Whalen's Wanderings

2012 Timbits Hockey Jamboree

2012-01-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

It was a long but rewarding day today. As I write this I am struggling to keep my eyes open. After a winter storm that brought snow and freezing rain last night, we woke early this morning to be sure we could make the one hour drive to Saint John. We were heading to Saint John for the Tim Horton's Timbit Hockey Jamboree at Harbour Station. In case you didn't know...simply playing at Harbour Station is a big deal for kids 5-6 years old.

We arrived at the rink around 9:40am for the first of four games my son would play today. He was only supposed to play 2 but due to other players being sick and unable to make it, he was going to fill in for a team that was short. For a 6 year old that means a lot of hockey and a long day. I was a bit concerned that maybe it was going to be to much. I was also a bit concerned because his first two games were against the younger age class. I had a chat with him and asked him to take it easy though and surprisingly he listened well.

His first game was a relaxed pace and he didn't get to engaged. His team won quite handly with minimal input from him. Of course at this event the score doesn't really matter. The next game there was no holding Seth back and he was fully engaged and scored a hat trick leading his team to another victory. After the game he asked his Mom "Did you see my hat trick Mom?" She enthusiastically responded with a "Yeah! You were great!" As he moved out of ear shot she turns to me and asks "Whats a hat trick?" She is learning so much already...I am so proud of both of them and love them both so much.

After game two Seth was thirsty and hungry. He stated he didn't want to play four games today. After some food and a juice box though he was ready to go again. It might have had more to do with all the chocolate glazed timbits he ate too. The third game was with the team he was scheduled to play with and with his age class. He competed hard and though he didn't score he was continually in the play and moving the puck forward. At this age that is very positive. Game four was very similar and the kids won both and as much as the adults want to believe the score doesn't matter...you can't tell competetive six year olds that. They all came of the ice smiling and laughing, Seth maybe a little less so as he was a bit more tired than most.

The best thing about this format is that it really gives the kids a taste of what true hockey is really about. For many it is the first "tournament" they play. The kids that were there last year remembered almost every goal from the year before. They anticipate playing at Harbour Station again. For a parent it is a bit chaotic and rushed but the kids move through it seamlessly with the young minds unaware of the rapid pace.

Just one thumbs down and that was the fact that one of our players ended up losing his boots. Either accidently or through theft, but if the latter I give a big thumbs down to the thoughtless and selfish person who felt it would be okay to send a kid home from the rink in his sock feet.

I tip my hat to Tim Horton's for hosting such a great event.

A Ward's Creek Surprise

2012-01-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

This is an article I had published in the January 24, 2012 Kings County Record. It was inspired by a hike I took with a work colleague. We were investigating the topography around a watershed that we have been working at restoring as part of my job as the Project Manager for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee. It is days such as this one that drive home the reason why I don't work for money but rather for the enjoyment of my job.

This porcupine was one of many we found in this scenic area. A small but rewarding wilderness area.

Nature is always full of surprises. That is one of the bigger reasons why I love getting out and enjoying it. Sometimes the weather changes suddenly and a summer shower changes the whole outlook on a day and makes it, strangely, more enjoyable. Maybe you're walking across an expansive farm field and a large buck prances out in front of you leaving your heart racing and short of breath. I could go on and on but I want to tell you about a surprise I recently received.

If you read my column regularly you'll know that I often am looking for ridges to hike and during the summer of 2011 I spotted one while driving along Route 111. It took me until January of 2012 to get there. From the road the ridge looked like it was hiding a ravine but I wasn't sure and the topographic maps and on-line map sources didn't show a great deal. This really had me curious and so I headed out one afternoon with a colleague.

We parked along Route 111 and then worked our way across Ward's Creek. Once across the Creek the terrain becomes very steep and as we work along the side of the hill large boulders are strewn through the woods. They serve as an indication as to what lay ahead. We aren't following any specific trail but we do find a farm road that heads in the direction we think we need to go. We decide to move off the road and head further up the hill as we feel we need to actually crest the hill to find the hidden ravine, I think is there. As we stumble onto another farm trail I see the rock face that I spotted from Route 111 and it is much bigger than what I imagined.


Looking down the valley along the top of the ridge.

The rock face is not extremely high but does stand well above the surrounding landscape and extends more than 100m in length. Beech, maple, and birch trees dominate the narrow valley floor while spruce and pine stand along the top of the face. Scree is scattered along the foot of the rock wall and makes walking difficult. The conglomerate rock is solid with large boulders imbedded into its cement like texture. The whole scene stands out in front of me and leaves me feeling a bit giddy. It was so much more than what I had anticipated and it was going to throw another surprise.

I explored the barren looking rock and some of the cracks in the wall seeking for a route I could climb up over the face. As I looked up one such crack I noticed a large amount of porcupine scat, then as I looked up further I saw three porcupines sleeping while wedged into the crack. I moved down to the next crack and actually climbed up approximately 30m to the top of the ridge. As I took in the scenery below me I heard some rustling to my right and when I turned I saw another porcupine. I was able to snap a number of great pictures and take some video of it as it made its way down the rock face. To be honest, I had no idea; porcupines were that comfortable on rock.

From the top of the scree the rock face was pretty much straight up.

We circled to the top end of the ravine and worked our way back to the valley bottom. There would be no more big surprises for the hike but a cool spring on the descent was mildly surprising. We followed its waters down to the road we had walked earlier and made our way back across the nearly frozen Ward's Creek. The hike left me wishing I could find more time to take more such wanders through the woods.

The map below shows the route we hiked on this day. If you go out make sure you treat the land with respect and leave it better than you find it.

View Ward's Creek Lookout Hike in a larger map

Park Ecosystems over Economics

2012-01-11T21:56:00.000-04:00

This is a column I submitted and had published in the January 10, 2012 edition of the Kings County Record. I was prompted to write this as I continually hear people talking about the need to generate revenue from our National Parks. While I think Parks don't need to cost us money, I also don't think they need to make us money. In my mind the purpose of a National Park is to protect in perpetuity the natural ecosystems within the Park borders. I feel that if we don't stand up now that the economic and ecological line will be so muddy it will be to late. Let me know what you think.

This photo was taken near the east entrance to Fundy National Park.

Sometime ago I attended a stakeholder engagement session for Fundy National Park. I left the session feeling concerned about some of the discussion and the direction that was being indicated by the Park staff present. Now, sometime later, I received a package in the mail about the success of our National Parks program and the celebration of the Parks centennial birthday. A sentence in the cover letter that accompanied the package, again, made me nervous with its referral to the economic factors of Parks Canada.

The natural environment is what National Parks were established to maintain, now and into the future. On the Parks Canada website it states "To protect, as a first priority, the natural and cultural heritage of our special places and ensure that they remain healthy and whole." Many people seem to think that our National Parks should be operated like a corporate industry and rake in tons of economic resources and this frustrates me. The discussion about Fundy was about increasing the amount of infrastructure so that the public could be better served and would pay more to come to the Parks. This infrastructure comes at a cost though, and not just a financial cost. Typically when you increase the human foot print you have an impact on the natural environment that they "as a first priority" are supposed to protect.

It was stated at the engagement session that Parks Canada visitor numbers are down and managers are suggesting that the improved and increased infrastructure will increase visitation rates. I question the validity of this claim though and feel that in reality that Parks Canada is alienating the customers that originally provided the bulk of the support. Those people who crave true wilderness adventures are not going to appreciate larger parking lots, more buildings and picnic shelters, and more accessible trails and will likely look elsewhere for their wilderness adventures. This means that increased infrastructure will actually reduce visitor numbers while increasing management and maintenance costs.

To me our Parks should be managed to protect the natural environments within their boundaries for many generations to come. By natural, I mean undisturbed with minimal human footprints. With an increasing population that supports ecological conservation those truly seeking a wilderness experience will pay sufficiently to protect the natural environments with little to no infrastructure. Minimal linear corridors should be developed and any interpretive, recreational, and large scale accommodation should be done outside Fundy National Park boundaries. With proper planning and communication between Park staff and the bordering municipalities this could provide great resources to the community while maintaining the natural integrity of the Parks ecosystem.

I realize that managing a Park such as Fundy is difficult and maintaining a natural balance more so. I applaud the staff of Fundy for the great work they do and for the services they currently provide. My concern is simply that some managers within Parks Canada may be considering tipping the scale more to the economic side during these supposedly hard economic times. This would be a costly mistake that once made could not be easily corrected. I would support increasing the size of Fundy before I could support more buildings and facilities as this would only further enhance the ecosystem connectivity and thus the visitor experience.

Looking from the golf course in Fundy National Park towards Alma.

Farm Field Hike

2012-01-09T08:41:00.001-04:00

The Bluff is photogenic from anywhere you can see it.

It has been a bit too long since I last posted. I've been just to active to sit and write about anything. I did take some time recently to take a couple of walks outside. I say "outside" because I have been looking for good hikes to take with my family. They have to be close by and of easy to moderate exertion so that the kids can handle it. This means they aren't likely wilderness.

I liked that spruce so much I photographed it twice, but I truly love this farm road.

One such exploration led me up over a farm field that I haven't visited since I was a young kid. My brother, our friends, and I used to bike or walk up this hill after biking to "Mac's Corner Store" for some treats. We'd hike up the hill and sit on hay bales or on the corral that was there to enjoy our treats. My brother, his two boys, my father, my kids and I were hiking on this day. It was a calm but gray day, with above normal temperatures, a great day to be outside.

We left around 3:00 in the afternoon and I anticipated to be out about 1.5-2 hours. I was hoping to be finishing up near sun down so that I could possibly get some nice light for photos. To my surprise, the old corral was still there and my brother and I reminisced together about our childhood. The walk seemed a bit shorter somehow, although my son likely felt it was plenty long enough. We hiked on past the corral and continued to follow the field road to the top pasture. At the tree line we could sit and look back over the fields we had just crossed and also look over most of Sussex Corner.

This was towards the end of the walk and provided a perfect ending, beyond the singing, which was so appropriate.

We sat and enjoyed the view as we ate a small snack and drank some water. The pace back was leisurely and the conversation light. My daughter rode joyfully in the backpack and sang songs for a good portion of the trip home before falling asleep. The dogs ran wildly enjoying a bit of freedom before we had to put them back on the leashes, even a cut pad on my shepherd/husky couldn't slow her down.

It was nice to just get outside and enjoy being there. We don't have to go far to enjoy the wilderness and we truly had a great day.

Shaylee finally succumbed to the fresh air and likely serenaded herself to sleep.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T20:46:00.000-04:00

From us to you, Merry Christmas

This morning I crawled out of bed still a bit sleepy. I dressed with my eyes barely open; whacking my head on my closet door while I did. I let the dog out of her kennel to take her out for her morning run and was brought to my senses when I realized it was snowing. December 23rd and we were getting snow. "We might have a white Christmas afterall" I said to the dog. She bounded outside after the ball we've been using lately.

My holiday started off nice and I hope it keeps going that way. I have all my shopping and wrapping done, improving my best previous time by more that 21hours. The tree is up and decorated and the kids are growing increasingly excited.

I hope that you have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Spend lots of time wandering with family over the holidays and if you're like me fridge to fridge. All the best. Ben

New Sweaters Bring a New Attitude

2011-12-16T10:13:00.000-04:00

This is from my Kings County Record Column from December 13th, 2011. Kids seem to really inspire my writing, I love how everything is so huge and exciting to them.

Hockey is once again underway for another season and once again I am coaching the 5-6year old kids. It is proving very rewarding, especially since I have been able to take my lessons learned from my previous year's experience and put them to good use. The number of kids playing this year has increased and to start we were short about a half dozen jerseys and a couple of coaches. A couple of willing dads stepped up to take on the needed coaching spots and a local sponsor allows us to purchase new sweaters every three years and a big thanks goes out to everyone who is making a contribution.

McKnighthockey.com

The newer jerseys were identical to the old ones but, they are, new. When we brought them out and let the kids know they were getting new sweaters loud screaming and hollering ensued. Some kids wanted new colors, others wanted new numbers, others wanted the same color and numbers, while others were still wondering what was going on. With four colors to work with we were able to organize the kids into comparable skill categories.

With help from many of the mothers, we were able to get all the kids into their new sweater before the end of practice. I rotated the kids through skill and game stations, with one of the stations being a sweater exchange. After getting their sweater, the first year kids especially, were coming up and pulling on my old tattered sweater asking me to look at their new one with a big Christmas sized grin on their face. After I acknowledged how great they looked they proudly skated away. I swear many of them skated stronger, faster, and harder with the new hockey sweater.

Something as simple as a new sweater is a big deal to a young kid and for some could be the turning point of the season and that moment that triggers their desire to come back and play next year. It is those moments or a number of smaller moments that build their confidence and make them feel like a true hockey player.

This could be a short edited version of our entire lives. I know for me that my life has been formed by a number of small victories or successful lessons learned. These victories often came during a time when I was feeling slightly defeated or uncertain about the next steps. I have to give thanks to God that when I needed it most a positive experience was there to keep me moving towards my goals. For a young hockey player, a new jersey may be all he needs to start scoring goals for his team.

Just as a side note, I simply coach a team, but there are a number of people who work hard to organize Sussex Minor Hockey. It is often a thankless job that results in upset parents calling you at all hours of the day, or a need to fill out multiple insurance forms, or having to spend consecutive hours at the rink. This is true for many minor sport volunteers so if your kid plays sports, be sure to thank them. I want to say thanks to Sussex Minor Hockey board members and volunteers, its an awesome organization.

Just random thoughts.

2011-11-30T21:26:00.000-04:00

It seems to always happen to me this time of year. My deadlines are looming and I still am not sure of what to write about. Its not that I can't think of things to write about, it is more the fact that I can't sit down and put those thoughts adequately on the paper. Like everybody else this time of year my thoughts are a bit scattered in preparation of the Christmas season. I could write about the parties I'll be attending, the parade coming up this Saturday, and the wreaths we bought from the Sussex Corner Elementary School, or the fact that I still don't have winter tires on my car.

I usually use my writing though as a place where I can slow down and reflect on what I have been doing and those things I am looking forward to. Don't get me wrong, I am really looking forward to the Christmas holiday, but I have never really enjoyed the hectic pace that has developed along with consumer greed this time of year. I'm as guilty as the next guy, hence the reason I can't focus on writing this column. My mind is racing trying to think of the perfect gift for my wife, my nephews, and my parents. I don't want to disappoint them or show them how cheap I can be.

Typically my column appears in the Sports section of the local weekly paper, so there is no way this will be my story but I truly needed to simply start writing to see what would come out. My effort to focus is appearing futile however and so therefore I may have to change tactics.

I could write about being a hockey coach and how we just handed out our new jerseys to our 5-6year old players. Maybe I could talk about watching the torrential rain fall this afternoon and how I then started wondering about the effectiveness of rain barrels as a flood attenuation tool. You should have seen the rain by the way…Wow! We don't get rain like that here, all that often.

I think I have settled on a topic to write about for my column. Thanks for bearing with me here. You'll have to stay tuned to see what it is I decided on. Oh and don't forget the Santa Clause parade in Sussex this Saturday.

This is for the Birds

2011-11-17T22:58:00.000-04:00

This hawk watched me as I investigated a stream a while back.

This time of year is great for getting out and exploring wilderness areas close to where you live. Even if you don't live close to what you might consider a wilderness area, if you can appreciate the smaller wild things, this time of year is great to observe them. From the geese heading south, the frogs burrowing their holes, the way a leaf falls to the ground as it separates from the branch on the maple tree, or the way that same leaf moves down a moss covered stream. The colors, the air temperature, the lack of bugs, so many things make the fall a great time of year to explore the woods.

One thing you should be aware of before you explore in the fall, is the local hunting seasons. Be cautious and be sure to wear your hunters orange. Even with this risk though I encourage you to get out there and walk into a field, up a stream, along a dirt road, or across a hardwood ridge this fall. The numerous small rewards will tally up to a large bounty in the end.

The art of observing the smaller things can be difficult sometimes and I recently had this driven home to me. I have been developing a project at work where we will engage outdoor enthusiasts to collect field data. More specifically we are using avid bird watchers to count bird species and numbers along some stretches of local streams. Trying to set up the research sites meant I had to establish them and perform a preliminary assessment to make sure it was suitable for the purpose of the study. Doing this meant that I had to try and observe some of the bird species. Much easier said than done I found out.

With two other staff members I walked slowly along an area we had identified as a potential site. We moved quietly and spotted many birds at a distance but I couldn't get close enough to snap a good photo or make a positive identification. I am not even a part time bird watcher. The only time I watch birds specifically is when I'm at the McDonald's parking lot and there are gulls flocking nearby. This experience was a bit humbling as I got a bit frustrated that I couldn't identify one. It became a challenge and I found myself really enjoying the experience and instantly realized the appeal of this low impact activity.

