Back in time at Markham Fair, Entering the New Millenium

colourful ride at markham fair, markham, ontario, 2005

Owing to the covid-19 pandemic, Markham Fair, like so many other events, was canceled for 2020.  We thought it fitting, then, to look back in time at Markham Fair as we have experienced it with our family over the past 40 years. Read more

Cecropia Moths mating in Rouge National Urban Park

Cecropia Moths mating in Rouge National Urban Park, Markham

With the covid-19 virus still spreading and pandemic restrictions curtailing our activities, Bob and I found ourselves taking frequent walks in nature but staying close to home.  On one such outing, we came upon a pair of Cecropia Moths mating in    Rouge National Urban Park. 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 in late May 2020, we happened upon this newly fledged Eastern Screech Owlet. Read more

Butterflies At Ecocentro Danaus – Costa Rica

jean at ecocentro danaus, costa rica

Day 2 in Costa Rica had us first completing a very early morning guided bird hike.  After breakfast back at Hotel Kokoro, Bob and I headed to Ecocentro Danaus on the edge of La Fortuna.  It is a private reserve with a butterfly conservatory where Bob and I hoped to see some of Costa Rica’s tiny winged jewels. Read more

Lake Chapala Birding En Route To Mexico City

lake chapala, mexico

On our last day in Mexico, Bob and I planned to do a little birdwatching along the shores of Lake Chapala before heading east to Mexico City for our evening flight.  As we packed our luggage, pastoral sounds emanating from the urban farmyard next door floated in on the cool breeze.  Shortly thereafter, we found ourselves in the colourful community of Chapala located on the north shore of Lake Chapala. Read more

The Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

photograph of Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, 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 were based 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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Our Stay At Valley View Lodge In Sabie, South Africa

photograph of the front garden at Valley View Lodge, in Sabie, South Africa.

Front porch at Valley View Lodge in Sabie, South Africa

Our arrival at Valley View Lodge in Sabie came at the end of a prolonged drive from the airport in Johannesburg.  Of course, there were many stops made along the way for photo ops, including one in Long Tom Pass where the highway climbs into the mountains between Lydenburg and Sabie.

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Western Brook Pond In Newfoundland

western brook pond, gros morne national park, newfoundland, canada

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada, is well known for its fjords.  Western Brook Pond is one such fjord that was carved by glaciers and is now shouldered by forests and cliffs.  Because it is landlocked, the long, narrow body of water is referred to as a pond or fjord lake. Read more

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