Wednesday, September 04, 2024

Algonquin Provincial Park, 14 August, 2024

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."
John Muir

 Spring Lakes Resort, Dwight, ON

     It was a beautiful August morning and the day greeted us kindly.


     We had brought milk, cereal and fruit with us, so we made coffee and ate breakfast in our room.
     There were a number of birds on the lawns and in the surrounding trees. Unfortunately the bird feeders were empty; otherwise there would have been more activity.


     Nothing could detract from the stillness and calm of another day in this Ontario paradise.


     A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) probed the lawn for ants and other arthropods.


     A handsome, wine-dipped male Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) looked down from on high.


     Some hardy souls had gone for an early morning swim.


     A Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) moved back and forth from the trees to the bird feeders, as though expecting that they would miraculously deliver food.


     From time to time one sees Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) with denuded heads.


     As far as I can tell, this condition does not seem to affect them adversely, and I assume the feathers grow back in. I have never been able to conclusively determine what causes this abnormality.

Oxtongue River, Ragged Falls


     It had been many years since I had visited this scenic area, and never with Miriam, so its siren song drew us in.
     It's a bit of a steep climb to the top, but well worth it.


     The term "falls" might be a tad hyperbolic, perhaps the inflated rhetoric of an early tourist entrepreneur, but it is quite lovely, nevertheless. I sometimes think that living so close to Niagara Falls leads us to the delusional conclusion that anything less is a mere cataract or whitewater rapid.





     Here it is at its frothing, foaming, fearsome, seething best!


     Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) has seen it all before, and witnessed the tread of a thousand feet, has seen portages around the rapids, canoes on strong shoulders, backpacks laden, the spirit of adventure soaring - and will see it all again.


     This trail was marked by an abundance of fungi - much of which I was unable to identify. 


     My knowledge of things mycological is sparing at best.
     Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana) is not quite so difficult.



     I think this one is Hygrocybe parvula, but don't bet the farm on it!


Tea Lake Dam



     This was a pleasant short stroll, but we never did see a dam! However, we were able to sit and enjoy the surroundings and eat a boiled egg we had brought from home.


     We did see our only Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) of the trip here. 


     This is a female and one might expect that she would have young in tow at this time of year, but she was alone.



Hardwood Lookout Trail


     As the name implies, this trail is dominated by hardwood trees, Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) being the most numerous.


     Once again there were fungi that begged identification.



     This caterpillar of the Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea) is a handsome little beastie.


     The cheerful, repetitive song of Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo oliavceus) was a constant, and occasionally we spotted the chorister.


Visitor Centre

     We made a stop at the Visitor Centre to use the washrooms and get a coffee.


     It's worthwhile stopping by if only to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Algonquin highlands.


     It will surprise no one that I bought a couple of books; happily the profits go to the park, and the bookstore is staffed by volunteers from the Friends of Algonquin, so everyone gains from the transaction.

Spruce Bog Boardwalk


     Over the many years that I have been visiting Algonquin Provincial Park, I think that the Spruce Bog Boardwalk is my favourite trail, and the one where I have seen the greatest diversity of organisms
, from grouse to moose, from sphagnum moss to chickadees and woodpeckers.
     

     It is a magical place.


     As I look out over this rich northern landscape, I am reminded that, while appreciating the scientific nomenclature of the diverse array of species, and delighting in the science - and understanding that there is a rare beauty in that discipline - yet there is more. It is the greater whole that is most important and not the minutiae of the component parts. Why do asters and goldenrods grow together in perfect harmony asks Robin Wall Kimmerer in her book for the ages, Braiding Sweetgrass. There is harmony to all of this and it invokes a deep sense of spirituality to those who care to take it in; not the pseudo metaphysical mumbo jumbo of organized religion, but the visceral response of those who view themselves as part of nature, as a fellow traveller on this Earth; no more significant than the lowliest blade of grass. In humility and love I accept this premise and know it to be true.
     We were elated to encounter an American White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis), a splendidly handsome species, with bold markings and strong flight.



     Here is one at rest.


      Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is an upright deciduous shrub, the only extant species in the genus Comptonia.


     A Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is fortunate to occupy a sunny spot in the forest and seems to be thriving.


     Bog Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is typical of northern bogs and is used to make an herbal tea.


     Red Peatmoss (Sphagnum rubellum) is similarly representative of bog ecosystems.


     Wild Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) was used extensively by indigenous people as a food flavouring, and as a medicine to treat colds.