I was able to identify some of the more common birds. The murder of crows kept heckling me as I missed one photo opportunity after another on one of the many black capped chickadees we seen. I heard the blue jay and the downy woodpecker before I seen them and I have to admit the youngest in the group spotted them first. A number of robins played peek-a-boo as well and refused to sit still long enough to have their picture taken. As I write this I remember the frustration I felt trying to photograph adult salmon not long ago and can't help but make some comparison.

Throughout the various sites we visited we observed a number of birds and each site offered something different and that was a huge reward in itself. If you think bird watching is for the birds, I challenge you to try and get a great picture of a downy woodpecker.

The Right Time For Salmon

2011-10-26T19:07:00.000-03:00

This is a column I had published in the October 25, 2011 edition of the Kings County Record. On the day described I was at my full time job as Project Manager for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee and I can't tell you how excited I was. After the fact I was a bit embarassed as I thought how I must have looked to my coleague, Tanya Dykens. Tanya actually provided me with the picture below and I thought it was kind of funny and would add a laugh to the blog. This is made more likely by the fact that I couldn't get a picture of the two adult salmon swimming in the pool.

I was trying to catch an Atlantic Salmon here. I obviously needed to practice my technique a bit more as I was unsuccessful. At the time I blamed the camera...LOL

Fall is an impressive time of year with so much to witness and observe. Obviously there is the changing of the leaves from the rich greens to the burning oranges and reds. Look harder and you can see the geese flying overhead. The tell tale "V" formation giving them away instantly and as they get closer the loud honking and black and white colors solidify your initial guess that they are indeed geese. Sometimes when you're looking the other way, Mother Nature offers you up a true gift. Recently, that is what happened to me.

My job requires that I spend a good quantity of time outdoors. A majority of that time I am in chest waders wandering up and down rivers and sometimes into a local coffee shop. Earlier in the summer I had placed a number of devices in area streams to get water temperature data. The other day I went to retrieve them with a colleague from Agriculture Agri-Food

Canada

and after I collected one near a nice gravel riffle I thought I would wade downstream to check for Atlantic salmon redds.

I treaded carefully downstream on the gravel and boulder river bottom which was slippery. The fall colors reflecting off the sun dappled water made the rural setting look like a tourism ad. I struggled to see the bottom of the river which would have been impossible without my polarized sunglasses. As I scan the river bottom looking for the subtle difference a Salmon leaves when it leaves it's approximately 25cm redd, my coworker starts to holler at me from a deep pool back upstream. She is motioning emphatically with her arms, moving them in and out and then pointing into the pool. I thought "No way?"

I stumbled as quickly as I could back up the bank opposite my coworker and looked into the pool. She stated that she just saw two large fish but was uncertain as to what they were. I couldn't see anything even with my sunglasses on. I slowly crossed the river to the higher bank for a better look. Just as it looked like they had been spooked off, suddenly they appeared again in the pool. Two large, long, and healthy looking Atlantic salmon were swimming in a river I have worked to improve in hopes that trout and salmon numbers would improve.

Many times I have walked this same river when the conditions were right looking for Atlantic salmon and never have I seen one. I felt like I had finally attained a clear identifiable picture of Bigfoot. I was excited and felt so rewarded at that moment. We tried to photograph the prize fish a number of ways but to no avail. As I looked around and took in the whole scene, I once again came to appreciate how truly blessed we are to live in this country. I gained a whole new appreciation of the fall season and what it has to offer.

Shale Gas Exploration in My Opinion??

2011-10-19T12:21:00.000-03:00

I have placed two question marks in the title of this blog but in reality I have many questions in regards to the topic of shale gas exploration and development. Many of the questions I have sought out answers for from industry. Even the best salesman from the industry left me feeling uneasy and still uncertain about the validity of their claims of how safe the process is. The local environment, specifically air and water quality, but also quality of life, health care, and tourism is much to valuable to our long term sustainability to risk for a short term gain. With so many questions around the shale gas industry, the risk is easily understood.

So why I have waited so long to make my opinion on this topic heard? This is one question I know the answer too. I have been trying to be diplomatic and work quietly at making changes when I could. I felt that government would work diligently towards making smart and safe decisions based on the public's best interest and the best thing I could do was aid in that effort when afforded the opportunity. Now I hear that Windsor Energy has taken actions of disregard and disrespect against, not one, but two municipalities, in which I often work with. I can no longer sit quietly.

I have heard that the Provincial government is working towards creating a "Gas Action Plan." I think with the latest actions by Windsor the government now has to step up and halt any further gas development until such time that the "Action Plan" is completed and loop holes such as the one being exploited by Windsor are closed. Strong regulations that are easily and economically enforceable by the Province, upon wealthy gas companies, should be in place, not to simply protect people now but many years from now.

As much as I want to blame the gas companies, they are not all to blame on these issues. I think we need to hold the government accountable as well. The people of NB have been boisterous on this issue and yet the government seems a bit slow in reacting and when they do react, I am not convinced it is in the best interest of the Province.

I don't claim to be informed about all the issues on this topic but I have an opinion. Now you know my thoughts, take them for what they're worth...which likely isn't as much as gas.

New National Park for the Maritime Region

2011-10-18T14:35:00.000-03:00

The east coast of Canada has likely some of the best shoreline scenery and coastal features of this great country of ours so it was no surprise to me to hear that Sable Island was granted National Park status. You can check out a more official document here. I feel that any effort to conserve or preserve our wilderness areas, especially unique and valuable ones is a great thing but I wonder if the National Park designation in this instance is sufficient enough. Nowadays a National Park is considered a tourism destination and in some instances, and I feel Sable Island may be one, the area designated is not large enough or stable enough to even withstand minimal tourism impacts. Sable Island is a fragile sand dune ecosystem with a sustainable wild horse herd. Add 100 seasonal travelers to the mix and the sands and associated vegetation may start to shift. I am hoping the government investigated all these issues and I will give them the benefit of doubt so I will say cheers Ottawa for protecting the future of this great jewel in the middle of the Atlantic. Some will take issue with the proximity of the off-shore drill rigs and the potential for impact they have but for now, lets stand up and celebrate the establishment of another Park in our Country.

Not Guilty

2011-10-13T19:57:00.000-03:00

A while back I wrote about how I was given a ticket for crossing the railroad tracks in my home town. Well today I went to court to fight the ticket. I have never had to face a judge before and I have to admit it was a bit unsettling. My heart thumped a bit faster as I approached the court house and my feet felt heavy as I climbed the stairs. I made it inside where I immediately joined a line with those waiting to see the public counsel. I was one of many that day contesting a ticket for crossing the railroad tracks and I was advised that all those present were pleading not guilty. I took my seat in court and waited for the session to begin, still uncertain as to the process that would follow.

It turned out to be uneventful as the judge and a lawyer representing one of the other CN trespassers discussed the cases as a batch. It was decided that all those present contesting the trespassing charge would need to appear in court again for a hearing. We were then all dismissed. It was a rather anticlimatic event actually but now I will once again have to go to court so stay tuned.

Thanks for Following My Writing

2011-10-06T13:25:00.000-03:00

October 10^th is Thanksgiving this year and many people will come together around a dinner table and enjoy a fabulous turkey dinner. I know that is likely what I will be doing. As I thought about what I wanted to write about this week, I felt I wanted to cover an often overlooked angle of Thanksgiving. I decided, instead of discussing football or food, I wanted to give thanks.

A few years ago I decided I wanted to try and do some writing and I approached the Kings County Record with a column idea. From that day "Whalen's Wanderings" was born. For that I want to thank the Kings County Record for allowing me to develop my voice. Over the years my columns have varied in scope but a common inspiration has been family so a great deal of thanks and love is extended to them.

To those who read my column I also owe large thanks. It has always been surprising when someone approaches me to discuss my last column. It lifts me and pushes me to continue when I hear how someone enjoyed my column or that it led them to get out and wander. When I started I didn't know if anyone would read what I had to say and now sometimes I'm scared I might not have anything to say.

This region that we live in, and I write about, is a treasure of natural beauty, interesting culture, and full of artistic inspiration. From the Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta to Friar's Nose to Dairy Town Classic to Poley Mountain, from Corner Stone to Chris Cummings, Kings County, New Brunswick, is lucky and blessed in so many ways. I give thanks to the fact that I am able to live here and that I don't have to struggle with overcrowded living spaces and poor environmental and health conditions. I appreciate the small struggles that we are faced with and give thanks for the lessons learned through these struggles.

So how do we show thanks on Thanksgiving. Can we volunteer at a soup kitchen? Do we clean up a section of bike trail that we enjoy every week? Do we visit a senior's home for a friendly visit? Maybe we could visit our grandparents and let them know how much influence they had on us. Giving thanks doesn't just mean saying "thank you" it also means you give back to the community you live. For many, these actions occur as a Thanksgiving ritual, but our community is blessed because many people in this area try to incorporate thankful living into our daily lives.

Again I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my column and who have provided me with feed back or inspiration. Thanks too to those who live a thankful life and therefore have made our community a great place to live.

Film Night - Sept. 22 @ 7pm - Play Again

2011-09-15T13:40:00.000-03:00

Here is a film I think that many parents should watch before purchasing their child the newest video game or before putting a Television in their bedroom. I hope to make it to this screening and I want to tip my hat to Cinema Politica Fundy for making us think about our choices. See you outside.

Sept film Play Again

Thursday
Sept. 22
@ 7pm
701 Main Street @ the corner of Magnolia Avenue
Sussex, NB
entrance facing the library

PLAY AGAIN

New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways. Information now appears with a click. Overseas friends are part of our daily lives. And even grandma loves Wii. But what are we missing when we are behind screens? And how will this impact our children, our society, and eventually, our planet?

One generation from now most people in the U.S. will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, this documentary explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. Is our connection to nature disappearing down the digital rabbit hole?

The film follows six teenagers who, like the "average American child," spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. Play Again unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure - no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no virtual reality.

Through the voices of children and leading experts including journalist Richard Louv, sociologist Juliet Schor, environmental writer Bill McKibben, educators Diane Levin and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, neuroscientist Gary Small, parks advocate Charles Jordan, and geneticist David Suzuki, Play Again investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature and encourages action for a sustainable future.

Watch the trailer here.
Visit the website here.

Approx. 80 minutes
Directed by Tonje Hessen Schei
Produced by Meg Merrill
Music by Sigur Rós and Kimya Dawson
Original Music by Andreas Hessen Schei
Produced by Ground Productions

Free Admission
visit our website for upcoming films:
Sept. 29 - Vanishing Of The Bees
Oct. 27 - You Don't Like The Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo
Nov. 24 - Garbage Warrior

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Dangerous Beauty

2011-09-14T16:25:00.001-03:00

Often in nature some of the prettiest things can be harmful. Apparently this is the case with caterpillars. Here is an information link from Fredericton I thought I should share on the Hickory Tussock moth http://www.fredericton.ca/en/environment/environment.asp.

Sussex Fish and Game Hunting and Fishing Expo

2011-09-13T10:58:00.000-03:00

So over this summer I have been promoting angling a little bit and have caught a bit of a fly fishing bug. I haven't got a lot of disposable income so finding a good deal on a fly fishing setup has been difficult. Hope is not lost though and I hope to hit the Sussex Hunting and Fishing Expo this weekend to maybe inform myself a bit more. This expo has been growing in popularity since its inception and the Sussex Fish and Game Association should be commended on how they have organized this event and brought it to Sussex.

If you have some time this weekend and your are in the Sussex area you should check it out. If you have a hunting or fishing need then you should definitely come to Sussex this weekend and take in the Expo. Maybe I'll see you there.

Tubes to Tires

2011-09-13T10:46:00.000-03:00

Below is a column I had published in the September 13th, 2011 edition of the Kings County Record. It was a great day on the water of a river I take great pride in. The lower reaches of the Kennebecasis River are a great paddling or floating destination as it has a leisurely pace, and cool, clear water. I have made a career out of trying to maintain this watershed so it was a great to take some time and enjoy it at a slower pace.

It has been a wet summer so far and the rivers have been running full throughout most of the season. These wet spells with their sporadic intermissions of a few hot and sunny days have made it great for enjoying the rivers. Lucky me, I am able to do this on a regular basis as part of my job with the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee (KWRC).

Every year, as the summer students the KWRC often hire, get ready to go back to school; they are provided with a recreation and science based field day as a bit of a reward for their hard work through the summer. This year the students were given a chance to tube down the Kennebecasis River with a mask and snorkel and prepare some notes on what they saw. The seemingly continuous rains had the water high enough that it promised to be a rapid float from Sussex to Apohaqui. On the day of the float the weather was surprisingly sunny so the students were eager to go.

With pick up vehicles arranged and a supply of water and snacks, snorkels and masks, the KWRC staff made our way to the water. I snickered at the various techniques used to get onto the tubes. Some were graceful and hardly got wet while others had no worries about getting into the cold water and aggressively threw their tube into the water and jumped onto the tube. Of course the latter just as quickly slid over and off his tube into the water as well.

Tubing is unlike other modes of river transportation. It is more relaxed, much less active, than say canoeing or kayaking. That can be true but for me, I can't help but kick and paddle with my arms and legs. Many times I would leave my tube floating as I would dive to the bottom of a deep pool to see what was there. It was an active float to say the least. It was a rush to feel the speed I could get when I swam under water with the current.

The only disappointment of the day was the fact that the water was murky and visibility through the water was minimal, even with the mask and snorkel. We were able to spot a few trout and almost as many tires. Speaking of tires in the river and the KWRC, don't forget about the "Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup" being hosted by the KWRC on September 24^th from 1-4. This event will aim at cleaning up 500lbs of waste and litter from the Trout Creek below Maple Avenue in Sussex. Interested volunteers can meet behind Baird's Plaza, 654 Main Street, Sussex. Once there you will be appointed to a team and asked to work at cleaning up a section of shoreline. Refreshments and a small social will be held from 3:30-4 to tally the results. Come help improve the fish to tire ratio on the Kennebecasis River.

Railroaded at the Tracks

2011-09-07T20:59:00.000-03:00

This is a column that I had published in the Kings County Record recently. There were a number of people fined locally on the same day for the same offense, but there were also a number of people let go with warnings. There was no bulletin to educate people or let people know that CN would be more strictly be enforcing this law either. Suddenly what had been accepted practice was no longer accepted and I was not happy to be made an example of.

It has been in the local news lately that CN Rail has been issuing fines to those who trespass on their right of way. It has created a bit of controversy, although, most I talked to seem opposed to the manner in which this whole issue of trespassing has been handled by CN. Now, before I can discuss this any further, I have to make something clear. According to CN, I am a criminal, or at least that was the way I was made to feel the day they issued me a ticket for $124.50.

The day had been going smoothly and I was in the downtown doing my weekly banking and mail run for work. I parked my car out behind the bank with the railway tracks behind me. I walked toward Main Street and the front of the bank whistling a country tune I had been listening to on the drive. The ladies at the bank were friendly as always and I left carrying my mail that needed some postage. I went back by my car and over the tracks toward the Post Office on Maple Avenue, like I have done a hundred times or more in my life. I paid for my postage and sent my reports off to the government departments I answer to. I come out the door and break into a light jog back across Maple Avenue to build momentum to carry me up and over the hill on the tracks, still whistling, with no criminal intentions on my mind.

Suddenly a car horn beeps and I see a police car with an officer beckoning me to come to him. Thinking nothing of it I walk to the car, despite the fact that my car was closer. I thought maybe he wanted some help with something. To my surprise he greets me with a gruff and abrupt "Do you speak English or French?" without even leaving his car.

"Excuse me?" I ask. He explains that I was breaking the law by crossing over the tracks and that people who walk along the tracks are often "irresponsible and stupid." I explain that I have walked the same route a number of times and only to cross and that I never walk parallel to the tracks. He asks if I had seen a sign stating it was an offence. Of course I never did because I didn't even look as I didn't feel there was a need to. The discussion led eventually to me receiving my ticket as I watch two youth cross over the tracks with no action taken against them.

The whole situation was discomforting and I was a bit frustrated by the way in which the officers treated me. The passenger railways have been on hard times and if this is the way they treat passengers then I can see why. I would think instead of taking a confrontational approach to the issue they would work with the public to solve the safety concerns. My recommendation would be to hold public consultations to develop safe pedestrian crossing areas and establish fences to maintain the right of way. Currently there are not enough crossings for pedestrians and these could be tunnels under the tracks or bridges over them.

Personal safety is important and I understand CN's concern about people crossing their right of way. It is not the respectable people going about their daily business that typically result in accidents on CN's right of way and because I voluntarily approached the officer I feel that I was wrongly made an example of. I will gladly offer to help CN develop a more public friendly, locally designed solution to the safety issues they face in Sussex and in the process maybe help them increase their client base as opposed to shrink it. Of course I would have to ask for considerable leniency on my ticket.

