Saturday, August 31, 2024

Algonquin Provincial Park, 13 August, 2024

     We are not big on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries etc, but our twentieth wedding anniversary was a good reason to spend a couple of days away.
     Not for us dinner in an over-priced fancy restaurant; picnics in Algonquin seemed perfect, with two days to explore nature in the near north.
     Inexplicably, I took a wrong turn on a route I know well and have travelled frequently, and it took a half hour longer than usual to get there. It was not without its rewards, however, as we experienced parts of Ontario previously unexplored. It was a pleasant day so we just enjoyed the benefits of getting "lost."


     
We arrived in the park right around lunch time and found a picnic area alongside the Oxtongue River to enjoy the food we had brought with us.


     Sandwiches on Miriam's focaccia bread, and bell pepper slices were perfect.


     Given the shocking number of out-of-control wildfires across the country we were happy to see that the risk in this part of Ontario was low.


Western Uplands Backpacking Trail



     This was our first trail and an Aphrodite Fritillary (Argynnis aphrodite) was there to greet us as we walked across the bridge.



     The beauty of this enchanted corner of the world was arrayed before us as we continued along the trail.


     Nothing gives us more pleasure than to be engaged in this daily discovery of raw nature, and to  enjoy it together.
     

     This Grass-Veneer (tribe Crambini) showed us its upper side.....


     ..... and then its underside. 


     And we still were unable to identify it down to the species level!
     Canadian Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) was much easier.


     I am curious how Virgin's-Bower (Clematis virginiana) came by its name, and I will make it my business to find out!


     Peacock Brenthia Moth (Brenthia pavonacella) is more frequently seen farther south but does appear sparingly in Ontario, so we were delighted to spot one.


     We did encounter a couple of hikers with huge backpacks, obviously out for more than a casual stroll, so this sign might have resonated with them.


     The soil of Algonquin Provincial Park is mostly comprised of a shallow layer of glacial till and the roots of trees are often visible at the surface. Best to watch one's feet while walking. We have a few stubbed toes to prove the point!


     A White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) is a very attractive member of its genus.


     Does the trail beckon to you, does it invite further exploration? It does to us.


     Therion circumflexum is an ichneumon wasp that parasitizes the caterpillars of various moths.


     There were many tiny American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus), hopping out of the way before our advancing feet; most disappearing from view. This one froze, trusting its fate to camouflage, and we were able to get a picture.


     It's quite visible in the photograph since the camera lens is directed at it, but this diminutive amphibian would fit on the nail of your little finger, and if it did not move you'd be hard pressed to find it on the detritus of the forest floor.
     Having paid careful heed to the sign and not wishing to be wandering for days we had turned around and were soon back at the bridge.
     Now - where do we go next?

Whiskey Rapids Trail


     We were asked to sign in and dutifully I did so.


     This is a rugged trail, with steep climbs at times, and classic upland mixed forest all around.




     This spider (order Araneae) held our attention, but we were unable to identify it at the time, and I have been unsuccessful since.


     Wonderful views were a constant, and we stopped frequently to take it all in.


     Beyond the simple beauty, much was going on; the rattle of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) alerted us to its presence, and a pair of Ebony Jewelwings (Calopteryx maculata) vigorously went about the business of creating the next generation.


     Steeplebush (Spirea tomentosa) nodded in the breeze.


     Miriam took this magnificent picture of a North American Common Water Strider (Aquarius remigis), a truly fascinating organism, yet ignored by most I would be willing to bet.



     It was not only Claude Monet who was enchanted by water lilies. Who among us is not moved by their serene beauty?

American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)

    The river sparkled in the afternoon sun.


     The world of insects is both fascinating and challenging, and the more you are exposed to it, the deeper you are drawn in. 
     Just look at the exquisite form of this Narrow-banded Pond Fly (Sericomyia militaris).


     Don't ignore the goldenrod (genus Solidago) on which it is feeding either.
     A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) had left its mark on this tree.


