#Bruce Peninsula Living

[androdconstruction]

Creating Your Dream Home: Custom Homes and Cottages with And-Rod Construction

Are you dreaming of building your perfect custom home or cottage? Look no further than And-Rod Construction, where our experienced team is dedicated to turning your vision into reality. We offer a range of packages, including Huron Homes, Georgian Homes, and Linwood Homes, to suit your unique needs and preferences.

Huron Homes: Affordable Quality and Style

Our Huron Homes package is designed to keep costs down without compromising on quality or style. With features like Gentek vinyl siding, Cabinet Smith kitchens made in Canada, and pre-fab glass showers with custom tile, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, functional space that fits your budget. Whether it’s elegant interiors or a cozy gas or wood fireplace, Huron Homes delivers both comfort and sophistication.

Georgian Homes: Luxury with Essential Upgrades

For those seeking a touch of luxury, our Georgian Homes package offers quality and style with upgrades where they matter most. Enjoy genuine wood siding, custom-built Canadian kitchens, and custom glass showers with intricate tile work. The package also includes custom maple stairs and railings, and upgraded trim and door packages, ensuring your home exudes timeless beauty and charm.

Linwood Homes: Embrace Nature with Customizable Designs

Our partnership with Linwood Homes allows us to offer a variety of customizable designs that seamlessly integrate into the stunning landscapes of the Bruce Peninsula. From tiny homes to expansive post-and-beam models, Linwood Homes provides a perfect blend of traditional features and modern flair. With prefabricated materials, Linwood Homes are both budget-friendly and eco-conscious, making them an excellent choice for your custom home or cottage.

At And-Rod Construction, we believe in creating spaces that reflect your unique lifestyle and blend harmoniously with your surroundings. Whether you choose a Huron Home, Georgian Home, or Linwood Home, our team is with you every step of the way, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality. Start your journey with us today and discover the endless possibilities for your custom home or cottage.

[upinteriors]

Devil’s Glen by StudioAC

Devils Glen is located on the Bruce Peninsula a few hours north of Toronto. The design process began with a picnic on site where a discussion focused more on the natural elements of site rather than the building, and this inspired an ethic for the project to come. The design began with two fixations, one having the house sited true to a NSEW to take advantage of the solar path throughout the day, the view to the water and to avoid disturbing as much of the natural habitat as possible. The second fixation was to have the roofscape act as a device to shape light, levels of intimacy and vantage points to the treetops, water and sky beyond.

The house is organized in two linear bars, one with sleeping quarters and the other with open living. A modesty to the plan that uses a simple grid of 12’ x 16’ for living spaces and 12’ x 12’ for sleeping allows for unobstructed life to exist within. A simple shift of the two bars produces a covered terrace facing the water and a covered porch at the entry, while simultaneously increasing privacy for both the primary bedroom and the secondary bathroom facilities. This shift in the bars and the siting of the house also conceals the view to the water upon arrival to the site. Once you enter the house the landscape and water are revealed via vignette style windows facing the forest and an expansive glass wall facing the lake.

The plan is capped with a seemingly simple roof that structurally and formally responds to the extensive snowfalls that can happen in the area. A modesty is observed in the roof’s formal and structural concept using framed and clad trusses to increase lateral stability, but these have a dual purpose. While the exterior face of the roof is consistent, a freedom was observed with what could be done with the partition between the two bars above the height of primary walls. Within each bay this partition is allowed to sway from left to right sometimes producing an intimate gable, a grand shed, or a funnel of light. This tactic is played with further in the form a skygazing platform that brings you up into this roofscape to view the treetops, clouds and stars.

The choice of a singular metal building was inspired by farm buildings in the area and a robust galvanized spec free from finish colours increases the robustness and reflects the hues of the landscape and sky throughout the day. On the interior a simple application of white painted drywall and plywood on the roofscape diagrams the architectural device while producing an unfretted backdrop for art, views, and sunlight.

Design: StudioAC Location: Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Year: 2022 Photography: Felix Michaud

[felidacy]

Batfam meets dead boy detectives agency

Shenanigans of ghosts Dick, Jason, Tim and Damian set in an alternative universe where they never met as brothers, having died long before that, but become family all the same. While following around young, poor psychic Bruce Wayne and tormenting him into staying alive through finding purpose in solving cases and bringing justice.

Bruce Wayne nearly dies alongside his parents on that fateful day when they are shot when the Dead Boy Detectives were close by, solving the case of a victim from the Joker. Impulsively, because he saw himself in Bruce, Jason possessed the body of a young police detective by the name James Gordon and followed the instructions of Tim to save the boys life before the ambulance arrived. They were now at risk of being discovered for breaking a rule by the Lost & Found Departement, but none of the boys could find themselves to regret the decision to help Bruce.

Against their better judgement they stick around, using the excuse of solving cases to keep an eye on the boy. They see how he is consumed by grief and got into more and more reckless situations as if he was daring death to take him. Bruce was unable to live with the fact that he was spared and his parents weren't. Dick saved Bruce from falling to his death by appearing in front of the boy and screaming, neither prepared to the fact that Bruce can see ghosts. They think at first it has something to do with his near death experience, but Bruce then reveals that he is a psychic and because of that always seen as an outsider and bullied regardless of his wealthy status.

It was then decided by the Dead Boy Detectives that in order to remind Bruce that he still has purpose in living, they will show him how he can thrive through justice and that his gift isn't a curse. Some more reluctant than others bring him into the agency and together they go through many shenanigans and cases, all the while Bruce grows in age and talent alike under their tutelage. And before they know it they are a very unlikely and supernatural family.

And family always likes to help Bruce even when he becomes Batman and gets the title of greatest detective, takes in his own children and becomes a mentor. They love him forever, but that does not stop them from absolutely tormenting him as big brothers should.

In a bittersweet way it gets way less awkward to explain the strangeness of Bruce Wayne when his own wards go through near death experiences and finally meet their uncles.

~

~

What I think the boys would have died of and their circumstances as ghosts. While tempting to just give backstories from Edwin and Charles to two of them, I thought it would be more appropriate to give them their own version.

Dick was killed in 1936 at a concentration camp after having been separated from his family because of his Romani ancestry that made people (Nazis) believe him to be dirty. He died nameless, one of many, and with no grave for his body as he was left to carelessly rot away. His family lived, but they never knew what happened to him and were unable to follow through with their funeral rites to guide him to the afterlife. He found himself unable to move on however as he wished to bring justice to all those that were killed and merely labeled casualties in war like he had been.

It was Dick that started the Dead Boys Detectives Agency, hence the awful name as everyone proclaims with his terrible naming skills.

Damian was the youngest when killed and not too far back in time too, the 1970s. He had grown up under the restricting rules of his family back in Arabia Peninsula when he discovered plans of his grandfather that wanted to rip Damian of his own future plans. Still a young boy, he wanted none of that and after packing his things and stealing some money he ran away to the land of America where the TV always told him it was the land of the dreams. Anyone could become wealthy there. Damian wanted to show his grandfather that he knew better and would bring honour to their family, in his way. But Damian soon found himself without money, stranded and in a country where he barely understood the language. Then one day he was too desperate and despite his instincts telling him not to, he followed a man and trusted him. Later on he was killed by John Wayne Gacy. Damian only wished to stay around until the man was discovered and his family took his body back, but instead his family rejected him despite recognising the body.

