A World Explored

Footbridge over Mud Lake

2012-02-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

Footbridge over Mud Lake in Ottawa. Click the pic to see a larger view.

Ottawa River Shoreline Panorama

2012-01-30T10:46:00.001-05:00

Ottawa River shoreline near the Britannia water treatment plant. Click on the photo to get an expanded view.

A Walk Around Mud Lake in Ottawa

2012-01-28T17:39:00.000-05:00

Snowshoeing again in Kanata

2012-01-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

For the second day in a row, we took advantage of the good weather and snow conditions and went snowshoeing. This time we went out to the South March Highlands Conservation Trails in the west end of Ottawa. The trails are maintained by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association, who ride out here year round. There are many bird feeders along the trails where birds can find food in the winter.

Jay Heins enjoys a ride on the OMBA trails on a special trail bike made for winter riding.

First snowshoe of 2012

2012-01-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

We finally had enough good snow to go snowshoeing this year. We went up to Gatineau Park, in Québec. This pic was taken from the footbridge not far from the visitor centre parking lot in Chelsea. Click on the pics to enlarge them.

We did trails 60 and 61. The conditions were ideal – sunny, fresh snow and not too windy. It was very cold though (-20C). It took a long time for our fingers to warm up.

Despite the few snowfalls we have had so far this year, there was fairly good snow coverage on the trails.

Fresh snow on trees is always worth a photograph!

Tea time!

As you can see, we were not the only ones there.

Two pics from Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa today

2011-12-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

Cross-country ski tracks after the latest snowfall

Cross Canada Trail Marker

White Christmas in Ottawa

2011-12-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

Two pics from Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa today

2011-12-22T16:38:00.000-05:00

Cardinal taking off

Maple leaf in ice

Frozen in time

2011-12-20T19:17:00.000-05:00

Branches from a fallen tree are encapsulated in ice along the Ottawa River shoreline.

Ottawa River Shoreline Panorama

2011-12-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

Two pics from Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa today

2011-12-10T17:06:00.000-05:00

Click on the pic to see the full panorama

Geese flying to Mud Lake for the night

2011-12-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

Ottawa River Shoreline Panorama

2011-12-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

Click on the pic for a larger view

Two pics from Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa this morning

2011-11-18T10:51:00.001-05:00

Click on the pics for a larger view

Two panoramas from Britannia Park in Ottawa

2011-11-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

Click on the pics to see the full panorama

Mud Lake panorama

2011-11-05T15:15:00.001-04:00

Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa. Click on the pic to see the panorama.

Mud Lake panorama

2011-10-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

Taken today in the Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa, Ontario. Click on the pic to see the full panorama.

Trekking in Peru

2011-10-13T13:40:00.003-04:00

On the road between Maras and Moray. Click on the pic for the full panorama.

We went to Peru for the first time last month. It was a short trip, but very enjoyable. We had some time on our own in Lima before joining up with our group from Intrepid Travel.

We did the four-day, three-night Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. It was difficult, but very rewarding. Some of us middle-aged folks had trouble with the altitude and we huffed and puffed trying to get enough air into our lungs, but in the end, we all made it. Afterwards, we had some time on our own to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

You can see our photographs here.

The terraced hillsides above Pisac, in the Sacred Valley, Peru. Click on the pic to see the full panorama.

Thanksgiving day hike in Ottawa

2011-10-10T17:25:00.000-04:00

We went out to the South March Highlands Conservation Forest for a hike this afternoon. It was a beautiful day to be outside; warm and sunny.

We saw lots of families out hiking, as well as several mountain bikers enjoying what will probably be one of their last rides of the season.

Click on the photographs for a larger view.

A week in Gros Morne

2011-08-25T13:10:00.001-04:00

We spent a week on an organized hiking trip in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. It was fantastic. We had quite a bit of rain, but the tour company managed to rearrange the schedule so we could get most of our hikes in on the dry days. If you get a chance to go, do it. Newfoundland is a fabulous place for a vacation.

Hiking across the bog on our way to Lookout Hill.

For more photographs, please click here.

Mid-week hike on the Wolf Trail

2011-07-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day in the Ottawa area today, so we decided to head up to Gatineau Park for a hike. We chose to do the Wolf Trail, as we have not been hiking on it for some time.

As we are training for hiking trips to Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Machu Picchu in Peru, we carried fully-loaded backpacks, despite the fact that we did not need rain gear or extra water today.

Even though is was mid-week, we met several people on the trail, including two couples from the UK and three girls from Spain.

We forgot to bring out swimsuits, which meant that we were not able to take advantage of nearby Meech Lake. Note to self: next time!

Click on the photographs for a larger view.

Admiring the scenery

Fungus on a tree

The view from Tawadina Lookout. We stopped here for lunch.

Fortunately, the signage in Gatineau Park is pretty good. It is hard to get lost.

Wetland area along the Wolf Trail.

Climbing over one of the fallen trees along the trail.

Celebrating Parks Day with a walk in Gatineau Park

2011-07-16T19:03:00.000-04:00

As it was Parks Day in Canada today, we decided to join in the fun and went for a hike in Gatineau Park in Québec. It was a hot, sunny day in the region and the bugs were out in full force, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.

Our 14-kilometre hike took us from the Visitor Centre to Keogan Lodge, where we stopped for a picnic lunch, before returning back to the car.

Click on the pics for a larger view.

Keogan Lodge in Gatineau Park

Interior shot of the lodge where we stopped for lunch

Creek just beside Keogan Lodge

One of the locals

It was so hot today, some of the riders decided to walk up the hills

Panorama of a wetland area off Ridge Road in Gatineau Park

Finally made it up to Gatineau Park for a hike.

