Monday, December 7, 2020

Countryside Art Group Blog - Show Updates

On the first of each month I will update the Countryside Art Group's blog with a listing of shows where the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, the Countryside Art Group would like to wish everyone to be safe and enjoy good health during these challenging times, and wishes everyone all the joy of this holiday season.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Buckhorn Artists' Group - Show Updates

I have updated the Buckhorn Artists' Group blog with a listing of shows some of the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work in during the month of November.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

The Buckhorn Artists' Group wishes everyone good health during these challenging times and all the joy of the holiday season.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Confirmed Shows for 2020-2021 - December

This is a listing of confirmed shows that I will be exhibiting my artwork at this year and into next year. I will update the list as more shows are added or cancelled.

A Place For The Arts, 23 Bridge St. W., Bancroft, Ont.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE GALLERY WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY AND HOLIDAY MONDAYS FROM 11AM-4PM AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4PM UNTIL 24 DECEMBER 2020. 
AS OF 26 DECEMBER 2020, THE GALLERY WILL BE CLOSED DUE TO A COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN ONTARIO. THE EARLIEST REOPENING WOULD BE ON 23 JANUARY 2021.
11 Nov 20 - 15 Feb 21

Art Gallery of Bancroft, 10 Flint Ave, Bancroft, Ont.
AS OF 26 DECEMBER 2020, THE GALLERY WILL BE CLOSED DUE TO A COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN ONTARIO. THE EARLIEST REOPENING WOULD BE ON 23 JANUARY 2021.
17 Nov - 13 Dec 20
15 Dec 20 - 31 Jan 21

The Douro-Dummer Library Art Gallery, 425 Douro Fourth Line Road, Hamlet of Douro, Ont.
05 May - 30 Jun 21 The Buckhorn Artists' Group
Opening Reception 07 May 21 from 7-8 p.m.
05 Jan - 30 Mar 22 The Art of Daniel Marlatt and Susan Sydney
Opening Reception 07 Jan 22 from 7-8 p.m.

Selwyn Public Library - Bridgenorth Branch, 836 Charles St., Bridgenorth, Ont.
02-30 Nov 21

Please come out and enjoy the artwork displayed at these shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, I would like to wish everyone good health during these challenging times and all the joy of the holiday season.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Fire

Today is going to be fairly mild, with the temperature just below freezing at 30F (-1C) but we are also going to get about 6" (15cm) of snow.















It is the kind of day where once the barn chores are done and all the animals have been watered and fed it is time to relax with a nice fire. Which is exactly what I am going to do today.

Friday, November 6, 2020

Pinto News Illustration September 1981

I came across a copy of the September 1981 Pinto News, which features on the cover the logo I designed for them (see post on 24 November 2015) and one of my illustrations of Pinto horses.

This one was a head study of a horse with a Western Snaffle Bridle.

















I don't remember how many of these illustrations I did for the Ontario Pinto Horse Association for their Newsletter, but then again they were created in 1980 which is 40 years ago.

So, it will be interesting to see if I come across any more of them.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Buckhorn Artists' Group - Show Updates

I have updated the Buckhorn Artists' Group blog with a listing of shows some of the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work in during the month of November.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

The Buckhorn Artists' Group wishes everyone good health during these challenging times.

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Loon Call Lake VII

Today I was sitting at A Place For The Arts in Bancroft, Ontario.

The new show in the Annex, "Exhibition of Colour" was being hung, featuring the art of Jewell Allington and Jane Hall, both are friends I made through my time at the "old" Kawartha Artists' Gallery and Studio.

After opening the Gallery and doing the various chores that all sitters should do to keep the site looking clean and tidy, I took out my artwork and continued to work on this drawing that I had started a number of years ago (see posts on 14 September 2014 and 10 December 2016).















It was another fairly quiet day for a Wednesday so I ended up having plenty of time to work on this piece.

I started by completing the cottage and followed by putting the rocky shoreline in to the left side, putting the shadows to the rocks and adding some grasses and growies.

Next, I worked on putting in the pine trees on the rocky area to the right of the cottage, followed by adding the rocks, their shadows and the grasses and growies.

Lastly, I put the reflections of the trees into the water.

This original 6" x 9" pen and ink drawing when matted and shrink wrapped will be available for $50.00.

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Confirmed Shows for 2020-2021 - November

This is a listing of confirmed shows that I will be exhibiting my artwork at this year and into next year. I will update the list as more shows are added or cancelled.