Damian was a rage full and miserable ghost for a long time after his death and being discarded by his family as he couldn't understand why he was seen as dishonorable when he had been the victim, his family never once blaming the killer. As he wandered aimlessly and wished to bring misfortune on everyone, it was Jason that found him then when a witch wanted to use him for power and slowly got his trust after being rescued as the older boy taught him tricks to stay safe. Damian kind of just stuck around after that.

Tim despite not looking the part, is the oldest of the four, having been accused of witchcraft back in 1692 for simply wishing to heal people and yearning for more knowledge. His methods were unfit in their eyes and he was also seen as witch for looking too naturally feminine, blaming him to be putting up a false front and using bodyshifting to allure men. He was burned at the stake in Salem without ever having been listened to for once in his short life. This settled his resolve and he refused to move on, too stubborn to listen to death and instead find his own path.

In a strange way, Tim did not miss living as he soon realised. He had endless time now to learn whatever he desired. If it be science, languages, politics, autonomy or actually witchcraft now. Hah. He had so much to learn and he was delighted to just learn the laws and tricks in the world of the supernatural. This made him the expert in the Dead Boys Detectives Agency and he was called 'Old man' by the others for his behaviour and wisdom.

Jason just like all his brothers had been wronged. His death in 1950 was not out of the ordinary itself, a cop that shot him for the colour of his skin when he had done nothing wrong. It was an injustice and an action of racism, but in the grant scheme of things that just made him one of many and his family was able to mourn him for one thing. Unlike his brothers conflicted history. What truly wronged Jason however was when a careless necromancer came around and played with his body, just after he thought he was finally at peace and could move on. Instead he was yanked back into a body that was his but also not and he had no control over himself, left spiraling, as the body attacked others and gnawed at their skin. It sickened him and this time around he was glad when he was shot again. Murdered twice by the same man, one injustice one a saving grace. Jason from then on decided to never let others carelessly harm the innocent again.

Jason held some anger issues that he always attempted to hide away from others. Having grown up under heavy scrutiny of his father and the eyes of society that saw him as a dirty rat he had a lot of it bottled up inside. This makes him the most vicious ghost.

[dieletztepanzerhexe]

In his influential book Desert Frontier, James Webb argues that the Western usage of the terms ‘white’ and ‘black’ as racial markers ‘seem to be a distant and refracted borrowing from the Arabo-African past’.

[...]

Hall retraces the history of Arabic racial discourse in the Sahara and Sahel since the 17th century, and their final intermixture with European racial discourses in the colonial period. With Webb, Hall argues that ecological changes in the region since the 16th century worked in favour of nomad pastoral groups to the disadvantage of sedentary communities, leading to the political and military dominance of the former over the latter. This dominance was partly legitimated in a racialist discourse on cultural and religious differences borrowed in part from the thinking of Ibn Khaldûn on the origins of phenotypical difference. Ibn Khaldûn refuted the ‘Ham thesis’, linking the origins of race to the story of Noah’s curse of his son Ham, but his thinking was racial in that he linked phenotypical difference to cultural, religious and mental inferiority, positioning the inhabitants of the most extreme zones, the Africans and the Slav populations of Europe close to animals. He explained this inferiority through the classic Greek theory of seven climatic zones, and the detrimental effects of living in the most northern and southern climates. Of course, this theory presented a major hermeneutical flaw in failing to explain the rise of Islam in such an intemperate climate as the Arabian Peninsula, which is refuted by insisting on the moderate influence of the sea winds, which temper the Arabian climate. But furthermore Ibn Khaldûn believed that the deficiencies caused by life in the harsh climatic zones could be mitigated by adherence to Islam*. This concept was, as Bruce Hall demonstrates, reworked in the Saharan context to become linked to descent from Arabic Muslim lineages.

First, ideas about ‘white’ Arab Islamic culture that originated in the IslamicMiddle East and North Africa were made part of Southern Saharan cultural identity by a reconfiguration of local genealogies connecting local Arabic- and Berber-speaking groups with important Arab Islamic historical figures in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Second, local Arabo-Berber intellectuals rewrote the history of relations between their ancestors and ‘black’ Africans in a way that made them the bearers of Islamic orthodoxy and the holders of religious authority in the Sahelian region.

The political dominance of these Arabo-Berber groups, partly originating in ecological advantages, was thus legitimated by a claim on Islamic cultural and religious heritage, handed down in particular lineages of Arabo-Berber origins. Thus, religion, behaviour and descent were primal traits of ‘race’. Bruce Hall summons this reasoning up as: ‘To be “Black” is to be a son of Ham; to be “White” is to be a bearer of “true” Islam’.

*The story of the curse of Ham is known in the Muslim world. It is even very likely that it was through Arabic texts that the link between this qur"anic and biblical story, and the origin of races came into European discourse. The link between “curse” and “black” is explicit in Arabic as both are derived from the same Arabic root: SWD

Lecocq, B. 2010. Disputed Desert. Decolonisation, Competing Nationalisms and Tuareg Rebellions in Northern Mali.

[mistress-light]

Question for my followers that live in Canada. I’m off on vacation the 28th of May. I’ll be staying in Ontario and plan on visiting Phantom Five National Marine park and Bruce Peninsula National Park. And the niagara falls. Any more tips or need to knows or other cool spots that I should know of?

[jwenvs3000w24]

Blog 8: The Bear Necessities

Hey everyone I hope you’re all doing great and have had a wonderful time since the last time we’ve talked here. We’re already at week 9 which is WILD but I’m glad to have spent them talking with everyone here! Anyways let’s get into this week and I hope you enjoy this post as I am in love with these animals and their variety! Enjoy the pictures and my thoughts!

Bears. Every person to live has some different kind of perspective on bears. Many people think of them to be large terrifying creatures that are only around to cause havoc, or to scare people and animals. Some others think of them as nuisances that are getting into their garbage or compost and causing a mess. However, there are a few people (me included) that think bears are one of nature's most beautiful and majestic creatures. Bears range from being such small cuddly looking creatures to very large, muscular units of sheer strength that come in so many different colours between species and even within them too. 

This is a chart of many but not all the bear species from around the world, so that you have a visual of what these different species look like compared to one another. Retrieved from 79dd92b67197d50840ef0066a20b39a5.jpg (736×639) (pinimg.com)

There are so many species of bears: Polar bears, Grizzly bears, Brown bears, Sun bears, Spectacled bears, Panda bears, Black bears, and many more, but these are just the main species of bears. There are also subspecies of bears found within some species, for example, the Kodiak bear is a subspecies of Brown bear that is only found on Kodiak Island in British Columbia which differs from the normal brown bear species by being significantly larger, and has more aggressive tendencies. There is also a subspecies of Black bear called Kermode or Spirit bears is a more common name for them. They are essentially the same as a Black bear but have a snow white coat like a Polar bear. This white coat is not associated with albinism and does not have any detrimental health effects. The Kermode is my all time favourite bear along with its main species Black bear. There are thought to only be a few hundred Spirit bears to live and are extremely rare to occur. The Black bear species is a relatively docile species that will more times than not run away when encountering a human unless there is a threat to its life or that of a cub.

This is a picture of a Black bear taken just outside of a cottage in Tobermory, Ontario. This is a younger bear I would estimate to be roughly 1-2 years old and weighing approximately 200 pounds!

