Photos A Walk in Nature

[CelloDan]

I can bet Señor Verijero wants to meet the little seed eaters. Chickadees BBQ perfectly, though it takes a gross to make a meal.

" Polenta con pajarito" ( yellow corn grits with little birds ) as my Grandma would jokingly reply to us when asked "what's for supper?"

On another note Dan - I thought you were skating and sledding on the Rideau but you have told me that's not the case. Where is this trail network and who is responsible for keeping these maintained? What a gift!!

The Rideau Canal Skateway did not open for the first time in its whole history this year
That is in downtown Ottawa on the Rideau canal itself. It's more than 7 km long and the "largest skating rink" in the world.
They need at least 30 cm thick ice to support the thousands of people and vendors, huts etc.
For that to happen they need a couple of weeks of continuous -10 C which it did not happen this year. Temperatures where all over the map, from extremely cold to above seasonal from week to week it seemed ... and with TONS of the white stuff.
The mountain on my neighbour's driveway still there

The trail network we go to, Countryside Adventures is close to home. We literally opened the place 5 years ago and where the first people to hit the ice
The owner has an excavation business as well. A very hardworking guy.
He floods the forests trails at night with water from a nearby pond.

Countryside Adventures | Outdoor Adventures in Moose Creek, Ontario

Enjoy the best summer and winter activities in Moose, Creek, Ontario with Countryside Adventures. We offer ice skating, kayak & SUP rentals and much more.

www.countrysideadventures.ca

There are a couple other similar ones in our area just a little further away.

We certainly enjoy them very much !!! ... but I am really ready for spring now

Hey, look what my dear wife just handed to me that came in a package earlier today from Maine !!!
Chaga collected by none other than the elusive forest wanderer
Gracias amigo

 

[RayseM]

Hooray I hope you can simmer it long and sip it slow. Enjoy!

Pretty great delivery time too - Maine on Monday, Ontario on Friday!

 

[CelloDan]

After 3 days in a row going to the bird sanctuary I managed to get a few shots with a few little friends.
VERY windy (and cold) today so most of them were hunkering down .

 

[Jack Black]

After 3 days in a row going to the bird sanctuary I managed to get a few shots with a few little friends.
VERY windy (and cold) today so most of them were hunkering down .

Fantastic pics Dan

Hey, look what my dear wife just handed to me that came in a package earlier today from Maine !!!
Chaga collected by none other than the elusive forest wanderer
Gracias amigo

A generous gift

 

[Just Tom.]

Yeah, so cherry blossoms are showy and all that, but there is no more noble herald of springtide than the elegant Symplocarpus foetidus, often endearingly referred to as Skunk Cabbage:

(I’m sure RayseM agrees)
A welcome sight on a clear but cold, windy day. It was after looking for early signs of it a couple of weeks ago that I saw that buck.

 

[RayseM]

Yeah, so cherry blossoms are showy and all that, but there is no more noble herald of springtide than the elegant Symplocarpus foetidus, often endearingly referred to as Skunk Cabbage:

(I’m sure RayseM agrees)
A welcome sight on a clear but cold, windy day. It was after looking for early signs of it a couple of weeks ago that I saw that buck.

I DO AGREE - Lovely foliage and not so accessible to the timid. You are a bit ahead of us for this seasonal awakening. But - you give me hope.
Love your photos.

 

[Just Tom.]

Looks like this is our third year of skunk cabbage content . Time to start a dedicated thread?

Also, looking at my post from last year, it’s evident I need to come up with some new material…

2021:

HERE

I tried to get a SKUNK CABBAGE theme going but no takers.

I saw the skunk cabbage and ALMOST commented on it. They are one of the first things I notice springing up at the end of winter, and for that are near and dear to my heart, despite the offensive name.

2022:

CelloDan and RayseM :

In a bid to lift everyone’s spirits a little, I left my home on foot this morning, braving unseasonably cold weather and a stiff breeze, and made my way to a local stream valley where I scrambled up and down steep slippery slopes:


fought my way through a forest of newly-green sticker bushes:



and squished my way through muddy swamps:



… to bring you inspiring images of that spectacular late winter/early spring arrival, herald of the coming warm weather with its riot of life and color, Symplocarpus foetidus, known to those whose hearts are brought joy by its appearance as skunk cabbage :



Oh, and I saw a couple of bluebirds too, and some flowers. Whatever.

More skunk cabbage. This is a repost from a few years back.

Knife is a custom Jerome Latreille Laguiole with the awl doing the support.

