Quiet Forest at Eau Claire

A brief but welcome mild spell was just the incentive I needed to head out to Eau Claire Gorge.  In 30 minutes I was into a beautiful dead-quiet forest.

This tiny spider was only about 3 mm long, but he stood out on the snow.  I wonder about his body chemistry.  How does he generate energy?  What does he eat?  Where does he go at -30?

I was the only hiker on the trail.  I enjoyed moving at my own pace and leaving footsteps behind.  It was peaceful but occasionally falling snow would register in my peripheral vision and I would catch the final death throes of a snow clump,  it's muffled sound startling me.

This place is fun in all four seasons, but I think my favourite season for a hike to Eau Claire Gorge is the winter.

Back to Ottawa

This weekend I drove Kate, Erin, and her friend Stephanie back to Ottawa U.  John and I drove them down and we spent the night at my brother's home.  It was great to see Dennis, Sherri, Ella, Mia, and Smooth.  Smooch wiped his ass on my foot.  He's beautiful.

The weather on the drive down was sunny and cold.  Lots of beautiful scenery and very little traffic.

On the drive home we stopped in Deep River for lunch.  My brother Dennis recommended that we stop at the Rocky River Cafe for lunch.  We did.  Delicious.

 While driving through Mattawa I snapped this photo along the water front.

A great trip.  Simple.  Relaxing.

Good Grief

Bernie Zweermand and Patty Ann Dennis are two of my mentors.  I was lucky to start my teaching career with them at Regina Pacis Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.  They remain an important force in my life.

Bernie is a fisherman.  He loves it so much that if you stop in at Bass Pro in Vaughn, you will find him in the fishing department.  Working.  He comes up to Promised Land Camp each year to go ice-fishing.  His guests included Mike and Jason, who also work at Bass Pro.

Bernie invited Patty Ann and I to dinner.  A wonderful meal and great conversation.

Princess of the Wild Flowers

It was a stormy Saturday morning when my daughter Erin and I decided on a hike out to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.  The park was closed, but the Canadian Ecology Centre encourages people to use their parking lot and come out and enjoy the winter wonderland in and around the park.

 The black and white contrast was beautiful.

A fun hike.