If you plan to stay within Ontario the most common bear you will see is the Black bear, but if you go really far up north you have the chance of seeing polar bears but it is a rare sight in ontario. There is a colony of Black bears of a couple hundred that live within the Northern and Southern Bruce Peninsula, but if you wish to see a Grizzly or Brown bear they are most commonly found in the more western provinces like Alberta and British Columbia.

One sad but interesting fun fact is that due to the northern ice melting and the Polar bear habitats being reduced it is pushing them further into Grizzly bear territories which is causing the two species to mate and create hybrid offspring.

This is a picture of a Polar-Grizzly hybrid taken from: OIP.8QjxLcuk8z8Vm5cPR_eGAgHaEs (474×300) (bing.com). As you can see from this photo it has more characteristics of a Grizzly bear but has a very light coast that is almost all white.

Thank you all for joining me this week and talking about bears with me! I am looking forward to all of your thoughts! Join me again next week to see what we are going to talk about!

[nmenvs3000w24]

Embracing the Elements: A Personal Journey Through Privilege, Risk, and Reward in Nature Interpretation

For my Grade 12 graduation trip, I went on a week-long adventure to the provincial parks of Ontario. One of the most memorable experiences was a 30-kilometer hike on the Bruce Trail in the Bruce Peninsula with my 2 best friends. This hike was a test of our fortitude, a dance with the weather, and a celebration of the privileges that made our outdoor adventure possible. 

As we explored the wild beauty of the Bruce Peninsula, I realized that my middle-class upbringing, education, and outdoor experiences were like keys that opened doors to the marvels of the natural world (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). However, I also recognized that not everyone has the same ease when approaching nature. Peggy McIntosh's metaphor of the invisible backpack highlights the advantages some of us enjoy, often without being aware of them (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). This journey made me aware of the different levels of undeserved benefits that helped me on my outdoor adventures. 

The elements were our guides in this rough terrain, and we encountered several challenges along the way. We ran out of water and realized I had forgotten my swimwear after we arrived. We also got disoriented in an unexpected downpour while hearing thunder in the distance. Our 30-kilometer walk was a risky dance with the elements, a challenge to our ability to survive and to persevere, and solve problems. Despite the difficulties, we continued on, feeling the weight of the elements pressing down on us with every stride in the pouring rain. The risk of discomfort, the uncertainty of the way ahead, and the unexpected formed part of a narrative that would later emerge as a story of personal victory (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). Not only did we arrive at our destination, but we also discovered bits of ourselves spread all over the trail. For example, I found my sense of direction when we got lost for a short duration. 

Reflecting on this journey made me realize that nature interpretation is not just a philosophical idea; rather, it was a lived experience (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). It was about finding joy in the process of accepting the storms, both real and metaphorical, and adjusting to the unexpected. Beyond being a breathtaking environment, the Bruce Peninsula became a co-author of my story and a partner in my quest for self-awareness. My privilege was more than just the chances I had; it was about valuing and growing from them. I see my role as not just sharing my own accomplishments but also building a community that recognizes the various backpacks that each of us carries. Accepting the many origins and viewpoints of other nature lovers on the Bruce Peninsula not only enhanced my experience but also demonstrated the transformative potential of nature interpretation (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). 

In summary, my journey through the Bruce Peninsula was a testament to the raw power and allure of the natural world. It was a test of fortitude, a dance with the weather, and a celebration of the privileges that made my outdoor adventure possible. It was also a journey of nature interpretation, where I discovered the transformative potential of accepting the risks and adjusting to the unexpected (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). This experience made me realize the importance of valuing and growing from my privilege and building a community that recognizes the various backpacks that each of us carries (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018).

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

Hooykaas, A. (n.d.). Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation [Lecture notes]. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.

[poetfire]

Tobermory - THE BEST 15 THINGS TO DO IN TOBERMORY, A PRETTY HARBOUR TOWN IN ONTARIO

THE 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOBERMORY, AN ONTARIO HARBOUR TOWN

Check out this article for more information: https://www.homebodyempire.com/the-best-15-things-to-do-in-tobermory-a-pretty-harbour-town-in-ontario/

The Best Guide to Tobermory Activities in This Adorable Harbour Town

At the apex of what I like to call Ontario's tail is the quaint little settlement of Tobermory. This waterfront village is located on the Bruce Peninsula, one of Southern Ontario's most beautiful areas. There are many thrilling activities available in Ontario's popular summer vacation destination of Tobermory. If you prefer being outdoors or want to experience some of Ontario's natural wonders, you must check out these things to do in Tobermory, Ontario.

NOTE ON TOBERMORY, A SMALL

The land on which Tobermory is situated is owned by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, who had been residing there for thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers. This area was inhabited by Ojibway and Odawa people before they were forcibly driven out to make room for incoming European settlers.

the oldest redwood in Canada's northern point, with views of the water

the oldest redwood in Canada's northern point, with views of the water

In the middle of the 1800s, the area was investigated to see if it might be used for agriculture. Despite the inability of the terrain to support farming, land portions were sold. As a result, some families experienced significant hardship while others totally abandoned the area. The construction of a sawmill in 1881 marked the beginning of the economy's growth, but it was short-lived due to overharvesting of the forests surrounding Tobermory and died out after only 20 years. The people died off as a result, and the economy crashed.

It took nearly a century for Tobermory to begin regaining its popularity when cottagers began to move in. In the 1970s, the town's population began to rise, and today it is one of Southern Ontario's busiest tourist destinations.

TOBERMORY: WHO IS SHE? WHAT COMES NEXT FOR ME?

The northernmost point of the Bruce Peninsula is where Tobermory is situated. There are mainly two ways to get about. You should locate Highway 6 and head in that direction because the majority of visitors are from the south. You may enter the heart of town by taking the main route on the Bruce Peninsula.

Southern Ontario alongside two national parks during the height of the season

Southern Ontario alongside two national parks during the height of the season

If you're coming from the north, use the Trans Canada Highway around Georgian Bay to Highway 400. From here, travel Highway 26 to reach Highway 6, which will lead you across the South Georgian Bay area. You'll reach Tobermory if you hang a right onto it after 80 minutes. The more popular choice is to take a boat from Manitoulin Island through the Chi Cheemaun. Tobermory may be reached from South Baymouth in about two hours. Every day, depending on the season, different departures take place. Visit the Chi Cheemaun website for further details.

The Best Things to Do in Tobermory

Tobermory may appeal to you for a multitude of reasons. Here are just a few amazing things to do, including marvelling at the awe-inspiring granite formations of the Niagara Escarpment and experiencing a bit of cottage country.

ONE SHOULD VISIT BRUCE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK

This is perhaps one of the main reasons people visit Tobermory. On the eastern side of the peninsula, Bruce Peninsula National Park was established in 1987 to protect a substantial piece of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Lowlands region. The 156 km2 Cyprus Lake Provincial Park, managed by Parks Canada, was first designated as a National Park.

Bruce Peninsula National Park offers more than 10 kilometres of hiking routes, front and backcountry campsites, and a variety of other outdoor activities like birdwatching, mountain climbing, and more. Use the park differently in the summer by swimming or by taking your canoe or kayak and enjoying the pristine waters of Georgian Bay.

a couple's final resting spot along Ontario's lakeshore town's lakefront.

a couple's final resting spot along Ontario's lakeshore town's lakefront.

At the moment, visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park necessitates arranging a timed reservation. There is a way to get past this time limit so that you can stay in the park longer. If you book a night at Cyprus Lake Campground, you are free to explore the park during your stay. This will not only allow you to explore more of the park, but it will also allow you to observe beautiful landmarks like the Grotto (more on that below) at sunrise or sunset—or perhaps both, for you early risers!

