Yukon Adventure

This summer marked my first time visiting the Territories.
At least one of them.  Yukon.

As a city mouse by nature, it's truly amazing to find one's self in a place where there is not a hydro line or cell tower to be seen for miles (or kilometres, depending on what side of the Yukon/Alaska border you find yourself on).

Tobermory and Bruce National Park

The day starts early with the Chi-Cheemaun loading up and heading out for the first of three round-trips to Manitoulin Island.  The two hour scenic trip shaves almost 8 hours off the time it would otherwise take to drive around Georgian Bay and get bridge access to the largest fresh water island in the world. 

Not many people realize that Canada is home to more native orchid species, such as these Lady's Slippers,  than any other country in the world. 

 Bruce National Park, on the northeastern face of the Bruce Peninsula, is home to some of the most rugged and beautiful shoreline I have ever encountered.  It is also next door to the world's first underwater national park.  Fathom Five is world renowned for the unusual clarity of the water.

People aren't the only ones enjoying the view.

Life takes hold wherever.

 Native flora and fauna.

               Taking in the view of Tobermory's 'Little Tub' Harbour.

 

The Chi-Cheemaun returns to Little Tub at the end of another day.

Gran Canaria Landscapes

When I visited the Canary Islands for the first time last year, I devoted a great deal of effort to capturing my underwater experience on camera (see previous entries). 

 I didn't devote nearly as much time to truly appreciating the beautiful landscapes above sea level. 

 Judging by the few images I did capture on an inland tour, It's worth the effort to escape the tourists and beaches and nightlife to see the spartan beauty of this arid island.

  

NEW ORLEANS

No. 

I have absolutely no idea either.

A touch of Mardi Gras.  

Just one of the many, many parades around town 

throughout the month leading up to the big night.

Spanning the mighty Mississippi

The French Quarter

St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square

More Parades 

The Mystic Crewe of Barkus

is proof this town is going to the dogs.

At least for an afternoon!

The Natchez is the fastest Steam powered paddle wheeler in history

and an elegant old lady as well.

Oil refineries, The industry behind the city

Looking out from astern on the Natchez

Bayou neighbours

These guys taste great deep fried.

But keep you hands out of the water

unless you want to step a few rungs down the food chain

Bayou fishing cabin

Two out of three not thrilled with the present situation.

Ready for Mardi Gras, Bourbon St. or whatever.

Historically significant and fun for tourists

but it doesn't hold a candle to the red rockets in Downtown Toronto.

Ours can stop traffic (literally!)