Need I say more?? Good morning!!!

Last night I just had to stop by the lake front on my way to meet friends for dinner. 

No luck in seeing the harvest moon last night, but the lake was very picturesque! Soon the boats will be all taken out of the marina. 

Almost a Harvest Moon Night.

Today was a beautiful Fall day, clear and sunny and a warm wind. Of course that means I packed the dogs into the car and went to the Marsh!   As soon we the dogs jumped out of the Honda, we spotted a Grouse. Sadie went into pursuit mode, and skillfully chased it back into the forest.

Millie was in charge of investigating the beaver pathways. Lots of activity in the dam making department.

We also saw a small flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. They make such a distinctive sound. 

Sadie loves exploring the boardwalk, and won't let anyone else take the lead.

The Red Osier Dogwood is already beginning to turn colour.

A beautiful sunset tonight. The moon is almost full, just missing a tiny sliver on one side. 

Mushroom Madness in the Rain

Today I found myself and eight other like minded souls traipsing through the forest in the pouring rain. At least the mosquitos and black flies weren't a problem.... Because it was 10 degrees!!!

I had signed up for a mushroom workshop lead by a naturalist from Toronto, Richard Aaron. We were outfitted with a gathering basket and glassine envelopes. We had our knives, and rain gear on. 

After a two hour in class session, we drove to Bass Lake Rd, on the outskirts of Cobalt. We were given an hour to comb the forest for as many different types of mushrooms and fungi as we could fit into our baskets. 

Who knew that this bright orange, toxic looking mushroom would prove to be the only edible (minus the slug) species that we collected today!!   This is an example of the "Lobster Mushroom". And yes, when it warmed up to room temperature, it did really smell like seafood! Simone was kind enough to thinly slice it into pieces, then sauté them in butter and garlic. Not bad.... But you can buy mushrooms at the store with a lot less fuss! (And without the wildlife)

Near the Lobster Mushroom was a nice collection of club moss. Another very interesting family of plants that I would like to learn more about.

It was pretty amazing how many different types of fungi there are right under your feet, once you learn to look for them. I definitely learned a lot about the forests that I spend so much time in, and never realized how diverse the fungi world is!

Two mushrooms from the same species, just with different coloured caps. The white dots are holes made by slugs.

Once we were back in the classroom, we sorted our collections into different groups. These are from the "gilled mushroom" group.

Friday the 13 th!

These cooler temperatures are making me think that it is time to start decorating the house for Autumn. I found these Chinese Lanterns growing in the back alley on the weekend. These two bottle were found this summer during different hikes around New Liskeard. 

Downward dogs and yoga mats

I have been known to take the odd pilates class or two... But when I came home from work yesterday, Claudia was very proud of the fact that she taught Sadie a few yoga moves. They had my yoga mat out, and now Sadie can do "downward dog" on command, and "child's pose" on command. 

But as this classy shirt says... I still prefer to drink wine!   Whether I have stress to alleviate or not!!!

Millie doing the downward dog in the water! Good yoga dog.

Quote of the day.....

Need I say more!!!???

A small secluded beach at Camp Lorraine. Would have been the perfect spot for a bonfire if only I had thought of it earlier and brought matches!!

Action shot of Lil' Sadie chasing smells at the beach.

You definitely get the feeling that this valley has seen more prosperous days in the past.

We ended our big adventure with two poutines at good ole Gramdma's Chipper.

The view from the beach looking north. Quebec is almost just a stone's throw away. The water was very rough today. Hard to imagine all the stories like the ones in Dave McClaren's books... Horses swimming across... People in row boats going across.. Early steamboats with the first settlers passing through the narrows...

I love driftwood. 

Looking south down the lake.

On a mission to "The Mission"

It's a cool, almost sunny day, and I managed to convince Justin to join me on a Sunday driving adventure. (Yes I did mention that I would make him go back to cadets if he didn't come with me....)

And yes! I took this picture from the passenger seat because Justin was driving!