TRAVEL TO THE FAMOUS TOBERMORY GROTTO

So I believe this is the big draw for visitors to go to Bruce Peninsula National Park. The Grotto, also called the "Tobermory Grotto," is an amazing rock formation that has developed into a cave along the Georgian Bay shoreline. It should come as no surprise that it is one of the most popular attractions in Tobermory given that it is a truly magnificent natural wonder that has evolved over thousands of years.

Be prepared for things like black bears, but also don't forget to take advantage of the summer's most well-liked attractions.

Be prepared for things like black bears, but also don't forget to take advantage of the summer's most well-liked attractions.

Although it's not extremely difficult to reach the Grotto, many visitors attempt to down the sheer cliffside to explore the cave. The high likelihood of harm, the risk to first responders who would have to save you, and the most recent issue, the lack of space for physical separation, are just a few of the reasons why this is risky. Parks Canada has legally closed the cave for everyone's safety, even though it may be possible to access if you have the requisite expertise. You can still enjoy the view from the top of the neighbouring cliff right now!

THE BRUCE TRAIL WALK

You probably don't know this, but the famous Bruce Trail in Ontario ends near Tobermory. If you've never heard of the Bruce Trail, it's a route that stretches for more than 900 kilometres and descends the Niagara Escarpment to Queenston, which is near to Niagara Falls. Nowadays, hiking along the Bruce Trail and any of its numerous branching off-paths is a popular way for people to pass their leisure time. You shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Southern Terminus Cairn on the eastern side of the harbour.

fantastic shoreline views

fantastic shoreline views

The Bruce Trail, which passes through farms, provincial reserves, and areas that are close to cities, is actually the country's first-ever defined path. The terrain can be fairly difficult in some spots throughout the trail, despite the fact that there are a few easy sections scattered throughout. It's a good idea to come prepared and to always let someone know where you are, especially if it's your first time hiking that specific section of path. For more information on how to trek this well-traveled trail, check out my guide, which includes insider advice and techniques I've learned from my adventures along the Bruce Trail.

YOU MAY DISCOVER FATHOM FIVE NATIONAL MARINE PARK.

Fathom Five National Marine Park was created in the same year as the Bruce Peninsula National Park, making it the country's first national marine park. There are now only two marine conservation zones in the province of Ontario, and only four in the entire country of Canada.

Despite the fact that Georgian Bay's waters make up the great part of the park, a little section of it is really on land. The visitor centre is in a structure that is currently shared with Bruce Peninsula National Park; proceed there. This structure houses three distinct hiking trails, an accessible theatre, informative programmes, and educational exhibits about the area. One of these routes will lead you right into the centre of Tobermory, while the other two will lead you on a beautiful tour over the peninsula and all the way to Georgian Bay's shoreline. Don't pass up the opportunity to climb the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the neighbourhood! Without a doubt, the most well-liked activity that guests can partake in while at Fathom Five National Marine Park is a trip to Flowerpot Island.

DON'T MISS FLORPOT ISLAND

To get to Flowerpot Island, which acquired its name from the well-known granite pillars that resemble "flowerpots," cross Georgian Bay. Discover the paths that round the island as you approach the Flowerpot Island Lighthouse, passing by caverns and intriguing rock formations. Take the time to tour the island and bring some snacks and drink with you.

How long you want to spend exploring Flowerpot Island is entirely up to you. In around 1.5 to 2 hours, you'll be able to see the flowerpots and the cave. If you want to make it to the lighthouse, give yourself three hours to spare. But since you've come so far, why not devote a large amount of your day to seeing it all since you've travelled so far? Bring a picnic, take your time, and enjoy all the gorgeous views Flowerpot Island has to offer. The loop route will take you at least 4 hours to complete.

Tobermory is a terrific place for adventure, and agricultural gardening can help fill the prep fridge.

Tobermory is a terrific place for adventure, and agricultural gardening can help fill the prep fridge.

It's best to pack lightly because Flowerpot Island is a remote location. There is nothing there, including no shops, restaurants, or running water. There are composting restrooms at Beachy Cove, both beside the main pier and the historic lighthouse. Carry bug spray and sunscreen, wear sturdy footwear like a sturdy pair of hiking boots, and bring lots of drink. If you don't want to carry much, bring a Lifestraw water bottle so you never have to worry about running out! Of course, eating is important because a hangry hiker is an unpleasant hiker.

You must visit Flowerpot Island while in the area as it is one of the most distinctive things to do in Tobermory.

A CAMPSITE NIGHT ON FLOWERPOT ISLAND

Do you think the enjoyable day on Flowerpot Island might have been extended? You're in luck because overnight camping is permitted on Flowerpot Island. The only way to really appreciate this Ontario treasure is to camp at one of the six available sites in Beachy Cove. Since there are no fires permitted on Flowerpot Island, you must carry everything you'll need, including non-cook food or a propane camp stove for cooking (tent, sleeping bags, clothes, etc.).

Never spent any time outdoors camping? Here is a good spot to test the waters. The only difficult part is that you are "stuck" on an island distant from civilization. The trail is only a short distance long and very rugged, so you don't have to travel very far to get to your campground from the dock where you're dropped off. A huge positive in my book is that the island is bear-free (unlike the Bruce Peninsula).

STAY UP LATE FOR SOME SERIOUS STARGAZING

Despite not being a designated dark sky preserve, Tobermory clearly has a flavour of cottage country. A smaller population means less light pollution, which means better astronomy opportunities!

It could be challenging to stay up late after a long day of touring Tobermory, but you won't want to miss the stunning skies. Trust me when I say it was worth the loss of sleep! This is especially true if you want to camp on Flowerpot Island that night. If the solar storm is powerful enough, there's even a chance to view the aurora borealis, though it's far less likely to occur in the summer.

The northernmost city is Tobermory.

The northernmost city is Tobermory.

In my opinion, spending an evening stargazing while gazing into each other's eyes ought to be at the top of your list of romantic things to do in Tobermory.

Submerge yourself to view some shipwrecks.

In addition to being one of the best scuba diving spots in Ontario, did you know that Tobermory is the best place in the world for freshwater diving? You can get a fresh viewpoint on this Ontario site by going scuba diving. If you can brave the chilly water, you'll be rewarded to some amazing sights as there are about 20 historic shipwrecks in these seas!

Do you want to know if a PADI open water certification is necessary to dive in Tobermory? Even though you must be to dive the shipwrecks, the adjacent dive shop Divers Den offers introductory dives so you can get a feel for the sport. All you need to bring is a towel and your swimming suit because they will have everything else. If interested, you can also get your certification from them.

GET IN A GLASS BOOT AND RIDE AROUND

If you want to explore some shipwrecks but don't want to risk the chilly waters of Georgian Bay, this is one of the Tobermory attractions you shouldn't miss! From Tobermory Harbour, you may join a glass bottom boat trip to learn more about the history of the area and get a unique perspective of the waterways below.

There are two main types of enterprises in Tobermory. First up is Bruce Anchor Trips, which provides round-trip cruises for adults for between $38 and $44. Ask about glass bottoms before booking since only two of the four boats they offer have them. The other is Blue Heron Cruises, which costs between $46 and $60 for an adult. Although every ship in their fleet has a glass bottom, keep an eye out for their newest one because it provides the best views.

