Walk on the wild side

Critters everywhere...Camera Critters #96

Cats are fed. All is well with the world.

Oliver, who eats twice as fast as the others, did a good job. He appeared sated.

Cats content to sit indoors in the sunshine,

I went for an hour's walk in the forest.

On a Friday morning there were only a few snowmobiles out.

I love the weeping rock, the beautiful colours, brushed with layered snow from our recent snow squalls. It looks like ice cream!

I saw deer tracks coming out of the forest across a pretty slushy bay - they avoid the open lake.

And then more tracks, by a large monster, path soaked by excrement that melts the snow.

The forest opened out onto a shallow bog and lake. You can see where the monsters just missed the trees, and how the shallow bog freezes and thaws at Mother Nature's whim. The shallow bogs have much less temperature inertia of the larger lakes. But I haven't heard that we've lost anyone in these bogs yet...

The wolves (I think they are wolf tracks: large paws, and can't be dogs!) amble across the train tracks and the open frozen lake. It looked like there were three sets of tracks.

You can tell it is a wolf by the size of the tracks and the stride length. They are larger than the size of my palm. I wasn't TOO nervous, except that the monsters keep them more nocturnal than diurnal, and I saw my lone wolf at dusk.

Then, of course, the ubiquitous train tracks! I love hearing the whistle at night.

 

I keep on walking, and I spotted evidence of the hurricane we had. HUGE trees felled in an instant.

Looking behind, my snowshoe tracks!

Mouse tracks...teeny weeny ones. From time to time I spotted more wolf tracks but they tend to avoid midday, since the snowmobiles abound. Very few squirrel tracks. They are more dormant without bird feeders to keep them in food in this remote part of the woods.

More track, or at least evidence of humans: a bridge in the middle of no where

My eagle eye spotted a stream flowing towards the lake. Half hidden by snow.

I made my way back to 'civilization'...and spotted the place where the stream flows into the apparently frozen lake. Watch your step!

It is important that the snowmobiles follow the path created by the OFSC. 

You can see the red stakes that guide them.

And then the thundering herd that motored across. Safety in numbers... 

 Nearly home, 50' from shore, I spotted a small, round, open hole of melted water. I just don't know what it is! But I trod carefully around it!

This morning, I spotted what I think are red fox or coyote tracks. They are smaller than the wolf, and s/he ambles across our property, looking for squirrels and mice. She wanders through our forest almost every day. The tracks are between the triangle formed by the dock, my showshoe prints and the shore.

A trip through time to Europe's origins

I like reading news from over the pond.

[DW-World.de] Deutsche Welle has created an interesting, interactive time line on what went on in times past. I enjoy such maps, with clickable features, taking me directly to the map in that part of the world.
"a trip through European history - from the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC to the introduction of the euro in 2002."

The timeline is terrific, as we need to understand where we have been.
My only critique is that on this continent, the politically correct term for 'BC' isn't the old 'Before Christ' (BC) but BCE= Before the Common Era. Not sure what they are writing over on that side of the ocean!

With historic figures, like Martin Luther (1483 - 1546), we can see how church and state became extricably involved and how purists then were disgruntled. Further see how churches became divided.
This part of history relates to the fact that the RC Church did not want their people to read The Bible directly. Even in my husband's schooling, the nuns taught everything by rote and parishioners were not encouraged to form their own opinions. Until Martin Luther printed the book in German, many were led like sheep. Luther wanted to change the way people related to God by making the scriptures more accessible.

What I find fascinating is that many did not and cannot read the Qu'ran, either, and still some uneducated Muslims profess beliefs that are not religious, but cultural beliefs embedded in particular regions. This is why there are such disparities in various sects within a religious body or faith.

Those in control of religious bodies did not want people to think for themselves, to discuss ideas, such as secularization or celibacy. What really propelled Martin Luther into his fame, was the invention of the printing press that permitted him to interpret the gospels of the New Testament and present it to the people.

Many people cite this act as the primary starting point of the Protestant Reformation but others, like  John Wycliffe, John Hus, Thomas Linacre, John Colet, risked all. Luther also confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his The Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. One used to be able to buy the forgiveness of sins by buying indulgences from the church.

As DW site says, "The conflict with the Catholic Church, as the Roman Church was by then known, grew increasingly violent. Both sides took up arms. The religious conflict eventually evolved into the Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648), which ended with a treaty declaring religious freedom in Germany and Europe."