Broadening my Horizons

2011-09-07T20:40:00.000-03:00

Recently I was encouraged to send some material to another out door based website that was seeking bloggers for some writing. They asked me to do a top 10 list and so I did. Check out outdoorzy.com for my newest endeavor and let me and them know what you think.

Basic Baseball

2011-08-23T22:07:00.000-03:00

Ball season is almost over and it struck me that I haven't yet submitted a column about baseball. I have been helping out with the "Rally Caps" program and often help the develop skills and proper techniques. In this setting, inspiration is easy to come by. These young kids are eager to play, not always to learn, but at least to play. The enthusiasm is contagious and I often find myself excited and encouraging them more loudly than likely necessary. Helping kids in this type of surroundings is physically and emotionally rewarding. Here is how I recall the practice from a few nights ago.

It was a hot evening and I was lobbing some pitches to the 6 year old kids. I was already tired and my enthusiasm was waning when a young girl who had been struggling to hit pitches came up to the plate. I lobbed a pitch to her and she swung hard and immediately I noticed improvement in her swing from the previous week, but she missed. I seen her facial expression change to that look of "Oh no. Here we go again." She stepped back up to the plate and I threw another pitch to her. This time she swung and rapped a hard hit down the first base line. The hit was great but not nearly as inspiring as the surprise that came across her face. Her face lit up with pride and lifted confidence. I hollered at her to run to first and she quickly ran down the base path with teeth showing a large smile the whole way.

Another struggling hitter stepped up to the plate or maybe I should say, stepped on the plate. I gave him pointers on his stance and the batter's box, which I am sure I have instructed him on before. When I at last had him positioned he whispers "This is uncomfortable." I quietly snicker as I head to the pitchers mound and lob in a couple of pitches. After a few pitches he makes contact with one and stands confused at home plate. I holler at him to run to first base and his response was "Where is that?" I couldn't help but laugh out loud as I pointed and encouraged him towards first base with a high five when we get there.

Another young batter, who is stronger than most kids at this level, steps up to the plate. He is brimming with confidence and I decide to throw a couple of harder pitches to him. No matter to him, he watched the first one float to far outside, and as I piped the second one he whacks it out deep to left field. This player too smiles the whole way down the first base path and I can see him thinking to himself "Yes I beat the coach. Wooohooo!!"

The evening was filled with moments like these and every player wore a smile as a badge of honor at the end of the night. I realize once again how great it is when we simply play for the joy of it and on this night I was back in mosquito ball myself and enjoying it through them. I bet I threw over 90 pitches that evening and if the kids weren't tired out. I sure was. If you have a son or daughter, a niece or nephew, a grandchild, or simply a young friend playing baseball, I encourage you to get out and watch him or her play. It is a great way to spend an evening out and the child will truly appreciate it.

All over it

2011-08-17T19:49:00.000-03:00

I've been real busy at work lately. It has made it difficult to provide a regular blog but that doesn't mean that I haven't been writing. I have had a couple of press releases picked up lately and will actually disrupt someone's sleep tomorrow morning through a live interview on NB Maritime News Radio.

All this has been very rewarding as I am starting to see the fruit of my labor really blossom. We have had a successful summer so far and still have a number of projects to pull off yet. This might mean it will be a while before I get a full post up here but when I do it should be a good one.

Family Photos

2011-08-13T12:47:00.000-03:00

My wife has been wanting to get our family photo done for some time now. She had searched out a photographer and was anxious to work with her. After the first sitting had to be postponed, the anxiety was heigthened even further. The evening finally came and we drove out to one of my favorite spots to have our pictures taken. It was a great evening and now that we have had a preview of the photos my wife is now excited to get the finished product. Genevieve Flynn was great a catching little moments with our kids and we really enjoyed working with her. She has a blog with her website and here is what she thought about our shoot.

Fishing again

2011-08-09T23:19:00.000-03:00

Kids are great fun. It takes very little to entertain them for hours. A couple of weeks ago I decided to take my son and a friend of his fishing. The original intent was to take them camping out for a night but the day we were to go it rained. Now normally rain doesn't bother me, but I mean it rained hard and I wasn't going to take two six year old boys out in the woods with that kind of rain. I'm getting off the point though.

I postponed the trip and made it a day of fishing instead. The boys were game from the get go and when I asked if they wanted to turn off onto the back road, they hollered a resounding yes. I turned onto the back road with Rodney Atkins playing over the radio, the windows down, and the sunshining. Cold water was on my mind as the weather the past few days had been warm so I was thought the ice cold Cedar Camp Brook might be a good spot. Another bonus was that it was not an overly deep or large river so the boys would be safer while fishing in and around it.

When we finally pulled up by the old church the boys could hardly wait to get out of the truck. I slowed them down long enough to get sunscreen and bug spray on them. We then made our way down to the brook and fished down stream towards an old beaver pond. Before long they were tangled in the trees and shrubs that lined the banks and I made an effort to show them how to keep their lines in the water. It took some practice but before long they were dropping underhand casts into the cold pools along the brook. Shortly after that, I hooked a 9" brookie, and let my son reel it in. He was really excited and was only slightly disappointed that we let it go.

The morning moved into the mid-afternoon and we caught plenty of trout and I decided to keep two for a shore lunch. We made our way out to the road that runs parallel to the brook and the boys chatted back and forth, and dragged their feet from time to time as they walked up ahead of me back to the truck. None of us were quite ready to head for home yet so I took the boys to a spot along Trout Creek where the boys could fish or swim if they liked. It was also a nice spot to cook the trout, the hot dogs I had packed, and boil some tea.

My father who had hoped to join us earlier, met up with us along Trout Creek, and this helped me as I prepared lunch. I was cooking the trout on a stick and I thought this would impress the boys but they only stopped briefly to say half heartedly "Thats cool." They then decided they had enough fishing and went swimming instead. When lunch was ready the boys quickly came and devoured their share of the trout and hotdogs and then splashed back into swim.

When I finally joined them in the water we all laughed and splashed. At one point, my son's buddy was sitting on the shore. His lips were blue and he was shivering and out of concern I asked if he was alright. His response "I'm just loving this." That pretty much summed up the day to a tee. I loved watching my son and his friend bond. I loved watching them explore the river and the nature that surrounded us all day. Maybe most of all, I loved the memories that we were all making together. It was a great day and worthy of being shared here.

Anticipating the Next Cast

2011-07-27T13:31:00.000-03:00

The Kennebecasis River is a scenic river and participants enjoyed casting throughout the evening.

The air was un-seasonally cool and a steady breeze was blowing. A swishing sound could be constantly heard as I stood along the banks of the Kennebecasis River as my eyes watched flies skit over the water and a number of birds flit through the willows. It was an idyllic scene as participants in the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee's "Beginner Fly Fishing Workshop" practiced fly casting.

Along the parking area behind the Church center participants were able to practice their casting without getting a line caught.

I was very fortunate to aid in putting this great event together and couldn't help but smile as twenty participants lined the banks of the Kennebecasis River to try their hand at catching speckled brook trout using fly. Most participants had never cast a fly until the night before when we all met to go over some basics at the St. John's United Church Center. The purpose of the event was to give anyone who wished to try fly fishing an affordable and enjoyable means to do so.

Some people learn quickly while others a bit less so but one of the best things about fly fishing is that if the fly is on the water you have a shot at catching fish. Another enjoyable fact about fishing is that it is great just being on the water. Many of the participants were smiling even as they untangled their lines for the umpteenth time.

There is something simple yet difficult about fly fishing and it reminded me somewhat of golf. I can play a whole round of golf and curse the whole way around the course but if, suddenly I make a great shot, I fall in love with the game all over. Similarly with fly fishing, just as you are tiring of it, you'll suddenly make a great cast or see a trout turn on the bottom and you make that next cast and then another and another.

Fly fishing is healthy for you and for the fish, especially if the angler uses conservation based angling methods such as barbless hooks, catch and release, and active retrieve. These methods also make it more sporting as it makes it harder to catch the fish. Let's face it, in today's society if angling was about truly catching dinner, it would be easier and cheaper to go to the nearest grocery store and buy fish. Fly fishing also forces you to observe what is going on around you. What are the trout eating? Where is the best trout habitat? And what kind of nymph are under that rock you just accidentally kicked?

The twenty participants at this event signed up with no illusions of being able to take a trout home. They all wanted to come and learn the artistic skill of feeding brightly colored, floating line, with a small hook dressed to look like a fly, through tiny eyelets spaced along a thin, light rod. When done right, there is a tight loop of line and a rhythmic swishing that result in a feeling of anticipation every time the fly hits the water. I think many of those who were on the river tonight were not only anticipating the bite of a trout but also the next time they could try fly fishing.

Near Perfect Sunday II

2011-07-08T10:14:00.001-03:00

A perfect spot for a Sunday lunch. I don't know if it can get better than this.

"Note: This is a version of a column that I had published in the July 5th edition of the Kings County Record. It is part 2 of 2 part series on a hike my brother and I completed across the Parlee Brook and Upper Trout Creek watershed. It was a great day and I hope you enjoy the read.

You'll have to wait for my next column to hear about it though." That is the way I ended my last column where my brother and I were hiking across the Parlee Brook watershed. We had walked from Friar's Nose across a open rock ridge and just explored a great waterfall on an unnamed tributary to Parlee Brook. We took some photos and video of this waterfall and now I can tell you about the rest of our near perfect Sunday.

There are 5 sets of falls through this short reach of Parlee Brook, each with a deep cold pool

We continued down the tributary until we met Parlee Brook and headed upstream to have lunch at the large waterfalls I knew were there. The cold, deep pools, at the bottom of the falls were crystal clear and looked like an impressionist's painting. We enjoyed our lunch and thought briefly about taking a swim but knew the water was much to cold and the air not near warm enough.

One of about 20 grave markers in the old cemetary, this grave held a two year old girl who died in 1883..

After our lunch we made our way down Parlee Brook to the Donaldson Road crossing. We struggled up a small tributary with some interesting geology that if it was a larger stream would lend itself to a great water slide. We came out to the Walker Settlement Road and paid our respects at the old cemetery there. It was humbling to read the grave markers and see how young some of those who died were and how long ago it was. We wondered what the area would have looked like back in the late 1800s.

These falls are scenic no matter the time of year you venture in to see them.

We were now heading into the Upper Trout Creek watershed and were going to follow yet another tributary down to the Creek. I have walked this tributary twice before in the winter and I was looking forward to seeing it under spring conditions. A short distance down the stream we encounter another waterfall that cascades down more than 25ft in two stages. The topography and geology are rugged and steep on both sides and we are continually drawn down stream to see what is around the next turn.

Sometimes when you venture down an unknown stream, you have no choice but to get your feet wet.

Suddenly the already steep terrain narrowed in and the only way to continue down the stream was to get your feet wet. We pushed a bit further until suddenly we looked over yet another waterfall. We had to back track to a point we could scramble up and around the steep valley and then we could resist sliding back into the ravine to view the falls from the bottom. The narrow ravine held a deep pool that is well hidden like natural jewel and I was again feeling blessed on this nearly perfect Sunday.

This narrow ravine held a cascading ribbon of white water that likely has been cutting away at the conglomerate rock for centuries.

So why was the day only nearly perfect and not perfect? Well, once we finished up the hike just before sun down we drove into where my brother and parked his truck only to realize, for some reason his electronic lock wasn't working and we had to break into the truck. This was just the right amount of humor and humility we needed after such a great day.

The last stretch to home was through some scenic farm fields that overlooked the Chamber Settlement area in the upper Trout Creek watershed.

Are you looking for a near perfect way to spend a couple of evenings? There is a Beginner's Fly Fishing workshop being hosted by the Kennebecasis Watershed on July 13^th and 14^th. For more information, check out the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee on Facebook, or call 433-4394.

A cool link to find new trails

2011-07-05T10:09:00.000-03:00

I feel like I have been trying to provide this service for years but now someone else found a way to get paid to do it. This is an awesome resource for those looking to get out and explore some of our great trails and amazing places. Remember when you're out there though to respect it and trash it in trash it out.

The Bay of Fundy has been getting lots of accolades lately with the "New Seven Wonders" and the UNESCO designation on the New Brunswick side. Hopefully this will lead to more people wanting to conserve its biodiversity and wild places.

Check out the link here.

Not Just Another Day

2011-07-04T21:43:00.000-03:00

I feel blessed to be Canadian and to live my life, but even more so on Canada Day

Canada Day is not just another day. It has become a day that I anticipate every year. It is a day that always turns out to be enjoyable and eventful, no matter the weather, or circumstances. For the last number of years I have spent it with virtually the same people. A combination of family and friends come together to catch up, swim, and eat their fill at the Reicker residence. This year was no different for my family, but that doesn't mean it was just another day. Canada Day has become THE day for summer fun. We cram an enormous amount into one day. A good breakfast, a parade, bouncy castles, water balloons, music, swimming, swings, food, and last but not least fireworks, Yep no doubt about it, Canada Day is just another day, but just a bit more active than normal.

I hope you had a great Canada Day.

We had a full Canada Day and all of us from the smallest up felt incredibly fullfilled but tired in the end.

A Near Perfect Sunday Part I

2011-06-30T10:20:00.000-03:00

NOTE: This is a column I wrote for the Kings County Record which appeared in the June 21st edition. My brother and I had an amazing afternoon hike across some well forested, deeply carved hills. It was a very rewarding day that left us in awe of the great Trout Creek valley in which we get to live. Every time I explore a new wilderness in this area I find something beautiful and scenic and if you live in this area, I strongly encourage you to get out there and explore, no matter how old or young you are.

Sometimes all the planning in the world just doesn't prepare you for your day. You can pull all your maps together and plan a great route. You can pack all the gear you need and the food to see you through. You get the right team together and organize drives and meeting times but still it all falls apart. Every now and then though it exceeds all your expectations and a near perfect day results.

The view from Friar's Nose looking across the Parlee Brook Valley.

Two Sundays ago my brother and I had planned a day hike across the Parlee Brook watershed, a distance of 11.6km. We planned to bush whack along ridges and down small streams from Friar's Nose to Hawkes' Bridge on the Trout Creek. It had been sometime since my brother and I had been out together on a hike and neither of us had followed the route we laid out before so we were both excited and edgy about what the day would hold.

Even small wonders were amplified on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

It was sunny with a light breeze as we reached Friar's Nose and we took a moment to enjoy this familiar, yet inspiring location. The Nose is one of those places you have to see to fully appreciate. From the open rock face we started a steep descent over the south east face of the Nose. We followed a dry stream bed until suddenly it was a babbling stream. Shortly it entered into Purtill Spring Brook which we only descended for a short distance before climbing a steep ridge. Using my GPS we navigated towards what we hoped would be another rock face.


At the top of this unnamed ridge there were 5 raptors floating on thermals.

The climb up this ridge was steep and required some scrambling on all fours just to stay upright. The hard work paid off as we managed to find our way to a high rock ledge which looked southward over a forested valley as a number of raptors flew below us. We sat for a time and took in this new vista, scanned the area with our binoculars and snapped a few pictures. We would have stayed longer but the black flies were pushing us off the ledge.

A small shelf acted like a walkway that led directly behind the falls.

The next leg of the hike took us from the Purtill Brook drainage and into the main stem Parlee Brook drainage area. We planned on accessing Parlee Brook via a small tributary that flowed off the east side of the Donaldson Road. On the map there appeared to be nothing special about the stream but we were in for a great surprise. As we worked our way down the stream the valley became steeply incised and we scrambled over some small chutes. Suddenly we looked down over a 20-30' drop off and we had to work our way out of the ravine and around the drop off. As we did this we noticed that a rock shelf led back towards the bottom of the drop and we were able to walk directly behind the waterfall. It was a great discovery for the both of us and a spot we will be sure to bring others who will appreciate it in the future.

I had to get my brother to snap this shot of me beside the small falls

We lingered at the newly found waterfall for a while and quietly enjoyed each others company and the natural beauty God put in front of us. Maybe the best part of the moment was that the day was only half over and we couldn't wait to see what else He had in store for us on this near perfect Sunday. You'll have to wait for my next column to hear about it though.

Father's Day Fish

2011-06-19T22:20:00.000-03:00

It was a wild day weather wise today. One minute it would rain, the next it was sunny. If you looked out the front window you wondered if you should build an ark but look out the back and you needed sun glasses. I wanted to get out fishing and I ended up waiting until this evening to do so. I was confident that with the rain and slightly elevated water levels the fishing would be hot.

I pulled my car over near an access point, tucked my pant legs into my socks, kicked off my sneakers, and donned my chest waders. I grabbed my rod and gear out of the trunk and hit the water. I put my fingers in to test the temperature. The rains must have been warm because I was surprised at how warm the water was. It was shortly after 7:00pm and I planned on fishing until about 15minutes before sundown, which I guessed would be a bit after 9:00pm.