A Place For The Arts, 23 Bridge St. W., Bancroft, Ont.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE GALLERY WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY AND HOLIDAY MONDAYS FROM 11AM-4PM AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4PM.
22 Sep - 08 Nov 20
11 Nov 20 - 15 Feb 21

St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 81 Queen Street, Lakefield, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
Lakefield Creative Arts Group
07 Nov 20 World War II Show from 10am-4pm

Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
07, 08, 11, 14 and 15 Nov 29th Annual Christmas at Presqu'ile
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Art Gallery of Bancroft, 10 Flint Ave, Bancroft, Ont.
17 Nov - 13 Dec 20
15 Dec 20 - 31 Jan 21

The Douro-Dummer Library Art Gallery, 425 Douro Fourth Line Road, Hamlet of Douro, Ont.
05 May - 30 Jun 21 The Buckhorn Artists' Group
Opening Reception 07 May 21 from 7-8 p.m.
05 Jan - 30 Mar 22 The Art of Daniel Marlatt and Susan Sydney
Opening Reception 07 Jan 22 from 7-8 p.m.

Selwyn Public Library - Bridgenorth Branch, 836 Charles St., Bridgenorth, Ont.
02-30 Nov 21

I look forward to seeing you at some of these shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, I would like to wish everyone good health and to be safe during these challenging times.

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Countryside Art Group - Show Updates

On the first of each month I will update the Countryside Art Group's blog with a listing of shows where the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, the Countryside Art Group would like to wish everyone to be safe and enjoy good health during these challenging times.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Selwyn Beach VII - A Work in Progress

Today I wanted to do some work on this drawing that I had started a couple of years ago (see post on 06 May 2018) when we were at Selwyn Beach Conservation Area.

I started at the bottom of the shoreline and gradually worked my way up, adding water, rocks, weeds, grasses and growies.

When I came to the edge of the bank I continued adding the grasses, growies and rocks.

From there I started working my way across the far edge of the land adding the rocks and growies.

I left the area where the birch and cedar trees are going to be placed blank until after they have been drawn in and completed.

Next, I did a little work on the land extending out into the Chemong Lake.

I will post this drawing again, once I have finished putting in the foreground trees.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Cats and Milk Cans II - A Work in Progress

Today is a lot cooler out than it was last week when we were at JoAnne's farm for a paint out and once again for the morning we decided to paint in the barn.

I decided that I would like to do another drawing of the milk cans and add one or more of the kittens.

For the first hour I was there I spent most of my time taking photographs of the kittens as they played and raced around the barn before settling down to draw.















I chose to do this grouping of three of the milk cans that were different from the ones I did last week. One of them had an old metal tractor seat added to the top of the can in place of a lid.

Before we went for lunch, I indicated two kittens that were posing for me by the milk can. 

I will post this drawing at a later date as more work on it has been completed.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Cats and Milk Cans I - A Work in Progress

Today we were at JoAnne's farm again for a paint out and it was a lovely day except for the cold wind.

So, instead of painting outside we moved ourselves into the barn where we were entertained by a mother cat and her six kittens and an older kitten from an earlier litter.















I chose to do this drawing of some of the milk cans and added one of the kittens into the background.

I may add a few more at a later date as more work on it has been completed.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

ACEO - Burleigh Rocks 1

Today I thought I would finish this painting that I had started last year (see post on 09 December 2019). All that it needed to be completed were the rocks in the foreground.

First I washed some of the rocks with alizarin crimson and while the paint was still wet I added a small amount of burnt sienna into a few areas.

As the paint dried I used a mix of French ultramarine blue and burnt sienna and put in the shadows and cracks on the rocks.














On the other rocks I lightly touched them with a wash of Antwerp blue and burnt sienna and as it was drying I brushed in some alizarin crimson and then added the cracks in the rocks and the shadows with burnt sienna and a small amount of French ultramarine blue.

Lastly, I put a little alizarin crimson into the water below the rocks for reflections.

If you would like more information about ACEO please go to my post on 11 March 2010.

The ACEO shown here is an original watercolour painting using Artist quality Winsor & Newton paint on 140lb. Arches 100% rag, acid free watercolour paper. It is priced at $20.00 and sold unframed.

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Buckhorn Artists' Group - Show Updates

I have updated the Buckhorn Artists' Group blog with a listing of shows some of the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work in during the month of October.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

The Buckhorn Artists' Group wishes everyone good health during these challenging times.

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Lovesick Lake XI - A Work in Progress

Today I thought I would work on this piece that I started last year (see posts on 07 July and 22 August 2019).