From Wikipedia:
His translation of the Bible into the language of the people (instead of Latin) made it more accessible, causing a tremendous impact on the church and on German culture. It fostered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation,^[4] and influenced the translation into English of the King James Bible.^[5] His hymns inspired the development of singing in churches.^[6] His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage, allowing Protestant priests to marry.^[7] 

More of Man's Inhumanity to Man in an attempt for control and power. In this way, the church had a monopoly when it came to interpreting the Bible.
His treatment of Jews leave me put asunder, he did not inspire tolerance in that respect. That is a topic for another day!

Ants in my pants

Yes, I get antsy. Some days, in between my hospice clients, I go for a walk down at the lake.
A wonderful day to skywatch. 

Then, the clouds started rolling in, more nighttime snow squalls, yes, another few cms.

The other day my grateful bird friends were grabbing black sunflower seeds from my especially sophisticated, and classy bird feeder. (OK, a can with an old dog choke chain...)

A chickadee and a nuthatch were my friends.

The chain hangs off of a branch - small enough that the raccoons get worried, but the squirrels dig in at chow time, too.

Meantime, across the lake Mr. Twirlies (you know, like in the bathtub) were making their way across the frozen lake surface. It's difficult taking a photo ofit, as you want to stand, fascinated, while this little mini-cyclone makes its way across the flat powdery snow.

 

One came very close, thank goodness for the 'sports' feature on the camera. It danced gaily in front of me, celebrating the freedom and the delight of the wind.

 

Then the snow danced up on the lakeshore, to sprinkle more snow on the branches.

Across the lake, a lone snowshoer makes his way marching I know not where. By dark, I hadn't seen him return. I ought to go and see where his tracks went in the night.

Far across the lake, on the snowmobile trail, cylcop monsters were roaring out from the forest, breaking the stillness of the windswept afternoon.

I haven't seen the tracks of the wolf or the fox lately. Things have been pretty busy on the lake. Late-night revelers zooming through the night.

Snowmobile Safety Efforts

This past Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31, Ontario Provincial Police North East Region detachment snowmobile patrols were active.

WITH Ontario's OPP on the bandwagon: augmented with additional detachment officers, members of the OPP Snowmobile, All Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement team (SAVE), special constables of the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (S.T.O.P.), Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trail ambassadors, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers as well as many Municipal and First Nation Police Service members in an all out effort to improve trail safety and encourage safe sledding behaviour through education and enforcement.

This photo  (below, left) shows men who have just filled up at the pub next door in Bala. Here is a RIDE check at highway #169 and #38, just around the corner.
Go to Ontario Snowmobile Reports. The OFSC really promotes education and safety.
As a responsible snowmobiler, I will...

• I will ride in a manner that is a credit to our recreation:
• I will influence other snowmobilers to adhere to this Code of Ethics;
• I will respect the rights of others including property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts;
• I will protect our natural environment;
• I will ride in a responsible manner and will use only marked trails, areas or roads open to snowmobile;
• I will not harass or harm wildlife or the natural surroundings;
• I will minimize my impact on the environment;
• I will ride smart, be prepared and stay in control;
• I will check ice and weather conditions before riding;
• I will help those in distress;
• I will obey all laws and rules governing our recreation;
• I will promote proper snowmobile education and training;
• I will practice Zero Tolerance with respect to impaired driving

See also:

Education for the driving [m]asses: Tip 141 - Safe snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a sport enjoying immense popularity. There are currently over 600,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada and over 160,000 km of snowmobile trails.

And, again, a US personal story.  An accident that could have been fatal, with an experienced driver, on a new sled, uncomfortable and going 25 mph. Unable to get 911 service, and difficulty with EMS to locate them, this article gives some great ideas.

On our way out from Turner Mountain, we were on the groomed trail, my husband first, Suzanne second, myself and my brother bringing up the rear. About 8 miles from town, we rounded a corner and I watched Suzanne leave the road, pop through a ditch and up a hill. About 10 feet up the hill, her right front ski tapped a huge tree, throwing her off.
She struck the tree full length and dropped to the ground, not moving. Being right behind her, I saw the whole incident, jumped off my sled and stood in the road waving my arms and screaming at my brother, who was right behind me. He jumped off his sled and ran to her while I rode ahead to stop my husband.


