. Since international travel is restricted, because of Covid-19, we have stayed within Ontario, avoiding any obvious 'hot-spots'. A visit to Timmins had been on the cards for a couple of months, and since Cochrane is just over an hour's drive away, we decided to combine the two adventures. 

We set off from the hotel about an hour earlier than planned because there had been a dense fog warning for the route we were going to take, and we thought we would need the extra time to drive safely to our destination. As it happened, the fog had cleared and so we had a beautiful journey in the morning light, as the sun began to break through the clouds, affording us of some typical views of Northern Ontario. 

Long, straight roads are typical of many parts of Canada - including Northern Ontario

Upon arrival in Cochrane, a small town with a population of about 5500, it was obvious that polar bears took centre stage, as there were signs and figures to be seen everywhere!

This one, on the island of the town's small roundabout, beckoned Mark, who just HAD to have a selfie with it!

Cochrane is also the bouncing off place for the train which goes north to Moosonee - a remote part of Ontario which is not accessible by road. It is located on James Bay, which is a part of Hudson's Bay. Polar bears are sometimes to be seen there, though, apparently, sightings are becoming more and more rare. A train travels there three days every week (less often than normal, due to the recent health restrictions). 

Luckily for us, there is an enclosure within Cochrane itself, which made it unnecessary for us to make that journey. Mark had booked us in for an entry time shortly after the Habitat opened. (Entry times were being staggered to promote social distancing).

At 7 hectares, the enclosure is the largest polar bear habitat in the world, and is home to three polar bears: Ganuk, Henry, and Inukshuk. Their stories are detailed on the habitat's website:(https://canadianpolarbearhabitat.com/the-bears/)

We have often said that we'd love to swim with the bears, a program that is normally offered that allows for this to be safely done - with a protective, transparent shield between them and the brave humans! However, like many attractions, there are some activities that are temporarily discontinued.

There is a large lake within the enclosure, and the bears have access to it at any time. In fact, they have few restrictions and can stay outside, or remain within a purposely-built shelter whenever they choose to do so. Immediately upon our arrival, Paul - the store and site supervisor - ushered us through the main doors into the viewing area as he had just seen (on his monitor screen) that Inukshuk was making his way into the lake. After jumping in, he was playing around, doing flips and diving under the surface and coming up to play some more. Mark managed to capture him just as he came close to the bank before returning to his swim. 

Inukshuk emerging from the water after his first plunge of the day

Thanks to Paul, we were able to witness that, before the polar bear swam away to the other side of the lake, out of our sight. 

Moving round to another part of the enclosure we were fortunate as, for the best part of half an hour, we had the privilege of watching Henry, who spent the whole time lying next to the fence where we could see him quite close up - just a matter of a few feet away. He took brief notice of us and we could often see his nose wrinkling as he sensed us. 

Henry was using his amazing sense of smell to make himself aware of our presence

We didn't get to see Ganuk as he was sleeping in the shelter during our whole visit.

Returning to the first viewing area, we kept our eyes peeled watching for Inukshuk, in case he should make another appearance. Sure enough, within minutes, Paul stepped out to join us and told us that he had seen the bear catch a rabbit on the far side of the lake and that, if we repositioned ourselves, we would probably see him just around the corner in a small cove. When we espied him, we were able to watch him as he made his way into the water, once more, playing with a ball, lying on his back, and having a grand old time!

Inukshuk has just caught a rabbit

Playtime in the water

Here's a video clip of this playful bear: 

Watching this playful creature as he frolicked in the lake, gave us a sense of pure joy

(If you can't see the video, try clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHWpzSzB_8o&ab_channel=AlanSteed

After spending quite a long time watching Inukshuk and his antics, we returned to the centre, where we watched a movie in the theatre, perused the information on the displays, and visited the gift shop. At this time, we were alone in the centre and Paul spent over 30 minutes chatting with us and answering the questions with which we peppered him. Paul shared with us that Henry can be with Inukshuk, or with Ganuk, but Ganuk and Inukshuk don't get on with each other, in spite of Ganuk being the son of the latter! Paul was a mine of information and we counted ourselves really lucky to have met him. 

Armed with that information, the awesome experiences of these wonderful creatures, and a host of photographs, we chose to return to Timmins via a different route, bringing to a close a very enjoyable and fulfilling time in Cochrane - a return to which is a done deal!

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For further information about the Polar Bear Habitat, please visit their website at: 

https://canadianpolarbearhabitat.com/

You can also watch their live camera feed at this link: 

https://canadianpolarbearhabitat.com/watch/

A Great Getaway on the North Shore!

