Cute Puppies

If you want more cute pictures, click here and here. :)

The "enduring" presence...

"Peace be with you."

Quite often, as we paddle along the Gulf Islands shores, we'll come upon an inukshuk, a marker. Traditionally, it may have provided a point of reference or an aid to navigation. In our part of the world, today, it usually represents a place where someone has come ashore and enjoyed a short stay. An inukshuk extends a friendly welcome, its very presence declaring that great pleasure has been enjoyed in that exact spot. They have lingered long enough to build a simple structure that remains to greet others as they pass by, on the water or on an intersecting trail.

Setting rock upon rock and achieving the necessary balance and structural strength brings satisfaction. There is a timelessness to the inukshuk. We feel the connection to like-minded souls in the misty expanse of time. That, perhaps, is the enduring quality every one of these shoreside symbols expresses.

Perhaps this is the great appeal of paddling a simple craft, hill-walking, and running along forest trails. They are enduring, self-propelled activities that have always been a part of our inherent human desire to explore and to discover.

A similarly welcoming presence...on the top of a Scottish hill.

In a world of sound bites, pixels, apps of the day, weekly software updates, and cryptic storage "clouds"...enduring is good. It's very good indeed.

Peace.

Duncan.


Top image: A simple but elegant inukshuk on the rocky shore of neighbouring Saltspring Island.
Second image: Last year, overlooking Loch Brandy, Angus, Scotland.

Swans And Black Swans

Swans, genus Cygnus, are birds of the family Anatidae, which also includes geese and ducks. Swans are grouped with the closely related geese in the subfamily Anserinae where they form the tribe Cygnini. Sometimes, they are considered a distinct subfamily, Cygninae. There are six to seven species of swan in the genus Cygnus; in addition there is another species known as the Coscoroba Swan, although this species is no longer considered related to the true swans. Swans usually mate for life, though 'divorce' does sometimes occur, particularly following nesting failure. The number of eggs in each clutch ranges from three to eight.

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, a species of swan, which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. The species was hunted to extinction in New Zealand, but later reintroduced. Within Australia they are nomadic, with erratic migration patterns dependent upon climatic conditions. Black Swans are large birds with mostly black plumage and red bills. They are monogamous breeders that share incubation duties and cygnet rearing between the sexes.

Described scientifically by English naturalist John Latham in 1790, the Black Swan was formerly placed into a monotypic genus, Chenopis. Black Swans can be found singly, or in loose companies numbering into the hundreds or even thousands. Black Swans are popular birds in zoological gardens and bird collections, and escapees are sometimes seen outside their natural range.

Guilin Mountains

The Guilin Mountains and surrounding area is one of the most inspirational spots for poets and artists in the world. Limestone mountains and incredible rock formations spring up in various shapes and sizes all along the Li River. Seven-star Park, which covers an area of 100 hectares, features rivers, caves, the Seven Star Peaks, Morning of Camel Hill, Crescent Rainbow Shadow, and Putuo Stone Forest.

The Guilin Mountains and Seven-Star Park area also features scenic features like Flower Bridge, Longyin Cave, Zenggong Stong, Crescent Stone, Camel Hill, Longyin Stone, and Flower Bridge.

When the going gets tough...you invite the boats inside.

I can imagine few things more trying to the patience 

than the long wasted days of waiting.

- Robert Falcon Scott

"Yes, of course we feel so much better...just knowing that you're here with us.
How be I fix the four of us some nice hot, green tea? 
Honey and ginger for everybody?"

Well, I'm no Robert Falcon Scott, facing the unimaginable, frigid harshness of the unforgiving Antarctic wasteland, not to mention starvation, and exhaustion beyond..."beyond" - but I've had a rare bad cold this past week. 


The point is, we've haven't been able to get out paddling. I noted that a number of you haven't been able to get out either. For some it's been weather. For others, it's been impenetrable ice at the launch site. For still others, well, day time vocations do sometimes get in the way of a good paddling day. 


So, in our case, what to do? Well, eventually you just need to cosy up to something that will provide warmth, comfort, reassurance, and the promise of better days to come. So I, with my spouse's blessings, invited the boats inside. I certainly feel much better. It was also a good opportunity to do minor maintenance and adjust / tighten / change "rigging".


I recommend this course of action. No, not a cure for the common cold, but it helps with the "patience factor." One doesn't feel quite so far from the water. And sometimes it's nice just to sit in them...and visualize. 


Is this all rather strange? Some of you will understand. Some may even roll their eyes, but I will forgive you if you do. :)

Pax,

Duncan.

The Morning Glory, Rare Meteorological Phenomenon

The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. The settlement of Burketown attracts glider pilots intent on riding this phenomenon.

Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood.
Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day.

Funnel cloud is also very interesting and you can also check out this funny cloud post.

Don't Give Up

I will begin writing this post  to extend a warm welcome to all my new followers, and to let you all know that I appreciate your warm, kind and encouraging comments. 

Every New Dawn Brings a New Promise

You are in a round about way teaching me a valuable lesson with your arrival.  I had all but given up in my efforts to to create more of an awareness and appreciation for nature, and to share her beauty.  While it is true that this blog is mainly about birds, I also try to showcase all aspects of nature that I encounter. All the benefits and wonders, all the things that can be discovered and learned.  Your arrival has gladdened my heart and taught me not to give up.

Thank you,
Susan

Mount Danxia, Famous Scenic Area

Mount Danxia is a famous scenic area near Shaoguan city in the northern part of Guangdong, China. The Danxia mountain is formed from a reddish sandstone which has been eroded over time into a series of mountains surrounded by curvaceous cliffs and many unusual rock formations (Danxia Landform). It is described in local signage as a "world famous UNESCO geopark of China". There are a number of temples located on the mountains and many scenic walks can be undertaken. There is also a river winding through the mountains on which boat trips can be taken to enjoy the scenery.

Valentines Day Roses Wallpapers, Greetings Cards For Free Download

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