     Tawny Cotton Grass (Eriophorum virginicum) is very pleasing to the eye as it nods gently in the breeze.


     For some reason insects were surprisingly absent, so it was with special pleasure we saw this Black-shouldered Drone Fly (Eristalis dimidiata).


     As recently as 12,000 - 15,000 years ago Ontario was covered in ice a kilometre and a half thick. These boulders were deposited as the climate warmed and the ice retreated.


     Won't you join me in appreciating the splendour of the bog?


     American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) seems more beautiful every time I see it.


     Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) is familiar to all.



     There is no more stirring sight in the northern woods than majestic Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera).


     Its bark is essential winter food for Moose (Alces alces) and was used by native people in myriad different ways.
     Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) is a favourite with gardeners, especially those creating pollinator gardens; here it is growing wild.


Lunch Break

     It was time for a late lunch so we found a secluded little area where we were joined in short order by an Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) who alternately disappeared down his hole or looked at us wistfully hoping to share.
     Now I know all those admonitions about not feeding the wildlife, but if a whole grain cracker happened to spring unbidden from my hand in the general direction of the chipmunk, what am I supposed to do?


     And what possible harm could an apple core do?


     I know that this Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes) approved without reservation.


Two Rivers Trail


     This is going to be a fungus-heavy account, so be forewarned; they were abundant!
     Here is a Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum); I expect everyone would recognize this one, and many have probably enjoyed it sautéed in butter and garlic.


     I know I have.
     A Northern Dusky Slug (Arion fuscus) was enjoying a fine feast on Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum).


     Orange Jelly Spot (Dacrymyces chrysospermus) was seen here and there.


    How do you like this Orange-gilled Waxcap (Humidicutis marginata)?


     It looks as though it has been cut into as though it were a slice of pie.
     Here is another species of waxcap in the genus Hygrocybe.



     This little beauty is nestled in the genus Gloioxanthomyces; full marks if you can pronounce it on the first try!


     Many of you will be familiar with Amanita Mushrooms (genus Amanita); they are commonly seen on a  fall walk through the woods.


     They are an ecologically important group. Many are edible and highly prized; others, however contain deadly toxins. Amatoxins, even in minute doses, can cause permanent damage to vital organs, especially the kidneys and liver. Death is not uncommon.
     Bearing this in mind, even the most knowledgeable forager is wise to leave them alone. 
     Fungi in general challenge the identification skills of the casual observer (of which I am one), and some species are perplexing even for well-trained mycologists. 
     The following two pictures are species that I have been woefully unable to identify.



     This one, however, I believe is a Shining Waxcap (Gloioxanthomyces nitidus).



     Pale Beauty (Campaea perlata) is primarily a nocturnal moth, but during the long hours of daylight in the north, it emerges during the day.


     I suspect that this individual was roosting and we inadvertently disturbed it.
     Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera tesselata) is a common orchid in eastern North America.


     It's not hard to understand why Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) was so named.


     It actually takes on this brilliant red or orange only when diseased.
     Interrupted Clubmoss (Spinulum annotinum) is widespread and common, and is alleged to have medicinal qualities.


     Intermediate Wood Fern (Dryopteris intermedia) was present in suitable areas of the woodland.


     Prickly Tree-Clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium dendroideum) resembles a miniature tree and the leaves on the lower part of the upright stem are indeed prickly.


     Harvestmen (subfamily Leiobuninae) are appealing, interesting arachnids.


     I am unable to narrow this one down to species.



     A splendid and beautiful rugged trail, don't you think?


     Don't trip over those roots!
     Here are Forkmosses (genus Dicranum).


     Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) was treasured and widely used by First Nations people.


     Its berries are edible with a taste of mildly sweet wintergreen. The leaves and branches make a fine herbal tea. Furthermore, the berries and leaves contain methyll salicylate, a compound related to aspirin.
     The trail was steep in places and at times resembled an obstacle course.


     These mushrooms are members of a group known as Pinwheels and Parachute Mushrooms (genus Marasmius).


     They are sometimes referred to as "resurrection fungi." They dry, shrivel up and remain dormant for extended periods until revitalized by rain when they flesh out and resume spore production.
     Isn't nature wonderful?
     This Short-horned Grasshopper (family Acrididae) would certainly agree!


Canoe Lake

     Canoe Lake is the most commercial part of Algonquin Provincial Park with a store, boat and canoe rentals, extensive docking facilities, etc.


     It is often thronged with people and parking is sometimes hard to find.