I started by finishing the large pine tree, from there I worked on the next largest tree on the right side of the drawing.















Next, I started on the smaller trees beginning on the left side and working across to the right.

But before I could finish the final tree, Christine came over for a visit.

I will post this drawing again once it is completed.

Friday, October 2, 2020

Coral Reef 3-5 - Three Works in Progress

I came across these three pieces, that had once started as granite rocks in a larger painting but it didn't quite work out.

After looking at them, I decided that I would turn them into underwater paintings.















Coral Reef 3

Using French ultramarine blue, cobalt blue and burnt sienna I painted in the water on each painting.















Coral Reef 4

Before I could get more work done on these paintings, I had friends come over for a visit.















Coral Reef 5

I will post each of these paintings at a later date as more work on them is completed.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Confirmed Shows for 2020-2021 - October

This is a listing of confirmed shows that I will be exhibiting my artwork at this year and into next year. I will update the list as more shows are added or cancelled.

A Place For The Arts, 23 Bridge St. W., Bancroft, Ont.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE GALLERY WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY AND HOLIDAY MONDAYS FROM 11AM-4PM AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4PM.
22 Sep - 22 Nov 20
24 Nov 20 - 15 Feb 21

St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 81 Queen Street, Lakefield, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
Lakefield Creative Arts Group
07 Nov 20 World War II Show from 10am-4pm

Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
07, 08, 11, 14 and 15 Nov 29th Annual Christmas at Presqu'ile
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Douro-Dummer Library Art Gallery, 425 Douro Fourth Line Road, Hamlet of Douro, Ont.
05 May - 30 Jun 21 The Buckhorn Artists' Group
Opening Reception 07 May 21 from 7-8 p.m.
05 Jan - 30 Mar 22 The Art of Daniel Marlatt and Susan Sydney
Opening Reception 07 Jan 22 from 7-8 p.m.

Please come out and enjoy the artwork displayed at one or all of these shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, I would like to wish everyone good health and to be safe during these challenging times.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Lakefield Trail 2-5

Today I was sitting at A Place For The Arts, in Bancroft, Ontario.

Usually, there are a fair number of people going through the Gallery but today it was fairly quiet.

Fortunately, I always bring something with me to work on when there isn't anyone in the Gallery.

I decided I would do some small drawings, from photographs (see post on 28 September 2020) while I was sketching on the Lakefield Trail.

Lakefield Trail 2

For the first one I worked mainly on a large maple tree that was close to where I was set up to sketch.

I added in a small amount of background bushes and tree trunks.

For the second drawing I worked on the trail where it had gone around the bend and in behind a large tree and went out of sight.

On the far side of the trail I indicated the trunks of a few mid-sized tree trunks and added some bushes and growies.

Lakefield Trail 3

For my third drawing I decided to change the format from portrait to landscape and do the section of the trail where it approaches the bend with two of the larger trees on the left side of the trail on one of the mid-sized trees on the far side of the trail in front of the background small trees and bushes.















Lakefield Trail 4

For my last drawing I did a row of the larger trees lining the right side of the Trail.















Lakefield Trail 5

There is only a small amount of the Trail that is showing to the left of the trees.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Autumn Beauty 1

Today I pulled this painting out that I had framed and decided that it needed a little more work (see posts on 05 November and 04 December 2014 and 22 September 2015).

First, I put some pure white in the sunlit side of the birch trees, followed by adding the dark markings on the trunks and branches of the trees.















From there I added some more brighter oranges and yellows to the leaves of the maples and birch trees.

Lastly, I dotted in a few splashes of cadmium red throughout the painting to tie every thing together.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Lakefield Trail 1

Today I went on a paint out with the Lakefield Creative Art Group and did this drawing of a section of the Lakefield Trail near the Lakefield Beach.

While I was there I took many photographs of the beach, the Otonabee River and the beautiful autumn colours.














I was going to do a number of smaller drawings, but the wind came up and the clouds rolled in with a rumble of thunder.

I chose to go home before I got wet.

Friday, September 25, 2020

Mikisew Provincial Park

With this being our last full day at Mikisew Provincial Park this morning we got up early, as we wanted to do both the Beaver Meadow Trail with the red markers and the longer Maple Canyon Trail with the blue markers.


















We went to the start of the trails and after looking at the trail map decided to do the Beaver Meadow Trail first and where it connects with the Maple Canyon trail and follow that trail until it connects with the yellow markers of the Old Dog Trail that we did yesterday and follow it back to the beginning.

