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!