2011-06-18T22:25:00.000-04:00

Trail markers on a fungus-covered tree in Gatineau Park. We went on a four hour, 14 kilometre hike today. Conditions were perfect. The breeze kept (most of) the bugs away. Lots of stops for photos and a picnic lunch.

On the (ski) trail going towards Wattsford's Lookout

On Trail 61- one of our favourite snowshoe trails in winter

I have photographed this rock for more than a decade, and it still doesn't do anything!

When a woodpecker is hungry, there's no stopping him!

The view towards Ottawa & Gatineau from Wattsford's Lookout

A couple of days in Toronto

2011-05-05T09:39:00.000-04:00

Lennie Gallant at Hugh's Room in Toronto.

Frank Gehry's wooden staircase at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Galleria Italia, Art Gallery of Ontario

Giuseppe Perone's The Hidden Life Within, Galleria Italia, Art Gallery of Ontario

Interacting with art, Harbourfront

Passing elevators, downtown Toronto

Barber shop, Queen Street West, Toronto

St. Lawrence Market, Toronto

Great night in Wakefield

2011-04-10T15:17:00.000-04:00

We drove to Wakefield, Québec (about 45 minutes outside of Ottawa) last night to see singer/songwriter Lynn Miles perform at the Black Sheep Inn.

She was accompanied by Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals. It was a fantastic evening of old and new songs, and the packed house of middle-aged fans clearly enjoyed it.

Fortunately, we had booked a room at Mon Petite Chum B&B, so we did not have to drive home after the show.

There's nothing like seeing good music live – especially if you are only a couple of metres away from the performer.

The next morning we were treated to eggs benedict in bed before heading back to Ottawa.

Click on the photographs for a larger view.

Evocative photos on display in Montreal

2011-03-18T22:39:00.001-04:00

We went to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts today to see an interesting exhibition of early French photographs. Unfortunately, we found out about this show at the end of its run, but nonetheless it is well worth seeing if it comes to a museum near you.

There are many black & white albumen silver prints, salted paper prints, and daguerreotypes from some of the early 19th Century masters on display.

Having been to many of the places that are shown in these photographs, we can say that is was nice to see how these locales looked before the onslaught of modern-day tourism.

Bird watching

2011-02-15T15:54:00.000-05:00

It was a good day for birding around the Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa today. I saw a cardinal and a nuthatch.

The waxwings are back

2011-02-11T15:38:00.000-05:00

I went for a walk around the Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa this afternoon and was pleased to see the waxwings back in town. Lots of berries for them to eat. I took this with a Canon G12; not the best camera for birding. I will go back with my DSLR and a longer lens.

Sunday afternoon snowshoe in Kanata

2011-02-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

Julie, Bruce and I went out to the South March Highlands Conservation Forest in Kanata for a leisurely two-hour snowshoe today. The conditions were not as good as last week (see previous post), but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

We stopped at the bird feeders and before long, about a dozen chickadees and nuthatches came by to check us out and eat lunch.

There were a fair number of cars parked on Second Line Road, however, we did not see too many people on the trails.

Looking forward to getting some fresh snow next week.

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Snowshoeing in Kanata

2011-02-03T18:51:00.001-05:00

We went snowshoeing in the South March Highlands Conservation Forest in Kanata today. The conditions were perfect. Fresh powder snow, blue sky, no wind and not very cold. It was one of those days where you say to yourself, "work can wait for a couple of hours."

The area is in the news a lot right now because developers have just started cutting down trees to make way for a huge housing project.

We are not sure how the area we were snowshoeing in will be impacted (if at all), but the people we talked to were worried about the loss of green space in their neighbourhood.

Certainly, there will be a lot more traffic – both people and vehicular – around the conservation area in the near future.

Click on the photographs for a larger view.

Snowshoeing @ Lac Philippe

2011-01-18T17:36:00.000-05:00

We went snowshoeing on trails 73 & 74 at Lac Philippe, Québec today. The weather was okay. It was not too cold and there was no wind to worry about. Unfortunately, there was no sunshine either.

We parked at P19 and walked to the trailhead of #74 and put our snowshoes on there. We were disappointed by the lack of snow. It seems the snow is falling on other parts of the continent. There were exposed sections along the trail and we could see tree roots and rocks.

Having said that, it was still a beautiful day to be outside in the fresh air. We stopped for lunch at Philippe Hut, and were able to eat outside, because it was not too cold.

Although there were several cars in the parking lot, Julie and I were the only ones snowshoeing. Everyone else was cross-country skiing. We did not see a soul for almost three hours.

Lac Philippe is a beautiful place to go snowshoeing. There are some challenging sections for novices, but none too serious. A varied terrain makes this outing really enjoyable.

Click on the pics for a larger view.

Déjeuner sur neige!

Fewer options for snowshoeing in Kanata

2011-01-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

We went to Kanata (which is in the far west end of the City of Ottawa for my non-local readers) today to go snowshoeing. We had lots of fresh snow yesterday so the conditions were quite good. Unfortunately, we discovered the trail we snowshoed on last year has turned into a housing development. I realize we have to put people somewhere, but cutting down forests is not always the only option.

First snowshoe of 2011

2011-01-08T18:32:00.000-05:00

Bruce, Julie and I went up to the Visitor's Centre in Chelsea, Québec this morning to snowshoe the two dedicated snowshoe trails in the area (#60 & #61).

The conditions were okay; however, there were several exposed sections along the route, where we could see roots and rocks.

That did not seem to deter anyone though; it was quite popular up their today.

Pre-Christmas Snowshoe

2010-12-18T20:25:00.000-05:00

We went up to Chelsea today and snowshoed around trails 60 & 61. It was our first outing of the season and we were surprised that the conditions were so good. We expected to see many exposed sections, and were happy that, for the most part, the roots and rocks were covered. We encountered one detour around a felled tree on the lower part of trail 60. Otherwise the trail was open.

