This Is My Ontario - Please Keep It Beautiful

Deep Freeze

2011-01-24T18:23:00.002-05:00

It seems that Ontario has gone into a deep freeze the last few days. I am quite sure for those who live in northern parts of the province are laughing at everyone in the south complaining about the negative 35 Celsius being cold when temperatures like that tend to be quite normal. In temperatures like these salt for the roads begin to loose its magical melting power. Cars take a few extra seconds to start or at times they won't start at all. It is days like these that remind us all that yes we live in Canada and it does get freezing your nuts off cold. They say it's the humidly that really causes us here in Ontario to feel cold and damp to the bone that no matter how many layers of clothing we put in, it just doesn't help.

I am the first to admit even though being from the great white north that is Canada, I do not like the cold very much. It is mostly do to the fact that I get cold very easy. Even during the summer cool evenings don't be surprised if you see me curled up with a blanket by the campfire. Only during days and nights like these do they make me want to scream out for the 0 Celsius weather to come back.

How Much Are Those Stacked Rocks On The River

2011-01-05T16:29:00.002-05:00

I know I should post on here way more often then I do but I am not even sure how many people even read this blog or want to read it anymore but I'll keep posting anyway.

Back in August I heard about these rocks that were found stacked in the middle of the Humber River in Toronto. Being the curious guy that I am, I had to go and check them out. Gullible people would think nature did this or some kind of alien encounter on earth formed them stacked up was just as logical as the crop circles. Thankfully being smarter then that I knew they had to be man-made for sure. Seeing how the Humber River isn't the cleanest bodies of water out there the idea that someone had walked in the water and stacked all those rocks grossed some others out.

As walked across the 1918 Old Mill bridge and looked out and saw what all the fuss had been. They did in fact look very cool and whoever did them had a lot of patience to be able to set the hundreds of stacked rocks in the moving waters of the Humber river.

Below is just a small group of all the stacked rocks that were all over the place.

Stacked Rocks looking towards the Old Mill Bridge August 2010

A few days later I learned that the stacked Rock statures were in fact made by photographer Peter Riedel but I think deep inside I was hoping it was the sneaky raccoons that were building them in the middle of the night/

Michael Ignatieff in Etobicoke

2010-09-26T14:23:00.017-04:00

Look Who stopped his Canadian Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore Riding for the in Etobicoke at the Annual Protective Services BBQ on Sept 25 2010

Michael Ignatieff is the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Leader of the Official Opposition.

I got to meet him briefly after taking a few pictures, very well spoken and he tried his best to answer all and every question anyone had or at least have notes made for things to be looked into if he didn't have an answer right then.

Michael Ignatieff with his wife his wife, Zsuzsanna Zsohar posing for pictures with a few people

World's Largest Mudcat ( Catfish )

2010-08-20T16:19:00.001-04:00

Rested on the shores of the The Grand River, a short distance from Lake Erie there is a town called Dunnville.

It is the home of the World's largest Mudcat statue unveiled on November 14, 2009 called “Muddy"

Muddy was is 50- foot long, 27-foot high located in Centennial Park in Dunnville, Ontario and was Designed and built by Mike Walker

There is a plaque near Muddy that reads:

"Welcome to Dunnville, Home of "Muddy" the mudcat.
A Mudcat is a form of channel catfish and is being recognized here due to its longstanding association with Dunnville. Dunnville has had ball and hockey teams named after the mudcat, we have an annual "Mudcat Festival" and of course the Grand River, is teeming with mudcats.
At over 50 feet in length, it is the largest statue of its kind in the world.
The statue was built as a project of five Dunnville service clubs, all of which have contributed generously towards its construction and ongoing maintenance costs.

Dunnville service clubs :
Dunnville Kinsman Club, Rotary Club of Dunnville, Dunnville Lions Club,
Dunnville Lioness Club, Dunnville Optimist Club"

Not to far away from "muddy" is The Dunnville Airport, the former World War II RCAF Training Base that is now the home of the the No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum. I happened to get the pleasure of a small tour of the Museum and hanger that has older planes that still fly from time to time so if you're ever in the area of Dunnville please make sure you check out "Muddy" and The Dunnville Airport.

Webster's Falls in July

2010-07-22T13:03:00.001-04:00

A few friends and I were camping not to far away and decided to venture out to the surprisingly lesser known waterfall called Webster's Falls near Hamilton . As we walked up to one of the top look out points above the falls the first thing I noticed was that the amount of water going over the falls was quite significantly less this time then it was the last time I was at Webster's falls.