The ability to combine a cruise with a visit to Flowerpot Island for a whole afternoon (or day!) of fun is one advantage of sailing from Tobermory. This is without a doubt one of the most popular activities in the area.

GET A PADDELS

If you want to explore the waterways near Tobermory while remaining warm and (mostly) dry, get out on the lake and go paddling. You can use a number of different entry points to the water on several inland lakes as well as along Lake Huron's coastline. A straight connects Cameron Lake and Cyprus Lake, making this place a great place to launch a canoe or kayak trip down the Bruce Peninsula. Each island, including Cove Island and Russel Island, has a distinctive assortment of coves, bays, and inlets. More and more people are making their way to these two places in Tobermory if they want to rent a kayak or canoe and get out on the lake.

If you don't have a kayak of your own, you can hire one at Big Tub Harbour Resort or Tobermory Cruise Line. For those who are interested, the latter also offers the option to rent stand-up paddleboards.

Remember that the Great Lakes are the topic at hand! You need to be cautious because these waters have the potential to experience sudden mood swings as well as strong currents. To avoid getting into over your head on an adventure, always do your research and keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you are unsure of where you should paddle if you do not already know, speak with one of the nearby rental companies or get in touch with someone who works at Parks Canada to learn more.

EAT A FEW CHIPS AND FISH.

I don't know about you, but whenever I'm near a beautiful body of water, I have a need for fish and chips. Fortunately, you can get some in a few places around town!

Shipwreck Lee's is my favourite location to visit because I like the laid-back atmosphere and unique decor. Despite the fact that they have a dining establishment close to the ferry dock, I favour their smaller, more secluded satellite facility on Bay Street in the heart of the city. Their fish and chips cost between $10 and $15 and are crisp, savoury, and delicious. They also provide limitless fish and chips, something I had never seen before, plus a gluten-free option!

If Shipwreck Lee's is already packed, there are a few other eateries in Tobermory where you can satisfy your craving for fish and chips. The Crowsnest Pub is right adjacent to the harbour, while the Fish & Chip Place is obviously on the eastern side. If you don't mind skipping the chips, fish tacos are usually a decent choice and are offered at Coconut Joe's and the Tacomory Food Truck.

Go shopping time!

You likely came to Tobermory to enjoy the environment, but you never know when something insignificant can catch your eye. You should check out the town's many adorable stores!

You ought to visit Reader's Haven if you're even the slightest bit of a book nerd. They provide a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, but I advise browsing their section that supports Canadian and local authors. Additionally, you may purchase Bruce Trail souvenirs here, such as hats, calendars, and maps.

While you're driving on Highway 6, why not pause at The Sweet Shop? Their indicators are simple to ignore. Your sweet tooth might be satisfied with some of their exquisite treats. People are undoubtedly waiting in line to get an ice cream scoop even though they produce their own fudge and chocolates. Really, it just seems to fit perfectly with a beautiful summer day!

If you're looking for truly unique and thoughtful gifts, I recommend the Mariner Chart Shop. They offer some of the typical Tobermory apparel for tourists, but they also have some amazing handmade things. If you take some time to go through their store, you could be surprised by what you discover.

Get a tour of the Tobermory Brewing Company and sample some of their wares.

Yes, you read it correctly—Tobermory has its own brewery. There is no replacement for getting it on draught from the brewery itself, even though you can buy some of their beers at the LCBO. The TBC team follows the traditional European brewing technique, which involves brewing beer in small batches without the addition of ingredients or preservatives. Keep a look out for their seasonal beer selection, which is always changing!

If you happen to be travelling with someone who doesn't like craft beer, they also have a sizable wine list and a variety of locally distilled spirits. While you're there, order one of their amazing charcuterie platters to enjoy as a snack with your beverage. Stop in for a pint. Every dish on their menu is daily freshly produced in-house and, to the maximum extent possible, sourced from the neighbourhood. Take a seat on their patio and enjoy your beer while gazing at the stunning surroundings.

Contrary to the bulk of other companies in the area, Tobermory Brewing Company is one of the few places in town that is open all year round. However, given everything that is going on right now, it is advised to visit their website or Facebook page to learn about their most recent office hours.

GO CHECK OUT THE BIG TUB LIGHTHOUSE.

A trip to Big Tub is an absolute necessity for any successful vacation in Tobermory. Despite the fact that the Bruce Peninsula is home to several other lighthouses, Big Tub is probably the most recognisable.

Big Tub has been used to guide ships into the harbour for more than 130 years and counting since it was initially built in the year 1885. There have been many ship captains grateful for Big Tub's guiding light because the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay can occasionally be dangerous. Despite the fact that Big Tub has had six authorised lighthouse keepers, the light has been automated since it was initially put in place in 1952. However, the lighthouse you can see is actually the second one to have existed here, as the first structure was replaced with the present-day, six-sided wooden replica.

SEE A SUNSET

Tobermory is situated in a highly picturesque area, which, as you can imagine, adds to the breathtaking beauty of the city's sunsets. Although the views from the waterfront are quite beautiful, I would advise travelling to a less well-known place to watch the sunset. The Singing Sands beach may be found on Dorcas Bay Road, which can be reached by travelling south on Highway 6. The beach that stretches down the shore of Lake Huron is a more quiet area of Bruce Peninsula National Park and a great place to spend the evening, especially during the golden hour.

Truth be told, there are many of beautiful spots to watch the sun set along the Bruce Peninsula. Be on the lookout for locations as you explore the western side of the island where you might wish to return later to take in the cotton candy skies.

Accommodations in Tobermory and its surroundings

Even though I have visited Tobermory numerous times, I have never truly stayed there! I usually make it a day trip by staying at a motel close by and travelling there. Having said that, I would choose one of these alternatives if I were intending to stay at one of the Tobermory hotels.

The Grandview Hotel, which is about $135 per night, would be my first choice of lodging if I were to stay in Tobermory. Despite being basic, the guest rooms of the family-run Grandview Hotel are quite attractive. There will be a lot of blue, along with the nautical décor that I enjoy, so this shouldn't be a surprise. On-site dining options include a restaurant with a stunning patio overlooking Georgian Bay. Check what some of our previous guests had to say, or click here to see if any rooms are still available.

At the Bruce Anchor Motel & Cottages, a night's stay costs approximately $117. The Bruce Anchor Motel is an uncomplicated lodging option in Tobermory that is ideally situated next to the Chi Cheemaun. Their terrace offers some breathtaking views of the setting sun and overlooks Georgian Bay. In addition, they provide seven cottages, the most of which have three bedrooms and can easily fit four people. Additionally, I've heard that they will give you a discount on one of their cruises if you stay with them for the night. Clicking here will allow you to check the hotel's availability, or you can first read some reviews of the place.

Big Tub Harbour Hotel (around $135/night) is a great option for Tobermory lodging that also enables you to avoid some of the city's busier neighbourhoods. It is close to the lighthouse and may be located on the northern side of Big Tub Harbour. Some of the suites offer breathtaking views of Georgian Bay and its waterfront and are understatedly beautiful. Click here to see the comments that other visitors have made about their trip, or scroll down to read what they had to say.