We saw deer tracks and heard a few bird songs, but saw only two other people just as we were heading back to the visitor centre.

Let's hope that everyone can enjoy a long season of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!

Hiking around Lac Philippe

2010-10-05T21:18:00.001-04:00

We went up to Lac Philippe, Québec today and walked on the trail that we will be snowshoeing on in a couple of months. It was a perfect day to be outdoors.

Taking a pic of a maple leaf under water

Here it is

Shadows on a tree

It was so beautiful today, even the locals wore shorts!

Gone Fishing

2010-09-21T14:45:00.000-04:00

A blue heron stalks, catches and flies off with a fish. Photos taken at the Mud Lake Conservation Area in Ottawa.

Hiking the Wolf Trail Loop

2010-09-06T16:38:00.000-04:00

We hiked the Wolf Trail Loop in Gatineau Park this morning. After paying $10 to park at P13 (Blanchet), we started our climb up trail 62. It was a beautiful morning for hiking. No humidity, sunny with cloudy periods and a nice temperature.

Considering the parking lot was almost full, we did not run into anyone for the first hour. Unfortunately, the mosquitos are still around (can't they take a hint?)

We stopped for pics and tea along the way and made it back to the car just as the rain started. We were out about three hours altogether.

As soon as the leaves start changing colour, this place will be mobbed.

As you can tell by the sign on the tree, this trail does double duty: hiking in summer & snowshoeing in winter.

The view from one of the lookouts. Not quite the same as the Julian Alps in Slovenia!

The (not so) Emerald Lake in Gatineau Park. This is a joke for our European hiking friends. When we were in Slovenia in the summer, we went on a hike that took us to what was billed as the Emerald Lake. As it turned out, it was nothing more than a pond (albeit a nice one). We joked that they don't know the difference between a pond and a lake.

A day in Bohinjska Bistrica, Slovenia

2010-08-16T22:06:00.000-04:00

On our last day in the Lake Bohinj district, we thought it would be nice to do a photo walking tour of one of the towns in the area, so we took a morning bus to Bohinjska Bistrica, about 10 kilometres from our hotel. The bus ride cost 2.60 euros each and the driver let us off right on the outskirts of town.

We stopped at the first cafe we saw and had a cappuccino (1.20 euros) by the river. After we paid up, we decided to wander around and see where the road took us.

Here are some photographs of the day in the town. If you would like to see some of our pics from Ljubljana and Kranska Gora, please click here.

We stopped here for a coffee before our walk around town.

Backyard with brightly-painted beehives.

Water fountain in the middle of town.

Locals buying fresh fruit and vegetables.

Agriculture is still a big part of the community.

Locally produced items for the tourist trade.

Excellent, reasonably priced pizza for lunch.

As a bonus, we walked the 10 kilometres back to our hotel. All in all, it was a great day. The original weather forecast called for showers, but it turned out to be hot and sunny all day.

Sunday drive

2010-06-21T07:04:00.000-04:00

Photo: David Paterson wrapping up a piece of his artwork.

We took a drive out to Merrickville and Perth yesterday. It threatened rain, but never did, which we were glad of. Lots of people of on Main Street in Merrickville, touring all the little shops.

We stopped into David Paterson's glassblowing studio and had a nice chat with him. He showed us his studio and some of his work. We bought a beautiful custom-made bottle stopper which David made from molten glass and other materials.

Afterwards, we drove to Perth and wandered through beautiful Stewart Park, before having dinner at Fiddlehead's.

We got back to Ottawa in time to watch a beautiful sunset from our balcony.

Photo: David Patterson's glass-blown bottle stopper.

Photo: Stewart Park in Perth.

Tulip Festival in Ottawa

2010-05-11T14:45:00.001-04:00

The annual tulip festival is on here in Ottawa. Click on the link for more information. Click on the photos for a larger view.

Local artist Jill Alexander (above and below) painting tulips in Ottawa during the annual tulip festival.

Mud Lake in the rain today

2010-05-08T15:01:00.002-04:00

Another hike in Gatineau Park

2010-05-01T20:12:00.001-04:00

We went up to Gatineau Park this morning for what turned out to be a 3 hour 45 minute hike. We started at the Visitor's Centre in Old Chelsea and made our way to Keogan lodge, where we stopped for lunch before heading back again.

We had a couple of brief rain showers but nothing serious. All in all, it was a good day.

The flowers – and the bugs – were out in all their glory!

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Short but nice hike in Gatineau Park

2010-04-24T22:03:00.000-04:00

We went up to Gatineau Park this morning for a short hike. We did not have a lot of time as we had theatre tickets in the afternoon, but the weather was too good to ignore.

We parked at McCloskey (P12) and took trail #40 up to #38, then over to #16 (which also seems to be called #62 – can someone explain that?)

The trilliums have started to come out – which is a sure sign of spring! The trails were good except for a couple of soggy sections in the low-lying areas.

The only downside was the number of flies that have come out this week. They were absolutely everywhere. Fortunately, they were not the man-eating black flies – but we know they are coming....

Hiking in Chelsea

2010-04-11T22:22:00.002-04:00

We went for a three-hour hike from the NCC Visitor Centre up to and around the Skyline Trail and back today. The weather was so-so. It started off cloudy and very windy but got better. We dressed for rain but did not get any (until it came time to bbq dinner later in the day).

Some of the trails are still quite wet – so wear hiking boots – not sandals (as we have seen in the past).

The view from Skyline Trail. You can make out the highway back to Ottawa in the distance. Click on the photos for a larger view.

The NCC's Spring Interpretation Programs started today as well. More information can be found here.

