Eastern Gray Treefrogs Among the Milkweed

After a stretch of very hot weather, Bob and I were desperate to get out for a hike.  The Beare Hill Wetlands in Rouge National Urban Park, in northeast Toronto, Ontario, seemed a logical place to explore.   Among the various butterflies and insects sighted that day, we also managed to pick out some Eastern Gray Treefrogs.

Read more

Exploring the Great Sand Hills in Saskatchewan

sand dunes, great sand hills ecological reserve, saskatchewan

The first day of summer in Saskatchewan broke rainy and cool with the mercury sitting at 9° Celsius at 10 a.m.  Despite the bleak morning, our spirits were lifted by a candlelit breakfast since the power had been knocked out in Val Marie.  Although we were sad to leave Grasslands National Park, our next destination, Great Sand Hills Ecological Reserve, promised to deliver a unique experience. Read more

Exploring Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula

southeast brook falls, newfoundland

Before leaving the area around Rocky Harbour, and heading up the Great Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland, there were a couple of additional trails calling our names.  Near Lomond, Southeast Brook Falls required a short hike through a balsam fir and white birch forest. Read more

Wind-whipped on Green Gardens Trail, Gros Morne National Park

green gardens trail, gros morne national park, newfoundland

Bob and I had been told that the Green Gardens Trail was one of the most popular hikes in Gros Morne National Park largely because it highlights the contrasting landscapes of the Park.  Although we had already hiked the Gros Morne Mountain Trail and explored the Tablelands, we were keen to see the “green gardens” that stretch to the coast of Newfoundland near Bonne Bay. Read more

Our cold, wet hike to Fox Glacier in New Zealand

jean at fox glacier, south island, new zealand

When Bob and I stayed in the community of Fox Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island, it made perfect sense to hike into the actual glacier for a look.  On the appointed day, a slight break in the rain encouraged us to set off, but we ended up hiking in cold, wet weather for a view of the ancient blue ice. Read more

Shipwreck Of The S.S. Ethie Of Newfoundland

the wreck of the s.s. ethie, martin's point, newfoundland, canada

Having completed our tour of Western Brook Pond and with part of the afternoon still available for exploration, Bob and I decided to stop at the site of the 1919 shipwreck, the S.S. Ethie, on the west coast of Newfoundland. Read more

Stormy Skies Over Grasslands National Park

val marie, saskatchewan, near Grasslands National Park

Waking up extra early in Val Marie had its advantages.  Bob and I had time for a stroll around the village before it was time for breakfast.  At the bottom of Centre Street, the Val Marie Elevator stood tall. Read more

Beachcombing Natural Treasures Along The Indian Ocean

indian ocean, port elizabeth, south africa

After arriving in Port Elizabeth under the cover of darkness the night before, Bob and I were anxious to do a bit of exploring after breakfast the next morning.  A dull grey sky hung low over the coast as we began beachcombing for natural treasures along the Indian Ocean.

Read more

Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies in Ontario, Canada

baltimore checkerspot butterfly, rouge national urban park, markham, ontario

Back in June of 2017, Bob and I became aware of some Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies that had been observed in Toronto.  We were really struck by the beauty of these butterflies, a species that we had never seen before. Read more

1 3 4 5 6 7 20