I waded up to a small bedrock shelf with a gravel pool along the right bank and cast my line out. I left the first cast short and blamed the reel. The next cast was on target and I floated it down past my stance in the middle of the channel. Nothing. The next cast I put upstream a bit farther and as it entered the pool, a small brook trout tugged and I set the hook. From that point on I had non-stop action all evening. The majority of the fish were 7-8" variety but I was able to land 3 that measured out over 10.5" and I kept two of these for tomorrows supper. By the end of the night I had landed 11 fish on my barbless hook and had a number of other fish on but couldn't land them.

Maybe the best thing about the night was that with all the rain today, I never got wet, nor did I get eaten alive by the flies. As I cleaned the fish on a gravel bar the sun was starting to set down the river and the sky was a stark contrast of darkened blues and vibrant reds and purples. It was a moment for sure and I tilted my head to the sky and thanked God for such a gift.

The Recreation and Environment Link

2011-06-17T16:05:00.000-03:00

Note: This is a version of a column I had appear in the Kings County Record recently. I associate very closely with this one and feel incredibly blessed to live where I do, in a place where recreational opportunities can be found around every corner. The upper Kennebecasis Watershed is a beautiful blend of thriving rural communities, bustling small town centers, and wide open spaces. It maybe that this rural flavor has allowed the area to thrive during a time when other parts of the country are claiming hard times. I have to ask myself "Do we need to boost our economy and compete on a global market? Are we broken? Do we need to exploit our natural resources to survive?" My answer usually comes to me as I wander down one of the beautiful rivers here in a resounding "No!" With a healthy environment and recreational opportunities comes a happy and healthy community...what more do we need? As you read this consider that the small piece of litter someone throws could represent any industry or individual causing environmental harm, we are all in this together, so lets all step up.

Wow…what do I write about this week? Unlike the spring weather which has gotten off to a slow start, my spring has been anything but. This is due in big part to my kids. Thanks guys. We have tented out for a night, been fishing on the Trout Creek, hit just about every playground in the Sussex area, played baseball and soccer, went geo-caching, roasted some marshmallows, and the first big family camping trip is just around the corner.

All this activity got me thinking, why is the Sussex area so blessed with great recreation outlets? As I continued to think about it I realized that it is likely due in good part to the healthy state of the local environment. Without fish in the streams it is safe to say no one would enjoy fishing. With poor air quality playing baseball or soccer would be less enjoyable and less healthy. If our forests were disconnected or were a continuous monoculture hiking would be less entertaining and not nearly as enjoyable. If our parks were poorly planned and our sports facilities were improperly maintained it is likely that they would not generate the needed revenue to be sustainable.

We are blessed to live in such a prosperous part of the world. It would be a shame to see our recreation opportunities diminish simply because we did not show enough thought to our environment. Many organizations are now striving to increase the publicly perceived value of the environment through recreational outings that also provide an education and outreach opportunity. Fundy National Park for instance recently hosted their "Wings Over Fundy" bird watching event and also have incorporated ecosystem education in a geo-caching series they introduced about three years ago.

The idea of education through recreation provides the public with an enjoyable afternoon where they learn about the environment without even realizing that they are learning. With a relaxed mind set they no doubt take in much more than if they were sitting in a class room. Granted some people learn better when focused on specific topics so for those people there is the movement towards "citizen science." This is where organizations organize volunteers to observe conditions, gather data, identify characteristics, or even take samples. While the data may not be considered scientifically valid, it still provides excellent background data for planning and prioritization exercises by the various organizations using it, and the events are excellent outreach and educational tools.

Environmental conservation is everyone's responsibility and if we take a negative action towards the environment it potentially impacts everyone. Take for example someone using the walking trail in Sussex. If he throws litter into a nearby ditch it eventually ends up in the Trout Creek and then the Kennebecasis River and eventually into the Bay of Fundy. The Bay could be considered the driving engine to New Brunswick. It is the backbone of our tourism industry, it contributes largely to the fisheries, and affects the local weather that highly influences the climate that grows our trees for forestry. If we continue to litter in it we lose the Bay, our economy, our Province, and maybe most importantly our recreation opportunities.

If you want to contribute to conserving our local recreation why not meet an eager group of volunteers on June 12^th from 2:00-4:30 at the corner of Route 111 (Newline Road) and Church Avenue. You can help plant some trees that will restore the stream banks along Ward's Creek. Dress for the weather and wear something you don't mind getting dirty.

Yard Work as Sport

2011-06-09T22:55:00.000-03:00

This is a version of the column I had published a few weeks ago in the Kings County Record. I have been working hard lately trying to get my yard looking good. Its almost complete and hopefully I'll have some pictures to post. Enjoy.

It was with mixed emotions that I watched the sun come out this afternoon. After a long rainy spell I was spiritually lifted to see the sun. I then looked out at my lawn and realized that with the sun came the need to mow the grass 2 times a week. In no time though I was whistling a tune as I pulled the mower out and made the first fresh cuts across the lawn. I was dreaming of long hikes, campouts, casting a fly line, ball games, and lots more.

After the lawn I had to weed the flower beds out front. I thought "I'll never get fishing at this rate." As I weeded my mind started wandering and I was comparing gardening and yard work to other sports that I participated in. Fishing is considered a sport but really I find gardening much more physical than fishing, and I find it harder to grow a good lawn than to catch a brook trout. I don't dispute that stock car racing is a sport with it's continual left hand turn but I can easily compare that to mowing the lawn.

My mind stopped wandering and I came back to reality as I finished weeding the flower bed. I went to the shed thinking once again of my fishing rod but instead grabbed the chainsaw so I could limb the apple tree and cut up a fallen limb from the ash tree in the backyard. Timber sports are under appreciated, especially if your saw isn't working right. I pulled on that starter for 28minutes before I finally got it to turn over for the first time this season. I'm afraid I wouldn't make much of a lumberjack. I used a step ladder to get up the apple tree just to prove the point further.

"Now" I thought, "I can finally go fishing." I looked up though and realized the sun was setting so the fish would have to wait another day. I headed back to the front of the house and worked until dark doing some more weeding. When I finally called it quits and headed inside I was tired and sore. That likely has to do more with my poor physical conditioning lately than yard work being physically strenuous. Either way yard work is a great way to get outside and burn off some calories and we could all stand to do that regularly and why not get some work done while we do it. Next time I'll try to enjoy the yard work a little more.

Coming up on June 4 is National Trails Day. I encourage you to get out and hike, bike, or paddle your favorite trail. While you're there why not do some yard work and leave the trail better than you found it. If you wish to do more good for the environment, keep an eye out for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee's "Water and Willows Day" coming up the following weekend. This is a great chance to field work, which is the Olympics of yard work.

Making memories

2011-05-21T10:06:00.000-03:00

There are not enough moments in our life where we make memories. Last night at Sully's Ice Cream in Sussex however, our family added a moment to the memory banks.

It started off rather below normal as my wife calls me just before I'm leaving work to ask if I want to go for ice cream later that night with the kids. I'm a big ice cream lover, especially "Death by Chocloate", so it was a no brainer. I made the drive home and we had supper and then cleaned the kids up a bit before taking off for town to meet my sister and her kids for the anticipated treat. I was told on the drive down that my brother and his family would be there as well, so I thought "Man this is shaping up to be quite a party."

As the eleven of us sat there, my Mom and Dad drove by and stopped in as well. It was a great moment where we shared light converation and the kids ran around with one another. To top that moment, a train came by and the kids all watched it, enthralled with its size and loud clickety clacking. I could see the family moment building there in that moment as I held my daughter and watched her reaction to the train and as I looked over at the wide eyed, big grinning expression on my son's face.

As we got ready to leave I braced myself for an anticipated fight with the kids but it never came. We peacefully loaded them into the car for the drive home. Usually this might be where the memory would end...but on this night it is where it would be cemented into not just a memorable moment but a great moment. There was a funky song on the radio and my son started dancing foolishly in his booster seat and the rest of us joined in. Laughing the whole way home, we even sat in the car for sometime in the driveway still dancing away foolishly. For those who may have drove past us last night who were worried we might run into you, I apologize.

God thank you for family, and thanks so much for a great memory.

Fishing for Food or Fun??

2011-05-16T12:04:00.000-03:00

This is a condensed version of a my column that appeared in the Kings County Record back on May 10th, 2011. This is a topic that I feel is important and I hope that our provincial government doesn't make a knee jerk decision simply to please a few boisterous and ill informed voters. I hope that science and resource conservation win out on this one because if not, I'm afraid we won't have the trout around for much longer.

Now, I know what you're thinking "Oh no, here he goes again talking about a great day casting a line on the water." While I will touch on that, this column is a bit different. I have read in the local papers recently that people are asking the provincial government to increase the bag limit on brook trout and I have to take the bait (pun intended.) I have to ask WHY? Fishing is not about killing a fish for food anymore. I can only think of one type of individual that might actually be fishing simply to feed his family. Most of us now fish for the pure enjoyment of it.

If you want fish to eat, you can more readily and economically purchase it from your local grocery store. You would save the cost of your fishing license, the gas to get to the river, the cost of a pole and tackle, and as noted by one individual your ATV fuel, registration and insurance, your trailer inspection and insurance, and your boat license, registration and insurance. When I go fishing with my son the rule is if you kill it you eat it. Why do we need to kill a fish we aren't going to eat? Why not let it go so when we need it there to feed us it will be there.

Fishing, or more appropriately here angling, is about the sport and challenge of catching a big brook trout in less than optimum circumstances. Anglers will cast a single hooked line numerous times across a pool trying to entice a brookie to take the bait. An angler will use a light test weight line and a barbless hook just to make the challenge all the more enjoyable.

I will take and eat a trout from time to time but I can't see a need to increase the bag limit. If our trout populations were high enough to sustain an increase in the bag limit then maybe I could agree. There is no evidence stating that our trout can accommodate this. This is especially true if you consider the ever increasing stress that we continue to place upon them with development and natural resource harvesting as well as the unforeseen impacts of changing climates.

A T-Rex Size Adventure

2011-05-09T21:29:00.002-03:00

Awhile ago I had read about an event that I thought my son would really appreciate. It isn't something that I would have likely enjoyed as a kid but he is slightly different than I was. I truly love him for this difference and when I see that side of him show, I respect him for how comfortable he seems to be with it. I always had that side but was never comfortable as a youth expressing it and it makes me proud that he can so readily embrace his intellectual and artistic side more readily than I ever could as a kid or even young adult.

Where was I? Oh yeah, the event I read about. My son's five year old intellectual side loves dinosaurs. So when I found out that a tyrannosaurus rex display was going to be at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History I immediately started planning a trip to see it. It was a family weekend getaway. I have to state that I was impressed with the organization of the Nova Scotia tourism websites as I surfed for information to plan the weekend.

Two weekends ago we made the drive to Halifax with anticipation and a sense of adventure. It was likely the longest drive either of our kids had been on and luckily for me and my wife they travel really well. We only stopped twice for pee breaks and only heard "Are we there yet?" twenty times or so. Due to some car trouble we were late getting on our way on the overcast Saturday morning but we made Halifax and after some misguided site seeing of the city we found the museum.

It took no time for Seth to get out of his booster seat; in fact he ended up being lectured on waiting until the car stopped before unbuckling. We made our way to the entrance where the walkway was lined with whale bones and already he was having fun. We stepped in side the museum and I was immediately impressed with how many people were there. I never would have expected to see people lined up to get in on what turned out to be a sunny Saturday afternoon.

I started to feel like a kid myself as we stepped into the t-rex display. Seth ran up the ramp and stood there wide eyed and mouth open in awe. I'm sure my eyes were wide too as I was impressed with the size of the ancient reptile. It was all we could do to keep up with Seth as he dashed from interactive display to display. It took no time for him to see all there was to see and we were worried we wouldn't have time to see it all. From the t-rex display we took in the other displays, including the bird display, the wildlife, and marine displays.

After we left the museum we took some time to walk through the Halifax public Garden and we were fortunate enough to take in some more great wildlife. Geese, swans, ducks, birds, turtles, and some other questionable characters were all observed by the kids as we wandered around the wonderful green space. The history of the trees and the obvious, painstaking, effort put forth to plan and maintain the space was as impressive as the size of some of the trees.

As we left the city, in which I spent two years living in sometime ago, I got a bit lost trying to find Lawrencetown and I ended up taking the long way along the shore. This irritated the kids a bit but I resolved to enjoy it a little. We were going to stay with my Aunt Pat and Uncle John and I made us a bit late for supper. Sorry Pat and John. We enjoyed their hospitality through supper before heading to the beach to watch the sunset. This shoreline on the east coast often gets hammered by some of the biggest waves along the eastern Canadian seashore. It makes for a great spectacle and I was hoping to share this with my family. We were lucky to witness some surfers cashing in on some good size waves and Seth and Michelle were quite impressed, in fact for Michelle it might have been the best part of the trip. It was windy and really cold though so we decided to leave before the sunset.

We returned back to my Aunt and Uncle's and spent a quiet night with them. It was rewarding to watch as our kids, who seldom see this part of our family, interact so easily with them. That is one of the best things about family I guess, they are always there.

The next day we made the long drive home and were tuckered out when we finally pulled back into the driveway. Surprisingly we had other family obligations to attend and made them with little trouble but when night time came that evening, none of us had trouble falling asleep.

This video is a bit dark but I couldn't help but post it. My daughter quickly adjusted to being at my aunt and uncle's.

Town of Sussex New Brunswick | National Family Wellness Month

2011-05-09T20:51:00.000-03:00

Did you know this month is National Family Wellness Month. It is a great initiative to get people off their butts and doing their part to keep themselves and others healthy. The KWRC (the place I work) is hosting a geocaching event to promote outdoor recreation, family togetherness, and a sustainable environment. The event is on Saturday, May 14th and you can find more out about it on the link below.
Town of Sussex New Brunswick | National Family Wellness Month

Small Town Charms All Around Today

2011-04-29T16:42:00.000-03:00

It turned out to be a great afternoon and I had to get out of the office for a while and enjoy it. I had some banking and payments to mail out so I headed to the uptown area. I parked my car at a central location along Broad Street in Sussex and walked around to complete my errands. My first stop was at the post office where they know me when I come in and I often engage in small talk. Today the conversation was very humorous and enjoyable. This was due in large part because of the great sunshine coming in through the glass front building I'm sure. The next stop was Sully's Ice Cream for a lunchtime treat. It was great..thanks for the ice cream Ryan. The staff there are always friendly and cheerful and that is part of the reason why it has turned into such a successful business. I sat on a chair under the eave of the Historic Train Station and enjoyed my "Death by Chocolate" and watched as many people walked by enjoying the day.

Next up was the Bayview Credit Union. I know banks are not usually a place where one would enjoy going but the staff at the Bayview try their best to make your visit pleasant. It is great to walk into a bank and have them know your name and chat with you before taking or handing you money. The day was topped off with a chat on the sidewalk with my Aunt Sue who is visiting from Calgary and my Grandmother. It was a great chat filled with laughter and hugs. Love you both and you made my day and inspired me to write today.

There is a lot to be said about the charms of a small town and I experienced most of it this afternoon over my lunch hour. Living in this part of New Brunswick is incredible and we don't necessarily need an economic boost...I believe we are making out just fine. If further mining and natural gas is brought to the area then I think we should quickly plan how to develop this area and maintain the small town feel that so many of us love and enjoy. We can grow best if we grow cooperatively.

Thunderstuck in a Theater

2011-04-27T18:33:00.000-03:00

NOTE: This is a column I had published in the April 26, 2011 edition of the Kings County Record.

This story starts over a year ago when I gave my wife a gift certificate to the Imperial Theater as a Christmas present. The deal was that we would go see a show of her choice. The kicker was, I had to enjoy it and if I didn't I would have dish duty for a while. I have to be honest I am not the most cultured individual around so I was a bit worried I might not enjoy the show, especially if she chose a dance show.

I expected her to pick a play or something of that nature and was surprised when she decided that she wanted tickets to see Classic Rock perform. Classic Rock is a tribute band that covers some classic rock bands from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. At present they are covering AC/DC's Back in Black album. I should tell you that another difference between my wife and me is our taste in music. She loves the harder rock and roll and my preference is geared more towards country music. Its not that I don't like rock, I just don't care for the same bands that she does. Lucky for me, I do like AC/DC, as it brings back memories of high school hockey games. When the day of the show arrived I was actually looking forward to it though I never admitted that to her.

The day started with my Mother-in-Laws 60^th birthday celebration and it was a great time with family and friends. Shortly after that we left our kids with a sitter and headed for dinner in Saint John. We enjoyed the time together and laughed lightly over dinner in anticipation of the show.