The start of the trail took us around the golf course and then through a forested path before coming out into a clearing.

It was there we meet another person who was returning from the wetland. After I spoke to him about his camera, he let us know he had been taking photographs of a young male moose in the pond. We thanked him and continued.

It wasn't long before we once again entered the forest and the ground slowly began to get softer and more moist.

Then came the first of a number of boarded walkways which allowed us to cross through marshland.

This continued until we came to the beaver pond, where there was a long elevated wooden walkway with the pond on both sides.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of the moose in the pond which was disappointing.

The one compensation was that as we started up the hill after crossing the walkway there were moose tracks in the mud at the side of the trail.















The nice thing about this trail was that there were different views of the pond on our left side, including coming close to the beaver lodge.















When we came to the Maple Canyon Trail, it lead us away from the pond and through a wonderful hardwood forest with many of the leaves on the trees in various stages of changing colour.















There were a number of places along this trail, that had wooden benches so you could sit and enjoy the views from the high points along the trail.















Eventually, we came to a point in the trail where we found the trail marker showing all three trail colours and followed it back to the start of the trail.

From there it didn't take long to return to the trailer where we had lunch and then relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine for a couple of hours.

We decided to take a stroll down to the beach and once we arrived there, we took off our shoes and walked along the shore until the sun got lower in the sky. It was time to head back to the trailer.

While I made supper, Ron put the logs into the fire pit so we could enjoy our evening tea or coffee with a fire.

It was the perfect end to an enjoyable day.

Tomorrow we will pack up and make our way back home.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Mikisew Provincial Park

Late yesterday afternoon, we arrived at Mikisew Provincial Park. It is a small 323 acres (130.71 ha) park, established in 1964 in South River, Ontario.















The Park offers three shallow sandy beaches, boating and paddling around the small islands on Eagle Lake, as well as hiking through hardwood forest and past ponds and wetlands.















Last evening, we had a little time to walk to the entrance of the trails and then take a stroll down to Eagle Lake.

On the way to Eagle Lake, there was a sign a the start of a trail going to the Eagle Lake General Store should anyone need groceries or other items that they needed restocked.

We walked to the first of the three beaches and then continued along the pathway through a small wooded area with campsites and it wasn't long before we arrived at the second beach.

At this point we decided to turn around and return to the trailer for the night.















This morning after breakfast we decided to follow the path back to Eagle Lake and continue following the path beyond the beach.















The first trail was called the Lakeview Trail. It took us through, wooded areas, past the boat launch and out to a point of land where you could see a large areas of the lake.















As we continued along the path we came to the first yellow marker for the Old Dog Trail.

We continued following the Old Dog Trail as we knew it would eventually join into the Maple Canyon Trail and take us back to the start point of all three of the hiking trails.

We crossed one of the roads going through the Park and found the Old Dog Trail marker and the marking post showing both the yellow and the blue line for the Maple Canyon Trail.

It was a nice walk through the forest until we came to the starting point of the three trails near the entrance building and the golf course.















After lunch, Ron wanted to go fishing, while I took the dog along the pathways through the campsites taking photographs of the autumn colours.

Unfortunately for Ron he didn't manage to catch any fish, but he did enjoy being out on the lake. I got some wonderful pictures of the trees and the lake.

It wasn't long before we were back at the trailer and I was making supper.

We decided to have an early night as we wanted to do both the Beaver Meadow Trail and the Maple Canyon Trail.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Wild Grapes and Post 1

Today some of the members of the Buckhorn Artists' Group went to a paint out at JoAnne's farm.

We were spoiled by the number of things available for us to draw and paint.

Her wide variety of different themed gardens, her husband's collection of International Harvester farm tractors, old farm equipment found throughout various small planted areas, and the various barns and out buildings.

I spent most of the morning taking photographs of the tractors, garden sculptures, sunflowers and the barns before I finally chose to do a drawing of wild grape vines beside the barn.

They were growing so thickly over an old wooden loading chute that it could barely be seen. This is of the main post at the lower end of the chute.

Monday, September 21, 2020

Drawing on the Otonabee River

Today, Norma and I went out along River Road to find a place to sketch.

We came across a lovely location with two cottages on the opposite side of the Otonabee River, which had stone stairs leading down to the water and a wide variety of blooming plants in their gardens which were reflected into the calm waters.















Cottage on the Otonabee River I

After doing my drawing of one of the cottages, I walked a little further up the river and did this sketch of the branches sticking up out of the water of a cedar tree that had broken and fallen into the river.