 A Great Getaway on the North Shore!

"No way!!" I exclaimed when Mark first suggested staying in a lighthouse for a few nights. Back in July, he had been researching on the internet and had found a getaway that he thought might be an interesting adventure. 

"There's no way that I want to be climbing hundreds of spiral stairs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night," said I - who was envisioning the stereotypical lighthouses that we had seen in Nova Scotia! 

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, N.S. 

With great patience (and I'm sure - some disappointment), Mark dropped the subject. However, he bided his time. 

A month or so later, we were on a day trip around the perimeter of St. Joseph's Island. It's a beautiful spot, and we stopped to take many photographs of the various vistas which we encountered. Towards the end of the trip, we spotted, very faintly, the lighthouse over the lake, in Bruce Mines. Using the zoom on our camera, we took a close up of the lighthouse from our position at Hilton Beach. It didn't come out very clearly, as it was quite distant from us.

Bruce Mines Lighthouse from St. Joseph's Island

I had the idea that, once we got back to the mainland, we could travel to the lighthouse and get a close up of the beach upon which we were standing. Mark agreed, secretly hoping that the more broad-minded part of me would come over to his way of thinking about the lighthouse adventure. I was as unsuspecting as ever! (Sometimes, I'm not the brightest candle on the cake!  LOL). 

When we got to Bruce Mines, we turned onto the road leading to the lighthouse. The entrance driveway crosses over a bridge and a causeway, passing through French Island, and ending on McKay Island, where the edifice is situated on the tip. 

With the photo taken, we started to look around the area, and I noticed that the square living accommodation was actually quite nice and I was interested to see that it could be rented out. 

It was at this point that Mark revealed that this was the lighthouse getaway that he had mentioned, the month before. He kindly concealed his frustration with my earlier dismissal of the idea.

Enlightenment comes slowly to some of us - but when it comes, the errant stubbornness gives way to excitement and so, I allowed my exuberance to come to the fore and we called and booked a 3 night stay in October, just after Thanksgiving, which was the earliest vacancy available. 

Last week, time caught up with us and we enjoyed a memorable time at this amazing venue. 

The entrance was, itself, a sight to be beheld - even though it was a fairly dull afternoon. 

Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse is owned by Pat and Larry Peterson, and Pat has been running the business for several decades. Apart from the lighthouse, they also have 8 modernized housekeeping cottages, open from May to October.

A wonderful person, Pat personally visited us once we had settled in, and told us about the amenities,  gave us some brochures, and related some of the local history. Seeing we were interested, she kindly loaned us a skip full of historical documents over which we could pore at our own leisure. 

Postcard given to us by Pat, the owner

Among them, we found a document by Merrit (and Pat) Strum, a W.W.II veteran, who was the 'unofficial' historian of Bruce Mines. 

Here is part of what he wrote back in March of 1907 (slightly edited for the sake of clarity):

“By the year 1906, the marine traffic through the North Channel of Lake Huron had become very heavy due mainly to the increased volume of timber being shipped through the port of Bruce Mines.
After the copper mines closed, it was realized that their next best move was to get in on the timber market.
With the shipping getting heavier it meant that the chances of marine accidents would increase. Until 1906, the only Beacon to guide the traffic was a lantern hanging on the dock building.
It was deemed that it was necessary to construct a Lighthouse as a safety measure to guide the boat traffic.
In 1906, the Federal Government called for tenders to construct a lighthouse. The following year, a tender was accepted and it was decided that the best location for the light would be on the point of McKay Island. It was constructed in 1907.

It was a square white wooden dwelling, with a tower rising 34 ft  from the roof. The light had a visibility of 11 miles, and the foghorn was hand cranked.”

The lighthouse was operational from 1907 until 1955, when it was replaced by the current steel tower with solar panels which powers the batteries. It is maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard. (For a fuller history, check out their website: http://www.brucebaycottages.com/mckay-island-lighthouse/lighthouse-history/

Today, the original building is a modern housekeeping lighthouse with 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and 1 bunk bed), with a 2-piece bathroom on the main floor, and a second bathroom, with shower, on the second floor. It is open all year, and gives a panoramic view of the North Channel of Lake Huron. It is the only building on McKay Island - apart from a Lounge next door (which is a rental unit for special celebrations, about one per month), and so allows for privacy during your stay. (At the moment, the lounge is closed because of Covid-19 restrictions). 

Guest manual and lighthouse-themed coasters

Bedroom light switch

The well-equipped kitchen affords everything that you could need, and the comfortable beds allowed for a good night's sleep. The living area is spacious and includes a loveseat, a rocking chair (strategically place by the main window overlooking the lake) and another seat, also facing the window. A TV is also available with a variety of channels, including the Stingray series for background music. 