When we walked into the Imperial Theater in Saint John, I immediately notice the diversity in the crowd. Good music spans generations and AC/DC is one of those bands that can make that happen and the crowd here was proof of that. There were grey haired men in suits and young kids with torn jeans. There were older women looking like they were still living in the 70s while other ladies were wearing the latest fashion, not that I know anything about fashion. It felt like a great bunch of people to party with though and the close quarters of the Imperial Theater had a way of making you feel like it was actually a party.

The theater smelled lightly of alcohol and cigarette smoke. It was like the staff at the theater plugged in Beer and Smoke scented air fresheners just to add to the mood. If that is the case it truly worked. When the music started I immediately started tapping my feet and a big smile kept twitching my cheeks. As the band played loud through the evening I couldn't help but look around and watch people's heads bobbing back and forth. Some people were pumping their fist and screaming and I couldn't help but to continue to tap my feet. It was great to enjoy an evening out with my wife and she bobbed her head, hollered, and pumped her fist to some of her favorite music.

When the band came out and played Thunderstruck for their ovation we danced like we were in high school and I was singing the song for the next couple of days. The Theater and the band played an equally important role in providing us with a great date night but if you're not into rock I would suggest simply picking a show and visit the Imperial Theater. The old style architecture, the coziness of the stage, the sounds, and maybe even the well placed odors make it a great place to enjoy your choice of cultural art.

Thanks to God and Family on Good Friday

2011-04-23T11:46:00.000-03:00

It is Good Friday and it has been better than Good it has been GREAT. I woke up this morning and had breakfast with my kids and as I was doing the breakfast dishes I was cheered on by a warbler singing cheerfully in the globe cedar out in our front yard. After completing some of the indoor chores I took my son downtown to do some errands, one of which was to get my fishing licence. This would turn out to be $26 that I would quickly earn back. He and I returned home and did some yard work...well I did the yard work while he impressed me with his artistry skills by drawing with chalk on all the rocks in the garden.

Earlier in the week my parents had invited our family up for an Easter lunch and so we loaded the kids into the car while the sun warmed us and continued to lift our spirits. It was truly a day blessed by God. We made the short drive and my son was out of the car before it stopped I think. All he had been talking about was going fishing for the last month and a half and today I told him we would....after lunch. He was very patient and managed to eat some lunch and waited longer still as I ate mine. It was a great meal with our entire family gathered to enjoy the day God had made.

The kids went outside to play as the adults cleaned up the kitchen and after I was done I went outside to see if Seth still wanted to go fishing. Silly question. He came running the minute he saw me and hollered "Can we go fishing now?!" We grabbed our fishing gear out of the trunk of the car and away we went. Of course all the boys joined me, 5 in total, and we hit the first deep pool just below my parents place on this small 3rd order stream. The water was running fast but clear and right away my son brought a fish to the surface, and shortly after that landed one before I had all the poles ready to go. First fish of the season and he was happy to let it go.

Shortly after that there was a double hit and 2 10"+ trout were landed. This time I wasn't able to convince any of the boys to let them go. I gave them all a quick lesson on why it is important to let most fish go but told them that as long as they were going to eat the fish they could keep 2 or 3 (the limit here is 5 but don't tell them.) Fishing kept the interest of most of the kids for about 15minutes but Seth and his cousin Kyle kept with it and wanted to continue to explore some of the brook. After trying the holes directly behind my parents house I asked the boys if they wanted to continue up the brook and they were eager to see what was around the next bend everytime.

It wasn't about the fishing, it wasn't even so much about family; though they were a very important part, it was more about the great spring weather and being on this small brook that I knew so well. The temperature was perfect with no flies, the sun warmed the body and the soul, the sound of the water cascading over the bedrock was comforting, the light breeze through the tops of the spruce, pines, cedars was calming, and the smell of those same trees was mesmerizing. It was a great day to enjoy and our family truly enjoyed the day.

Thanks to my family.

A Pleasant Geocache

2011-04-16T21:32:00.000-03:00

My sister and I were looking for a way to entertain her two boys and my son this afternoon. It was much to nice to have them simply hanging out and playing the Wii today. So after I took care of some needed work on my car, we loaded the boys up and went searching for treasure. I had noticed a geocache near a local, Sussex Corner playground and decided to make a game out of it for the boys. Before going out I showed the boys where the cache was located using the Geocaching website and had them memerize the clues. There were some pictures to view as well so we looked at them so they knew where to go and look.

Once we got to the park though the boys had other ideas. They simply wanted to go and play on the playground. It took a bit of convincing to get them to go search out the cache. I played a little bit of hot and cold with them and before long they spotted the hanging film cannister. They were a little dissappointed that it was only a log style cache but that was quickly forgotten when I told them the treasure was the playground.

It was a great day to get out and have fun and geocaching is an awesome way to add to the day.

Stanley Cup Dreams

2011-04-13T09:58:00.000-03:00

Note: This is a version of a column that I had published in the April 12, 2011 edition of the Kings County Record.

It is that great time of year when the Leaf fans are spending their evenings raking the yard and prepping their gardens while the Canadiens fans are glued to their televisions hollering loudly as Carey Price makes a remarkable save on a blast from Zdeno Chara. My hockey season, much like the Leaf's is over. I wrote last fall that I was coaching an Initiation hockey program. That team just finished up their season. There is no Stanley Cup, no big contracts, or promotion deals but to me it was hockey at its best.

To watch kids step on the ice for the first time is very entertaining. Some were fearful, some clumsy, and some were just naturals. No matter how good they were, when they took that first full stride, their face would light up with such pride and joy I couldn't help but feel their excitement. They overcame the first challenge with ease. From that first stride the kids made huge improvements throughout the season. Unlike the pros, the kids don't suffer slumps or ups and downs during the season. Every game they show improvement and win the personal battles while honing their game skills.

Another aspect I noticed was how many of them responded to competition. I have always been a believer in healthy competition and its ability to bring out the best in people. Watching how much more effort some kids put out to win a relay race and to watch them improve over the span of that short race has further affirmed that belief. A child who can't focus their attention long enough to listen to an explanation on how to complete a drill, suddenly watches and cheers on his teammates as they run through a grueling relay. If they lose they are more than eager to try it again in hopes that they can improve and win. This illustrates how the competitive drive pushes people to improve.

Sport at this level is much more pure than at the pro level in my mind. The kids at this level usually aren't even sure what the score is so they are simply playing to play. The score only matters at the end of game and then, only if you can get their attention long enough to let them know that it was "a tie game." Once off the ice the kids immediately start to focus on what kind of donut they want at Tim Horton's after the game. They talk loudly about who has the biggest "Bakugan" collection or asking their parents if their newly formed friend can come over and hang out. They aren't dwelling on the missed shot or the botched call by the referee. It was always up beat in the room after the ice time which made it very enjoyable.

It is a great reward to watch a young kid improve throughout the season. As a reward for the kids this year we took them to a Saint John Seadogs game. I was amazed to see in my own son how much his understanding of the game has advanced. This was something I did not focus on as a coach so he simply picked up this aspect of the game himself. It is likely that all the kids were growing in this manner and so next year I better adapt my coaching approach.

Patience for Fly Fishing

2011-04-04T20:34:00.001-03:00

Picture from http://www.trekearth.com/

The deer are herding up in the fields behind the house, the sap is running at the sugar camps, and the ice is off the rivers. Time to get the rod and reel out. This summer I have made a pact to get fly fishing at least once. I have long been an avid angler using the bait and tackle methods but I have long wanted to try fly fishing. There is something artistic about the casting of a fly over open waters to entice that big brookie to rise to the surface. It takes a great deal more patience than what I have had in the past but as I am growing older my patience has matured and my appreciation for simply fishing for sport is much deeper.

That being said....I can't wait for fishing season to get here to NB.

See you on the water.

Inside Out Covered Bridges

2011-04-01T09:43:00.000-03:00


This bridge near Damascus is dated 1914 and has stood prominently over time and sets a tone for its surroundings.

Kings County is known as the covered bridge capital of Canada and most of those bridges are within the Kennebecasis watershed. Lucky for me I work for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee and I get to see these bridges on a regular basis. To be honest I have probably come to take them for granted. Recently though I have been looking at them from a different angle, from inside to out.

Over the last month and a half I have been monitoring ice and water conditions in the local rivers. This often results in stops at the various river crossings, including many of the long standing covered bridges. As I approach the covered bridges I still acknowledge their strong rural flavor and appreciate how they influence the mood of everything around them. They have a way of making all the surroundings look like a scene from rural 1920s.

This bridge sits in the heart of Waterford, NB and provides this area with a perfect rural character that makes the whole place more attractive.

The days I am out it is usually windy and cold so before I get out of my car I zip my coat up and then hustle to the windbreak and shelter offered by the covered bridge. Once out of the wind I can take some time to observe all that is around me. Of course the first thing I take in are the ice conditions on the river, after all that is what I'm there for, but part of the job is also photographing the ice. Usually I will stand at the end of the bridge and snap a picture but if the angle isn't right then I have to find a hole in the sidewall of the bridge and this has led me to appreciate the new angle I have taken on covered bridges.

To look down the river from the inside of a covered bridge is not mind blowing until you really look at how sinewy the whole scene is. When you are outside the bridge looking at the scene you notice the straight lines of the bridge. From under the pitched roof of the bridge looking out, you notice how everything flows into the river with graceful curves and rolling lines. Even the parallel lines formed by the skidoo trail down the middle of the river are curved with the snow covered riverbank.

This bridge in Bloomfield, NB completes the country setting here and provides a welcome feeling to the landscape.

I set my camera so that the lens peeks out through a small knot hole and it captured the scene below. I then started looking through the various cracks and holes in the side wall of the bridge. I had visions of artistic style pictures from here but I'm not talented enough as a photographer to get the image that I wanted. I had a blast attempting to capture my award winning photo at a number of covered bridges. If someone were to ask me which bridge is my favorite I would have to say the Hammond River #3 – Smithtown, which is dated 1914. I also have an affinity for the Trout Creek #5 – Moores Mill dated 1923. This bridge is pure Canadiana as right at the bridge is an outdoor skating rink in the warm heart of the small hamlet of Waterford.

Rediscovering these standing monuments of history has rekindled my fondness for them and I hope to continue to explore them through my work. Forgetting them is impossible because they have etched their curves into my mind.

NOTE: This is a copy of the column I had published in the March 29 edition of the Kings County Record.

WW Interviews Seth Whalen :P

2011-03-25T19:49:00.000-03:00

So my son and wife got to travel to Elmhurst Outdoors today and I have to say I'm a bit envious. I thought I would interview my son on his adventure and post it here.

WW: So Seth do you want to do an interview for my Blog?

Seth: Sure daddy.

WW: So you went to school this morning and where did you go after that?

Seth: I don't want to do this.

WW: Why not?

Seth: My cartoons are on.

WW: Well did you have fun today?

Seth: Yes

WW: What was your favorite part about today?
Seth: Tasting the syrup at the sugar camp.
WW: Was it yummy?
Seth: Yes
WW: What did you learn?
Seth: How to make maple syrup and about different trees.
WW: Did you enjoy the trip to the camp?
Seth: (no response, there was lots of action on Scooby Doo)

From there I lost him...I guess maybe I'll try interviewing his mother. I can speak from some experience that Gig and family at Elmhurst provide a great activity for all. Hopefully next time I get to go.

Scooby Doo Effect of Wetlands

2011-03-23T21:02:00.000-03:00

This wetland near Salt Springs was very photogenic

There are very few places in the wilderness were I feel uneasy and honestly I am a bit embarrassed to let you in on this here. Recently there has been a great deal of discussion on protecting these areas in New Brunswick and, even as a conservationist, I'm not sure how I feel about it. So where is this place that makes my skin tingle and the hair stand on the back of my neck? If you're there you can smell its moisture laden vegetation and soil. You can feel the softness of the ground as it almost moves under you. As you pause you would likely hear the gurgle of water beneath you as the mud starts to give way under your feet. As you look around you will notice the various grasses and shrubs and the large diversity of all things including bugs.

Wetlands are an inspiring place so I have no idea why they make me feel so uncomfortable. I spend a great deal of time in wet habitat but for some reason I have always felt odd when it wetlands. I have an elevated fear level when in wetlands and often feel like what you might when you walk through a cemetery. You know there is really nothing there but for some reason you can't shake the feeling that someone is watching you. Despite this fear I love exploring wetlands.

The different types of wetlands alone are impressive but add to that diversity the diversity in which you can find when you take the time to get wet and dirty they really can blow you away. The number of bugs, grasses and flowering plants, mammals that depend on the existence of such ecosystems, and the birds are always present.

Wetland beauty and value does not end with its diversity and aesthetic wonder. Wetlands are a valuable component in maintaining hydrologic balances. They hold water until it is needed, they purify water and keep it clean for consumption by animals, including humans, and they slow the release of flood waters during times of water abundance. Take a wetland out of the ecological equation and the entire natural system would fall apart. Fish would no longer have clean water to swim in if they had enough water to swim in at all. As nice as it might sound many bug populations, including mosquitoes, would likely crash and subsequently many flower and bird populations would also suffer.

This wetland area has all the makings for a horror flick.

The diversity within a wetland is likely one of the reasons I feel uncomfortable there. I could never become familiar with a wetland as there is simply to much to take in, even in a small woodland bog. Maybe I shouldn't have watched "Scooby Doo" so much as a child because honestly I think I believe in the marsh monster. I keep waiting for him to jump out of the open water holes and get me. Good thing that wetlands are not that diverse.

Note: The above was a column I had printed in the March 15, 2011 Kings County Record. Here in New Brunswick there has been a great deal of discussion on wetlands. I feel they are a valuable part of a healthy environment and can go a long way in protecting infrastructure and housing from flash flood type weather events. If we continue to fill in our woodland bogs and wetland then we will continue to see municipal areas flooded. I am not against developing but we have to be responsible in how we develop or existing green spaces, especially those green spaces that can provide cheap and effective green infrastructure, such as wetlands. This responsibility does not simply lie with the policy makers but everyone, developers, home builders, planners, municipal councils and staff, and many more.

Sugarbush tours and meals

2011-03-16T13:57:00.000-03:00

Hey everyone the following information was forwarded to me by the Fundy Model Forest. Maple sugar tours are a great NB tradition so get out there and enjoy.

If you would like to visit a sugar bush, several in southern New Brunswick have let us know the trees are tapped and the griddles are ready. They are: City of Moncton: Take Moncton Home – "Pails to Pipleine Tours", Elmhurst Outdoors: Maple Sugar Tours and Pancakes , McCrea Farms 7^th Annual Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast and Sugarbush Tour, and Dumfries Maples: Cedar Log Pancake House and Sap House. Details are below.

Take Moncton Home - "Pails to Pipeline Tours"

Mid March to Mid April 2011
Each spring the City of Moncton provides guided tours demonstrating the value added benefits of managing municipal forests - sampling various maple products is a spring time tradition. For more information go to www.moncton.ca or contact Heather Hawker at 383-6700 book early as space is limited.

Dumfries Maples
Now open daily
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Weekends and holidays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Taffy on the snow)

Watch the syrup being made at the sap house and visit our new cedar log Cookhouse for pancakes, sausages or ham, baked beans, biscuits and lots of delicious maple syrup!

Location: We are located between Fredericton and Woodstock, overlooking the beautiful Saint John River at 7520 Route 102. For directions and the latest information visit us at www.dumfriesmaples.ca or call us at 1-506-575-TAPS (8277).
We accept cash only.

McCrea Farms 7th Annual Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast and Sugarbush Tour

March 26 and 27, April 2 and 3 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Time: Reservations required; sittings are every 45 minutes, first one at 9 am , last one 12:45 pm. To book, call Anna at 506 485 5600 or Nancy at 506 485 0095 (if you book and find you cannot attend, please let us know - we always have a waiting list)

Serving: All you can eat pancakes, with ham, sausage, eggs, muffins, donuts, tea/coffee, juice

Cost: Adults $10 / Children 10 and under $5

Sugarbush tour, including candy on the snow, follows breakfast (appropriate footwear strongly recommended)

Location: Community Hall in Belyeas Cove, Route 705; the map on our website http://www.mccreafarms.com/html/roadmap.html takes you to Shannon, and the hall is just couple of miles farther, on the right (as you get closer to this part of the world, watch for signs along the way)

ELMHURST Outdoors: MAPLE SUGAR TOURS and PANCAKES
Opening weekends from March 19 - April 10, 2011
By reservation only!

Learn about the history of sugar making, watch the process of turning sap into syrup and taste some delicious sugar-on-snow. Tours take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Join us afterwards for pancakes in the lodge!

Saturdays @ 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30

Sundays @ 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30

Tour & Sugar-on-snow ....... $5.00 pp

ON THE MENU ...........