     A Bald-faced Hornet Fly (Spilomyia fusca) is a species of hoverfly capable of remaining motionless in flight. Actually all hoverflies do; hence their name.


     Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus) is both familiar and enchanting.


     If ever a plant was suitably named it is Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) - well the jewel part anyway! What a beauty it is!


     A Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Helophilus fasciatus) was an exciting discovery.


     No less so was a Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni).


     How pleasing it is to enjoy White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) on a warm summer's day in Canada's great outdoors.


     There were steps to climb, but it was better than having to scramble up the bank.


     Permit me to introduce you to an Oblique-banded Pond Fly (Sericomyia chrysotoxoides), probably unknown to many of you, but doubtless you will now be on a quest to find one (or one of its relatives) in your corner of nature's wonderland.


     Robber Flies (family Asilidae) are diurnally active ambush predators, typically perching on leaf tips or other sunny vantage points.


     They dart out from their perches to capture prey, which they impale with forward-facing mouthparts, usually penetrating the victim through the neck or other chinks in the the prey's chitinous armour.
     Graphomya maculata is a fairly common muscid fly, subject to much taxonomic debate.


      An Illustrious Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia illustris) is aptly named.


      On countless occasions I have had the pleasure of a bird land on my hand, but it was a first for me to have a White-faced Meadowhawk extend the privilege.


     I was hoping that a Great Spangled Fritillary (Argynnis cybele) might bestow the honour too, but it declined to pay me a visit.


     Bee Flies (family Bombyliidae) are extraordinarily interesting insects and this encounter with Lepidophora lutea may rank as the most exciting sighting of the trip.



     The two species of North American Lepidophora develop either as parasitoids or as kleptoparasites in nests of solitary wasps.
     Violet Dancer (Argia fumipennis violacea) is a common damselfly in the park; this individual is a female.


     Despite being named Whiskey Rapids, the river was for the most part very tranquil and slow-flowing, with short stretches here and there that might, in a pinch, be called rapids.


     Throughout our walk we heard birds, but saw few. Even a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), calling loudly and close by, eluded our search.
     A Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) sang pretty much non-stop.


     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were seldom out of earshot, enlivening the forest as only they can.


     A Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) has probably finished breeding for the year.


     Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a permanent resident of the northern woods and its familiar nasal nyack nyack nyak notes were heard frequently.


     Just before we returned to our car an Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus), surely one of the most charismatic rodents in the world, stopped to greet us.


     How sweet is that!

Spring Lake Resort. Dwight, ON


     For many years we have been staying at Spring Lake when we go to Algonquin in the winter, but this is the first time we have experienced it in the summer.


     How delightful it is!


     A glass of wine down by the water was a perfect end to a perfect day.



     And there's more to come tomorrow.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

77 comments:

  1. What a perfect way to spend and savour your anniversary weekend. Thank you so much for taking us with you.

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  2. Hi David.

    It's beautiful there.
    You really have to watch how and where you walk.
    Beautiful butterflies
    Beautiful insects.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  3. Hello David,
    Happy Anniversary, I enjoyed the way you celebrated your 20th. The picnic and nature walk sounds perfect to me. Great series of insect photos, I love the views of the river, the birds and the cute chipmunk! Have a great weekend.

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  4. Hari Om
    You two sure know how to romance Nature, eh?! Congratulations on twenty years and I wish you many more. YAM xx

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    1. We had lunch yesterday with friends. Part of the conversation revolved around restaurants they had been too recently where they were very disappointed. When we prepare and take our own food we are never disappointed, and when nature is our constant companion satisfaction is guaranteed - and that is even regardless of weather!

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  5. Congratulations on your anniversary, David. It's a great place you visited. The trails looked challenging. The flowers, insects, birds and not least the butterflies and the squirrel are so beautiful. Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  6. Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary! We celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary taking a 4-hr-walk in the woods :-)) You photographed those insects so beautifully, David.

