#23 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-OUR WILDLIFE

There are just too many animals to mention in one little post about our 150th anniversary. Lots of postcards in my collection with some to share,

The Black Bear captured for a tourist's postcard.

The Fox.

Bull Elk! (Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Female Elk!

Buffalo!( Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Bear, Big Horn Rocky Mountain Sheep, Bull Moose, Bull Elk.

Snowy Owl. ( photo by Larry Halverson)

Columbian Ground Squirrel. ( photo by Larry Halveson)
The list could go on. Many coyotes and raccoons live in the wild but also urban areas. Toronto has a large population due to its wooded areas.
This Canadian has squirrels in the backyard along with many species of birds, butterflies and bugs!
Oh love the wildlife of this country.

CANADIAN SUMMER MEMORIES-ALGONQUIN PARK

As work mates head out for their vacations, there is often a reminder of past events. One person loves to camp in Ontario. As a child our family camped in Algonquin Park for weeks each summer. Our favourite spot was Rock Lake. There were two campgrounds- we always stayed in a spot on the north end campground. I loved it as it was one of the spots the Algonquin Indians would use on their canoe routes. Subsequently walking along the natural beach over the years I would find pieces of flint and even a small whole arrowhead. My siblings found items too which my mother said should be donated to the Park natural museum. The museum had its share of stuff.  I never donated mine but kept them. Some of my little treasures to this day. Tha last time I stayed at Rock Lake was 1973. We don't camp anymore but it sure would make a nice little trip to revisit some of those spots- staying in a lodge or motel! The parks in this country are bountiful. Camping and camp gear is  a major industry! Do you camp? Come to Canada and discover its beauty!

Do you like the cards from an earlier post on Algonquin Park? I like them because they are from my childhood. Look at the campground one and try to identify how old the car may be!

The other wonderful adventure in camping is interacting with the wildlife that can be found. I remember stopping on the side of the highway to take a picture of a deer! Do you have similar memories? You can visit my post from June 26, 2011 for more details.

A WALK ALONG A CANADIAN SHORELINE

There are so many shorelines in this great country. A walk on land beside a body of water always brings a time for reflection. Interacting with any wildlife present and hearing the sound of the water are moments nature gives us. Whether a beautiful beach or a rocky coastline, there is always something to see! Although this is a quiet path in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it could be anywhere. Lake Ontario is huge so it can seem like an ocean view! Everyone has their favourite spot! I know some who love Tofino on Vancouver Island! A cottage often has its own little corner! For the adventuresome at heart, those beach finds can become treasures! Water and land connecting is so symbolic of many aspects of living! Do you have a favourite spot? Or do you have memories of many spots or places in the world?

NANA SAYS OUTDOOR PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

With the warmer weather here, the outdoors becomes a great playground. A fenced in yard can keep children safe. Depending on the day- bug spray, sunscreen , a good hat and we are now advised to use sunglasses for not only adults but children of all ages. My yard is paths and gardens so teaching the little to leave the dirt in the garden and the stones on the path is a constant struggle. We are creating a little area under one of the trees so it can become " a fort"! Cheap plastic toys, a wagon and somewhere to sit makes for fun! My yard is full of rocks that the children like to climb and sit on! If you do not have a yard, there are many parks with lots of equipment or just go to the grassy area for some creative play. Make a picnic! Low tech! Old imagination! Listen to the birds- identify them. Teach about the trees! Pick up pinecones- then try to find uses for them! Nature becomes a lesson in constant progress! Walks, jogging and long bike rides work for older children and teenagers! If you are a lucky one with a cottage, learning the rules of the water- swimming, boating- learning to canoe or row a boat, and whatever the area brings in terms of wildlife and vegetation! Every adult becomes a teacher! Of course reading a book outside or doing a craft with natural products becomes fun. What do you have in your yard? Can an area become a castle for a princess and prince? Can a section of your garden become the little one's spot for flowers or vegetables? Get a bird book and a natural atlas for your area! Have fun looking up new any unknown "thing" with the family! Even if teenagers appear to be totally uninterested, keep at it anyway! They continue to learn through osmosis! As we spend more time outdoors with the children in our lives, it can have a great benefit on us! I find the screaming, and sometimes fighting that occurs with my grandchildren is less annoying as the sound evaporates into the air! Of course, helps with naps and sleeps as the play and air does tend to tire children. Tires adults as well! Oh the great outdoors- just love it!

A POSTCARD FROM NEWFOUNDLAND CANADA

Newfoundland and Labrador is a beautiful province on the eastern coast of Canada. Known for its fisheries, beautiful landscape and friendly people, it is on my bucket list to visit.

My brother Ron and his wife, Sheila visited the area in 2009 and sent a postcard to my folks in British Columbia.

"09/09/16- Hi Folks, having a very nice trip in Newfoundland, lots to see and the people are great to meet. Lots of moose coming down the hwy. Season opened last Sat. and the Newfies are very keen on their moose-home by Oct. 1st. Lotsa love, Ron, Sheila and the dogs."

Like other parts of Canada, the wildlife is prolific. It is worth a visit or two. Go on by!

If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.