The trek down to the bottom of the falls is always a mini adventure. Going across a bridge down metal stairs then done one person only no passing stairs that are made out of stones with a railing is always a treat for someone who has a fear of falling like myself. Getting to the bottom is always worth the trip as the view is just breathtaking. The lower water meant I was able to be brave enough to walk to right below the falls as the water was coming down. As we got there the sky's began to open up and it started to rain not that it mattered much considering the falls was already getting us wet. My only fear was my poor camera getting too wet and stop working. I managed to get a few snap shots and not destroy my camera in the process.

click here to read about my other visit to the falls

Tornado touches down in Midland,Ontario

2010-06-23T23:57:00.007-04:00

5.5 earthquake felt from Ottawa to Windsor which I didn't feel even though tons of people I know say they shook more then a can of Molson's Canadian beer bottle bouncing down a flight of stairs then opening it.

Tornado touches down in Midland,Ontario

View Larger Map

Mother Nature says Hello Ontario

My friend Paul took these pics not long after the windy twister beast went though Midland Ontario but allowed me to share them on here

more news about it from below
ctv.ca: "Suspected tornado sparks state of emergency"

cp24.com: "Possible tornado hits Midland trailer park but injuries said to be minor"

thestar.com "Suspected tornado touches down in Midland; warnings issued"

nationalpost.com:Midland, Ontario ravaged by possible Tornado

Kipling Sunset

2010-06-15T13:40:00.000-04:00

Last week I went for a walk in Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke. It's a a walk enjoy doing from time to time, the park is almost like it's own island where at some points of it you can see an great view of the Toronto Downtown skyline. The Sun was starting to set over The Lakeshore Yacht Club and was loving the shadows of the boats that was now appearing as the day was turning into night.

Mccare Lake View

2010-06-04T18:10:00.000-04:00

In Sept 09 we decided to check out a lake that a friend of mine had been to a few times over the years but since we didn't have a canoe to paddle our way up the river system to the lake we decided to do the hour long hike up and down halls to get to the lake. The walk itself is a neat way to see some of Ontario's wildlife but also a time I I wanted to ask "Are We There Yet?" we topped a small hill and the view is just breathtaking and for sure worth the trip. Over the years the lake as become quite busy but still a no motor boats allowed lake as far as I know but sadly it has also been a place people have started to party a bit and have started leaving beer bottles around in some places around the lake. It's still a nice place to go and I hope I can go back soon

From Factory to Greenspace

2010-05-27T13:48:00.002-04:00

The Don Valley Brickwork's factory first opened in 1889

by the 1980's most of the materials used for bricks were used up in the quarry.

It was almost rezoned for housing development until The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority pointed out that the land was partially on a floodplain so the land couldn't be used for housing.

The land was turned into Conservation land and the quarry was filled in and made into a few ponds from run off from a creek.

for more info on the brickwork's land and the changes that are still coming please visit the official website at http://ebw.evergreen.ca

Who Stole The Snow?

2010-01-17T19:00:00.010-05:00

Over the week or so all the snow seems to have disappeared from the Greater Toronto Area so when I heard there was still snow North East of the G.T.A. I convinced a friend that we must find this white stuff that seems to have escaped.

We got in the car and set out down the 404 and still the white stuff called snow was still not to be found anywhere. I knew what we had to do, we had to get off these highways of this awesome province and get on the country roads. I find the county "roads" are more like mini highways really. Sure you need to slow down in the towns and villages but for the most part can keep up reasonable speeds in other parts of the roads.

As we drove along and slowly noticed a bit of snow on the ground then more and more then we get to the top of a hill on and you can see for miles and what do we see, tons of snow all over the ground calling us to make a snow angle.

I Found Where Lost Toys End Up

2009-12-17T23:39:00.006-05:00

A few months ago I was traveling around this wonderful Province of Ontario with a friend of mine and we came across this magical mountain of toys all over the place in front of this one house. There were older toys and some newer looking ones. Things I remember playing with as a kid and others that I would have loved to have. Still to this day I am sure why all these toys were left out but I am temped to see if they get left out all winter too. One thing is for sure someone must get into trouble for leaving out all of his toys and not picking them up after he had finished playing with them.

