Into The Woods

It may be the week end, but there is no time for relaxing in the pond. It's times like this that I wish I could simple escape into the woods for a little peace. These particular woods are about 20 minutes north east of Winnipeg at Bird's Hill Provincial Park, and would do nicely.

Later

All Dressed Up ...

It's Friday night, so I thought I'd dress things up a little. Nothing says 'Craig' like a room full of vintage dresses and sewing paraphernalia. But seriously, the Costume Museum of Canada, located in my hometown - Winnipeg, houses a ever changing collection of stunning vintage fashion.

For more information about the Costume Museum of Canada, you can visit their website: http://www.costumemuseum.com/

Winter Visitors

Not all uninvited guests are unwanted.

Despite living in the middle of the city, there is an unexpected variety of wildlife that finds it's way into the backyard. The deer, one would expect in winter, but the little raccoon was supposed to be hibernating. She curled up on the backstep waiting for a hand out and wasn't going to leave until she got one. I suppose that's my fault, as I used to feed her when she was the runt of a litter of four during the summer. I could set my watch by her appearance at the backdoor at dusk. Her larger siblings would scamper away at my arrival, but Circle (my two year old daughter named her) would sit at the door and scratch until I fed her scraps of bread.

Have a great week end,

Craig

A Triumvirate of Frost

I've a little time on my hands this morning before heading off with the kids to the dentist's office (or as my son refers to it - the worst place on earth), and with the pond still being frozen, I thought I'd share a couple of timely photos from my little corner of the world.

Later,

Craig

Blowing in The Wind

The wind was howling, the snow was falling (sideways due to the wind), and the driving conditions on the highway were amongst the worst I've encountered (a 45 minute trip became a two and a half hour ordeal) - but the photo ops were worth it.

This shot was taken just north of Winnipeg at Oak Hammock Marsh. If you ever get the chance, the marsh and interpretive centre are well worth the visit. The marsh is one of the top birding sites in Canada.

Here`s a link to their website: http://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/index.html

Thanks for looking,
Craig

Out On The Snow

Despite all their fancy schmancy advances, nothing compares to the craftmanship (not to mention the functionality) of a pair of handmade traditional snowshoes. Pictured are my babies - an extraordinary pair of Ojibway style snowhoes, which are in themselves a work of art.

By no means am I an expert on all things snowshoe related; but, I do have over 20 years experience and have at least tried most styles. I recieved my first pair as a Christmas gift when I was 16 (so for those of you doing the math that makes me approximately late 20's, nudge nudge, wink wink); they are a huge pair of Alaskan style shoes roughly six feet long (the stereotypical enlarged tennis racquet design). But I'd have to say, of all my snowshoes (and I'll just say that I've more snowshoes than shoes), based on functionality alone (at least on dry Manitoba snow), my Ojibway style shoes are my favourites.

Later

It's Been A While

It's been a while since my last post (and that's putting it mildly), but it's not for a lack of trying. Life just has this uncanny knack of sneaking up from behind and dashing away with time.

So I thought I'd ease my way back in with a photo I shot yesterday.

And I promise, it will get more entertaining here in the coming days. And if not entertaining, at the very least, I can bore you with more frequent postings.

Hope you enjoy,

Craig