Nevertheless, Tobermory has a reputation for becoming a little frantic during the warmer months of the year. It is usually required to make hotel bookings a very long time in advance if you want to find a place to stay in the city because it is such a popular location. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet vacation, I strongly advise you to find accomodation at either Lion's Head or Wiarton. Look at the map provided below to get a general idea of where to stay in Tobermory.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO TOBERMORY

As I mentioned earlier in this piece of writing, Tobermory is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. One of the areas in Ontario that is frequently mentioned as suffering the most from the negative consequences of excessive tourism is Tobermory. From the weekend of Victoria Day to the weekend of Labour Day, Tobermory experiences a sizable inflow of tourists due to the fact that so many people are drawn to Georgian Bay's breathtaking beauty at this time. If you want to spend the night anywhere, you'll need to make plans in advance because cottages and campgrounds fill up months in advance. This is particularly true for any extraordinarily long weekends that fall within that timeframe.

You should still be ready for crowds even if going in the middle of the week during the summer can be beneficial. You might drive into the city from one of the adjacent smaller towns, like Wiarton or Lion's Head, and stay there; however, you should be warned that doing so would result in parking issues. You will need to get in Tobermory very early in the morning or make plans to walk because there is a serious dearth of parking there.

Planning your trip for one of the shoulder seasons rather than the high or low seasons will generally work to your advantage. Even though many of the sites may still be closed at the start of spring owing to bad weather, Tobermory is at its most picturesque from the end of September to the beginning of October. The majority of the attractions will be open, and even while it can be a little chilly at night, daytime temps are normally rather pleasant. Your vacation won't break the bank because you won't have to pay the extra costs connected with travelling during the peak season. You have all the ingredients for a wonderful trip when you combine these elements with the fact that Tobermory has less tourists. Additionally, you'll be helping to prevent overtourism!

Last but not least, the only means to get to Tobermory is by driving using Highway 6, which comes to an end here before crossing Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island. This is the sole path that can be utilised to enter or exit the town. The number of vehicles that are stopped for exceeding the limit rises every year, despite the fact that the posted speed limit along this extremely straight portion of road is 80 kilometres per hour. In June of the previous year, there were over one hundred allegations of stunt driving made in just the month of May. This presents a risk to not only you but also to nearby residents, local wildlife, and other vehicles, pedestrians, and drivers on the road. Be a considerate visitor, contribute, and relax while you're here.

A QUICK GUIDE TO TOBERMORY

Are you willing to give some of these Tobermory activities a try? You are, I'm certain! Here are some frequently asked questions about Tobermory and some details you might find helpful when booking your vacation.

WHY REMARKABLY TOBERMORY?

The Tobermory Grotto's fame and the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula National Park have increased interest in this charming harbour town. There is, however, a lot more to see and do in the area, as this tour demonstrates.

HOW DO I PRONounce TOBERMORY?

excellent inquiry To say it correctly, say toe-burr-more-ee.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT TOBERMORY?

Everything depends on you. If you want to swim in the clear waters throughout the summer, it will be challenging to dodge the crowd. In my opinion, the best times to travel to Tobermory are in late September and early October when the weather is still pleasant enough for some outdoor activities and the crowds have thinned out.

HOW LONG SHOULD I REMAIN IN TOBERMORY?

It is possible to spend just one day in Tobermory, however it is advised that you remain for at least two or three days to take advantage of everything the town has to offer. Click here to see the available hotel options.

WHY IS THE WATER IN TOBERMORY SO COLD?

The reason the water in Tobermory is so frigid is because of the thermocline in Georgian Bay, an unseen boundary where temperatures change dramatically. The water is cold below this thermocline and starts off at about 3-5 metres below the surface in the spring, although it does drop to 25 metres or lower in the summer. Because it takes longer for the water above Georgian Bay to warm up, despite its depth, it frequently has cooler temperatures than other Great Lakes regions.

WHY IS THE WATER IN TOBERMORY SO CLEAR?

Tobermory's water is remarkably clean because it filters through the area's limestone bedrock. It might be a little cloudy after a heavy storm because the wind stirs up material from the lakebed, but it quickly clears up. An excellent essay with further details is available from the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation.

ARE THE FREE ACTIVITIES AT TOBERMORY PAID ACTIVITIES?

Tobermory does indeed provide a variety of free activities. Both exploring the town and strolling the trails in Tobermory are free activities. Furthermore, admission to Big Tub Lighthouse is free.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE WHILE TRAVELING TO TOBERMORY?

What an excellent question, given all the sights and activities to enjoy while travelling to Tobermory! Since many people go from the sizable metropolis of Toronto to Tobermory, these are some of the locations I advise stopping at.

Avoid missing out on the incredible Martian-like environment of the Cheltenham Badlands!

If you need gas, Orangeville is a great place to stop because, in my experience, it's typically a little cheaper than other adjacent areas. There are many attractions in the town, such as wonderful restaurants and beautiful public art, so that isn't the only reason to go!

Some of Grey County's most stunning waterfalls can be seen in the nearby communities of Eugenia and Flesherton.

The Bruce Peninsula officially begins when you reach Owen Sound. This area, which has a few more waterfalls and a tonne of great restaurants, is a great place to stay for a night or two if you want to explore more of the South Georgian Bay region.

In Wiarton Say hello to Wiarton Willie by going to see him! However, because he frequently naps during the day, he might not be as friendly as you'd like.

Visit Lion's Head Lighthouse or the nearby provincial park for a wonderful Bruce Trail hike.

You'll need at least a few days if you want to stop at every destination since there are so many sights to see between Toronto and Tobermory. If you plan to travel this route over a few days, clicking through the links above will give you some helpful recommendations for things to do, restaurants to visit, and more.

IF TOBERMORY IS TOO BUSY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The greatest time to visit Tobermory is in the early spring or late fall because that is when it is busiest, as I previously stated. If you're determined on a trip in June, July, or August, there are a lot of other great places near the Bruce Peninsula. Wiarton is one of Highway 6's most undervalued beauties, as my tour guide will demonstrate. Visit it, it's highly recommended. Nearby amenities include beaches, a number of top-notch restaurants, shipwrecks, and more. Lion's Head is a beautiful spot, even though it has grown in popularity over time as more people find how amazing the hiking trails are.

CAN A VISIT VALUE TOBERMORY?

I think this manual answers that question! Tobermory is unquestionably worthwhile seeing, but it may require some planning and preparation. Given that, you should start making trip arrangements as soon as possible to experience all of these fantastic things to do in Tobermory, Ontario.

[lurkinglurkerwholurks]

The crisis I am in, staring at my lifetime blorbo and my last-half-decade blorbo. Who wins—the gods-blessed, nine-lived menace of the Little Peninsula or the man so cunning and strong-willed that he stands among gods and aliens?

I think if they met as equals, there would be no fight, just incredibly deep respect and a hint of earned wariness, but they're underpinned by a lot of the same values. But if Bruce met TT Gen, all bets are off. I think Bruce is too similar to the MoW for that initial meeting to go off well. (But also Alfred and Irene would get along too well, heaven help us all.)