View attachment 1777574

 

[RayseM]

No dedicated thread is my vote. I like that it comes up in the spring. Seems just right.

 

[Fodderwing]

Thanks, Jack! Sometimes it's the little things..

Well said Gary and oh so true.

Sitting out back with my cat and a green knife for St. Paddy’s. The deer feel very comfortable.

View attachment 2119729

Wonderful image.

After 3 days in a row going to the bird sanctuary I managed to get a few shots with a few little friends.
VERY windy (and cold) today so most of them were hunkering down .

I really like that knife Dan. Very special. Not quite as special as the puukko Ray made for you but still very special.

 

[RayseM]

Thanks Dwight - that $20.00 is on its way.

 

[CelloDan]

Fantastic pics Dan

Gracias Jack

A generous gift

Yes, and a very healthy one ! Very rich in antioxidants. Diana is been having a bit of cough the past few days so I brew it with some ginger too and give it to her with some honey and she loves it

Yeah, so cherry blossoms are showy and all that, but there is no more noble herald of springtide than the elegant Symplocarpus foetidus, often endearingly referred to as Skunk Cabbage:

No heralds trumpeting any such good news around here ... yet
Thanks for giving me hope mi amigo

Also, looking at my post from last year, it’s evident I need to come up with some new material…

LOL, wait until the white Trillium flowers start blooming in the forests and you will see them spam this thread as they have in years past ha ha
In fact , here is an early spam and for HOPE of things to come

I really like that knife Dan. Very special. Not quite as special as the puukko Ray made for you but still very special.

Gracias Dwight
A very special knife indeed

 

[CelloDan]

Diana had her IV treatment today. Two more to go !

She has been dealing with low white blood cell counts for the past year as these infusions take a big toll on her immune system.
At one point a few weeks ago her neutrophils went down as far as 0.6 but fortunately they bounced back to the minimum threshold in time for the next treatment.

Trying to boost her white blood cells we introduce more omega 3 ( salmon, trout ) added some B12 supplement etc.

About 3 weeks ago we started drinking chaga every day. Back then her neutrophils were at 1.7 ( a little below normal)
Today's blood work revealed a MAJOR increase at 4.3

I am hesitant to make a direct correlation between chaga and her much improved blood work ... however ... ( the nurse even asked her if she had made any changes to her diet )

Searching "Chaga" and "white blood cells" "immunologic system" brings just too many results, some from credible medical institutions indicating chaga is indeed very beneficial to build up your immunity among a host of other benefits.

Bottom line ... we are not about to stop drinking it

Today's results

Results from 3 weeks ago

 

[Prester John]

Diana had her IV treatment today. Two more to go !

She has been dealing with low white blood cell counts for the past year as these infusions take a big toll on her immune system.
At one point a few weeks ago her neutrophils went down as far as 0.6 but fortunately they bounced back to the minimum threshold in time for the next treatment.

Trying to boost her white blood cells we introduce more omega 3 ( salmon, trout ) added some B12 supplement etc.

About 3 weeks ago we started drinking chaga every day. Back then her neutrophils were at 1.7 ( a little below normal)
Today's blood work revealed a MAJOR increase at 4.3

I am hesitant to make a direct correlation between chaga and her much improved blood work ... however ... ( the nurse even asked her if she had made any changes to her diet )

Searching "Chaga" and "white blood cells" "immunologic system" brings just too many results, some from credible medical institutions indicating chaga is indeed very beneficial to build up your immunity among a host of other benefits.

Bottom line ... we are not about to stop drinking it

Today's results

Results from 3 weeks ago

Wonderful news, hermano!

 

[RLB0414]

Diana had her IV treatment today. Two more to go !

She has been dealing with low white blood cell counts for the past year as these infusions take a big toll on her immune system.
At one point a few weeks ago her neutrophils went down as far as 0.6 but fortunately they bounced back to the minimum threshold in time for the next treatment.

Trying to boost her white blood cells we introduce more omega 3 ( salmon, trout ) added some B12 supplement etc.

About 3 weeks ago we started drinking chaga every day. Back then her neutrophils were at 1.7 ( a little below normal)
Today's blood work revealed a MAJOR increase at 4.3

I am hesitant to make a direct correlation between chaga and her much improved blood work ... however ... ( the nurse even asked her if she had made any changes to her diet )

Searching "Chaga" and "white blood cells" "immunologic system" brings just too many results, some from credible medical institutions indicating chaga is indeed very beneficial to build up your immunity among a host of other benefits.

