May 2006

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Trees and rocks, and rocks and trees

May 25, 2006 in Out & About by admin | No comments

Algonquin Park is just the same as ever, though the annual May long weekend trip was colder than most — we had rain, snow, hail, and (occasionally) sunshine… sometimes all within a few minutes of each other.

We noticed a strange, apparently waterborne pollen that collected on the shores of the lakes and rivers. It collected most magnificently about a certain beaver dam, where it had the consistency of an omelette. The exact source of the stuff remained undetermined… could be shoreline flowers, algae, extra-terrestrials, etc.

Alces alces

It does not take long to see that the mighty moose is truly the park celebrity – it’s not uncommon to see dozens of cars stopped in the middle of the road, passengers eagerly observing the noble beast as it rambles around the ditches along Highway 60.

The Canterbury Effect

May 16, 2006 in Observed by admin | No comments

Well, I'm sitting inside the bus terminal, waiting, looking at people. When a raggedy old pigeon lands on a seat about a few feet away, the folks nearby smile awkwardly, look alarmed, and share significant glances with those who have noticed the strangely behaving bird. Look at that! Don't let it bite me! It better not crap on my suitcase!

Why is it that certain bonds form among those who happen to be travelling together? When we are by ourselves in unfamiliar territory, perhaps we are more likely to reach out to other folks who are passing by. On the road (when we travel) social conditions appear to be different — there are fewer trappings of peer groups (when travelling solo) and class distinction (on buses, anyhow — there's only general seating). Inhibitions may be lower; at times like this it seems easy to open up to strangers… why not share stories, thoughts, and such?

Another question: why do people find pigeons to be so scary? Something about that blank stare, that bobbing head…

Cheese Factory

May 10, 2006 in Lost & Found by admin | 1 comment

Cheese Factory

Time was, Bishops Mills was home to a cheese factory (right on Kemptville Creek). There's not much left of it now, and no sign of the walls or foundation — only rusty old boilers and other cheese-making mechanical contraptions. The land's for sale, too.

Old Schoolhouse

May 10, 2006 in Lost & Found by admin | No comments

Schoolhouse

After closing in early 1900s, the Bishops Mills schoolhouse was used for a while as an Orange hall. Eventually, it was sold to a private owner (who, as a matter of fact, happened to be passing by as the photo was taken).

Paddling Kemptville Creek

May 5, 2006 in Out & About by admin | 2 comments

Kemptville Creek

Mild, sunny — basically, a nice day to be out in the canoe. Relatively high water levels made for easy passage, though in certain places we could tell that the beavers had been busy. Assorted wildlife: ducks (mostly drakes), mink & leopard frogs, muskrats, and a water snake. Jen tried to catch a painted turtle, but was unsuccessful; she settled for a tadpole instead.

The creek’s one of the windiest ones I’ve ever paddled, congested with tussock, casually meandering. “Must have taken an apprenticeship under the letters S and Z.”

Tractor Graveyard

May 5, 2006 in Lost & Found by admin | No comments

Tractor

While canoeing down Kemptivlle creek, we caught sight of some unusual objects onshore. Hopping the wire fence at the top of the bank, I took a look — the remains of an old tractor, sitting in the corner of a field. Along with it, an assortment of other junk: unidentifiable pieces of machinery, large broken windows, a mailbox, a moldy winter jacket. Back in the canoe, I realized that a closer look might have turned up the year/model of the old thing. Might be worth checking back sometime, to see if anything else has turned up.

Folk Archeology

May 3, 2006 in Lost & Found by admin | No comments

One of the benefits of digging around is that sometimes you find neat stuff… like antique cigarette lighters. This old Auer Champion turned up in the garden out back:
Auer Champion
It came up pretty rough, but a soak and a scrub (using Jen’s toothbrush for the tricky bits) left it looking a little better. Couldn’t have been buried that long, as it isn’t very rusty. Couldn’t have been made all that long ago either, as it has JAPAN engraved in the bottom. Early 70s, late 60s, maybe. Art Deco.

Anyhow, back to the garden; cucumbers are waiting.

Overheard #1

May 2, 2006 in Observed by admin | No comments

“I don’t know if this is chocolate or dirt under my fingernails…”

“Well, it sounds like you’ve been living a pretty good life.”