First hike of 2010

2010-04-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

We went up to Lac Philippe, Québec, today for a 4.5 hour hike. This is the earliest we have ever been able to hike. No spring skiing/snowshoeing this year – the snow is practically gone.

We parked at P19 and walked along trail 51 for 45 minutes until we got to the junction that meets up with trail 53 that goes to Wakefield. At that point, we turned around and made our way back to P19 and then picked up trail 73 and took it along the lake to trail 74, which led us back to the parking lot at P19.

The weather was fantastic today. Sunny and very warm. It was interesting to see a man sunbathing on the beach with ice still on the lake in the background.

The great thing about this weather is that there are no bugs! No mosquitos, black flies, etc... Although, we all know what is coming....

I am sad that the snowshoe season ended so early. However, I am glad that we are able to access the hiking trails again.

Get off the couch and enjoy the good weather!

A day at the sugar bush

2010-03-21T11:05:00.002-04:00

Photo: collecting sap using a vacuum system.

Photo: boiling the sap.

Photo: adding fuel to the fire for the evaporator.

Yesterday, Bruce and I went to Fortune Farms near Almonte, Ontario to tour their sugar bush and buy some maple syrup. The mild temperatures have not helped the production, but they were still able to coax some sap out of the trees via their modern vacuum system.

It takes about 40 litres of sap to make one litre of maple syrup. Fortune Farms has 7,000 taps on the trees in their sugar bush.

The Kettle Boys and the Shanty Men were working the old kettles and evaporator to the delight of the crowd. They explained the whole process of making maple syrup and offered free samples to anyone who wanted one (and yes, we all wanted one!)

We also got to make our own coasters, using a branding iron and a piece of wood.

If you have never been to a sugar bush before, make an effort to go. It is a lot of fun.

Photo: branding a coaster. Photo by Bruce Thomas.

Photo: liquid gold!

Click on the photographs for a larger view.

Two Days in Prince Edward County

2010-03-18T23:31:00.002-04:00

For my birthday, we went on a mini-vacation to Prince Edward County (about a three-hour drive from Ottawa). I know the area a little as I went to journalism school in nearby Belleville. The weather was perfect - sunny & warm – and everyone had their pre-height-of-the-tourist-season happy face on.

We lucked into a fantastic bed & breakfast, a beautifully restored five-bedroom home (circa 1900) and were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves.

One of our main reasons for going to Picton was to see James Keelaghan at The Acoustic Grill on March 16. We had made a reservation and arrived early enough to grab a great seat. We had never been to the Grill before and therefore did not know what to expect. But I can report that it is a fantastic place to listen to live music. After being there, I am not surprised why so many Juno-award winning artists end up on the Grill's stage.

James Keelaghan is entertaining – witty when he needs to be and serious when he needs to be. Check him out if you get the chance.

We liked The Acoustic Grill so much that we went back the next night for their St. Patrick's Day party. Quite a different atmosphere, but very enjoyable.

During the day, we went on a couple of wine & brewery tours and were able to sample and purchase some of the great product that is being made in the county.

There are numerous high-quality restaurants and art galleries to keep visitors happy.

If you have not been to the area before, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

James Keelaghan performing at The Acoustic Grill in Picton, Ontario.

Steve Purtelle, owner of The Acoustic Grill, lets everyone know when the next St. Patrick's Day party will be.

The Regent Theatre on Main Street in Picton.

Snowshoe trails not as bad as we thought today

2010-02-21T18:08:00.003-05:00

Given the lack of fresh snow of late, we were not sure how the trails were holding up in Gatineau Park. However, after spending 90 minutes on trails 60 & 61 in Chelsea, we were quite surprised at the conditions. There were a couple of rocks peeking through, but all in all, it was not as bad as we feared. The weather today was good too – mild but no wind to worry about.

If you have not been out snowshoeing lately because we have bare roads to drive on, fear not. The snowshoe trails are still enjoyable. Don't break out the hiking boots just yet!

Snowshoeing in Chelsea

2010-02-06T19:34:00.001-05:00

We went up to Chelsea today for a 1 hr 45 minute snowshoe on trails 60 and 61. The weather was perfect - sunny and very little wind. The only downside was the fact that we have not had much new snow so the trails were hard packed and icy in spots. We ended up going around twice. It is very well marked and impossible to get lost on. The trail is rolling with a couple of steep sections, but nothing that novices should be worried about. Click on the pics for a larger view.

Trail 60 cuts across a cross-country ski trail and turns into trail 61 on the other side.

Conveniently, at the top of the hill, there is a spot to enjoy the view and have a cup of tea!

Another walk around Mud Lake

2010-01-31T16:52:00.003-05:00

A Nuthatch checks us out.

Bruce and I went for a 90 minute walk/photo safari around Mud Lake (here in Ottawa) today. The lighting was not great for photo ops, but we were able to get a couple of snaps in.

The recent rain has killed snowshoeing for the moment. We need lots of fresh powder, but unfortunately, the weather gods don't seem to be interested in supplying us with any...

Ice meets water on the Ottawa River.

Another day snowshoeing around Lac Philippe

2010-01-22T20:11:00.002-05:00

We went back up to Lac Philippe today to go snowshoeing. The weather conditions were absolutely perfect - not too cold, no wind and bright blue skies.

We arrived around noon. We would have arrived earlier, but it was very dull and overcast and we wanted to wait for the sun to come out.

After parking in P19, we put our snowshoes on and took trail #74 (same as last week). An hour later, we arrived at Philippe hut where we stopped for a cup of tea and something to eat. We then continued on until we got down to somewhere around Smith Beach, where we left the trail and started snowshoeing right on the lake itself.

As we approached the eastern tip of the lake, the ice became noticeably softer and we were worried about becoming ankle deep in water.