Snow has Fallen

2009-12-08T00:53:00.001-05:00

Snow has fallen in the south part of Ontario over the past couple of days, Toronto got some snow today that actually stayed and still around now. It isn't much but it seems to making some people happy and others not so happy. November we saw next to no snow at all . The People who shovel snow I am sure weren't so happy to be having to get up early to actually go out and shovel snow when they had a relaxing goofing off time in November. Snow shoveling still cost people money even though there weren't any snow to shovel but I guess that is what people pay for in case of snow that will get removed a short time after they get up and before they leave for work in the morning.

here is a picture I took back in 2002 but I thought it was fitting to share what has happening around the province

Remembrance Day at Queen's Park

2009-11-14T13:03:00.003-05:00

On Wed November 11 2009, It was Remembrance Day here in Canada, I joined my friend Adam and his friend Eric at the Veterans' Memorial on the front lawn of the main legislative building at Queen's Park ( Queen's Park is where Government of Ontario Legislature meet ).
It was MC'd by Major-General Richard Rohmer (Retired), Premier Dalton McGuinty also spoke. It was my first time ever being at a Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen's Park.

I was rather surprised how close we were able to get ( within 30 feet of the podium ) , I guess I just expected a bit more visible security.

It was a great way for me to remember and give support to those who have fought for Canada in many ways over the years. I remember as a kid in elementary school going into the gymnasium at school to remember the Canadian soldiers who had fought in different wars. Even though my grandfather was a pilot in the Canadian air force I never gave much thought to it back then. I know growing up as a kid Canada really hadn't been involved in any kind of conflict that really made much news anyway. My grandfather and I never spoke about his time serving in the air force and what all he had seen. Thinking back I wish I was more brave to ask him to tell me a few stores about it.

It IsThat Colourful Time Of The Year again

2009-10-26T12:08:00.001-04:00

It is that colourful time of year again it seems but this year some trees were holding out by staying green as long as they could. We did not really have much of a summer this year as it felt more like Winter to spring to fall so no wonder the trees are confused as to weather they need to change colour yet as they are still waiting for more summer weather days before it becomes fall.

It seems so far fall is winning out and winter will soon be bringing what it has to offer us.

How Much Is That Birdy On The Pole

2009-08-27T01:07:00.001-04:00

Over by Casino Rama near Orillia while driving a long a friend pointed out this huge thing on top of a hydro pole and I look up and what do I see...
A Huge bird nest on top of that pole. What size of bird would make a nest over 4 feet wide besides a Bald Eagle I am not quite sure. I know we have bald eagles here in Ontario but I've never seen one myself. I've seen a few Great Horned Owls from time to time but I have never seen nests like this before here in Ontario. Not sure how long the nest has been there but I do hope it gets used for years to come.

Clam after the Storm

2009-08-21T10:21:00.001-04:00

The Southern Onartio got hit by some rather frighting yet cool looking to some... thunderstorms on August 20, 2009. There was also acouple confirmed tornado sightings that left one 11-year-old boy dead and ripped a part quite a few homes in Durham, Ontario.

I remember sitting on my laptop chatting away then seeing the storm sneak in the city very quickly as it got dark and lighting and thunder every half a second and rain drops blowing sideways shaking a few windows. Just as quickly as it came into my area only staying a few short minutes it was gone and heading towards other parts of Ontario.

For some odd reason after the storm had passed I noticed my plants needed watering so I gave them some water from the water pitcher. I am sure if anyone happened to see me doing this would have thought it was quite strange.

Below is a picture I took on a street in Toronto a an hour after the storm went though the city that just seemed so peaceful as if what had just happened never took place.

Bracebridge the pioneers of hydro-eletric generation

2009-08-06T12:32:00.006-04:00

During one of my road trips around the highways and roads of this beautiful province a friend and I ended up driving though the Town of Bracebridge.

I always find it interesting when towns in Ontario have Rivers flowing though them like the Muskoka River does and how it effects how the town was laid out. Bracebridge for sure becomes alive during the summer with all the tourists that come up in the summer. As much as the Town welcomes the money and jobs from the tourists I am sure they are glad when a lot of them go home after the labour day long weekend.

I did manage to get a bit of fishing in while I was there but didn’t catch anything but I didn’t see anyone else who was fishing there catching anything either.

The town has a population of about 15,500 people. The Bracebridge falls located at the Silver Bridge in Downtown Bracebridge, they empty into the Muskoka River and that runs into Bracebridge bay. The Bracebridge falls is now made up of a hydroelectric plant that controls the water flow to produce electricity. Bracebridge was one of the first municipality in Canada to use hydro power as part of the towns power source.