Cops caution snowmobilers Selkirk Journal


RCMP caution that people store their snowmobiles in safe places. Locking up the machine and removing some essential components (like a battery terminal or distributor cap) will help make it far tougher for any potential thieves.

Snowmobile safety is also a huge concern for Selkirk RCMP. Snowmobile accidents account for almost half of winter sports injuries, so making sure you're familiar with your snowmobile or ATV and always operating it safely is a must. Staying off unfamiliar bodies of water, particularly later in the season during the spring thaw is very important, as is carrying a survival kit, tools, a first-aid kit, and a trail map and compass. 

2010 Snowmobile Season Off To A Deadly Start Written by Ontario Provincial Police
Monday, January 18th, 2010 - 19:20:21
 
On the snowmobile trails as over 2200 sleds were checked for safety and regulation compliance.

Although speeding was met with strict enforcement, police were pleased with the overall cooperation and compliance shown by sledders - only 40 Motorized Snow Vehicle Act infractions were ticketed. There were no impaired driving charges, however two Liquor Licence Act charges were laid.




AND  USA CAMPAIGN:
Thrills, chills and a near spill in the Valley (USA)
A snowsled odyssey requires prudent speed, no solo riding 
 Part 3 of a three-part series on snowmobiling in Maine.
FORT KENT, Maine — The only thought going through my head as the tree came closer was: “Thank goodness I borrowed that helmet.”
Not exactly the most auspicious start to my morning of snowmobiling adventure in northern Maine, but it was a good lesson in how fast things can go wrong when a 400-pound sled is not given the respect it’s due. My guide for the morning – retired game warden and backcountry sledding guide Gary Pelletier — summed up the mishap in five words: “You were going too fast.” Not that I was zooming down the trail, but given the conditions — an ungroomed, drift-covered trail — I admittedly took the corner a bit too fast.

DNR campaigns for alcohol free snowmobile season

By Gerry Grosenick

Published: Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began a campaign in January to reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths and injuries to snowmobilers.

Snowmobilers receive a wallet-sized card that describes the campaign and explains how and why snowmobilers would benefit from it. They also receive bright yellow Zero Alcohol sticker to place on their sled, helmet, trailer or vehicle.

According to the DNR Web site, 23 people in the US were killed in snowmobiling accidents last year. Alcohol was a factor in 70 % of those fatal accidents.
In addition, snowmobile accidents causing 176 injuries were reported to law enforcement officials during the 2008-09 season.

Major shout out

New road Side Assistance!!! 
Visit Sylvia from over the hill's blog to read the whole post. It is hilarious!!! 

posted by Sylvia K at Sylvia From Over The Hill - 14 minutes ago

A friend sent me this and I think every woman's car should come with it ... I had a flat tire yesterday, so I got out of the car and opened the trunk. I took out my cardboard men, unfolded them, and stood.

Canadian National Pond Hockey Tournament

Huntsville, Ont.
Who knew? This is hockey!!!


Hooray for pond hockey. This takes me back to a gentler time.
There are lots of rinks across Muskoka.
Lots of places feature tournaments for fundraisers.

With ponds, lakes and indoor and outdoor rinks flooding our nation, it's hard to think of a place you can't play a game of hockey in Canada during the month of February.

Deerhurst Resort is hAS to the world's largest pond-hockey tourney, LAST YEAR: 300 teams over two weekends last year. Weather permitting, the resort has up to 24 rinks on Peninsula Lake, and has its own zamboni. This swank winter wonderland also offers horseback riding, kid's pony rides, cross-country skiing trails and equipment rental, snowshoeing and tubing. A free shuttle whisks guests to the ski hill next door.

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

Salutations to rhyming poetry

I have been having fun facilitating a Creative Writing Group: 'Pen Men'.
To that end, I've been boning up on poetry, although most in my group are interested in publishing a book.

For myself, I found this wonderful tome:

Words to Rhyme with: A Rhyming Dictionary

(3rd ed., 2006). Checkmark Books.
A 100-page primer gives readers the essentials of poetic technique, many of which I had forgotten.