Dead Cedar on the Otonabee River I

I will probably come back and do a little more work on each of these drawings at a later date.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Eels Lake V and VI

Today we went out in the pontoon boat to Eels Lake and invited my friend, Norma and her dog Buddy to come along with us.

We both brought our sketch books along and Ron of course brought his fishing rod.















Eels Lake V

We first went to one of Ron's favourite fishing spots and we sketched while he fished. After he caught his second fish that I had to unhook and release we went to a quiet inlet and had lunch.

From there we toured the some of the lake and after about an hour Ron decided to try for another couple of fish while we sketched.















Eels Lake VI

Unfortunately, for him he didn't have any luck at his new location.

It wasn't long before we headed back to the dock and from there headed home.

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Pigeon Lake I

Today Christine came out to the farm to visit for the day and we went out on the pontoon boat in the afternoon to take her fishing. 

While they got the boat ready, I packed a supper for us to have while out on the lake.

Once we launched the boat at the dock onto Chemong Lake, we went under the James A. Gifford Causeway which links Bridgenorth to Ennismore.

We headed up Chemong Lake and turned into Pigeon Lake, then continued into the lake until we found a promising spot to fish and I had a number of things that I could draw.















Unfortunately, they only succeeded in catching various weeds and water plants. Although Christine did get a few nibbles on her lure which "lost" its tail to a hungry predator

While Ron and Christine tried to catch fish, I worked on this drawing of a series of islands on Pigeon Lake.

We stopped in one of the sheltered bays on Chemong Lake to eat our supper before heading back to the house.

At home, we had an enjoyable evening playing Tri-Ominos, before Christine left to return to her home.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Buckhorn Artists' Group - Show Updates

I have updated the Buckhorn Artists' Group blog with a listing of shows some of the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work in during the month of September.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

The Buckhorn Artists' Group wishes everyone good health during these challenging times.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Eels Lake IV

Today we went to Eels Lake with the pontoon boat, which was a great improvement over last year when we took the canoe.

We went up a different channel and found a quiet spot where Ron could fish and I had plenty of things to draw.

I had barely started my drawing before Ron caught a perch, which made him happy as last year he didn't catch anything when we were here last year.

After I removed the fish from the hook and carefully released it back into the lake I returned to my drawing.















It wasn't long before he caught another perch (but not the same one) and I returned it back into the lake.

Once more I returned to my drawing and this time, I managed to get a lot more work on it completed before he caught a large mouthed bass and we went through the same routine again.

I did a little more work on my drawing before Ron decided he wanted to explore the lake and see what other fishing spots he could find.

It was an enjoyable afternoon and I took many photographs of the islands, shoreline and some of  the boats out on the lake. Giving myself a lot of reference materials for future paintings.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Confirmed Shows for 2020 - September

This is a listing of confirmed shows that I will be exhibiting my artwork at this year and into next year. I will update the list as more shows are added or cancelled.

A Place For The Arts, 23 Bridge St. W., Bancroft, Ont.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE GALLERY WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY AND HOLIDAY MONDAYS FROM 11AM-4PM AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4PM.
19 Aug - 20 Sep 20
23 Sep - 22 Nov 20
24 Nov 20 - 15 Feb 21

Fenelon Falls Fair Grounds, Fenelon Falls, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
Kawartha Arts Festival
05-06 Sep 20 31st Annual Kawartha Arts Festival

St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 81 Queen Street, Lakefield, Ont.
Lakefield Creative Arts Group
07 Nov 20 World War II Show from 10am-4pm

Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton, Ont.
CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
07, 08, 11, 14 and 15 Nov 29th Annual Christmas at Presqu'ile
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Douro-Dummer Library Art Gallery, 425 Douro Fourth Line Road, Hamlet of Douro, Ont.
05 May - 30 Jun 21 The Buckhorn Artists' Group
Opening Reception 07 May 21 from 7-8 p.m.
05 Jan - 30 Mar 22 The Art of Daniel Marlatt and Susan Sydney
Opening Reception 07 Jan 22 from 7-8 p.m.

If you get a chance please come out and visit one or all of the shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, I would like to wish everyone good health and to be safe during these challenging times.

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Countryside Art Group - Show Updates

On the first of each month I will update the Countryside Art Group's blog with a listing of shows where the various artists in the Group are exhibiting their work.

If you get a chance come out and visit them at one or all of the shows.