     We went there primarily as a form of homage to Tom Thomson, a member of the Group of Seven, the most heralded and iconic of Canadian painters, who lost his life on the lake.


     The exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery to this day - and probably always will.


    Nothing diminishes the magnificence of his work, however.


     We were hot and dusty from our exertions on the trails all day, and there was ice cream for sale.
     I could count on one hand the number of times we have bought ice cream, but today was one of those days.


      It seemed like the right thing to do!
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 wonderful place and so much to see. Roots of plants are amazing going towards water. Lovely photos.

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  2. Many, many thanks for sharing the beauty and wonder of nature with us yet again.

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  3. Hello David, what an amazing part of Canada with so much nature to enjoy. The landscape with rivers, trails, trees, flowers, lakes, and all living creatures in it is just unbelievable. You are so lucky to be able to enjoy all of this.
    Warm regards,
    Roos

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  4. Hari OM
    Splendiferous!!! I love this time of year when the fungi truly fruits and beautifies the countryside as the blousy summer blooms fade... YAM xx

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  5. What a beautiful day with so many amazing critters! Do you need to pay to visit the park?

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    1. Yes, you can buy a daily permit or buy an annual pass which covers unlimited entry into all provincial parks for a year.

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  6. Replies
    1. We searched, Tom, but were unable to find one. The best time is in the spring when the black flies and mosquitoes drive them out of the heavily forested areas and they are visible from the highway.

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  7. Has recogido una gran cantidad de fotos, en tu recorrido. Nada hay mejor, que recorrer la naturaleza, para disfrutar de su belleza.
    Un abrazo.

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  8. Has recogido una gran cantidad de fotos, en tu recorrido. Nada hay mejor, que recorrer la naturaleza, para disfrutar de su belleza.
    Un abrazo.

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  9. What a beautiful place to visit! Your nature walks, bird sightings, the butterflies and plants all are wonderful. My hubby loves waterfalls, he would enjoy seeing this one too. The resort looks beautiful! Take care, have a great day!

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  10. Of course, ice cream at the end of such a long walk was the right thing to do, David, no disagreement here.

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  11. awesome fungi ART and I do not eat anything I find outdoors. back in the days when we took a vacation we did the same thing, we had one meal out each day and breakfast was cereal in the room. love the purple finch dipped in wine. the rapids are so beautiful. about the dirt roads, I lived and grew up on dirt roads until I was 15, then THEY paved the dirt roads and ruined them. the dirt roads were our playground.
    this wooded area is absolutely spectacular. we are so hot here and I am thinking this was cool enough to enjoy it... our heat is like living in a steam room would be

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    1. You have my deepest sympathy having to endure that kind of heat.

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  12. Your hotel has a lovely view, and so do the views along your walks. Those tree roots are fascinating. But don't trip is right. (I must admit I've tripped on one or two in my life...) I've heard of the Gang of Seven, and seen some of their art, which is quite amazing. I don't know much about them though. It's too bad Tom Thomson died so young. You wonder what he could have added to Canadian art for everyone to enjoy. And ice cream is always tasty. Sounds like a good trip. Hope September is treating you well. hugs-Erika

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    1. We tend to stay away from ice cream. It contains an awful lot of sugar.

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  13. What a perfect way to end the day! So much wildlife! It is possible to imagine what it was like in Thomson’s day.

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    1. I can tell you, Marie, that not even half of what we saw is reported here. There were several species of dragonfly, for example, but they just wouldn't land for a picture. We watched a Hairy Woodpecker for several minutes, but always peering between leaves and branches, with no chance for a clear shot.

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  14. Canada is full of beauties...minerals, flora and fauna !
    Lucky you to be able to visit and take great pictures, lucky us to be able to see them. Thanks David for sharing your gorgeous pictures !
    Anna

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  15. That chipmunk eating your cracker was absolutely adorable. Chipmunks don't exist in Hawaii. So, yours was a treat.

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  16. What a beautiful place to enjoy nature at its best. A very nice way to spend your day and end it with an ice cream. :) Thanks to you both for sharing and have a wonderful day.

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  17. A truly wonderful walk.
    John Muir's quote is very wise.
    The collection of mushrooms you have found is amazing.
    Great job, thank you!

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  18. Loved the woods! Just beautiful!
    I would be afraid to pick any wild mushrooms--lol! But they are beautiful to look at.
    Loved the chipmunk! :)

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  19. This is so very beautiful, David. What a wonderful place to celebrate your anniversary. The spot you are staying has lovely grounds and the visitors center looks interesting. I am intrigued by that jay with his denuded head. I wonder what that's all about.