We decided to turn around and get back on the trail towards P19. All in all, we were out for about four hours, counting all the photo ops and lunch and tea breaks.

The great thing about going on a Friday was that the place was almost deserted. We hardly saw anyone in four hours.

It is days like today that make you really glad to live in this part of the country where we get four distinct seasons and a park in which we can enjoy all of them.

Gatineau Park - je t'aime!

24 hours in Wakefield

2010-01-09T21:24:00.007-05:00

We went to Wakefield, Québec, on Friday night to listen to some music at the Blacksheep Inn. We got there in good time to get a table (shows are quite often sold out and seating is first come, first served).

The John Punch Band opened the show. The headliner was Ottawa's own Lynne Hanson.

Both acts were quite good. It's always nice to hear live music.

Afterwards, we walked back to our charming little B&B to get a good night's rest.

The next morning, Dawn made us a fantastic breakfast and then we were off to Lac Philippe to go snowshoeing.

It was cold to start, but once we got warmed up, we were okay. We were treated to a beautiful blue sky, very little wind and not too many people on the trails.

We started from P19, took Trail #74 to the Renaud hut, where we stopped for tea, then proceeded to Lac Philippe. Trail #74 is rolling, with lots of trees to protect you from the elements. It was very photogenic with the blue sky and snow-laden trees.

As expected, it got colder as we moved on to Trail #73, which follows the shoreline of the lake. Once we got to P19, we turned around and did the same route in reverse.

We stopped at the Philippe hut for lunch, and then made our way back to the car.

All in all, we were out for about four-and-a-half hours. You could probably run this loop in an hour in the summer, but hey, we are not training for the Olympics!

Besides, we wouldn't have taken these pics.

First snowshoe of 2010

2010-01-01T17:45:00.009-05:00

We went up to Chelsea, Québec, this morning to go snowshoeing. The weather and conditions were just about perfect. What a great way to start off the new year. Click on the pics for a larger view.

Last two photographs courtesy Bruce Thomas.

Birds out and about

2009-11-19T16:24:00.010-05:00

We went for a walk around the Mud Lake Conservation Area this morning. Lots of birds out on the prowl for food. This time of year many of them dive bomb you hoping you have something to give them. These chickadees were happy to see us.

This was as close as I was able to get to this heron.

Upside down woodpecker.

This cardinal stayed in the tree until we were well out of the way.

This nuthatch kept buzzing us.

Nature plays tricks

2009-11-14T14:03:00.009-05:00

We went up to the Visitor Centre in Chelsea this morning to get the NCC's new winter trails map. There are two new snowshoe trails this year which we are quite happy to see.

While there, we went for a hike on one of the snowshoe trails near the centre. All the leaves are down now. We have noticed that there is not a lot of red this year. Still, autumn in Gatineau Park is always enjoyable.

Photo: fungus on a log almost looks like coral here.

Photo: birch bark scroll.

Photo: anyone else see an alligator?

Photo: happy or sad face. Not sure which.

Perfect day for a hike in Ottawa

2009-11-08T14:23:00.004-05:00

Photo: A Blue Jay checking us out from a distance.

We hiked a couple of trails in the Stony Swamp Conservation Area this morning. Lots of people out enjoying the weather. Perfect day to be outside. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Saturday morning drive to Almonte, Ontario

2009-11-07T14:59:00.008-05:00

Photo: The mighty Mississippi River (no, not that one) flowing through the town of Almonte.

This morning we drove out to Almonte, Ontario to go to the craft fair.

It is a pleasant 40 minute drive from Ottawa via Highway 417 westbound. When we got there, we popped into the Robin's Nest Tea Room and made a lunch reservation before heading off to the craft fair.

We spent about an hour at the craft fair and bought some maple syrup, honey butter and a couple of Christmas presents (which I can't mention right now because the recipients read this blog!)

Lunch at the Robin's Nest Tea Room is fantastic. We got the last table there (glad we had a reservation). Everything is homemade and the butterscotch meringue pie is to die for.

There are many craft fairs going on all over the province right now. It's worth the drive to check them out and buy a unique Christmas gift for someone you care about.

Hiking around Luskville Falls in Québec

2009-10-17T16:59:00.015-04:00

Today, we went to Luskville Falls in the western part of Gatineau Park for a three-hour hike. The weather was perfect - cool and sunny. We have not been in this part of the park for a couple of years, so it was nice to see it again.

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Luskville is named after the descendants of Joseph Lusk, an Irish immigrant who arrived in the region in 1820. The falls are partially fed by a series of beaver ponds on the Eardley Plateau. The falls are most spectacular in the spring, when melting snow increases their size immensely.

As you can see, ice has already started to form on the branches. Winter is just around the corner....

We got lost and had to backtrack a couple hundred metres and cross the stream.

Leaves in the water. The "eyes" are staring at you!

The view of the valley about 300 metres below with the Ottawa River in the background.

The fire tower that was built in the 1940s and manned by forest rangers for about 30 years. Nowadays, aircraft patrol the park looking for forest fires.

Free talks in Gatineau Park

2009-09-26T17:12:00.007-04:00

Photo: Naturalist Interpreter, Genevieve Pilon, talking about trees, leaves and other interesting things.

We went up to Gatineau Park this morning to take part in the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) “Follies of the Fall Forest” event.

This is one outing in the NCC’s ongoing interpretive program, which is designed to help the public better understand and appreciate the 361 square kilometre park.

Our guide, Genevieve Pilon, gave us a lively and informative two-hour talk-and-walk around the Sugerbush Trail, which is located near the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea, Que., (819-827-2020 or 1-800-465-1867 toll-free).

Genevieve told us (there were about 10 people in our group) that there are approximately 50 tree species in the park. Not surprisingly, maple trees are abundant. While they were once used in the production of maple syrup and its byproducts, there is no longer commercial activity in the park.