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 10.14 (after 1950)

1066 – The Norman conquest of England begins with the Battle of Hastings. 1322 – Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeats King Edward II of England at the Battle of Old Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scotland's independence. 1586 – Mary, Queen of Scots, goes on trial for conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I of England. 1656 – The General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony enacts the first punitive legislation against the Religious Society of Friends. 1758 – Seven Years' War: Frederick the Great suffers a rare defeat at the Battle of Hochkirch. 1773 – The first recorded ministry of education, the Commission of National Education, is formed in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. 1774 – American Revolution: The First Continental Congress denounces the British Parliament's Intolerable Acts and demands British concessions. 1791 – The revolutionary group the United Irishmen is formed in Belfast, Ireland leading to the Irish Rebellion of 1798. 1805 – War of the Third Coalition: A French corps defeats an Austrian attempt to escape encirclement at Ulm. 1806 – War of the Fourth Coalition: Napoleon decisively defeats Prussia at the Battle of Jena–Auerstedt. 1808 – The Republic of Ragusa is annexed by France. 1843 – Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell is arrested by the British on charges of criminal conspiracy. 1863 – American Civil War: Confederate troops under the command of A. P. Hill fail to drive the Union Army completely out of Virginia. 1884 – George Eastman receives a U.S. Government patent on his new paper-strip photographic film. 1888 – Louis Le Prince films the first motion picture, Roundhay Garden Scene. 1898 – The steam ship SS Mohegan sinks near the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall, killing 106. 1908 – The Chicago Cubs defeat the Detroit Tigers, 2–0, clinching the 1908 World Series; this would be their last until winning the 2016 World Series. 1910 – English aviator Claude Grahame-White lands his aircraft on Executive Avenue near the White House in Washington, D.C. 1912 – Former president Theodore Roosevelt is shot and mildly wounded by John Flammang Schrank. With the fresh wound in his chest, and the bullet still within it, Roosevelt delivers his scheduled speech. 1913 – Senghenydd colliery disaster, the United Kingdom's worst coal mining accident, claims the lives of 439 miners. 1915 – World War I: Bulgaria joins the Central Powers. 1920 – Finland and Soviet Russia sign the Treaty of Tartu, exchanging some territories. 1923 – After the Irish Civil War the 1923 Irish hunger strikes were undertaken by thousands of Irish republican prisoners protesting the continuation of their internment without trial. 1930 – The former and first President of Finland, K. J. Ståhlberg, and his wife, Ester Ståhlberg, are kidnapped from their home by members of the far-right Lapua Movement. 1933 – Germany withdraws from the League of Nations and World Disarmament Conference. 1939 – World War II: The German submarine U-47 sinks the British battleship HMS Royal Oak within her harbour at Scapa Flow, Scotland. 1940 – World War II: The Balham underground station disaster kills sixty-six people during the London Blitz. 1943 – World War II: Prisoners at Sobibor extermination camp covertly assassinate most of the on-duty SS officers and then stage a mass breakout. 1943 – World War II: The United States Eighth Air Force loses 60 of 291 B-17 Flying Fortresses during the Second Raid on Schweinfurt. 1943 – World War II: The Second Philippine Republic, a puppet state of Japan, is inaugurated with José P. Laurel as its president. 1947 – Chuck Yeager becomes the first person to exceed the speed of sound. 1949 – The Smith Act trials of Communist Party leaders in the United States convicts eleven defendants of conspiring to advocate the violent overthrow of the federal government.

[jrbenvs3000f24]

Week 2: My Ideal Role as an Interpreter

I had the opportunity recently to read Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire. It’s rough around the edges, out-of-touch, and more than a little anarchist, but Edward Abbey also has an incredible prose when discussing nature. The book describes his time as the lone park ranger at Arches National Monument in Southern Utah. His passion and reverence for the park is undeniable, and his love of wilderness in general shines through. This quote I thought was particularly poetic:

“A weird, lovely, fantastic object out of nature like Delicate Arch has the curious ability to remind us - like rock and sunlight and wind and wildflowers - that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours, a world which sustains the little world of man as sea and sky surround and sustain a ship.” (Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire).

I read Desert Solitaire while traveling through Utah and Arizona this spring, and Abbey’s descriptions of the desert are the closest thing I’ve seen to capturing how beautiful the landscape is. This quote to me is an inspiring piece of nature interpretation. It made me think of my favourite teachers in school: they weren’t incredible teachers simply because they helped me understand the material. They were passionate about it, they made me care about the material.

Watchman Trail, Zion National Park, Utah (April 2024).

Recently, I’ve been considering a career change into the field of environmental conservation. I’ve been driven by my love of the outdoors, and the desire to see nature conserved for future generations. I’m never more at ease than I am in the backcountry, staring into a fire. My ideal interpretive role would allow me to spend more time outdoors, getting my hands dirty with the hard work of conservation, while allowing me to help people care about what they see. 

Over the past few years, driven in large part by the isolation experienced during covid lockdowns, the number of people camping has skyrocketed. Trailer and RV sales are up, and for anybody who's been a longtime camper, the effect is obvious when trying to book a site, both in surging prices and seasonal availability. It would be easy to see this, as Abbey likely would have, as a net negative. Crowded parks, inexperienced campers trudging on sensitive flora, or leaving garbage where they shouldn’t. The examples on social media of misguided and downright moronic interactions with wildlife are plentiful. But what we want is for a greater portion of the population to connect with nature, to see why we love it so much, see what makes it special. In that light, the surge of people getting outside to experience our parks can only be positive.

Fire through the Parks Canada Logo, Bruce Peninsula National Park (October 2023).

Which is why nature interpretation is becoming increasingly important. Like our best teachers, good interpreters need to help people care about what’s around them. As an interpreter, my ideal role would be grounded in this. A role in parks, specifically as a ranger/park warden has always appealed to me greatly for these reasons. We are lucky enough to live in Canada, a country with some of the most beautiful natural wilderness anywhere in the world. Protecting and conserving it, while making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it would be my ideal interpretation role. Specifically which park is less important to me, as Canada has so many fantastic ones, though my favourite parks I've been to are Gros Morne and Kluane.

[androdconstruction]

We are now in Live Journal! Subscribe!

[anenvs3000f23]

Blog Post #2

Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need? (Keep these all-in mind as you begin to work on your assignments – tailor these to that ideal job!)

            In my ideal role as an environmental nature interpreter, I would like to take a hands-on approach and be immersed in the environment I am interpreting. Growing up in Ontario, I initially had little interest in the landscapes and forest types available to me. Instead longing for the impressive mountain ranges of the west coast. However, as I matured, I discovered a love for the diversity of the Carolinian and great lakes forests that I grew up with. As such, I strive to inoculate this same interest in others who may not see the importance of our Ontario forests. Ontario, however, is large and contains many different types of forests with different histories. Furthermore, specific parks or woodlots would also have their own specific histories. Thus, I would choose to interpret an area I am very familiar with as to make connections to these local histories. For a few years I worked for Ontario parks as a trail technician on the Bruce peninsula. This involved plenty of hiking all along the peninsula. As such, I am familiar with both the landscape and the natural history of the area. This would allow me to make more big picture connections. For example, the glacial activity that shaped the Niagara escarpment and created many of the lakes in the area effects how animals now must move about the landscape. Showing how even geological history can shape our lives would hopefully bring more appreciation for the present. Furthermore, it instills meaningfulness in how our actions affect the future.

Part of what changed my view on Ontario forests was interpretive walks with some of my university courses. Being able to see, touch, smell, and even occasionally taste the subjects of study elevated the experience beyond what just a lecture might do. Hence, my ideal interpretive position would likely entail some form of guided hikes.  Not only does this provide a hands-on learning experience, but it also provides opportunity to witness the challenges native wildlife experience with the changing of Canada’s starkly different seasons. Some may believe that the winter brings a challenge to outdoor learning, however, it also brings opportunity to witness unique life stages and strategies. Such as how mistletoe remains green in the winter due to its parasitic activity, hence its association with the Christmas season. Convincing people, however, to participate in winter hikes may pose as a challenge. As such, sparking an interest in participants is a necessary skill to keep a captive audience. Doing this can be different person to person and requires nuance and practice. However, the basic principle remains the same where one must relate the subject to the lives of those in the audience.