A nice, quiet sitting area at the top of the stairs

This is the bedroom we chose - it was on the ground floor with the 2-piece bathroom 'ensuite'

There is also an inviting ladder which, upon climbing takes you up to the old lamp area of the lighthouse and out onto the 'Widow Walk'. Of course, we had to explore! 

The original lighthouse lamp

View to the north from the 'Widow Walk'

Mark getting ready to climb to the top of the lighthouse

View of the Lake from the 'Widow Walk'

Outside, there is a large lawned area with a bench and two Muskoka chairs for enjoying the scenery. There is also a generous deck area that overlooks the lake, with a firepit nearby, and a stone grill a little further back. Guests can use the BBQ that is just outside the building, and they have access to kayaks and canoes in season. 

During our stay, we experienced a variety of weather conditions, from overcast skies, to amazing and powerful lake wind/rain storms, and clear skies with brilliant sunshine in the mornings. 

On our first night, the storm was raging outside and one could hear the continual pounding of the waves against the rock. I got up to use the bathroom and went back to bed. I lie there for a while, listening to the crashing waves when suddenly - and I really mean ALL AT ONCE - the wind and waves stopped as if someone had waved a magic wand over the lake and it became instantly calm! It was magical. 

Then, within the hour, I looked out of the window and saw a clear night sky, uninterrupted by light pollution, with a myriad of stars to gaze at! It was phenomenal. 

The following night, the pattern was repeated and I got up in the early hours and was able to take a picture of both Venus and Mars (which was unusually close to Earth at that time). 

Venus - in all its glory

Mars - the 'red' planet - our nearest neighbour

The moon - some people describe this scenario as the 'old moon in the new moon's arms'

Earlier that afternoon, the storm had started earlier than the day before. At one point, we were reading inside the cottage when Mark noticed that the rain had temporarily abated and the sun had broken through the dark clouds to light up the area in pure golden colours. It was truly awesome, and we also were treated to a double rainbow. 

Perhaps these short video clips give a better idea of what we saw: 

During the days, we hiked some of the trails - including the bluffs, and the small pathway to the Kissing Rock, and Sunset Bay. We were amazed that there were still some wonderful fall colours to be enjoyed as those in our own home town had passed peak the week before. 

The Bluffs trail

The mornings were delightful and gave us the opportunity to capture some beautiful scenes varying from spectacular sunrises to morning mists kissing the surface of the water.

On the second morning, Pat texted us to let us know that a freighter was coming into the port. We had actually seen it upon its arrival into the bay, but were so impressed that she contacted us to let us know. We believe it was collecting trap rock from a local quarry. Apart from a couple of fishing vessels, it was the only traffic we saw during our stay. 

What with hiking, watching the waves constantly lapping against the rocky shore, experiencing a variety of weather conditions, and taking the opportunity to read and just chill out, it was a lovely time - and a welcome change of scenery and pace.

Mark was right - it was a truly wonderful adventure - and we look forward to returning for another getaway at this North Shore retreat!

For further information about renting the cottages or the lighthouse, please visit the website: 

http://www.brucebaycottages.com/

 Local Talent Always Amazes Us!

Every now and then, we happen upon an unexpected experience that brings us a terrific sense of wonder and joy. 

Last week, we were on a day trip to Manitoulin Island, and made our way to Providence Bay, where there's a really nice boardwalk along the beach. We had been there a few weeks beforehand, and wanted to check out the fall colours. 

As we were progressing towards the main area, we heard the sound of music floating through the trees. The closer we got, the more it sounded like live music and, sure enough, when we turned the corner, there was an art festival set up and this young couple were just finishing off the first half of their performance. 

After a quick visit to the local 'centre', we returned to the site and were given a couple of lawn chairs right in front of the 'stage' area, where the couple were going to complete their performance after their lunch break. 

We found out that this young couple live in Sudbury, Ontario (about 2 hours away from where we live). 