We saw examples of white pine, ash, white birch, yellow birch (the official tree of Québec) oak, aspen, fir, spruce, black cherry, walnut and hemlock trees.

She explained how to identify the different species of trees by looking at a tree’s leaves, bark, buds and silhouette.

Autumn is a favourite time of year for many people to visit Gatineau Park as leaves are starting to change colour. Although, it is only early fall, we saw many examples of yellow, orange and red leaves on the trees and on the ground.

The group had an interesting discussion as to why leaves change colour and why trees shed their leaves each autumn.

The NCC’s autumn interpretive series continues until October 18. Tours are offered in both English and French.

Creatures in Kanata

2009-09-20T16:30:00.004-04:00

Another perfect day for hiking. As you can see, the mosquitoes weren't the only things that were out and about.

Perfect weather for hiking in Gatineau Park

2009-09-19T14:40:00.006-04:00

We went hiking near Chelsea today - on the same trails that we snowshoe on in the winter. Despite the perfect weather, the two trails we were on were deserted. The weather is supposed to hold for another couple of days, so we will get out again tomorrow.

Too nice to be inside...

2009-09-12T15:24:00.003-04:00

Beautiful weather for hiking. We went on the Wolf Trail in Gatineau Park today (no, we did not see any). Afterwards, we stopped at a roadside stand to get some fresh fruit. These are glory days in Ottawa right now!

Balloons over Ottawa

2009-09-05T09:08:00.003-04:00

Photo: As one balloon lands in Britannia Park, another one flies over the West Ottawa Tennis Club on Saturday morning.

The 22nd annual hot air balloon festival has been blessed with good weather. This morning, dozens of balloons drifted over our apartment building in the west end. This photo was taken from our balcony.

The sun finally shines in Ottawa!

2009-09-04T19:11:00.006-04:00

Photo: a canoe on Lac Taylor in Gatineau Park in Québec.

After one of the wettest summers on record, the Sun God finally came to Ottawa! We had beautiful weather all week. Today, we took advantage of it and went hiking around Lac Philippe in Gatineau Park, Québec - about 40 minutes from Canada's capital city.

Despite the fact that it was Friday before the Labour Day weekend, the park was almost deserted. We parked the car in the lot before the main gate and avoided paying the $9.00 entrance fee. Instead, we walked the one and a half kilometres down the main road to Breton Beach, where we picked up the number 55 hiking trail. This led us four kilometres down a secluded trail until we arrived at Lac Taylor.

We saw about a dozen couples in their campsites enjoying the good weather. It has not been a great summer for camping in the Ottawa area, but this weekend brought near perfect conditions.

Photo: The first signs of autumn.

Fun at home

2009-08-16T17:49:00.008-04:00

Photo: The locomotive of the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train about to be turned around on the turntable so it can take passengers back to the station in Hull, Québec.

This weekend, we took the four-hour Sunset Dinner Train through the Gatineau Hills in Québec as part of our stay-at-home holiday.

Even though the service has been operating since 1992, it was our first time on it, and I must say, it was very enjoyable. We had a four-course meal as we leisurely made our way up to the village of Wakefield. Along the way, we listened to a number of young musicians who wandered up and down the aisles playing a variety of instruments and singing traditional folk songs.

When we arrived in Wakefield, we disembarked and watched as the locomotive was placed on a turntable, spun around by six people and hooked back up to the train so it could take us back to our starting point - the train station in Hull.

We picked the right time to go on this trip. It was hot and sunny this past weekend, which put everyone in a good mood, considering we have had a very wet summer this year. Fortunately, the train is air conditioned and non-smoking!

Reservations are required as the train regularly sells out.

In addition to the dinner option, they also offer a Fall Foliage Tour.

For more information, please go to their website.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T18:17:00.007-04:00

Photo: A new Canadian selling flags on Wellington Street in Ottawa on Canada Day.

It's always great to be in Ottawa (Canada's capital) on July 1. Lot's to see and do. Free entertainment too! We went downtown to the jazz festival to listen to some homegrown talent.

Later, we walked up to Parliament Hill to check out what was going on. It was really interesting to see the number of new Canadians (aka- immigrants) waving the Maple Leaf and singing the national anthem.

What a great country. Bonne Fête Canada.

First hike of 2009

2009-05-18T15:04:00.007-04:00

We finally made it up to Gatineau Park. Despite the fact that it was a holiday, the park was not very busy. Even better, the bugs weren't bad either - although we know they will be...

We did a three-hour hike from the Old Chelsea parking lot up to and around the Skyline Trail loop. The weather was perfect.

The trilliums were out in the thousands too. Lots of photo ops.

La belle ville de Québec

2009-05-04T21:46:00.031-04:00

Photo: Bakers at La Boîte a Pain in Québec City.

If you are looking for a European flavour to your holiday but don't have time to travel all the way to Europe, consider heading to beautiful Québec City.

We came here to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on May 3, and fortunately, neither the city nor the weather disappointed us.

We had not been here in six years and we were quite pleased to discover new neighbourhoods and restaurants.

Walking is the preferred mode of transport here. Parking is difficult; and according to one cab driver, so is driving: "they keep changing the names of the streets."

Julie and I spent most of the weekend exploring the old town by foot. It's a great way to linger on architectural or cultural details and a great way to work up an appetite.

We toured the Plains of Abraham and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec.

For those who are physically challenged or simply don't have time to explore tous les quartiers, electric buses run around the old town and are free!

Free is good, because you will need your money when it comes time to eat. Si vous voulez manger within the ramparts of the old town, be prepared to drop significant coin here. For our anniversary dinner, we spent $240 for a three-hour, five-course meal at Le Patriarche. You have to love a restaurant that finishes the evening with a plate called Death by Chocolate!