Near the falls there is a plaque that reads

On October 5th 1894. the Town of Bracebridge purchased an 80 h.p water powered generating plant to supply electricity to the community. This plaque commemorates the far-sighted electors who early recognized the benefits of electrical living and in so doing made Bracebridge the pioneer in municipal hydro-electric generation in Ontario.

Erected by Ontario Hydro
Unveiled July. 1967

Camping with the moon

2009-07-31T10:37:00.004-04:00

I went camping with a couple of friends this past week and it rained everyday, The weather in Ontario this year seems to be more like Vancouver winter weather then the weather we normally get in here in Ontario in July. I am sure this is the wettest July we have had in quite a number of years. I am waiting for August to become rather hot then people start complaining that it is way too hot and dry. We still had a good time camping considering all the wet weather and made the best of it. As the sun was setting one night I noticed that the moon was already showing itself. It was only a half moon but it still looked rather near sneaking behind a pine tree.

Big bass on Lake Scugog

2009-07-19T12:36:00.006-04:00

On Friday I went fishing with a friend on Lake Scugog, It's a lake in Scugog Township between the Village of Port Perry, Ontario and the town of Lindsay, Ontario. ( I believe Lindsay is now part of the City of Kawartha Lakes ). We got to the lake quite a bit later then I wanted too but things happen. It was a partly cloudy day about 20 degrees Celsius (68 F). Not quite sure what the water temp was but with the Lake being a shallow lake averaging only 7 feet, I am sure it was rather warm compared to a lot of lakes in Ontario.

The lake was full of weeds all over the place. At first I was a little bit discouraged by this fact then I realized what love weedy lakes? Fish but more importantly Largemouh Bass. The first half of the day we were getting a bit discouraged as we didn’t catch much at all then all of a sudden when I tossed my line out as soon as it hit the water this bass engulfed my lure and took off swimming into the weeds from the pocket of water it grabbed the bait in. I was able to get it out of the weeds and into the boat. We guessed it to be about 4 to 5 pounds. I live released it back into the lake

Here is a pic of my bass

A hour or so later we were thinking of moving spots as my friend only had caught a rock bass and a smaller one pound bass. Then all of a sudden BAM!!! This fish grabbed onto his line that he thought was bottom at first then it took off running right into the weeds on the shore. He finally got it in after quite some time and it had to weight at least 8 pounds. very nice bass for sure. He live released it back into the lake.

here is a pic of his bass

Largest Bison in Canada

2009-07-14T00:36:00.008-04:00

While Traveling with my partner along Highway 11 going north to Englehart I noticed this large metal bison as we drive past. We finished up what we had to do in Englehart and headed back south on highway 11 and I just knew I had to stop and check on this large bison and take a few pictures of it including one of me standing under it. I refined from doing anything dirty and keeping the pictures G rated.

For sure a must see if you're ever up in that neck of the woods

North American Bison

"Manitou", the bison statue Canada’s largest Bison or buffalo sculpture of a bison in Earlton, Ontario along Highway 11. Earlton is about 200km north of the city of North Bay and about 30 kilometers north of New Liskeard. The sculpture was designed by Mike Camp in 1985 and is 19 Feet (5.8 Metres) high and 27 Feet (8.2 Metres) long and weighs about 9 tons. it is made up of Steel, fibreglass to nuts and bolts, that is welted together. You can tell it is a Bull Bison but just looking up and that's all I will say about that.

It was the entrance of the Earlton Zoo that changed into the Temiskaming Wildlife Centre that as since been closed

The Earlton Zoo closed in 2004 and the Temiskaming Wildlife Center closed in 2005 which I can only assume was do to lack of funding.

New Country 95.3 Canada Day Jam

2009-07-06T17:18:00.006-04:00

Pembroke native Jason Blaine

On July 1 2009 (Canada day) I went to Radio station New Country 95.3 Canada Day Jam, It's an annual Canada Day set of Free concerts put on by various Canadian New Country Artists. Most I must admit I have never heard of most years but I become an instant fan just like Jason Blaine 3 years ago. Jason Blaine is from Pembroke,Ontario. He is a Singer - songwriter that I just feel in love with his music. His personally just made him stand out, quite warm and humble to have the fans that he does. The Rest of the artists that played were quite good themselves but again Jason Blaine stood out from the pack.