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  20. Hi David, Excellent new header! Thanks for taking us along to Algonquin Provincial Park. Spring Lakes Resort definitely looks like an inviting place to stay. Neat and interesting photos along Oxtongue River. Lots more interesting photos as you moved along and I must agree Spruce Bog Boardwalk looks magical. Love the butterfly pics! Wow, what a memorable trip … thank you for sharing! John

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  21. Gorgeous pictures, as always. I think the birds with denuded heads are afflicted by mites. I commonly see Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals in this condition at this time of year.

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    1. They are the two species that seem to be most afflicted.

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  22. Hi David,
    I wrote a comment earlier today, but blogger have "eat" it.
    As always a wonderful blogpost. I think the Chipmunk was very happy about the food you gave. Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  23. I haven't been around that area for ages. When we lived in Bala we would drive around a lot.

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  24. Just love the White Admiral, I have only ever seen one here. So much fungi and like you I do not know my fungi very well!
    Blue Jays of all ages have a “bald stage” in which all capital-tract feathers, those on the head, are dropped nearly simultaneously, moulting, resulting in individuals being nearly bald for about a week. The new feathers then grow quickly.
    Sounds like you had a great time. Bisous mon ami, Diane

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    1. Thanks for the information on the BlueJays, Diane.

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  25. We often see Cardinals with the denuded heads... As far as I know the thinking as far as the cause has been mites or the preferred opinion which is an unusual molting pattern... Apparently someone has inspected these birds and found no mites.... Mites were thought to be a cause because a bird is unable to groom it's head to dispose of the mites.
    I love the falls and all things water even though they may be a bit miniature.
    It is certainly fungi season.
    You had a magical couple of days made perfect by topping it off with an ice cream treat.

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    1. I have never been drawn to the mite explanation; they would logically not stop at the head.

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  26. Great photos David. I am loving the little caterpillar and the roots, they are superb. All the mushrooms look good. I am a novice when it comes to mushrooms, but I do like taking photos of them. :-D

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  27. Wonderful views and I like the "falls"! I like the ghost pipe and would like to see it on one of my hikes sometime.

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  28. What a fantastic place to visit. You two find the best spots.
    I've always wondered if whoever named purple finches was a tad bit color blind:)

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  29. Hi David, I sending this link from YouTube to you. It's about a Japanese person that is studying bird communication. It's 15 min and there are captions in English. I just finished watching it and thought you might enjoy it. I found it very interesting.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gitz0QdkJ0

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    1. Thanks so much, Bill. How kind of you to do this. I will be sure to watch it.

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  30. Wow, Wow and Wow!
    What a beautiful place, I enjoyed all of your photographs.
    Thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. It is a very beautiful place, Jan. Too bad I couldn’t lead a walk there for a group of you and introduce you to its charm.

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  31. How very special! This park must be enormous. It kind of reminds me of our younger days when we hiked in the Shenandoah National Park. So much beauty surrounds this planet and I really appreciate all that you have shared here.

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  32. What a perfect day for walking on those trails!....I love the picture of the lobster mushroom!!!......Abrazotes, Marcela

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  33. Hi dear David! you have had a wonderful day, days to carry forever in your heart. I´m delighted with this lovely post and caught my attention Tom Thomson, what an interesting and prolific work he left despite being a young man when he passed away.
    I know what i´m going to do, will dedicate a post to him one of these days.

    Now, i say goodbye with a renewed spirit after appreciating the wonderful landscapes of Algonquin Park, it´s a dream place.

    Have a good night, friends! ♡✨( ꈍᴗꈍ)

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    1. There are other members of The Group of Seven who merit your attention too, Carolina - especially A.Y. Jackson and Emily Carr.

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    2. Got it, I'll check them out.
      Thanks!

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  34. Hello David,
    what a travel report, I was there reading it, beautiful landscape, something like that is worth seeing, I also like the mushroom photos but I'm not that knowledgeable about the species so I'll stick to mushrooms in a tin..
    Greetings Fank

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  35. Oh such beautiful landscapes, plants, birds, insects, fungi. This is a lovely post.
    The Canadian landscapes look familiar to us Finns. Sometimes (in our family) we joke about moving to live in Canada. :D Then we could have that walk together... with hot chocolate and blueberry muffins.
    Happy birding! xx

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  36. Beautiful series of photos of your trip David.
    Beautiful garden also to photograph birds.
    The male purple finch and the blue jay are beautiful.
    Beautiful nature area with the waterfall.
    The eastern chipmunk was lucky with the fallen whole wheat cracker of yours.
    I enjoyed the photos.
    Greetings Irma

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  37. Thank you for sharing this incredible place. You are very fortunate.

