Wasi Trails

Eric was host at the Wasi Trails this weekend so I dropped in with coffee.  When his duty was over we hiked around the trails for about an hour.  An easy hike.  Scenic. 

The groomer creates a near perfect groove for skis.

On the Moose Trail at the east end of the small lake.  A future trip to the warming hut about 1.5 hours up the trail is planned.

Historic Ski Jump

Just east of the current Laurentian Ski Club, a set of snow shoe trails snakes their way east then north to the pipeline, completing the loop back to the chalet.  The hike was only about 40 minutes with Chris Beatty leading the way.

It was a clear night with a full moon.  Perfect for hiking through the forest without the aid of headlamps.  This was an easy relaxing walk.

About half way through the hike we came across the foundation from the old ski jump that was built sometime in the 30's.  It seems that ski jumping, has been part of North Bay's winter activities for decades.

The cement footings for the ski jump can still be found buried in the snow just off the trail.

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.

Virtual Sailing

I have been embarrassingly absent from my blog.  Embarrass is too strong of a word; disappointed would be a better way to put it.

Writing is a valuable exercise.  Writing a blog is too easy.  So, as is often the case, a student has inspired me to get back at it.

I have left out many adventures since my last post--so for the purposes of getting something out, I'll tell you about the  Volvo Ocean Race. This is an actual race that is taking place now.  It is an around the world adventure.  Being a sailor myself, I love following this race and have even joined it by racing a virtual boat.  The game uses real world weather and ocean currents and there are 7 real boats plying the high seas.  As a fan of geography I am enjoying plotting my route around the globe.  You might too.  The game is free and easy to join.  If you do join, search for berniemw -- and send me a message!

Computer simulations have come along way since my youth.  I still remember the Intellivision system.  Yikes.  Long before the internet, these games were limited to you and one friend on the same console.  Today's games benefit from the ability to play thousands of people from around the world.

To hone my real-world racing skills, I practise with the free online game SailX.  Getting up closer to the start line is one of my goals for the next sailing season.  As with anything--STARTING is the most important step.