Bottom line ... we are not about to stop drinking it

Today's results

Results from 3 weeks ago

Great news

 

[Storm 8593]

Great news, keep chugging back the magic ingredients

 

[el gigantor]

Diana had her IV treatment today. Two more to go !

She has been dealing with low white blood cell counts for the past year as these infusions take a big toll on her immune system.
At one point a few weeks ago her neutrophils went down as far as 0.6 but fortunately they bounced back to the minimum threshold in time for the next treatment.

Trying to boost her white blood cells we introduce more omega 3 ( salmon, trout ) added some B12 supplement etc.

About 3 weeks ago we started drinking chaga every day. Back then her neutrophils were at 1.7 ( a little below normal)
Today's blood work revealed a MAJOR increase at 4.3

I am hesitant to make a direct correlation between chaga and her much improved blood work ... however ... ( the nurse even asked her if she had made any changes to her diet )

Searching "Chaga" and "white blood cells" "immunologic system" brings just too many results, some from credible medical institutions indicating chaga is indeed very beneficial to build up your immunity among a host of other benefits.

Bottom line ... we are not about to stop drinking it

Today's results

Results from 3 weeks ago

As a mushroom farmer by trade, I'm so happy to see this!

Also I love "A Walk in Nature". I have an Otter-Messer Safety Knife in the mail, and now that I live in the rain forest, I seem fairly well positioned to share some new photos with you all.

 

[RayseM]

Can't Hoit Steady on Diana we are cheering for you, or should I say chagaing for you.

Dan - I am constantly impressed with the qualities of your photos. These just come off your phone too - right? You don't edit them.

 

[bigfish64]

Diana had her IV treatment today. Two more to go !

She has been dealing with low white blood cell counts for the past year as these infusions take a big toll on her immune system.
At one point a few weeks ago her neutrophils went down as far as 0.6 but fortunately they bounced back to the minimum threshold in time for the next treatment.

Trying to boost her white blood cells we introduce more omega 3 ( salmon, trout ) added some B12 supplement etc.

About 3 weeks ago we started drinking chaga every day. Back then her neutrophils were at 1.7 ( a little below normal)
Today's blood work revealed a MAJOR increase at 4.3

I am hesitant to make a direct correlation between chaga and her much improved blood work ... however ... ( the nurse even asked her if she had made any changes to her diet )

Searching "Chaga" and "white blood cells" "immunologic system" brings just too many results, some from credible medical institutions indicating chaga is indeed very beneficial to build up your immunity among a host of other benefits.

Bottom line ... we are not about to stop drinking it

Today's results

Results from 3 weeks ago

Great news Dan!

 

[Bloefield]

 

[CelloDan]

Wonderful news, hermano!

Gracias Vince !

Great news

Thank you my friend !

Great news, keep chugging back the magic ingredients

Gracias ! We will

As a mushroom farmer by trade, I'm so happy to see this!

Also I love "A Walk in Nature". I have an Otter-Messer Safety Knife in the mail, and now that I live in the rain forest, I seem fairly well positioned to share some new photos with you all.

That's really cool regarding your trade as a mushroom grower
Can't wait to see your Otter-Messer in the rainforest mi amigo
( an Otter Messer is the first knife featured on this thread on post #1 )

Can't Hoit Steady on Diana we are cheering for you, or should I say chagaing for you.

Dan - I am constantly impressed with the qualities of your photos. These just come off your phone too - right? You don't edit them.

Gracias Ray ! We'll keep on chagging! ... and thank you again for introducing us to it
Yes, the pics are off my iphone. I try to get close to the subject ( a knife usually lol ) and always make sure lighting is a good as possible. I take two or three pics at different angles and choose the best one. Basic editing ( crop, centering, a bit of vignette, frame ) is done on an app on my iphone called "Snapseed"

Great news Dan!

Thank you Todd !

He saw, or smelled something up the trail
Cool pic !
-----

Thank you gentleman for the kind words !

After her treatment yesterday Diana is feeling a bit drained and resting on the couch with a couple blankets, a mug with chaga brewed with some ginger not far from her reach.

She is really looking forward to our second summer aboard our little "Serena" and to spend as many weekends as possible cruising the 1000 islands area on the Saint Lawrence as well as the bigger lakes in the Rideau waterway.

She has been mentioning this quite often in the past few days and yesterday she reminded me to buy the lock and mooring season pass ( a 20% discount until end of March).