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  38. Such beauty! And it looks like there were few people about, which makes it even nicer. Your photos really capture the quiet splendor, David.

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  39. Wow, what a wonderful place to visit ! I strolled with you all the way and the ice cream at the end was gorgeous ;))
    Best wishes
    Lasse

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  40. They should have filled those bird feeders just for you and Miriam! :-) I'm glad to got to see so many wonderful birds anyway. I particularly enjoyed the fungi portion of this post. And buying the ice cream was definitely the right thing to do.

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    1. We'll have to make filling the feeders a condition of our stay!

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  41. Unexpectedly beautiful water lily!

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  42. what a beautiful area. so full of life.

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  43. Your Algonquin Provincial Park reminds me of the Chain of Lakes State Park that I used to live by and spent many hours in. It wasn't as prolific with fungi, but they had many wild flowers and trees and herds of deer, an occasional fox or coyote, and areas of open prairie. I saw a big male wolf walking across the drive at the entrance one day ... he was huge and gorgeous. They don't generally live in the park, but often come down from Wisconsin to hunt (the deer, I assume). You brought back so many good memories with this post ... I will always miss my days by the lake and the entire area which was loaded with nature everywhere. The Fox River flowed right through the park with various tributaries and an occasional small lake. That, of course, attracted the water birds, especially those that were migrating through. Also made room for the water lilies which are beautiful by themselves, but always seemed to have a lovely reflection in the water that just made them that much more beautiful. No rapids though and I love the sound of rapids in a river ... there is nothing more relaxing. So thank you for this trip down memory lane. Hope all is well with you, Mirium and family. It is starting to feel like fall here ... and I am loving it :)

    Andrea @ From the Sol
    It always made me sad to see the Blue Jays with denuded heads. Like you, I never learned what caused it and always hoped it wouldn't cause permanent damage, but to watch them, they didn't act like it slowed them down at all.

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  44. I wish that Northern Flicker would come to our yard and eat ants:)
    Have a grand weekend.

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  45. Olipa nautittava matka kanssanne, kiitos David ja Miriam.
    Sinulla oli yhtenä kuvista känsätuhkelo-niminen sieni. Se on minulla tänään postauksen aiheena.

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  46. Olipa hauska kulkea kanssanne tuo mielenkiintoinen matka, kiitos David ja Miriam.
    Minulla on tänään postauksena känsätuhkelo, se sieni oli myös sinun kuvissasi.

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  47. Hello again, David! I'm planning a monthly series of posts about trekking/walking and taking photos. :) Can I add a link to this post in my first post of the series?
    Have a happy weekend!

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    1. Please do, Sara. I will look forward to your series.

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  48. Un gran paseo, me ha encantado pasear con vosotros, aunque no me han gustado las raíces en el camino, con mi rodilla malita no puedo saltar jajaja. Abrazos.

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    1. We would have held your hand, Teresa, Miriam one side, me the other! Then if we fell we would all fall down together!

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    2. Gracias David. Os merecéis un gran abrazo.

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  49. Hi David - what a wonderful post ... full of interesting information ... the Ghost Pipe delights me ... but I'd love to visit - sadly unlike now ... in my day-dreams I can wander around ... actually I'd love to learn more about the Group of Seven ... Tom Thomson and Emily Carr were, I note, both very closely associated with them - amazing Park ... thank you from a chilly England! Cheers Hilary

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  50. The fungi! I just love the fungi, and such a diversity. I would have loved that trail just for that, but when I saw the rugged terrain I loved it even more. This is the kind of trail I adore. And when you said that it was quite steep in places, you really had me. When I saw the ice cream photo at the end I realized that I didn't have much ice cream this year. That will probably change in October when I'll go to Germany - my daughter's flat is above an ice cream parlor! Thanks to the Italian immigrants, we get some delicious gelato in Germany. (Sorry for digressing). The photos of the bog and your words following one of them really spoke to me. Thank you - Carola

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  51. You went on so many lovely rambles in Algonquin Park. I am so pleased that we have these national and provincial places set aside. All those fungi are amazing, indeed, all of nature is truly astounding.

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    1. You have many great areas in BC too, Lorrie. Vancouver Island is one of our favourite destinations.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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