We serve homemade pancakes, local sausage, delicious maple syrup, and coffee/tea/juice. You can also add some homemade baked beans & homemade bread!

We take pride in serving only the best from our kitchen. Our pancakes are made using Spearville Whole White Flour, we serve Degenhardt's gluten- free sausages and our beans and bread are made by Gig and Denise right here at Elmhurst Outdoors.

Pancakes, sausage & bev ....... $7.50 pp (with baked beans & bread.....$9.75)Taxes are included. We accept cash only! By reservation only.

Located: 65 Ganong Road, Erbs Cove, NB Information: 506-832-4421 or www.elmhurstoutdoors.ca

The Bluff in Carnival Style

2011-03-07T13:01:00.000-04:00

Looking towards the lights of Poley Mountain ski hill while standing on the Bluff.

Recently the Village of Sussex Corner hosted their annual winter carnival. The event was a huge success and drew people from across Kings County. Families crammed into Sullivan Park, the Village's green space that borders Trout Creek, to enjoy all the activities on a seasonal Saturday. My favorite activity though took place the night before with a much smaller crowd.

As players competed for the 3^rd Annual Corner Cup, a group of 14 people of various ages prepared to snowshoe to the Bluff. The sky was clear and the air was crisp as we stepped into our snowshoes. I was anxious to get going as I hadn't been to the Bluff in sometime and it has always been one of my favorite hikes. With the clear conditions I anticipated that the view from the Bluff would be inspiring and I was looking forward to finding a nice spot to sit and enjoy a hot cup of tea while staring into the winter night sky.

John McNair from Outdoor Elements was to lead the group along this trek. Once he got everyone to the trail head it was fairly easy to find the way as a well beaten track was already present. I was glad to see that people were getting out and enjoying this great area. The pace was modest and people talked happily as they trudged along the narrow trail. Headlamps lit the woods ahead of us and the shadows in front constantly changed as the group moved past the various landmarks. The trail to the Bluff has a number of landmarks that help you gauge how much farther you have to go before you reach the end. The "elbow" tree is always a favorite to climb and have a portrait taken in. The root jump indicates the end of the last small climb before making the climb to the face of the Bluff.

We make the last approach to the Bluff with only the darkness separating the group from the face. I was close to the back of the group at this point but walked by a number of them before making the face and was shocked to learn that many were not going to step out onto the exposed summit to enjoy the view. Some were timid of the height while others were worried about the cold wind. I couldn't wait to get to the summit myself.

I enjoyed a cup of tea while taking note of some of the constellations overhead. The lights lower on the horizon seemed to have a brighter presence than normal. The lights from Sullivan Park were cheerful and warmed my soul even from that great distance. My participation in planning the Winter Carnival elevated my anticipation and with the event now upon me I was excited. I pried my body from my warm seat and with Mike Coggan started the trek back to the cars.

As the group treks back to the trail head the lights of Sussex Corner and Sussex show the way.

On the return trip I took time to take a lot of photos in hopes that one or two would turn out. The lack of natural light made it difficult to adequately capture the spirit of the night. In the end, the group quietly enjoyed the trip, one that created a memory that will last at least until next year's Winter Carnival.

Nature as Lifting Therapy

2011-02-18T10:13:00.000-04:00

Nature as Lifting Therapy

It was an incredible day today. It is February 17, 2011 and the weather today had that first big hint of the coming of spring. I couldn't sit in the office all day and write proposals and permit applications. I had to get out and enjoy the weather. I decided that we should go out and check on one of our aquatic habitat restoration sites to see what it looks like in winter time. Chris McKnight, a colleague who has become a good friend, and I headed out to the large farm where in the summer of 2010 had worked at restoring the degraded riparian area. The large fields spread far with virgin snow and the sun shining warm across my shoulders. It was a great feeling.

I snapped lots of pictures to illustrate the depth of snow which in places almost hid fence posts that hold a three strand barbed wire. As we walked along a small tributary with steep banks I was amazed at the immensity of the drifts that heavily exaggerated the narrowness of the small ravine. We easily walked over the fence in places and the brook in other places thanks to the drifting snow and ice.

As we complete the site assessment and start the journey back to the car I can't resist to walk across the field. As I start up the hill I feel like I'm gliding. The expansive, openness and the slight breeze seemed to push me across the field. It started Chris and I talking and I came to a realization. When our minds are tangled and stress has us tight as a drum we can lose it all in nature. We can let the immensity of the beauty and the vastness of the open spaces, move us along and we can glide across the snow covered fields with no pain and little effort.

At a time in my life when I am dealing with a few things this was a great moment. I'm glad that God gave me this moment and the ability to see it for what it was. I pray that those who are struggling with their own lives can empty their minds and let nature take over for awhile.

Getting Through February with a Festival

2011-02-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

Just a note this is an article that I had published in the Feb 1, 2011 Kings County Record. The Sussex Corner Winter Carnival is this weekend and I hope to see you there.

Celebrations and festivals are great ways to bring people together in a community and allow them to enjoy the best their region has to offer. Over the last few years the Village of Sussex Corner has revitalized their annual winter carnival to a point where the community now anticipates its arrival. I am proud to be a part of this effort and I too look forward to its annual arrival which I am happy to say is February 11^th and 12^th.

The Sussex area is blessed with many such celebrations and there isn't a season that goes by without a reason to celebrate. The festivities vary in size and activity but all of them provide the community with a reason to get out and socialize. The Sussex Corner Winter Carnival is no different and it is a great way to break out of those winter time blues and enjoy what winter has to offer. No matter what your interest is there is likely something for you to enjoy there.

As a Canadian you likely enjoy hockey so you might want to register a team for the Corner Cup pond hockey tournament or maybe compete in an "Amazing Race." Maybe you like something slightly less competitive so you might be more into the snowshoe or cross country ski outings. If your family isn't up for those you can simply enjoy the free skating and games that will be offered throughout the day on Saturday. The kids will love Peter and Penny Penguin and get giddy with excitement while competing against them in the kid's games. If you are into art and entertainment the Winter Carnival has you covered as well. There will be snow sculpting contests, music, and magicians there to entertain you between all the other events. Horse drawn sleigh rides cater to those looking to enjoy the old fashioned style winter fun and of course you can't have a winter carnival without having a sliding hill.

Likely the best thing the Sussex Corner Winter Carnival has going for it is that all these wonderful activities all take place in one location. Unlike some similar festivals where you have to commute from activity to activity, the Sussex Corner Winter Carnival is situated so that you can park your car and take it all in with only a short walk, snowshoe, or cross country ski to the next activity. By the end of the fireworks on Saturday evening you'll be asking yourself "Why don't we do this more often?" You'll have talked to friends and neighbours and caught up on all the good things going on in their life and shared your latest news. After the fireworks the community will be closer and if we happen to start to drift apart again, the next festival will draw us all closer again. We really are lucky to live in such a close community where people step forward and organize events like the Sussex Corner Winter Carnival.

If you are looking for other events the Dairytown Classic basketball tournament, the Apohaqui Winter Fun Day, the annual Snowball tournament, plus many other events are waiting for you to wander through and all are coming up soon. I hope to see you in the snow banks.

Outdoor Rink update

2011-02-06T20:44:00.000-04:00

What a winter to try and create my first outdoor backyard rink. I think I am ready to admit defeat. I now have banks around the ice surface that are over 5 ft high all the way around. To top it off, it is covered in snow once again. We have skated on it a grand total of three times, for likely a total of 4 hours tops. In those 4 hours though there was lots of fun and it has made it worth the effort. Take a look at the smiles on the boys faces.

Before you ask "Where are their helmets?" Let me defend by saying it was either frost bitten ears with a helmet on, or put on bulky hats to protect cheeks and ears from the bitter cold that day.

I might have to shovel it off at least one more time :)

Blessed Day

2011-02-06T20:33:00.000-04:00

A little over a week ago I had one of those days. You know the kind. A day that memories are not really made, but life is none the less made richer. A day where everything just seemed right. A day where there just seemed to be God's light shining on everything you did. By no stretch was the day special, but it was personally rewarding. As I made my way home at the end of the day I knew exactly who to thank as I smiled to myself as everyone else slept during the drive.

In the morning I coached my son's hockey practice and the practice ran smoothly with the kids having lots of fun. They smiled as the coaching team ran them through the drills and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment with this simple task I was doing. After practice my wife and I took the kids to Tim Horton's for a treat and we all laughed and relaxed while sitting in the eating area of the cafe. At this point I thought to myself "What a great Canadian morning."

A memory in the making, thanks for the picture Michelle.

At home that afternoon I played and wrestled with the kids and that bright feeling continued. My son's excitement for what was to come that night was growing. As we loaded the car up, the kids and I dropped my wife off at work before heading to Saint John. Before leaving Sussex though we stopped for a quick supper at McDonalds, my son's favorite place to eat.

The weather on the drive down was excellent and the kids laughed and sang as we enjoyed each others silliness. Our first stop in Saint John was my sister and brother in-law's to drop off my daughter. They had agreed to babysit her while my son and I headed to a hockey game. Seth is a big Saint John Seadogs fan and was excited to go watch them play. We walked through the pedway system in Saint John and Seth was amazed by all the people and by the fact we could walk inside, while seeming to be outside. We obviously don't get him to the city enough.

This would be the second game he would see and the first one was too loud for him. This time we went prepared with some earplugs. As it would turn out he wouldn't need them. He danced like a maniac trying to get himself up on the big screen to no avail but we had fun trying. He pigged out on ice cream and cotton candy and head bobbed to the music throughout the entire game. Even when the Seadogs scored one of the many goals they scored and the siren echoed inside the Station he cheered. He no longer minded the noise that once bothered him as he was to enthralled by the blimp flying over head or by Fleaburn to be bothered by noise. The Seadogs won handly that game with some great hockey but I didn't even notice the game as much as I was watching my son grow up in front of me. Over the two hours we were there my son seemed to age his entire 5 years and I realized how thankful I was to have him in my life.

After the game we picked up Shaylee and did our best not to wake her for the ride home. As Seth faded to sleep I turned on some light music and was overcome by that bright immense feeling of happiness again. I said a little prayer with only my wife's absence being the only dark part of the day, but even that is worth being thankful for as we are both willing and capable of working to provide.

It was truly a blessing, this day I now write about. I hope you can take the time to see these days when they happend and give thanks for all those small moments.

Outdoor rink update

2011-01-22T13:27:00.000-04:00

I guess its time to update the status of our little outdoor rink project. I have been busy shovelling snow off it and I was really wondering if it was ever going to come together. Today however Seth and I were able to finally skate on it. It is curently -22 with the windchill so it was a short skate but we were there. It is still a bit uneven and bumpy but I skated on much worse as a kid.

I have gotten into a good flooding routine now and have become efficient at first working out the kinks and then finally flooding the surface. The biggest challenge is thawing my outdoor faucet so I can flood. This requires about 10-15minutes with the heat gun everytime. This is not bad since I have devised a way to set the gun up and leave it while I prep the hose, scrape the ice, or what ever I need to do that day. Then once the water is running it only takes me about 10-15minutes to flood the small area and I have to roll up the hose and take it inside for the next flood. If its really cold like today, I have to go through the whole process again, which is no fun, but after today has been worth it.

Seth's favorite thing to do was jump into the snowbanks. He wasn't much interested
in practicing stickhandling.

With the weather forecast calling for some clear skies and cold temperatures I am hoping that by the end of the weekend the ice will be much smoother and nicer. My lower end is great right now but I still need more ice to cover the bumps at the upper end. Still a work in progress as it likely will be throughout the winter.

Keep your head up :P

A Pleasant Trek around a Ridge

2011-01-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

Icy Drop were dripping slowly back into Beatty Brook.

Pleasant Ridge has a warm and fuzzy feeling when you read the name on a map. The name is well deserved as the area around these high hills makes my heart pump when I am anywhere near there. No matter what time of year it is I get pumped about all the possibilities that abound. During the summer months I can often be found wetting a line fishing for trout along one of the many streams that drain the hills that form the ridge. More recently I decided to explore the Beatty Brook and one of its unnamed tributaries on snowshoes.

Beatty Brook is a steep and cold stream here.

Snowshoeing is my outdoor winter sport of choice because I have never been great at cross country skiing, and I played to much hockey to compete at downhill skiing as a kid. I didn't need a groomed trail and I could easily carry my snowshoes in my car, so I could go any time or any where. The goal of this trip was to show a friend of mine a small waterfall and then explore some new wilderness. The weather man was calling for a mild winter day with a chance of flurries.

We packed a light lunch and were looking forward to being able to eat it while sitting on the side of Pleasant Ridge. We hit the woods around 9:30 or so and made our way along the left bank of Beatty Brook heading upstream. The first thing I noticed was that there was not as much snow as a previous trip I made and this surprised me. The second thing was how quiet it was. You could hear the water gurgling under the ice and that was all unless you count your breathing.

The ice ledges along the Brook offered some great views up and down stream.

We approached the Steen Road and walked along the skidoo trail for a short time before taking off to the left up the unmapped ravine looking for water and ice. The topographical mapping showed that the area had steep slopes but no water. When I noticed this I was certain there was water but I wanted to see for myself. We headed up the ravine which would circle around the back of the hill before it made the top at approximately 191m. As we made the trek an impressive hardwood stand dominated the hill to our right and I was amazed at how crisp and majestic the stand appeared. There was water in the creek throughout the hike even when we made the top, water was running but the topography was not as steep as we anticipated and the trek was relaxed.

The view from the top of Pleasant Ridge looking southeast.

As we reached the top of the stream we had lunch and energized for the next lag of the hike was a bush whack across unmarked woodland. We set our bearings on a steep tributary and were capable enough that we hit our mark and found ourselves looking out over the Millstream Valley while standing in a small natural clearing on the steep southeast side of the Pleasant Ridge.

We were now faced with a difficult and treacherous descent back to Beatty Brook and the car. The snow was thin in places with ice underneath and one step sent us glissading down the slope only to be slowed up by a steep drift. The small and narrow creek bed was filled with many conglomerate boulders but very little water, even though it showed water on the maps. Suddenly we found the source of the water as we noticed a small ladle hanging in a nearby tree where a spring flowed out from under some roots and rocks.

The steep ravine we descended provided some challenges.

From this point I tried to stay on the creek bed and unfortunately this would cost me. As I continued leaping from ice shelf to ice shelf over the small stream I got into a rhythm that flowed with the same resonance of the creek itself. Without warning though the beat changed and I made a hard step to what looked like snow covered ice but it turned out to be a big boulder. I only managed to get the toe of my snowshoe up on it and as my weight settled on the shoe the aluminum tube bent and then broke. Luckily we were not that far from the bottom of the creek and the road and I was able to hobble the rest of the way.

Even with my snowshoe breaking it was a great day and to me it symbolized any normal day. The little bumps shouldn't take away from all the progress we make along our journey. I hope your journey is over smooth snow. See you in the woods.

View Pleasant Ridge Snowshoe Trek in a larger map

Outdoor Rink Part III

2011-01-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

Patients is needed when building an outdoor skating rink. I have learned this over the last week. That and a few other things about making a skating rink outside. Just to be clear, I have never made ice indoors either so this has been a fun learning curve. The location of my small rink is in my backyard which I thought was relatively flat, that was until I started putting water on it and it all flowed to one end. I also learned that my yard drains quickly. Since I didn't put a plastic cover down I put a great deal of water into the ground as opposed to on my ice surface. This weighs heavily on my conscience as a watershed conservationist, but my son asked and I said we could, so what am I to do?

Don't get me wrong it is getting better but the weather is not as cold as I would like. It is late into the evening before I can get the first flood on so the ice building has been slow. Stay tuned though as I am sure I will get a skating rink before the end of winter.

A Winter Trek and Lesson

2011-01-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

Mature spruce dwarf the younger hardwood stands at the top of a
ridge in the Mill Brook area.

Since the holidays I have been able to get out on two snowshoe hikes. This entry is about the first of those trips.

How can you not feel blessed when a road like this
lay before you. You simply say a prayer as you walk.

The weather was crisp and sunny and I had been thinking about a waterfall that I wanted to visit in winter. I was thinking there might be some good ice for climbers in there and for me to take pictures of. There was lots of snow in the woods and I knew it would be a great day for just getting out and stretching my legs and working off the Christmas turkey. I had plotted a route that wouldn't take me directly there but rather bring me around the hill from the back side. This would later prove to be a mistake, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

I packed up a day bag with extra clothes, food, water, map, emergency kit, and of course my camera. I made a quick stop at my parents to pick up their dog Kizmet and headed to the upper headwaters of Mill Brook. The Cotter Holler road is a beautiful walk no matter the season but it is extra special in winter and that is why I wanted to start there. There was also a ravine there that I hadn't yet explored so that is where I headed with the intent of following that ravine up to the crest and then crossing over to the other ravine. This plan sounded good in my head but I was unprepared for how deep the snow was and how steep the first unknown ravine would be.