We headed south down hwy 567, through the 'Lorraine Valley'. 

On the way towards Lake Temiskaming, I spotted a huge (30cm+) mushroom growing out of a tree. Maybe after next weekend's "Mushroom Workshop", I will know what kind it is. No we didn't pick it...

The road pretty much ends at The Mission. Such a historical site, so close to home. 

Thinking of you today, Popeye. Wishing you were here with us, get well!!!!!

This is the view from one of my favourite summer sitting spots. In a chair at the New Liskeard marina! My idea of boating! Having a glass of wine with friends on the dock.   As we were visiting, the wind dramatically changd direction, to easterly, and that's when we had to seek shelter briefly as a shower chased us onboard 'Bonaventure'. 

What a great picture of the view looking south down Lake Temiskaming. Maybe not the most ideal boating weather, but good sitting on the docks weather!

"Not All That Wander Are Lost". J.R.R. Tolkien

Today's birding adventure found the dogs and I just outside the town of Latchford. (Best Town By A Dam Site). A month ago Justin and I had  gone searching for this trailhead to no avail. These signs must be new! He and I just ended up walking down a gravel road that led us to the dump. Apparently the whole loop for this walk is 160 kms! I did maybe half a kilometre.

The trail runs parallel to hwy #11, so it was kind of noisy. It is a narrow trail, with lots of moss covered rocks. At one point I checked my phone for cell reception, and when I realized I didn't have any... I started to really feel like bear bait! That's when I turned around!

Bunchberry, (Cornus canadensis) grows everywhere in this forest. Guess that would explain all the Cedar Waxwings that I spotted. 

Bunchberry is unique in that it has the fastest pollen expulsion of any plant. The pollen explodes from the flowers with 2-3000 times the force of gravity. A camera would have to be capable of shooting 10,000 frames per second in order to catch the action!

Blundstones, a Birder's best friend

More than a decade ago I bought a pair of Blundstone Chisel Toe boots. They have been with me through thick and thin!   While farming I wore them everyday while doing field work, I wore them while riding my horses....  They are my gardening boots, even though I look goofy wearing them with capris!

I have discovered that they make great birding boots, as long as I keep them waterproofed. This is a picture of them BEFORE cleaning....  Sorry, no picture of the wet socks that went with them.

And this is an AFTER picture!   I only use Sno Seal on them. I always take the time to melt the waxy cream into the leather with a hair dryer, and as a bonus, due to the bees wax in the product the house smells like honey! (sort of) 

Even though I have worn these boots so far all season, I will admit that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of " Bogs", at Wilderness Dreams. I have saved up some extra wedding work money and will be splurging on a pair of those really cool rubber boots! They are rated to minus 40! Stay tuned for pictures of them!

The last unofficial day of summer

More pictures from a perfect Sunday

Beautiful marsh vegetation.

The new face of birding!

Ahhhh northern Ontario

No Tilley hat for this "Birder" girl!!!!

Yay!!!! Sunday, and not scheduled to water at work work, and no offers for my help at wedding work.... So sorry  Hillview Church!! Catch ya next week maybe! Cuz this girl is going birding!!!

The best kind of road to drive on!  "This road is not maintained in the winter".  Good ole CRV.

Viburnum nudum 'cassinoides'.     AKA Wild Raisin.   I came across this native shrub at the Hilliardton Marsh this morning. The berries will eventually turn a purple colour which makes the common name make sense. 

One of many nesting boxes at the marsh. I have been hoping all season that I would spot a Wood Duck. They have remained elusive so far....

I have always loved boardwalks!  Even Old Millie was having fun following this one. She was enjoying the scent of an alarmingly large pile of bear poop. We are obviously not the only ones that appreciate a firm trail to walk on!  

This was the highlight of the day!!!    My first time finding a carnivorous plant in the wild!   This is a pitcher plant. Every 'pitcher' had insects that had become trapped inside. Soooooo cool to finally discover one!