The down side of the weekend for us was that two of the music clubs we tried to go to had gone bankrupt. Still, there is no shortage of things to do. If you have not visited Québec City before, put it on your list. You will enjoy it.

Photos: Le Chateau Frontenac at night and during the day.

Spring has sprung in Ottawa

2009-04-12T13:04:00.009-04:00

The birds are out, the Canada Geese are back and the ice is off Mud Lake. Pretty soon it will be mosquito season. Ugh...

Snowshoeing in Kanata

2009-01-18T17:07:00.013-05:00

Photo: Julie and Bruce at the start of our short trek. Click on the pics to see a larger image.

Julie, Bruce and I went snowshoeing in Kanata today. For my non-local readers, Kanata is in the west end of Ottawa and is best known for its high tech companies and also as the home of the NHL's Ottawa Senators ice hockey team.

Despite being built up, there are pockets of green space (or white space this time of year), but they seem to be disappearing fast.

It was overcast and dull, but we had some fresh snow and warmer temperatures (compared to last week) which made it more enjoyable. We accessed the trail from a new location because the old access point has been turned into a subdivision, which I had previously blogged about here.

Photo: Bruce photographing the bird feeders. We saw chickadees, pileated woodpeckers and ducks today.

Photo: A river runs through it. Actually, it's just a creek....

A flock of bohemians!

2009-01-11T13:56:00.004-05:00

It was a great day for birding around the Mud Lake Conservation Area today. The weather was beautiful and the birds were out. Besides the usual mallards and chickadees, I was able to photograph some bohemian waxwings and pileated woodpeckers. Please click on the photos to get a larger image.

Another perfect day for snowshoeing

2009-01-10T16:10:00.001-05:00

Bruce, Julie and I got up to Chelsea around 10 a.m., this morning. The weather and snow conditions were perfect for snowshoeing. On top of that, we practically had the trails to ourselves. You've got to love days like these! Click on the pics to see a larger image.

First snowshoe of the season!

2008-12-10T17:53:00.000-05:00

Photo: Paraskating on the Ottawa River. I needed a long lens for this and left it at home.....

Julie and I went snowshoeing today - although not together and for different reasons. Because of the transit strike, Julie snowshoed into work (2 hours 50 minutes) instead of taking the express bus (20 minutes).

I, on the other hand, got to leisurely cruise around Britannia Park and Mud Lake for two hours. Unfortunately, I did not bring the right lenses with me and I missed several shots. My fault for being a lazy photographer.

Ottawa had a major snowfall last night and the conditions were perfect for snowshoeing. I am lucky that I can walk out my front door, put my snowshoes on and away I go. I hope to have many more days like this one.

Photo: A beaver comes up for air near the Britannia water treatment plant. This was as close as I got to him. After I took this pic he dove underwater.

Photo: The moon rises over Britannia Park.

Winnipeg

2008-11-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

Photo: Exterior view of the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

I had a quick trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba this week and although I did not have a lot of down time, I did get a chance to enjoy the Winnipeg Art Gallery. It is well worth seeing.

You cannot take photos inside the building or of the exhibits, but do not let that dissuade you from checking out what is on right now.

The Inuit Dance Drum gallery is very interesting, as are the amazing black and white photographs by Finnish-American photographer, Arno Rafael Minkkinen.

I quite enjoyed the exhibit - 2 Chairs, as well.

Check out the above link for more info.

My friend Bruce recommended a trip the the Wagon Wheel for a bite to eat. I did not time it right for lunch (and their famous club sandwiches, but I did have a thoroughly enjoyable mid-morning snack.

The diner is more than a half-century old and although is looks a little rough around the edges the food and service is good.

In the evening I attended a presentation by Donna and Dale Finch who spent nine months in East Jerusalem volunteering with the Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Very enlightening!

I was able to walk around downtown and spent some time by the river (now frozen over). The weather was good - dry and cool with little wind. Great walking weather.

I cannot vouch for the nightlife or the bar/restaurant scene as I was preoccupied.

Another time....

Photo: Interior shot of the Wagon Wheel diner.

Photo: A statue of Louis Riel.

Photo: I did not get a chance to enjoy tea at the Fort Garry Hotel, but the artifacts in the lobby are well worth checking out.

When in Tuscany...

2008-09-25T09:51:00.004-04:00

Photo: Anna Kasper pouring wine for us at Castello Del Trebbio.

For our last day in Italy, we decided to go on a wine tasting tour of Tuscany. As we were based in Florence, we chose a tour company recommended by the owner of the bed and breakfast we stayed in.

For 75 euros per person, Tuscan Trails took us to two different wine-producing regions outside of Florence and put on a meal to die for.

We (six Americans, two Canadians) left Florence at 10 in the morning and came back at five in the afternoon. Our guide - Anna Kasper - a hip, young Bay area woman with a love for all things Italian, led the tour. She spoke the language and her knowledge of Italian culture and wine was impressive.

First up, was a visit to Castello Del Trebbio. The castle was built in 1184 by the Pazzi family, who gained notoriety by trying to kill Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici. Not a bright thing to do. It cost them their empire. The winery (under new owners) now produces 360,000 bottles of wine per year. Unfortunately, the winery does not export to North America. Oh well, another reason to go to Tuscany!

Anna uncorked three wines for us to sample. First up, was a white called Bianco di Castignano - served at room temperature. This was followed by a 2007 Chianti and finally, a Chianti Rufina Lastricato Riserva 2004, which brought oohs and aahs from the crowd.

We also sampled some of the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil.

Before bidding arrivederci, some of us bought a bottle of two, for those long winter nights ahead...

It was time for lunch, so Anna took us to Agriturismo Trebbio, a unique centre that combines commercial saffron production and family vacation opportunities away from tourist-mad Florence.