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  7. Happy anniversary! Lovely virtual return to Algonquin. I camped there long ago at a family reunion, and my main memories are the Northern lights and the gigantic birch trees. Their size explained about birch bark canoes. I'd only seen the slender garden variety before.

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    Replies
    1. It’s a very special place. I am sure I have enough memories to write a book!

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  8. ...thanks for taking me along, this was like a visit to me beloved Adirondacks.

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  9. Congratulations of your Wedding Anniversary. The area does look inviting, the photos are good and it's also lovely to see the insects, birds and paths.

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  10. I can think of no other place I rather wander than God's nature. For years I wandered with my friend every trail I could find within no more than an hour of our home. hubby doesn't do more than a few minutes of nature unless its a beach. Happy Anniversary and this was perfect. for me the less people there the better I like it. I don't like going alone though. your insects today are awesome, the details are amazing. I can no longer climb that ladder but back when I was hiking I could and did. our parks here in Florida are full of roots like these, the one I take Beau to each Sunday morning is full of them and I have to wait until it is light enough to see to keep from falling over them. we go at daybreak and he has a sniffarama from all the wildlife. to early for photos. we like to go when there are no people.
    a lovely way to celebrate your anniversary and can't wait to see what else you saw

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. That seems an ungracious response to a nicely intended comment.

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  11. Happy Anniversary David and Miriam. Thanks the Great Spangled Fritillary, fantastic.

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  12. A wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary Lots of beautiful sightings. The place looks very inviting and peaceful. Have a great weekend, looking forward in seeing what else you saw.

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  13. Thanks for the walk in the woods, a great way to celebrate any occasion. Congratulations to you and lovely Miriam on your anniversary.

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  14. What a great excursion. I have never been to that park. It is worth a visit! The variety of insects is amazing. Great shots, Miriam!

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    1. You have to get off the Island now and again, Marie.

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  15. What a great way to spend your anniversary :-D These are great photos and looks like you both had a wonderful time :-D That is my idea of a good time too David :-D

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  16. Happy anniversary! This sounds like the perfect way to celebrate. What a beautiful area. I wonder, are mosquitoes or black flies an issue there?

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    1. Black flies are a problem in May but not in August. Mosquitos can be bothersome, especially at dusk, but while we were there they weren't bad at all.

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  17. Congratulations on 20 years you two, certainly worth a trip away to investigate what is going on elsewhere. We celebrated 43 years this week but only went out to lunch at the local restaurant. Not bad seeing we both we were married before!

    That Bee-fly is amazing, never seen one quite like that. Who cannot love a chipmunk, such character. Thanks for taking us along on the trip.

    All the best to you both for next 20 years, Bisous mon ami, Diane

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    1. We were both married before too. Must have been training for the good times!

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  18. FIrst of all, happy anniversary to you both! What a wonderful occasion! And I can't think of any better way for two naturalists/photographers who share that common passion to celebrate at Algonquin. Thanks for "including us" in the celebration!

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    1. It certainly was perfect for us, Jeanie. We managed to take all our own meals too. That means we ate what we enjoy (including some fine cheeses) and saved a small fortune, too.

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  19. Such a lovely area, I enjoyed your photographs.
    Happy twentieth wedding anniversary wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  20. Such a great way to celebrate your anniversary! Congratulations!
    I enjoyed your report of that marvelous corner of your country.
    Nice photo of the squirrel.

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  21. Happy Anniversary to you both! You sure found a beautiful place to spend the day. Thanks for sharing your photos. Miriam looks lovely....and you are very handsome! Enjoy the weekend!

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  22. First of all, happy twentieth anniversary to you and Miriam. How very wonderful to celebrate in this very special park. The photos and identification of each plant or insect is quite informative. Sadly I will not remember each one's name, but it is impressive you can!

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  23. My goodness, that Whiskey River trail was one serious trail.
    Happy 20th anniversary.