Jamie was playing a harp guitar - an instrument with which we were unfamiliar. It had such a beautifully full sound and watching his fingers dance over the fretboard, as he accompanied Emma's singing, left us holding our breath at the sheer brilliance of his skill. Self taught, Jamie placed 1st  in the Canadian Guitar Festival Competition, in 2016. He also teaches guitar, and has his own YouTube page. (His cover of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' leaves us in awe!)  Check out his YouTube recordings here:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/JamieDupuisAcoustic

Emma's voice was mesmerizing as she sang her way through a variety of genres. There was almost a haunting nuance within her interpretation of the songs. We found out that Emma, also, has her own YouTube page, and we've been viewing the material she has recorded and we especially love her cover of 'Dream a Little Dream of Me'. She also writes her own music and plays the Ukelele. Check out her YouTube recordings here: 

https://www.youtube.com/c/EmmaMcDaniel/videos

Small world that it is, we found out subsequently, that Jamie actually played at a wedding that I officiated, back in 2018, in Blind River! Since I always touch base with the musician before the ceremony to ensure we are on the same page, I must have met him and chatted with him on that occasion! 

We also found out that Emma's grandparents live in Elliot Lake and are known to many of our friends. 

Cover of Elton John's 'Rocket Man'

Those who know this couple attest to what lovely people they are, confirming the impression we had taken away with us after meeting them in Providence Bay. They very kindly responded to our request for a repeat performance of the song, 'Mad World', which we had first heard echoing through the trees. Here's the YouTube recording of this song: 

When we had set out to spend a day on the Island, we had no idea that we were going to stumble upon such talent. We are hoping to have them come to Elliot Lake, once things settle re: Covid-19. We know that our town will give them tremendous welcome and support at one of our well-attended outdoor concerts. 

We're keeping in touch with Jamie and Emma, via social media. They are certainly our kind of people and, hopefully, they count us among their friends. 

Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

Some of you may remember that, last year (2019), we spent a month in Newfoundland - our first visit to our easternmost province. It had been on our bucket list for many years, so it was awesome to finally dust off that ambition.

Since then, I have been meaning to post a blog about the amazing experience we had with our encounters with icebergs in, what is known as, Iceberg Alley. At last, I've gotten around to writing this. 

Before you watch the slide show, there are a couple of interesting things we found out about these ice giants - mainly from the guide on the Iceberg Tour Boat, out of Saint Anthony. 

Icebergs usually being their journey when huge chunks off ice break off from the glaciers near to Greenland. It usually takes 2 years for them to float into the vicinity of Newfoundland/Labrador, where they tend to become trapped in bays, or bights, and remain there for a couple of months until they melt away, usually in mid-late July. The month of June is an excellent time to view them, as they sometimes come quite close to the shoreline, and there are some amazing photos, on social media, of humongous icebergs forming a backdrop to a small village, with buildings dwarfed in front of them.

This video shows some Greenland gravel on the top of the flat surface:

 

On some of the photos, you'll see a straight blue line, in the iceberg. These lines indicate a previous waterline mark before an iceberg upends, as a result of becoming top heavy. We didn't see it, in person, but when an iceberg turns upside down, it is a phenomenal event to witness. 

In this slide show, the first two pictures in the slide show are taken from the roadside on our journey up the western side of the Island, on our way up north to Saint Anthony. 

This first glimpse of an iceberg was spectacular as it was shaped like a huge swan!

Most of the pics are from our boat tour. One iceberg, at Saint Carols, was so magnificent that, at the end of the tour, we decided to drive round to the cove and view it from the land. We remained there for a couple of hours, taking in the sheer beauty of this natural edifice while enjoying a picnic on the rocks. 

Towards the end, you'll see another photo of an iceberg taken from Dungeons Provincial Park, near Bonavista, and the last few are from an iceberg we went to see near Twillingate. The latter iceberg (with the boat next to it) actually split in two the following day. We missed it by just a few minutes. 

Anyway, here's the slide show.... just click the picture to start it. 

The guide and skipper on the tour boat had a great sense of humour, too. As we approached our first large iceberg, they started to play the theme music from the movie, 'Titanic'! The boat went in quite close, and the tour guide was able to chip off a large piece of ice, which he proceeded to break up into small pieces for each of the tourists to try. Although there was a slight taste of salt (because it had been in the sea), it was crystal clear, and refreshing. The glaciers from which the iceberg had come were formed before the Industrial Revolution, and so were free from most of the pollution formed since that era. 

He was telling us that many local folk gather the ice from the bergs and use it to make beer. They call it, 'Iceberg Beer', and it's a speciality in the area. 

Beer, or no beer, we will never forget our first encounter with these ice giants. 

 

Happy 64th Birthday, Mark!

Happy Birthday to this wonderful human being who made his first appearance in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Mark is the easiest person to love, as anyone who meets him will attest. He has a wonderfully warm spirit, a beautiful heart, a great capacity for listening, and lives life to the fullest. 

I am so blessed to have known him over the last 28 years and I know that I’m the luckiest man alive to be with him 24/7. 

Darling, you have my heart, now and always. I will love you forever and a day!  xxx ooo