As many of the current shows are cancelled due to COVID-19, the Countryside Art Group would like to wish everyone to be safe and enjoy good health during these challenging times.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Returning Home from Chutes

Today we are leaving Chutes Provincial Park to return home.

After breakfast and before we left, we wanted to go and see a full view of Big Chute Falls.

We followed the trail beyond the observation deck and went down a long flight of steep, wooden stairs.

This put us half way below the falls and above another set of rapids. 

It was soon time for us to make our way back to the campsite pack up our things and prepare the trailer for us to go home.

It wasn't long, before we were on the road and soon back on the Trans Canada Highway.

The return home was fairly uneventful, with only two slow downs for construction.
















About halfway home we stopped for fuel, took the time to stretch our legs and have lunch.

It wasn't long before we were back on the road again.















A couple of hours away from home we stopped to have supper, before continuing on our journey.

It was nice to finally make it home, but I wasn't impressed to see by flower beds had become overgrown with weeds.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Chutes Provincial Park

Today was our first full day at Chutes Provincial Park and after breakfast were are going to go hiking on the trails.

We started at the beginning of the trail at the observation deck by Big Chute Falls.

I of course, took many photographs of the water coming over the falls but I will find a place where I can get pictures of the entire falls from a distance.

From there we walked along the trail beside the River aux Sables and at a section of the trail by the rapids one of the soles of my hiking boot came off. Fortunately, we were not far from our campsite.
















Ron told me to stay and take my pictures and he would go back to the campsite and get a pair of my running shoes and return.

While I was waiting, I thought what are the odds of me loosing another sole off another pair of fairly new shoes? Two days ago, while Ron was tying down the canoe after fishing at the inlet at White Lake, I walked up the gravel road taking photographs and realized that I had lost the sole off of my loafer.

When Ron returned, he not only brought in my running shoes, he brought along a roll of duct tape and asked if I wanted him to patch up my hiking boot. I thought why not? Especially, since there was less than 30 miles (48km) of wear on them.

We continued following the trail, past the Seven Sister Rapids and stopped at the observation area before we crossed both of the Twin Bridges and started back down the River Aux Sables on the opposite side of the river.
















We managed to make it as far as just past the last of the Seven Sisters Rapids, to the next observation area when the other sole came off my pair of hiking boots. I had enough of this nonsense and took both boots off, put my running shoes on and at this point we turned around to go back to the campsite.

I placed my hiking boots where they belonged, in one of the trash containers for garbage since they did not even survive our two mile (3.2km) hike.

After lunch we decided that we would go back out on the trail again to go through the forest and see what kinds of birds and wildlife we could find. We also brought along my last pair of running shoes and the duct tape, just in case.

We went back up the River Aux Sables, across the Twin Bridges and this time took the trail to the left away from the river.


When we came to the fork in the trail we decided to continue going away from the river.

At the next fork in the road we went toward the river which took us to a beach and the rapids above Big Chute Falls.

We retraced our steps and continued on our path going back up the river and we again bypassed the trail leading back into the forest.

We continued along the river, back over the Twin Bridges and back to our campsite completing our afternoon walk of 3.2 miles (5.2km).

After supper we relaxed with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the campgrounds.

Tomorrow, there is one more small trail that we will take in the morning before we head back home.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Leaving White Lake and going to Chutes

Today we are leaving White Lake Provincial Park and heading back to Chutes Provincial Park for a couple of days so I can see the falls and walk the trails.

We decided to leave after breakfast because we were not sure how long we would be tied up in traffic due to construction.















On the way out of the Park we stopped and I got this photograph of the entrance sign for White Lake Provincial Park which is just off the highway.

We were pleasantly surprised that the traffic wasn't as bad and the delays were not as long as they had been on the way to White Lake.















Fortunately, we were early enough that they were drilling the holes in the rocks instead of preparing them with the blasting caps.

Although, where we were held up for almost an hour on the way to White Lake, once again gave us the longest wait time.















The company that is doing the work on this section of the highway is extremely slow. The fact they have barely moved beyond the set of traffic lights they were paving tells the story.

It took us a little over seven hours to get to Chutes Provincial Park and I was very happy to finally see the Park's sign.















We were in our campsite and set up by 4:00p.m. which gave us some time to walk around the park before it was time to make supper.

Our new campsite is right beside our original campsite, the difference is that this one has power so I can use my microwave and toaster.















After supper we spent the evening enjoying the peace and quiet.

Tomorrow I am looking forward to going hiking on the Twin Bridges Trail.