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  24. Hello David.
    First of all, congratulations on your twentieth wedding anniversary.
    You had a few nice days, judging by the beautiful photos.
    I think the photo of the Jewelweed is great, I've never seen anything like it before.
    I also think the Bee Flies are beautiful, I've never seen them before either.
    I enjoyed all the photos again.
    I wish you a nice Sunday.
    Greetings Irma

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  25. Hello. Happy Anniversary.
    Really nice looking nature. It must have been nice to walk there.

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  26. Happy anniversary from me, too! You say many fabulous birds and insects on your walks. In the hospital we had no such things to see, but the view out of the window was very pretty. I'm glad to be back with my birds of Balkonia! Hugs, Valerie xxxxxxx

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  27. Happy anniversary to you and Miriam. I like how you spent your time away, except maybe the steep climbs. Grin. It looks like you had some nice weather too, and of course, lots of nature. And thanks for the heads up about the Zabulon skipper. I looked into, and although not common, I guess there have been some showing up in the last few years in the area. It's exciting to see something new though, and I really do need to learn more about butterflies and moths because they are really exciting to see. Happy September to you. hugs-Erika

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    1. It's interesting to learn that Zabulon Skipper has been seen in New Hampshire for the past few years. Perhaps this is an example of yet another species adjusting its range as the climate changes. I will be keeping an extra vigilant eye out here.

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  28. Happy anniversary! Aloha from Hawaii.
    Algonquin is serene and idyllic, perfect for a picnic. I have eaten garlic focaccia at an Italian restaurant in Hawaii, so I can imagine how savory it would be coming from your kitchen. Kudos to your wife!

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  29. Congratulations Miriam and David ... and how wise to 'to go relatively local' for a couple of days away. I was interested in the Virgin's Bower ... strange name, as you mention ... however it is linked to Old Man's Beard ... perhaps some odd connection there - a short story even, perhaps ... sometime. Enjoy yourselves and many congratulations - cheers Hilary

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    1. Old Man's Beard and Virgin's Bower - I had better not let my imagination stray too far with that combination, Hilary!

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  30. your photos of the forests are so magical. I would love to wander there.

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  31. Your photos from the forest are so beautiful!
    I love that you go there with your wife.
    You've captured the life of the forest wonderfully.
    I especially liked the water lilies!
    Thank you for taking us on a walk in the woods!
    Have a lovely September!!

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  32. Happy Anniversary. You two found the purrfect way to spend it. What a lovely, serene place. And the Jewelweed is truly a gem. Cheers,

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    1. We both share the same passion, and I think we make a good team.

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    2. Sounds like a happy marriage:)

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  33. A nice way to spend your anniversary. I was beginning to think you'd focused entirely on insects and not the birds until the end. You have so much knowledge. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. In July and August birds in general are quiet and occupied with the important business of raising young. They are cryptic and silent, so for a couple of moths our focus switches to insects and other arthropods. It’s all interconnected in vital ways.

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  34. Hello dear friends! what a pleasant story of your twentieth anniversary! love how you managed to turn a small detour into an opportunity to explore and discover new corners of nature.
    I perceive that around flew, in the water and in the breeze, a double swarm of butterflies and yellow margaritas. It´s pleasant to see that after so many years together, you continue to enjoy the shared adventure.
    Congratulations on this special milestone and that many more explorations continue to live together.
    Have a gorgeous September!
    Nite nite, friends!

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  35. Congratulations to you and Miriam on your 20th wedding anniversary🥂Your choice of how and where yiu spent it was perfect for you both. Thanks for taking us along to experience some of the wonders you saw. And, a picnic lunch sounded delicious.

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  36. Sinulla ja Miriamilla oli upea 20-vuotishääpäivä! Kiitos, kun jaoit matkanne myös meidän seuraajiesi kanssa.
    Olen käynyt Ontariossa, mutta en tällaisissa maisemissa, joissa sinä ja te.

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    1. If you return to Ontario we'll have to make sure you visit the north.