Marshall Dane, One More Girl, Tara Oram, Amanda Wilkinson and Emerson Drive, Join Jason Blaine on stage over the course of the day.

you can see more photos that I took on my Flickr Canada day Jam 2009 set

The Worlds Largest Apple

2009-06-25T12:58:00.005-04:00

The more well known name "The Big Apple" is a nickname for New York City but it is not the only Big apple around. The home of the real big apple is in town of Colborne along highway 401. With a height of 35 Feet (10.7 Metres) and the belly of the apple has a diameter 38 Feet (11.6 Metres) and this big fruit weights 42 tonnes but don't try to eat it as it is not a real apple. The apple was built with structural steel by Vout Welding of Cobourg. The whole theme of the place has gotten bigger over the years which in a way has made it loose it's charm to me but it still attracts thounds of visitings ever year. I always make sure I stop in to see this wonderful road side attraction that if you've never been there it for sure is a must see on any road trip.

The bakery beside "The Big Apple" bakes all kinds of pies but my favourite is still the Dutch apple pie.


Address:: Big Apple Dr, Colborne, ON, Canada
Directions:: Hwy 401 Exit 497 S (Percy St). First right is Big Apple Dr.

The big apple in the news
"Big Apple is big fun"

The colours of the flames

2009-06-17T12:57:00.006-04:00

There is something magical about a campfire. I’m not sure if it’s the over all peacefulness of the flames and the soft crackle of the fire. People just seem to get drawn into the memorizing experience of it. The magic of the flames just seems to open people up and talk about things they might normally never do. Just staring into the flames seems to relax people. Often we begin to forget about the rest of the world outside that special cycle around the campfire. The reds, oranges, blues and whites of the flames just sucks you in. The orange glow of the embers just seem to relax you as it gives you warmth to the entire body.
I know the campfire really isn’t just an Ontario thing but it has been a staple when camping in Ontario as for as long as anyone can remember. From ghost stories told around it to try and scare while entertaining others. Sharing moments of the past like they were just yesterday. Dreams and wishes just seem to come true around a campfire and that is enough reason for me to love them so much. So next time your around a campfire feel free to share stories and sing your heart out. I am sure those moments will bring memories that will last a life time. I am sure those moments will bring memories that will last a life time.

World's Largest Two-Dollar coin

2009-06-08T12:54:00.016-04:00

The original Canadian 1996 Two-Dollar coin was designed by Campbellford, Ontario local Brent Townsend and the town placed Two-Dollar coin monument to honor his creativity.

Campbellford is a small town of about 3,800 people.

This coin monument in Old Mill Park, along the Trent Severn Waterway was built in 2001 is a 27 feet high and 18 Feet wide and is a replacement of the original coin that was placed in 1996 which was 20 Feet high and had over 700 white and yellow lights

The Canadian Two-Dollar coin dubbed "the Toonie" by Many Canadians was first launched in 1996.

Sign at the base of the monument reads:

"Campbellford/Seymour - Home of the $2 Coin. About the Artist Local artist, Brent Townsend designed the award-winning polar bear as seen on the face of Canada's premiere $2 coin. An internationally known & widely respected wildlife artist, Brent wanted to convey the noble strength of the polar bear on the coin. 'I wanted to relay many of the characteristics associated with this powerful animal so that even on such a small reproduction as a coin, people would instantly recognize it to be a polar bear.' Brent Townsend's pursuit is to capture Canada's boundless wilderness. The artist strives to renew his creativity within each canvas as he travels extensively across Canada, while staying true to the surrounding landscapes throughout Northumberland County."

Grenadier Pond

2009-06-05T15:19:00.013-04:00

I went for a walk with a friend yesterday in High Park Here in Toronto and took a few pictures as always. I really would be lost if I went anywhere without my camera. As we were walking along Grenadier Pond I remember the story I heard one winter when I was walking on the frozen pond from a guy who lives along the pond. He told me of the myth that in the early 1800's a few British Grenadiers (soldiers) fell though the ice during drill practice because of all the gear that had with them while trying to cross the frozen pond during the late winter and but a few drowned in the pond. I personally think it's just all a myth but still a fun story to imagine about even if there is not any record of such an event occurring.

A Mute Swan Nesting

Male Wood Duck, Female Wood Duck
Red Eared Slider , Midland Painted Turtle, Red Eared Slider

Some say that some parts of the pond are bottomless because of the mud that is like quicksand.
My question is this, would the mud not in fact be the actual bottom of the pond even if you can't stand on it?