• A primer of Prosidy
• More than 80,000 words that rhyme
• A glossary defining 9,000 eccentric rhyming words
• A variety of exemplary verses
• Words rhyming on the last, the penultimate, and the antepenultimate syllable

Now, I know you can go to:

• RhymeZone rhyming dictionary and thesaurus
• FREE Online Rhyming Dictionary

On-line rhyming links - these are fabulous, but this book is great reading. There are far more rhymes in the book than on line. The original author, William R. Espy (1910 - 1999), wrote a number of terrific witty rhymes that illustrate his points. It has been updated by another (Orin Hargraves- writer and lexicographer), and reprinted.

It includes trademarked words (CheapMart, etc.) common acronyms, abbreviations, biographical and geographical names, common new technological terms (blog, pixel), slang and informal words (lemme, gotcha, shoulda, woulda, couda). The final section features some lovely quotes about poetry.

I'd forgotten all I'd taught about rhyme and meter; stanzas; line metrics; forms of lyric verse; single/double/triple rhymes; random, interior, initial and cross rhymes.

If you like writing poetry, or would like to pick it up, this is the book for you! It's a good remedy for fading brain cells, juggling syllables, words, and vocabulary, to make words and sounds fit, and say exactly what you mean. Poetry is carefully constructed and crafted.

I giggled reading it through. Here are a couple of the author's witty verses...

HAIKUS SHOW I.Q.'S

Haikus show I.Q.'s:
High I.Q.'s try haikus. Low
I.Q.'s--no haikus.

 THE EPIGRAM
The qualities rare in a bee that we meet
     In an epigram never should fail;
The body should always be little and sweet,
     And a sting should be left in its tail.

THE CLERIHEW - Don Juan at College
Don Juan
Carried on
Till they switched him from Biology
To Abnormal Psychology
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click icon for more book review blogs @Barrie Summy

Secure your property

Wise cottage owners ask full-time residents to keep an eye on their cottage, snowmachines and garages during the hard winter, and after the cottage is closed. Thefts are common enough in cottage country. Many snowmobliers have a grand time, respecting the land, each other and trail rules. With extensive snowmobile trails across Central and Northern Ontario, many have access across frozen lakes, into remote cottages and lakes.

From OPP files:
 

THIEVES HIT AGAIN

(HUNTSVILLE, ON.) – Sometime between the January 28^th, 2010 and January 31, 2010 unknown culprits broke into a shed at a residence on Aspdin Rd.  The culprits managed to get away with a Honda 3500 watt generator and a 12” Stihl quick saw.

   On February 1, 2010 Huntsville OPP was advised of a theft that had taken place at Deerhurst over the weekend.  Unknown culprits removed a 2004 Artic Cat ZR800 that was parked on a trailer in the Deerhurst parking lot.  The black Artic Cat had a New York Registration of 7574FT.

   Anyone with any information about these thefts or any other thefts in the area is asked to contact  CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.

(HUNTSVILLE, ON.) –   On Saturday January 23, 2010 Huntsville OPP was notified of a break and enter on Muskoka Bob Rd., in the township of Lake of Bays.   Sometime during the month of January, unknown culprits broke into a locked garage and removed the victim’s snow blower.

   On Saturday January 23, 2010 Huntsville OPP was notified of a theft of a snow machine and trailer on Lakeview Cresc., in the town of Huntsville.  Sometime during the week, unknown culprits removed a snow mobile trailer and snow machine from the yard on Lakeview Cresc.   Taken from the property were a Northtrail trailer with Ontario licence plate #H77258, and a 1996 Skidoo MXZ with Ontario licence plate #774767. 

   On Sunday January 24, 2010 Huntsville OPP was advised of a break and enter that occurred at a residence on Centre St. South. Huntsville. Sometime overnight on the January 23, 2010, unknown culprits broke into the rear door of the entrance.  Once inside the culprits removed a quantity of cash, jewellery, and a coin collection along with other items.  Investigations are continuing into this break and enter.

   On Sunday January 24, 2010 Huntsville OPP was notified of a break enter and theft that occurred at a condo on Turner Dr. in the town of Huntsville.  Sometime during the month of January, unknown culprits entered the condo on Turner Dr. and removed miscellaneous electronics, including 3 televisions, DVD players and a play station.

HUNTSVILLE OPP MAKES ARRESTS FOR BREAK AND ENTER

(HUNTSVILLE, ON.) – In September 2009, Huntsville OPP was made aware of a break and enter south of Huntsville.  Culprits had gone into the victim’s garage on Lynx Lake Rd., and removed two dirt bikes.