We were treated to a fabulous lunch consisting of a variety of cheeses and salamis, bruschetta, followed by two homemade pastas, an excellent caraffa del vino and topped off with two artery-buster desserts and espresso.

About 90 minutes later, we waddled back on to the minivan and headed off to our next winery - Fattoria Selvapiana.

It's a hard life, doing all this eating and drinking...

Still, we managed to sample four wines at this family-owned winery, which produces 180,000 bottles per year. We enjoyed a bold Chianti Rufina, which was followed by a 2006 Pomino (produced by Fattoria Selvapiana for Fattoria Potrognano). Then came a "Super Tuscan" called Fornace (named after the field where the grapes were grown). This was a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and was well received by all of us. The sampling ended with one of the winery's dessert wines.

We were treated to a tour of the winery's facilities, and were able to see the fermentation tanks and row after row of French Oak barrels (the smaller ones hold 390 bottles of wine; the larger ones hold 3,777 bottles), and the impressive wine cellar.

What we liked about this trip compared to other wine-tasting excursions we have been on in both Napa and Niagara is the fact that there was absolutely no hard sell by the proprietors. We came and went at our own pace; no one bothered us, and we did not have to walk through a gift shop in order to reach the exit.

All in all, it was a great way to spend a day. I am happy to report that our wine made it back to Ottawa intact and is now hidden away, for awhile, anyway….

Photo: The wine cellar at Fattoria Selvapiana.

Photo: Harvest time in Tuscany.

Another Manufactured Landscape

2008-08-09T13:48:00.000-04:00

We went for a two-hour hike in Kanata today on a trail that is maintained by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association.
We went snowshoeing here several times last winter and quite enjoyed it. I took the photo of the tree (see above) during one of those snowshoe treks.

Here is what is looks like now:

We used to start snowshoeing on a trail right here. As you can see, it is now a paved road.

I don't know how big this new subdivision is going to be, but I hope this isn't the end of this green space.

Despite being bathed in bug spray, the mosquitoes were out in full force today. The fun factor was pretty low as we were bitten several times. Why is it that they can put a man on the moon but they can't make a bug spray that works?

We managed to take a couple of pics before being eaten alive.

Touring Mud Lake

2008-07-21T07:09:00.000-04:00

Photo: Dave Moore of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club gives a talk about the Mud Lake Conservation Area.

Yesterday, we took a two-hour guided walking tour around Mud Lake thanks to the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee and the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. We have been to this conservation area many times, but did not know very much about the flora, fauna and geology.

For example, we learned that the ridge of earth that separates Mud Lake from the Ottawa River was in fact, man-made. The spillway that was created was originally going to be used for a hydroelectric project, but it was never developed.

The conservation area is now home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Thanks to our guide, Dave Moore, we saw (or heard) a number of different birds including a great blue heron, pileated woodpecker, and warbling vireos.

Mr. Moore pointed out a couple of interesting facts about the area that many in the group of more than 30 did not know.

For example, the area used to be owned by the lumber baron, J. R. Booth, and some of the old growth deciduous and coniferous trees are still standing because he wished to protect the area from logging.

Many of the trees, shrubs and plants are not native to the area. Brought in by settlers, they remain today. Another interesting fact that Mr. Moore pointed out concerns the shoreline. Since developers were not permitted to clear-cut the waterfront, the area continues to provide cover and support to a wide variety of small mammals.

The conservation area boasts a wide variety of terrain. Swamp gives way to scrub savanna as the elevation increases. Then you find yourself walking amongst old growth forest with such a thick canopy that very little sunlight reaches the ground. Mr. Moore emphasized that change to the area is ongoing. Mud Lake will look different in another 10 or 20 years.

All in all, a walk around Mud Lake is both a relaxing and educational experience. Just watch out for the poison ivy!

Photo: Poison Ivy lying in wait just off the gravel path.

Photo: A Great Blue Heron in a tree on the shoreline of Mud Lake.

If you would like to know more about the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, please click here

Hot & Sunny

2008-07-12T15:28:00.000-04:00

Julie and I met Carole and Pierre at the Visitor's Centre in Old Chelsea, Québec this morning for a hike. For Carole and Pierre, it was their first hike this season.

We went from the Visitor's Centre to Kingsmere and back. We started off on one of the snowshoe trails that we take in the winter. Since it looks so different in the summer, we got temporarily lost, but nothing too tragic. We soon found our way back on the trail going in the right direction.

There were lots of people out today on the main trails: bikers, hikers and trail runners. The Ottawa Bicycle Club held a race this morning and access to Gatineau Park was limited, although that did not affect us.

It was hot and sunny today. We were glad to be shaded for much of the hike.

After our hike, we went to Al's and stocked up on grease (bacon & eggs) as our reward!

2008-06-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

Photo: Fishing on the Ottawa River near the Britannia Water Filtration Plant.

In between acupuncture and physiotherapy sessions to cure my bulging disc problem, I went for a walk around Mud Lake this morning.

Mud Lake is a conservation area located between the Ottawa River and the Western Parkway. It is home to more than 400 plant and 200 bird species. It takes about an hour to walk around (or 30 minutes if the mosquitoes are out!), but you are sure to see something worth seeing.

Today, I had the place to myself - except for the fisherman and the mosquitoes.

I am sure the developers would love to get their hands on this piece of prime real estate. Personally, I don't think Ottawa needs to get any bigger than it already is. Let's leave our parks and wetlands alone.

New Travel Blog

2008-06-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to A World Explored.

I decided to set up a travel blog to share stories and photographs of adventures I have been on and will be going on. Some of them are local, some a little more exotic.

These first-person accounts will hopefully give you a sense of the joy that I get from travelling.