[bmenvs3000f23]

My Relationship with Nature – Blog 1

Nature (according to me): a safe haven, a connected community, a place of exploration, a beautiful sight, a provider, a piece of art… I could go on for ages.

Nature has given me so much joy from an early age. I constantly seek to improve my relationship with nature and enjoy all of the benefits it provides us with, including purified air, a sense of relaxation, an environment to ground and escape our busy lives, stunning views, and a sense of home. Hiking, swimming, and nature photography are just a few ways that I like to connect with nature. Due to my interest in nature, I knew that environmental science was the perfect program. I feel blessed to have benefitted from the environmental science co-op program at the University of Guelph. In this program, I’ve been given the opportunity to work in various environmental fields and conduct environmental monitoring through gas and water sampling. This past summer was spent working with a conservation authority during my co-op placement, where I conducted routine water sampling in the Grand River watershed to record water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and temperature. Water quality monitoring is crucial to ensure that the water quality remains acceptable to support the numerous types of organisms that rely on it, ranging from aquatic plants to fish and benthic invertebrates! However, working in an environmental career can weigh heavy on the heart when realizing that humans have caused so much pain to the one earth we have. I often wince when hearing about oil spills in oceans, uncontrollable wildfires that consume vast areas of trees and destroy wildlife, and tsunamis that wash away entire communities, to name a few environmental catastrophes. Due to my empathy for the environment, I believe I am deeply intertwined with nature, which has shaped my life.

At age 4, I was first introduced to the benefits of nature from cottage visits, where I participated in various recreational activities that nature provides, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. My interest grew after many summers at my cottage and extended into my high school studies. At 14, I took a particular interest in the environmental lessons in science class and began to get a feel for my future career. At age 16, I travelled to summer camp near North Beach Provincial Park in Consecon, Ontario, where I spent whole days with campers and helped many campers gain comfort outdoors. At age 18, I decided to sign up for my first ecotourism trip with Operation Groundswell. Here, I travelled to Cusco, Peru, and learned about the environmental injustices that the Indigenous community faces regarding mining. I became interested in environmental justice, and I was able to spend three days hiking in the Sacred Valley, where I could experience mountains for the first time (which can be viewed in my Tumblr header). This trip was a great form of nature interpretation and allowed me to immerse myself in nature and Peruvian culture while learning about global environmental issues. When it came time to enroll in university, I decided that the University of Guelph would be the perfect atmosphere to further my studies regarding the environment. After four years, three co-op placements, a stunning trip to Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park with the UofG Outdoors club, and lots of learning, I am now one semester away from completing my degree in environmental science. In the future, I plan to further my relationship with nature and obtain a career focused on environmental monitoring and stewardship.

It truly is an understatement to share that nature has shaped my life and continues to do so. I look forward to furthering my knowledge and experiences in nature, and I hope everyone can feel a deep connection with nature sometime in this lifetime.

[safereturndoubtful]

The Gloup Disaster & Unst Fest

Monday 17th July

In July 1881 ten of twenty six haaf fishing boats were lost in a storm just a few miles northwest of Gloup. 58 fishermen lost their lives, all from small communities, with Gloup being hit the heaviest. Haaf fishing already had a name for being dangerous, using just 30 foot long sixareen boats powered only by oars, and this was a hammer blow to the industry. The memorial lists the names of those lost, with a statue above it if a mother, with child in arms, looking out to sea.

Sunday was a better day weather-wise, though the early July days of swimming in the ocean seem distant now. Maximum temperatures are about 15C. The route I put together today descended to Breckon Sands beach, which has decent sized dunes making access a clamber, the first dunes I’ve encountered on Shetland, though, like almost every beach I’ve been on, it was person-less. From there I followed the headland, that forms the peninsula of Gloup Ness, around; tough going with boggy ground after all the rain yesterday, and the various fence crossings. This is the most northerly point of Yell. The ocean side cliffs are much higher, about 50 metres, than those on the eastern edge.

At the few houses that form the hamlet of Gloup, is the fishermen’s memorial. This looked an excellent place to park up for the night, and on return to Breckon, I moved the van. The rain had given way to many flies, though not the biting variety, nonetheless troublesome.

With the tide out in the evening, Roja and I wandered down to Gloup beach.

Unforecast rain came in the form of showers on Monday morning, only after we had started on a hike from the Cicerone book, south on the steep grassy side of Gloup Voe. The Cicerone book has been very good, and is authored by a guy who lived close by when I was in Bampton. But the description of this walk, was all wrong. The distance and the route on the map didn’t match by a long way, something I had spotted last night. The walk was ranked as easy, and described a track that was actually little more than a sheep trod, very narrow, and occasionally extremely exposed on the steep grassy slope (above). At the southern end of the Voe, I binned it, and put it together with a track I’d seen on the Walk Highlands website, and climbed up to Scordaback hill (below). Graham Uney’s hike in the Cicerone book was an out and back hike, following the east side of the Voe northwards for a couple of kilometres. This was fairly evident from the opposite side, if anything narrower and steeper.

My thoughts are that Uney never actually did this walk, his description is so inaccurate. I will contact Cicerone and inform them, perhaps others have as well. It needs to be ranked as ‘hard’, otherwise it will attract walkers with unsuitable footwear and experience.

Despite the rain, up on Scordaback there were great views..

After lunch we drove the twenty minutes to the Unst ferry and made the crossing. Though there is normally plenty of room on these ferries, which depart every half hour, I had booked. This week in the Unst Fest, with the Tall Ships calling in at the end of the week, and other activities, though mainly indoor.

Once on Unst I headed for the castle at Mu Ness. The showers were still frequent, with a strong wind, so I had opted the (very slightly) more sheltered east coast. On arrival I had a chat with the farmer, something that happens quite often. Rather than be offended by my presence, I am always welcomed, and they just want a chat, and let you know how proud they are of where they live. Roja and I walked down to Ham beach, stony, but as it gets more exposed, the stone size is considerably reduced. One day, maybe not soon, it will be sand.

The castle though, which attracted several five minute visits from motorists during the evening, was quite underwhelming, as no access to its interior was possible. It dates to 1573, when Laurence Bruce, half brother of Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney, built it on being exiled from Orkney after abusing his position after several warnings for petty, though apparently very annoying, offences.

[canadiandynamicflooring]

Upgrade Your Acton Home with Durable Vinyl Flooring

Are you looking to enhance the beauty and functionality of your Acton home? One of the most impactful ways to upgrade your living space is by investing in durable vinyl flooring. With its versatility, affordability, and long-lasting performance, vinyl flooring has become a popular choice among homeowners. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of vinyl flooring and how it can transform your Acton home into a stylish and comfortable sanctuary.

Introduction to Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring material that is manufactured using a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other additives. It is designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or tile, while providing superior durability and ease of maintenance. Vinyl flooring comes in various forms, including vinyl sheets, tiles, and luxury vinyl planks (LVP), offering a wide range of design options to suit different preferences and interior styles.

vinyl flooring bruce peninsula, vinyl flooring Burlington, Vinyl flooring caledon