   After an extensive investigation two males were arrested and charged with these thefts.  Dirk VANHEEREN (18yrs) of Huntsville along with another male youth who cannot be identified were eventually charged with Theft Under, and Break and Enter a place to commit an Indictable offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.  Both males will appear in court in February to answer to their charges.

  Investigations are continuing into this break and enter.

Video games gone after break and enter in Faraday Twp.

Posted on February 2, 2010

BANCROFT – On Sunday the 31st of January 2010 an Officer from the Bancroft detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to the report of a break and enter to a residence on Rock Lake Court in the Township of Faraday.
Investigation revealed that sometime since the 01st of January a residence was forcibly entered and video games were reported stolen.

Burglars hit Hwy. 518 homes

KEARNEY/EMSDALE – Police believe two break-ins on Jan. 21 on Hwy 518 East may be related.
Police are investigating a break-and-enter that occurred between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. just west of Kearney. Thieves damaged the front door of the residence as they gained entry. The home was searched and an unknown quantity of jewelry was stolen.
Culprits forced the lock on the rear sliding patio door of a home near Old Mulligan’s Road between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. An unknown quantity of coins and a coin counting machine were stolen.
As well, a seasonal residence on Hwy. 518 East near Kearney was broken into between Jan. 17 and Jan. 21.
A side basement window was broken as thieves gained entry to the cottage.
A Norman acoustic guitar was stolen.

Generator stolen

BURK’S FALLS – A propane generator was stolen from a Pickerel and Jack Lake Road cottage.
Police were contacted around 9 a.m. on Jan. 22 and informed that someone had disconnected the 7kw Ferguson Stratton generator from the cottage and stolen it. The incident occurred between Jan. 10 and Jan. 22.


Also: Man caught breaking into cars Do not assume that you are safe in cottage country.

Hospice Muskoka Valentine Fundraiser

Grace & Glorie
 THE RENE CAISSE MEMORIAL THEATRE
Take your Valentine out for dinner, theatre and a good cause
TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!

Rene M Caisse Theatre

For a PDF seating plan of the theatre please CLICK HERE.

100 Clearbrook Trl
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E9
(705) 645-8400
Grace Stiles a 90 year old woman who has been sent home to die. From the statement comes the beginning of Tom Zeigler's exploration of dying as looked at from Grace's point of view and that of her Hospice worker Gloria aka Glorie.

Dinner, Theatre and Auction

Saturday, February 13-- Cocktails 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m., Theatre 7:30 p.m. -- Tickets: $75.00

Theatre Only

Thursday, February 11-- 7:00 p.m. -- Tickets: $22.00

Friday, February 12 ------ 7:00 p.m.-- Tickets: $22.00

For a change...snow squalls

With Lake Effect Snow Squalls in Muskoka, we were blessed with another 25 cm (10" - in both official languages!)  last weekend!

 The snow builds up and we just keep shoveling...good exercise!


I cannot complain, as there are many who manage this, nor can they climb up on the roof and clear the snow. I have wonderful photos of dad on the cottage roof clearing snow!

It is important to clear back *and* front doors, too. I heard sirens last night, who knows what happened. I'll keep you posted.

I find it ennervating when the snow is so deep it goes into my boots, though! I have hip waders, but they're pretty cold with no insulation! A walk along the road showed dark skies, and the dark pine branches painted in white.

It is very pretty, n'est ce pas?


The bird feeders are buried. I dug them out.

The nuthatches are throwing peanuts at me!

Squirrels are covered in snow, head to toe - (paw to tail)

The rocks continue to bleed tears. I adore these rock cuts! Weeping for spring.

To keep us warm indoors, I had to chop wood outdoors.


It builds strong muscles, even if it makes my
'tennis elbow' act up! (Actually injured playing squash...)
With grandchild #2 on the way I have to be prepared for lifting!

The guys delivering the wood told me that some of the wood was big, but surely someone with a wood stove would have an ax.

Yeah, and two middle-aged bad backs, too! Either I chop it, or I have to lug it!


Everyone is out shovelling. Last night and this morning, with more Lake Effect snow, we have another 5 cm (2") on the ground.

Even our neighbour, despite the fact that we have a professional contractor to throw the snow!