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  37. Happy anniversary! May you have many more years of happiness together! August is an excellent anniversary month--we celebrated our 44th a couple weeks ago. It looks like you had a perfect plan to celebrate. Your surroundings were beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Shari. And congratulations on 44 years with Bill.

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  38. Hi David
    I'm back visiting your blogs.
    I see that the meeting was very fruitful...
    A wonderful place to spend an anniversary.
    The photos, as always, great.
    The macros are incredible, I loved Miriam's water strider and the bee fly.
    See you

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    1. Great to see you back, Fernando. Let me hop over to your blog to reciprocate.

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  39. Congratulations on your 20th Wedding Anniversary David and Miriam. Here’s to the next 20 years of happiness, travel and many bird and other fascinating sightings. We have learned over the years that wrong roads taken have produced the most of nature's rewards. I would enjoy those sandwiches on Miriam's focaccia bread, and bell pepper slices, at a picnic bench surrounded by nature, a hundredfold rather than a meal at a fancy restaurant, the absolute truth! Thank you for sharing another series of outstanding photos and once again, A Very Happy Wedding Anniversary to you both.

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  40. What a gorgeous collection of photos! It's been so long since I've last been able to go for a long nature walk and admire the flora and fauna, but your post has me more motivated to make time for an outdoor adventure. The water lilies really do have such a sense of serene beauty, and focaccia sandwiches sound delicious!

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  41. What a perfect way for the two of you to spend your anniversary......an outdoor adventure!!
    And to share it with us is above and beyond..Wonderful series of pictures..I have to wonder how long it takes you to put it all together (edit)..
    Hard to believe that you took a wrong turn but that sometimes adds unexpected and unplanned enjoyment.There were many beautiful scenic views that unfolded before you along the way as well as critters, flowers and insects.
    The Bee Fly is interesting...different.
    The area looks as though it could be buggy...was it?? As in "biters".
    Spring Lake looks lovely.
    I enjoyed sharing your journey...thanks
    Hugs, Missy
    The clematis is interesting..I was not aware that it grew in the wild..When the petals are spent, the spidery remains are the same as the ones growing in my yard.
    The paths seemed a bit treacherous every now and then..Glad there were no mishaps..{I assume).
    Water lilies are always a thing of beauty.... So pure without blemishes.
    A bee fly is interesting

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    1. I think we were busy talking about the day ahead and suddenly I realized that the road looked unfamiliar. It was happy talk though!

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    2. I have that problem more and more but I think it's called old age! I'm driving down very familiar Roads and all the sudden I don't know where I am. I'm sure it's a syndrome that has a name.

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  42. There were a few mosquitoes here and there, but nothing serious, and no black flies at all. Most of the bugs we saw were the ones that we wanted to see! No mishaps on the paths either.

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  43. Such a pleasure to accompany you on this interesting trip with so many wonderful creatures. Much appreciated. Aloha

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  44. Bee Fly and chipmunk 🐿️ especially

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    1. Chipmunks may be the most admired rodents on the planet!

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  45. Congratulations on the twentieth anniversary! Very nice celebration visiting a place full of nature. The photos and story, as always, are very pleasant. In two days we will do something similar, we will celebrate Jorgelina's birthday by visiting a national park and other areas of interest in a city in the north of the province. Greetings

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  46. Great place and great photos. That last photo is the best though. Relaxing.

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  47. Happy anniversary to you and Miriam! I love how you celebrated - this is our way as well! Algonquin Provincial Park looks like a place both the Geek and I (and Kaefer, too) would thoroughly enjoy. This is so much better than a fancy restaurant or an expensive stay at a luxury hotel. The names are interesting - Oxtongue River and Whiskey Rapids. I wonder how these names came to be. Miriam took some excellent photos again - that woman is a photography wizzard. Thank you for taking us on your anniversary outing.

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  48. Oh! Now I want to go there and bask in the green forest.

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  49. Un maravilloso paseo, me encanta fotografiar insectos y vosotros encontraste muchos. Abrazos amigos.

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