Category: National Parks

Photography from National Parks we have travel to around the world.

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

Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies in Ontario, Canada

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

We were really struck by the beauty of the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies that we observed in Toronto. This is a species that we had never seen before. Read more

Driving The Ecotour Road In Grasslands National Park

Image of jean sitting at the borderlands lookout, grasslands national park, saskatchewan

On our first full day at Grasslands National Park, after waking up very early and having a hearty breakfast, we took the advice of our hostess and set out to drive the Ecotour Road to the Borderlands Lookout.  It was a relaxing way to start our explorations on the heels of a very long travel day. Read more

Eastern Milksnake In Rouge National Urban Park

an Eastern Milksnake in Rouge National Urban Park, Markham, Ontario

Pandemic birding and nature hikes have kept us close to home since March of 2020, and one of our favorite places to get outdoors is in    Rouge National Urban Park.     On an early June day, we were very fortunate to see an Eastern Milksnake in Bob Hunter Memorial Conservation Area. Read more

Cecropia Moth Caterpillar in Rouge National Urban Park

cecropia moth caterpillar, rouge national urban park, markham, ontario

On a late summer afternoon, Bob made a brief stop at North Reesor Pond in Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His intention was to look for shorebirds, but with none presenting, he began to scour the reeds and bushes for insects. That is when he happened upon this most unusual caterpillar, a Cecropia Moth Larva. Read more

Cecropia Moths Mating In Rouge Park

Cecropia Moths mating in Rouge National Urban Park, Markham

On an outing to Rouge National Urban Park in Ontario, Canada, we came upon a pair of Cecropia moths mating beside a pond. Read more

Eastern Screech Owlet In Rouge National Urban Park

eastern screech owlet, rouge national urban park, toronto

Pandemic Birding had been a whole new experience for Bob and me.  Since the pandemic was officially declared in March 2020, we had made outdoor activities a priority but always kept within a 30-minute radius from our home.  On one such occasion we happened upon this newly fledged Eastern Screech Owlet. Read more

The Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

The Three Rondavels in the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa

For our first few days in South Africa, Bob and I stayed in Sabie.  Ideally situated enroute to Kruger National Park, the location also allowed us ready access to the sights along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route which takes in all of the Blyde River Canyon.  For us, the most impressive views were had at the lookout overlooking the Three Rondavels.

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