The Cotter Holler Stream is a photogenic presence anytime
of year but especially in the winter as its spring fed waters
tend to create great ice and water formations.

If you have ever been snowshoeing before it is not a simple task to climb up steep slopes that have a light upper layer of snow and a hard crusty lower layer. You tend to have to crawl on all fours and push a trail of snow off ahead of you or to the sides. It is an amazing workout and by the time I reached the top of the ravine I was climbing out I was tuckered out. To be honest at that point I was beyond probably any point I have ever been, and it was going to get worse. As I climbed the ravine I topped out into a clear cut area which had snow up to my waist and it was next to impossible to push through. I decided to skirt around the clearing and find the access road and use that to cross over to the next drainage.

The Bluff is part of the landscape that is often used to orient yourself to
the rest of the surroundings. Once I was provided this view I knew
instictively which direction I was looking.

One positive thing about the clearing was that it provided a great new perspective for me of the Bluff in Sussex Corner. This local attraction is a photographers dream and if I had a better camera I could have snapped some great pics of the frosted tip evergreens as they revealed the Bluff through a grey sky. I sat at the high point of the sloping clear cut and caught my breath while the dog sat on the back of my snowshoes. She was so quiet I often had to turn around to see if she was still there.

The snow hung off everything and provided a nice
contrast to the clear, crisp blue of the sky.

We made our way to the back of the clearing where I was able to find an access trail that was leading in what I felt was the right direction. If my hunch and my thought about where I was on my topo map were right I should be able to catch the main logging road and then from there drop over the other side of the mountain. My problem was time and energy. I had spent over half the daylight I needed and my energy reserves were running low. I was seriously, for the first time in my life considering spending an unplanned night in the woods. Not because I was in trouble, hurt, or lost, but simply because I was pushing my personal limits.

When I made what I thought was the main logging road I continued in the direction I needed to go but nothing looked familiar and I became uncertain. Given the time of day I couldn't afford uncertainty, so I gave myself ten more minutes walking time, but even then I wasn't certain I was where I wanted to be so I had to turn around and head back the same way I came to get home. I was sour and disappointed in my own inability to get to where I wanted. It revealed to a certain extent my age, my arrogance, and my need to improve my skills. It was a humbling day, but one that rewarded me by simply being outside. I was shown many things from a different perspective, the least of which was myself. Once again the wilderness of this great area has exposed its strength to be that not only of beauty but of a fabric of life and persistence on multiple levels.

Outdoor Rink?? Part II

2011-01-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

If you follow the weather at all you likely know that we have had a run of warmer weather which slowed my progress on our outdoor rink. Tonight however, it was a cold -9 celsius with the wind chill, so I headed out with "my hood up." Get it? "hood up"; "head up?" I know. Groan.

With the snow this morning, I had to give the area a quick shovel.  I also compacted the snow layer by laying down some plywood and jumping on it. Good thing I didn't make a big surface because my legs would have been sore after I was done with that task. Once I got the water running again I flooded the surface twice with a good base forming again before I called it quits.   With a forecast of four more cold days before the temps start to rise again, I might get a good surface for a late evening skate by Thursday. Maybe??

It was such a nice night out that I wandered out into the nearby field and laid on my back to look at the stars. A great deal of jets were flying overhead tonight as well.  Being outside and enjoying the cold is rewarding and purifying. My head clears, my body relaxes, and a calmness comes over me.  Flooding the ice is a simple task that allows my head to wander and I enjoy it. This started off as a way for me to hopefully spend more time outside with my kids, but the reward will be more than that.

Outdoor Rink: Part One

2010-12-31T09:50:00.000-04:00

The boys helped clear off the space for the small ice surface.

Today was a sunny, snowy day. The temperature never came above freezing so I thought I would try making my first outdoor rink for Seth to enjoy. I have no grand illusions of boards and nets and all the glam. In fact the ice surface won't be that grand. Seth, a friend of his, and I cleared off a space about 10m X 6m to start flooding. After we cleared the space I took the boys to Bill's Corner store for a hot chocolate. The boys then played in the fort for a while before we went in for lunch.

The boys enjoyed their hot chocolate while
sitting on the steps of the St. John's United
Church Center.

I didn't put down plastic, I didn't build boards. Seth, the other boy, and I shovelled off the space and put the pile along the edge to create the boundary. We did that this morning. I then fought all day with my hose and the pipes trying to get the water to flow so I could flood the ice tonight. It was a bit frustrating but finally I got the hose clear of ice. Just a note for those who might find themselves in this same predicament; I put the hose in the bathtube with hot water. It took about 10minutes to melt the ice out and I cleaned the hose while I was at it...oh and then the bath tube.

Under the stars and a cool night sky I applied a generous amount of water straight to the grass snow mix area that the boys and I had cleared off earlier in the day. Now I will wait and see what it looks like tomorrow morning and hopefully flood again.

There is nothing better than a kid's rosy smile while enjoying winter.

Winter Winds

2010-12-28T11:21:00.000-04:00

Seth loves snow forts and snowballs, especially if
I build the fort.

Winter has finally landed with a thud...literally almost. I think the snow landed all in one moment with a thud. I went to bed at midnight on Sunday night and when I awoke at 6:00am there was a ton of snow sitting in our driveway. When my son woke up he couldn't wait to get outside and play. I love that he loves winter time and his youth keeps me young.

The two in one fort/sliding hill near the
driveway is a family favorite, after a talk
about safety near the road.

After a modest breakfast of toast and cereal we layered up and went out to do battle with the blowing snow. My son saying to his mother "Mom! Dad and I are going outside so he can shovel the driveway and I can throw snowballs at him!" Which he did while telling me where to pile the snow higher to make a fort and sliding hill...which I did. It was a great morning but already this winter I have broken a shovel and am extremely sore from shovelling the driveway not once, not twice, but three times in one day.

I am not sure why but it seems to be winter time when my son and I have the most fun together. We camp in the summer but he doesn't seem to get the same enjoyment out of it. Maybe because I don't let him throw rocks at me :)

I hope the New Year blows great things your way.

Cheers all.

Christmas Trees and Memories

2010-12-22T20:36:00.001-04:00

The trees in downtown Sussex can put maybe

even the Grinch in the Christmas spirit.

It is that time of year when inspiration and hope is all around us. All you have to do is look at the face of a child as he watches the Christmas parade, or watch an elderly woman singing carols as she searches for a perfect gift. The life in young and old seems elevated during the Christmas season and it is contagious and only the coldest of hearts is immune to the warmth. One of the longest standing traditions of this festive season is the Christmas tree and this is "one of my favorite things."

If you have a Christmas tree in your home it is likely because your parents had one and you have strong memories and rituals attached to your tree. Whether you decorate a real tree or the more modern fake tree you likely have that old ornament that has to be hung just right by the specific family member. Maybe you have to enjoy a box of chocolates or some hot chocolate while decorating the tree while Christmas music plays loudly in the background. For some it might be a loud boisterous affair with laughter while others reflectively admire the tree before putting on each decoration. For me and my family it is a rather loud affair, filled with laughter, the smell of chocolates and hot chocolate, mixed with balsam fir needles. The music varies from Alabama's "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear" to Madonna singing "Santa Baby" but one thing is consistent and that is that it is played a bit louder than normal.

Seth loved being able to climb up on a
chair and decorate the tree this year.

There is often debate about real or fake trees and while I see the advantages of having a fake tree, I could never fully get into the Christmas spirit without the smell of the fir needles. Some argue that a real tree is too much work but for me that work is all part of the tradition that makes Christmas what it is. Standing out in the cold picking out the perfect tree from the Scout lot isn't so much about helping the Scouts but more about keeping the tradition that has occurred for years and it allows me to hold onto a piece of my past. No one truly loves to sweep up the fir needles, for weeks after Christmas, but even that task has a way of awakening memories of Christmas past.

Shaylee helped decorate the bottom half
of the tree.

The past is what Christmas is about. A celebration of the birth of Christ and it is this reason I think that many of us maintain traditions and reach back to the past when Christmas times comes about. I don't dwell there, but I reflect upon all those great memories, and look with hope to the New Year and a bright future. With my children reaching that age where they will remember Christmas I truly see the future in them and I see the role Christmas will play in that for them. I smile, take it in so I can remember it, and then I thank God for his son and for my family before I hang another ornament on the tree.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Irony on the Lawless Road

2010-12-09T08:20:00.000-04:00

The sign showing the Lawless Road

I have been able to put some extra time in at work over the last little while so I had some time coming to me. I have always wanted to hike up Pickwauket Mountain just outside of Hampton for sometime now and today, I made the trek up the steep slope. Work had taken me to Hampton for the morning and so I decided that while there I would explore the area a bit. The weather was not looking promising, mild for this time of year but calling for rain. I crossed my fingers as I parked my car along the Lawless Road and set a course for the rocky outcrop on the southern face of Pickwauket Mountain.

It was ironic to me that I was on the Lawless Road when just a few weeks ago I started a hike off on the Law Road. The first obstacle that I would have to overcome on this hike would be to cross Pickwauket Brook. After a short jaunt up the stream I found a spruce tree that was stretching its limbs across the brook. I carefully stepped across the tree and landed safely on the other side. It was all up hill from here but it would turn out to be a great walk.

This maintained woodlot near Hampton
made you feel like you were walking into
a postcard.

There are times when I envy some landowners for what they have and for what they have maintained. It is not enough simply to own land but I really admire those who work their land and maintain its integrity. As I left the flood plain with its scruffy alders, thick black spruce, and white birch, I moved into a well kept pine stand. The forest stand was not so impressive but the road that led me around to the north side of the mountain was very picturesque. It seemed to envelop you in a blanket as I walked along. It made it very difficult to leave the road to head for the higher slopes.

The forest had turned to thin yellow and white birch stands with the odd spruce and pine thrown in. The final ascent to the top of the mountain was challenging but the biggest challenge I faced was which approach to take to reveal the scenic vista over the Hampton Marsh. I raced up the slope and stepped onto the rock precipice and took it all in. The view was amazing, even with the gray overcast day, the site line stretched a long way across the Marsh to the far hills. I sat on the south slope for a while, because the wind was cool on the north east, but I still took time to take in the view from that angle as well. I took notice of a stunted spruce that was growing with a majority of its roots upturned. It was a true testament of the will of nature to see that tree growing on such a wind torn and rock hard place.

With some hesitation I left the small mountain that juts out of the landscape like a volcano on the prairies. It was a great hike that was overdue and it set my mind right again as I start to prepare for the holiday season.

Looking down onto the Hampton Marsh from the top of Pickwauket Mtn.

Hockey (or sport) is the Building Block for Life

2010-11-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

I can remember, not that long ago, rushing to the rink in my parents van, fully dressed in hockey gear, which my mother insisted I put on. My father was flustered as he had rushed home from work and was running behind, hence the reason my mother insisted I put on my gear before getting to the rink. As fast as those days went by, they still consume a great deal of my memory bank and the smell of damp hockey gloves still invokes an adrenaline rush within my aging body.

I couldn't really remember my first years of hockey. It took an enjoyable phone call with my Mom to remind me about those first important years on skates. Through mine and my brother's first years of hockey it was my Mom who shuttled us to the rink and tied our skates. It must have been tough for her because if I was anything like my son is now it would have been a struggle simply to get me to sit down to get my gear on. For that I thank you Mom. Hockey played a big part in my family's life as I grew up and early indications seem to show that that trend will continue with the next generation, and it excites me, I am Canadian after all.

After a short time of consideration I decided to become the hockey coach for my son's Initiation team, and I have realized I owe my parents another huge thanks. It is hard work getting my son out the door and to the rink, getting him into his gear, getting my skates on, and getting the practice organized but well worth the effort. The young kids all have fun and their parents all look on with pride and it makes the early morning and rushed afternoons worth the effort.

It is astounding how quickly the kids learn. They are learning to play hockey much faster than I am learning how to coach it. I still scurry around before practice in a disorganized blur, while the kids now step onto the ice comfortably. Where once most fell in a heap shortly after stepping on the ice, they now can't wait to get going and glide off with only a slight hesitation. We spend less time picking them up off the ice now than we do trying to get them to stop and pay attention to the next drill.

No doubt my son will only have vague memories of this part of his life when he is older, but I hope to share with him the stories of my past and his past so that we can remember together. I don't simply remember the game, I remember the little life lessons it provided and the lasting friendships it forged. Like in all sports, youth hockey coaches, I'm starting to realize are not just coaching a player, they are coaching the future leaders of their community.

High Water High

2010-11-05T21:47:00.000-03:00

The weather forecast called for a great deal of rain and I got excited. When we get rain like this I often need to go out and inspect some of the KWRC restoration sites and see how they are doing. After a morning meeting, Chris and I headed out, not really approriately dressed for rain especially this much rain. We laughed at the absurdity of the rain that was coming down. I was impressed with how well the restoration sites were handling the heavy rains.

This small tributary beats an angry path
towards Ward's Creek

Over the last 24hours it has rained a ton and the river levels have risen dramatically. The hydrographic station in Apohaqui is nearly floating but still kicking out readings. I was out checking out some smaller streams but even those were an unruly, riled, brown mass, rushing over the banks towards the larger stream systems.

The longer we trudge around the sites, the wetter we got and the harder we laughed. The best thing about the day was that, despite being November, it was very warm. We weren't cold and wet, we were humorous and wet. As I mentioned in my Law Road hike entry, I get foolish when wandering in the rain. This afternoon was no different except that it was raining much harder.

Earlier this year the KWRC completed assessments on a number of culverts within the watershed and we checked on some of these as well. One that has been worked on, as a result of some input from the KWRC, was playing music as we approached it. Large stones were rolling through the metal pipe striking lots of different notes as they did.

Stones and sometimes rocks were rolling out of this culvert
that carried water towards the Kennebecasis.

Just a great day.

2010-11-03T23:56:00.000-03:00

I just gotta say, if you haven't been to Cornhill in awhile, you should go and enjoy the long stretches of farm ground, the rolling terrain, and the slow pace of the gurgling brooks. I had a great afternoon in the field today, first planting some trees with a grade three class from Apohaqui (thanks again to Mrs. Reicker's class), and then assessing a potential project site. When the sun is shining like it was today it makes any place uplifting, but the ridges and fields around Cornhill possess something special. Get out there and explore a farm field near you. Be sure to wear your hunter orange though.

I got no pics sorry but just take my word for it.

Roots with a Purpose

2010-10-22T22:56:00.000-03:00

I have been researching a lot lately as I have been starting to prepare funding proposals at work. I have been digging up some cool facts on trees and the role they play in nature. I find it interesting that we seldom notice trees until fall when they provide us with a colorful canvas. Trees are so much more than a part of the landscape, they are the fabric that holds the balance of earth in the air. For me I often utilize trees to improve riparian areas which in turn improves watershed health. I see daily how valuable they are to water quality and the relation they have with aquatic ecosystems.

I have, through my recent research, just discovered the role they play in enhancing our air quality. Trees provide us with oxygen while helping maintain the natural balance of other gases in the atmosphere. Some of these gases are greenhouse gases which have tilted the balance due to the misuse of earth's natural resources by humans. With carbon credits in the process of becoming a commodity, the old saying "Money doesn't grow on trees" may no longer be entirely correct. Personally, I think this is a pretty cool trend.

On average a healthy, mature, tree will absorb 27.8kgs of carbon per year while emitting enough oxygen for 2 humans to consume for that same year. On the market, one ton or 1000kgs of carbon is considered a carbon credit. To put it another way, one acre of woodland will absorb approximately the amount of carbon an average car emits in a year (provided you average about 40,000km/yr.)

With these numbers in mind I set out to find out how many trees the average human should plant in their lifetime to buffer the carbon they emit in that same life. The best answer I could find was that a total of 300 trees (http://www.coloradotrees.org/benefits.htm#2) can balance the pollution an individual creates in a lifetime. This goes beyond carbon sequestering, but it does not take into consideration the natural processes that Mother Nature intended the same trees to balance out.

Regardless of how you feel about environmental conservation or global warming, trees are a marvelous work of nature. How many trees have you planted?

Fighting The Law

2010-10-08T09:07:00.000-03:00

Meg and Chris admire the view across the
man made pond as rain lightly falls.

For some time I have had a strong desire to rise up out of my office chair and take the Law on. All I needed was a simple reason. It didn't even have to be a good one. I was anxious and the frustration of being cooped up in my office or at the mulititude of meetings I seem to be taking part in recently had me a bit on the touchy side. Finally, I had been pushed to far, and I couldn't take it anymore. I headed out to pick a fight with the law and there was no way the law was going to win this fight.

Ok so I'm no rebel and the law I'm referring to is the Law Road. This short, deadend, dirt road, has always spurred my curiosity, with the deep looking ravines and steep slopes. I was certain, as I spotted it one day while hiking the Piccadilly Mountain ridgeline, that it had some exposed slopes and thus I knew I would have to go investigate it. I took some work time to explore the headwaters of McLeod Brook, which runs out of the steep valleys in this area, in hopes that I could form an arguement to have these waters classed as an outstanding water through New Brunswick's Water Classification Program.

The small stream that flowed from the deep
valleys where McLeod Brook began.

The weather was not great as the sky was gray and there was constant drizzle. It was going to take more than that though to keep me and a couple of colleagues from getting out into the woods. We pulled the truck down Law Road and pulled up to the end of the road. The road ended near a farm house on the left with a well maintained front lot and some expansive, worn fields, leading out the back. Between us and the front yard a small stream flowed from the hills in front of us and we were all itching to find out from where it began.

The view over the farm below from atop the rock face.

Before you could sing the tune "I fought the law and the law won" we were on our way up the stream. In no time we were standing on the shore of a man-made pond glaring through the fog and an impressive three faced rock outcrop. With the rock staring down on us it made it hard to take the appropriate time to enjoy the pond which had a clear bottom and a green sheen to the clear water. We took a few pics before heading further up the ravine so we could approach the rock face from the southeast flank. A short time later we were stopping to take off a layer of clothes as the difficult climb was causing us to heat up.

In no time we had forced ourselves up the hill and pushed through the tree line and onto the exposed west facing rock. Before us was an grand view that provided a panoramic greater than 180 degrees. Even with the fog and rain it was a place that you simply had to sit and enjoy. The massive hulk of the Piccadilly Mountain was west north west and further north was the looming cranes and construction of the new PCS mine while the old mine sat in the background. The fall colors were just starting to appear and the hardwood ridge to the south west was glowing yellow as the sun played a short game of peekaboo.

I found my pictures this day looked better if I
focused on the smaller things.

The rock was weathered and the hill was obviously losing its battle with time. Large cracks and slabs littered the hillside below us and we youthfully tossed stones at various targets. It was humbling to sit there and play in this large space where time was moving slowly while at the mine site man was frantically moving to exploit our natural resources for the mighty dollar. It donned on me that no matter how hard we work to control nature, it will never happen. If this rock face couldn't win then we don't stand a chance.

We sombrely left the rock escarpment and headed to the top of the ridge to circle the drainage and come down its west flank. We walked along the edge of a large clear cut and as we did I realized that with this huge scar on the landscape the small tributary could not possibly be considered an outstanding water class. What was even more upsetting was that the clear cut was on Crown land. I am not trying to harp on logging companies, there was no laws being broken that I could tell, but it was, I guess an unneeded reminder of the impact we do have on the wilderness.

The moss covered rocks provided some inspiring imagery
and of course I love playing in water.

We dropped off the ridge into the main stream of this small drainage and had some lunch. I took sometime to photograph the stream a bit and the bright green of the moss on the rocks caught my attention. Even on the gray day the greens seemed to stand out. Every now and then a bright red leaf would also catch my eye and I realized that on an overcast day that the small things are easier to photograph than the landscape itself. This is likely a no brainer for a photographer, but I have never made that connection before as I have never claimed to be a photographer.

After lunch we circled the two other small tributaries and I noted the great diversity of the forest both in species and age composition. Huge hemlocks with younger spruce and pines were the stalwart coniferous present, while yellow birch, sugar maple, young elm, and a scattering of beech made up the hardwoods. Before I was ready we were heading down the main stream again towards the truck and I was already planning my next exploration of the Little South Branch Kennebecasis River.

View Law Road Hike in a larger map

River Clean Up has big Impact

2010-09-24T23:43:00.000-03:00

Clean rivers and river banks are important and over 50 volunteers gathered recently in the Kennebecasis Watershed to make sure the rivers there stay clean. Over the last three years people along this river have been gathering on the 3rd Saturday of September to clean up litter along the river. It is a great way to get involved in an environmental project and it is a relatively simple activity to take part. People of all ages worked with the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee for this event and all had a great day and left feeling rewarded.

Everyone there aided in cleaning up a bit more than 6km of stream and removing 1300kgs of trash and litter. Illegal dump sites provided a good portion of the trash that was collected. The impact of this 1/2 day event is not just a local one. When you keep trash out of a river you also keep it out of the ocean and that is a global impact.

Next time you see a piece of litter make a global difference and take the time to pick it up. Waste management services now a days make it easy to get rid of your trash with little effort. Most waste doesn't need to even go to a landfill because technology is making it possible to recycle so many different things.

Thanks to all those who came out and helped out and made a great global difference.

Simply Fall

2010-09-17T16:07:00.001-03:00

The view from Friar's Nose During a Late Fall Hike in 2009.

Simple Fall Offerings

"Time flies" they often say. It seems like just yesterday that summer started and today my son went to school for the first time. School starting up, the "Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta," the end of fishing season, and the upcoming "Sussex Fish and Game: Hunting and Fishing Expo" are sure signs that fall is flying in fast. I don't know of anyone who complains about the fall season. It simply offers so much that is so simple.

Fall is that time when we can step back and take a small breather after numerous hectic summer getaways or projects. It is that time when we can slow down before we hectically prepare and anticipate the long days of winter and the joyous holiday season. One exception might be a farmer, but even they are rewarded for their hard work in fall when they harvest their crops.

For me the fall season is best seen from ridge tops where you can sit and look out over a large expanse of colorful, ever changing, tree tops. A cool, crisp, breeze blowing across an exposed ridge is relaxing and I can't help but sit and ponder life and my next journey. Some of these ridges are easy to get to, while others are a challenge, but all of them possess a rewarding, simple feeling of fall. You can easily find a seat to slouch down in and write a song while geese fly by over head, as might happen at Aiton's Hill.

For a great many of us, we enjoy challenging ourselves while reaching a destination. The ridge along the north side of Route 111 between Upperton and Hillsdale, rewards the adventurous types with a great view of the Hammond River valley and the Saddleback Range as they change from green hues to yellows, oranges, and reds. The challenge is finding your way to the small rocky outcrops along this ridge.

If you wish to find something a bit easier to reach maybe a drive along the Gibbon Mountain Road is more your thing. This drive is a photographer's thrill as it provides far reaching vistas and smaller charming scenery for those artistic types who love finding different angles. As you drive the ridges of Keirstead Mountain you can strain your eyes on a clear day and still not see where the horizon meets the sky. A map maker with sharp skills could likely map all the hills to the southeast past Poley Mountain.

Speaking of Poley Mountain, the ridge on the opposite side of Trout Creek, offers a wonderful challenge that rewards the participant with great views of the mixed forests of the Upper Trout Creek. This is a great location for hikers to stretch their legs before the winter season slows down their wandering. It is a great place to simply pray for a winter filled with more rewards, or to be thankful for this great place we live in.

"See you in the woods or on the water."

Camp Story

2010-09-10T23:37:00.000-03:00

Fishing season is coming to an end very shortly so I thought maybe I should post one more blog about fishing. It has been a long tradition in my family do visit what was once my grandfather's camp and spend a weekend fishing. The camp now belongs to my uncle, and since my grandfather's time, things have changed quite a bit. One thing that hasn't changed though is the fun we have when we go there. The camp has expanded from a one room shack with tar papered exterior to a two bedroom, steel roofed, getaway. The woodlot has matured and the road in is in much greater shape. Likely the biggest change though is the people who are now coming in with us. This was my son's first time in and he now makes the fourth generation to be visiting the camp.

The road into the camp after a late snow storm in May. The weight of
the wet snow bent the hardwoods well over the road.

Every time we go into the camp I can't help but read the journal that everyone is encouraged to sign. I have written in the journal a number of times and it was great to remember those times.

One memory that sticks out was a weekend my brother and I were to take a Scout Troop. It was a weekend in May and we were hoping to take the Scouts on an early season fishing trip. As it turned out there was a severe snow storm that weekend and the roads were in bad shape. As responsible leaders my brother and I had to cancel the camping trip. He and I though headed in and spent a night anyways, just he and I and the heavy, melting snow. It was a simple but memorable night.

For this more recent trip there was no snow but plenty more memories. The plan was to arrive Saturday afternoon and do some fishing. My son and I packed a cooler, some sleeping bags, and some fishing gear into the truck. He was excited to go but was playing it cool and was behaving very grown up. My wife was having a hard time as this was to be his first overnight camping trip with the "guys." She had tears in her eyes as we pulled out the driveway, but I'm certain they were tears of pride. We had lunch at the camp and then my Dad, brother, his two boys, my son, and I headed to find some water to wet a line in.

Seth spent more time exploring than he did fishing.

We settled on South Branch Miller Brook and at first it didn't look promising. We had split up and four of us fished upstream and two fished downstream. My son and I wandered upstream and from time to time dropped a line in the water with no luck for the first 20 or 30minutes, not even a nibble. My father and one of the other boys were up ahead of us and I knew our luck was about to change when I heard them clamoring with excitement. Shortly there after we were catching lots of fish. My son was more interested in simply playing along the shore and exploring mud holes and climbing alders, but he was having fun and when I would hook one, he'd come running screaming "I wanna reel it in! I wanna reel it in!" It was fun just watching him walk along in front of me. He kept humming a song and talking to himself.

That evening we sat up and taught the kids how to play a couple of card games. We let them stay up late and eat cookies as a bedtime snack knowing that they had played hard enough that day that once their heads hit the pillow they would be asleep. I know that I don't remember hitting the pillow.

The weekend was about the beginning of new memories and starting new traditions at the "Ol' Camp." It was a great weekend and we left a journal entry so that we remember it whenever we go back.

Sitting on the step at the camp we posed for a timed portrait.

Getting to Know a Watershed

2010-08-30T23:15:00.000-03:00

Trout Creek and Parlee Brook are full of small waterfalls and deep
pools like this one.

The following is a column I submitted to the Kings County Record. I have changed the pics and added a map to provide you with a bit more. The Trout Creek Watershed is truly a beautiful area and one I suggest you get out and explore.

Whalen's Wanderings

If I want to find an adventure I usually locate a good river or stream on a map and then follow it to its source. Rivers and streams can hold many surprises and are something I love to explore, so much so I have based my job around maintaining them.

Trout Creek, from its headwaters to its confluence with the Kennebecasis River, is one of the most beautiful waterways in the province. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, a photographer’s paradise, an angler’s get away, and so much more. I never bore of its landscape and am always finding a new point of interest to explore. Over the years I have hiked many of the ridges, waded up many of the tributaries, climbed over many waterfalls, and swam in many of the pools that make up this scenic Creek system.

Recently I was able to wander around the headwaters of Trout Creek and one of its main tributaries, Parlee Brook. The hills in the headwaters of these river systems are steep as the waters have carved narrow canyons out of the weathering conglomerate bedrock that dominates this area. The steep terrain keeps the valleys shaded and moist, even with the warm dry weather we have been having, so a walk up these streams is not only appealing to the eyes but also refreshing.

Steep valley walls result in deeply carved ravines
that frequently feed Parlee Brook and Trout Creek

Each of these rivers has a number of small waterfalls which many people have no idea exist. I took some time recently, over two separate outings to explore some of these waterfalls and their associated pools. The water is clear and cold in the pools at the bottom of the falls. This is likely why no one bothers to search them out, as even on a hot summer day the water is very frigid and not ideal for swimming in, unless you have extraordinarily thick skin. During peak summer months the flow is somewhat slow but the manner in which the pots and pools are formed indicates a powerful, watery, machine, carves out the deep cracks in the rock. Because the water is so clear you can see the many trout sitting in schools on the bottom of many of these pools. One or two pools however are so deep that shadow and darkness closes in before your eyes can discern the bottom substrate.

These rivers combine, along with Cedar Camp Brook, to flow through the Sussex Valley and provide a lifeline to those living, farming, working, and recreating, along the banks of Trout Creek. Many however, still take its presence for granted and I encourage all of you to get out and learn about the river, creek, or stream, flowing near your home. Where does it start? Does it have waterfalls? What fish are in it? Simply wander its banks and get to know it like you would an old friend. Just like you expect an old friend to be there when you need it, you also expect the river to provide. The relation you have and the one you could develop might surprise you.

View Trout Creek and Parlee Brook in a larger map

Great Way to Spend an Afternoon In Saint John

2010-08-18T21:09:00.000-03:00

This is my column that appeared in the August 17, 2010 edition of the Kings County Record. It was a great way to spend a day in Saint John, NB. I've added a map to help you get there.

A few weeks ago I was planning on writing a column on how I spent my Canada's Parks Day, but other things became more of a priority for me. I feel that it was a great day spent with family and we visited a park many of you have likely heard of but never taken the time to see. The best thing about

Canada

's Parks Day is that there is free admission to all of the National Parks so if finances were keeping you from visiting a park, on that day you could move it up on your list of priorities.

My family had to go to Saint John on July 17^th, which was Parks Day, and we were looking for a way to spend the afternoon. We were seeking out something entertaining, economical, and family friendly as we had our kids and my Mother-in-law. We decided to go to Carleton Martello National Historic Site, and was I ever surprised by what this small, but significant site had to offer. I had driven by this Historic Site a number of times, in fact I lived in that part of Saint John for over a year, but never had I stopped to take it in before.

From the moment we stepped out of the car I could tell there was something special about the place. You could smell the salt air mixed with wood smoke from a smoldering camp fire that was being tended by Site staff. The weather was overcast and gave the site a more time appropriate feel. We made the "mandatory" stop at the information desk and washrooms before making the climb up the short but steep hill to the Tower. My son was anxious and it made it hard to enjoy the entire surroundings but his youthful excitement and continual exclamations "Mom, Dad, Nanny, come see this!" always peeked my interest and so I would move on.

The Barracks at Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site.

Inside the Tower it was laid out with the time specific attire from cookware, army uniforms, cots, rifles, and model canons. The cramped, but well organized quarters, likely provided a very respectable representation of what the Tower was like during war times. The Tower is also well situated, at least I think it is, the fog never lifted the entire time we were there so we couldn't see the rest of the City of Saint John from the top. Despite that we spent time talking to the informative interpreters and reading the educational sign panels. It was a great way to expose our son to history and maybe peak his interest in learning history.

After leaving the Tower we spent some time exploring the rock outcrops and the rest of the site. The topography lent itself to its assigned purpose as it was a steep rock outcrop but it also made for a modest playground for young and old alike. If you have never visited Carleton Martello Tower I recommend you check it out. Write it on your calendar for the next Canada's Parks Day, which has been held every year since 1990 on the 3^rd Saturday of July, so in 2011 it will be July 16^th.

View Carleton Martello Tower in a larger map

Whalen's Wanderings

2012 Timbits Hockey Jamboree

A Ward's Creek Surprise

Park Ecosystems over Economics

Farm Field Hike

Merry Christmas

New Sweaters Bring a New Attitude

Just random thoughts.

This is for the Birds

The Right Time For Salmon

Shale Gas Exploration in My Opinion??

New National Park for the Maritime Region

Not Guilty

Thanks for Following My Writing

Film Night - Sept. 22 @ 7pm - Play Again

This month Cinema Politica Fundy is pleased to partner with The Fundy Model Forest to bring you a special screening:

PLAY AGAIN

Dangerous Beauty

Sussex Fish and Game Hunting and Fishing Expo

Tubes to Tires

Railroaded at the Tracks

Broadening my Horizons

Basic Baseball

All over it

Family Photos

Fishing again

Anticipating the Next Cast

Near Perfect Sunday II

A cool link to find new trails

Not Just Another Day

A Near Perfect Sunday Part I

Father's Day Fish

The Recreation and Environment Link

Yard Work as Sport

Making memories

Fishing for Food or Fun??

A T-Rex Size Adventure

Town of Sussex New Brunswick | National Family Wellness Month

Small Town Charms All Around Today

Thunderstuck in a Theater

Thanks to God and Family on Good Friday

A Pleasant Geocache

Stanley Cup Dreams

Patience for Fly Fishing

Inside Out Covered Bridges

WW Interviews Seth Whalen :P

Scooby Doo Effect of Wetlands

Sugarbush tours and meals

The Bluff in Carnival Style

Nature as Lifting Therapy

Getting Through February with a Festival

Outdoor Rink update

Blessed Day

Outdoor rink update

A Pleasant Trek around a Ridge

Outdoor Rink Part III

A Winter Trek and Lesson

Outdoor Rink?? Part II

Outdoor Rink: Part One

Winter Winds

Christmas Trees and Memories

Irony on the Lawless Road

Hockey (or sport) is the Building Block for Life

High Water High

Just a great day.

Roots with a Purpose

Fighting The Law

River Clean Up has big Impact

Simply Fall

Camp Story

Getting to Know a Watershed

Great Way to Spend an Afternoon In Saint John