A Trip to the Bush
Veronica wanted to go for a little drive where we might take some pictures. So I decided we could drive up into the bush to Baie Jeanne, the southern most point of Lake Temagami.
It was a busy traffic filled day! There was one vehicle that passed us going the other way in our 30 mile trip. We stopped whenever we felt like it and took some pictures of wild flowers, trees and lakes.
I thought we might even find the courage for a little skinny dipping in a secuded spot. But alas, it did not happen. I think the mosquitoes and black flies discurage the Alabaman (a.k.a. the fair Floridian). We shall save that adventure for the river on the farm where one can quickly retreat to bug free shelter.
It was on our outing that we saw the deer in the previous posting. We also saw a bear on the road but were not fast enough to get a picture. It would have been nice to see a moose or the Bald Eagle I know nests up that way. It was on this road a few years ago I saw a lynx which is quite unusual as they are usually nocturnal.
Well here we are! She made me do it. I am not fond of having my picture taken as my exterior image of myself does not match my interior. The pictures never seem right. It is a nice picture of Veronica, I think. In the background is Baie Jeanne, in part. Lake Temagami is a lovely large lake. It is a great trout fishing lake with deep cold water but there are also plenty of other varieties of fish.
There are camps and cottages on the lake . They are only allowed on the islands as a precaution against forest fires. As a result the shoreline is well treed with magnificent un disturbed forests of largely evergreens. Logging is not permitted near the shore to interrupt the skyline around the lake.
Here is the road into the bush near Baie Jeanne. By local standards it gets a lot of traffic as there is a boat ramp for fishermen at the end of the road. Even I was surprised on a Sunday afternoon there were only two parties fishing on the lake and about 6 trailers left there for campers to return another day.
I love the old growth forest. The large Red and White pines dominate. They are the most valuable trees. There are many other in this Saint Lawrence Lowland Mixed Bush Forest. Just north of here it transitions into the Boreal Forest. There are Jack Pine, Spruce (White and Black) , Balsam, Tamarack,Birch (white and Yellow) Maple, Red Oak, and others but these named are the commercial varieties of trees. Some of the large White and Red Pines are as old as 250 years. Usually they are considered mature at 150 years. It is sad to see them harvested for timber as the forest will never fully recover. Often plantations of trees replace forests with all their varieties of trees, plants and animals and even micro organism. A true forest is a vast living organism of organisms. Human interference diminishes it greatly.
I love pictures of lakes where the forest reflects on the water. Our country is a land of forest and water. There are more lakes than we have names for. I recently read, the city of Sudbury has 200 lakes within its boundaries. I wonder if there is any other city with as many. Parts of northern Canada is more water than land. With 1/4 of all the world's fresh water we have a precious resource in deed. Sadly, we abuse is terribly but it is not too late to do better and celebrate its life giving value.
For my American readers, most land around here is Crown Land. Technically it belongs to the Queen. In reality it belongs to all of us. The use of it is by permit and the multiple demands on it must be taken into account: mining, prospecting, logging, trapping, resorts, wilderness travelling, nature loving, hunting, fishing etc. Most lakes and rivers do not have cottages or camps on them. One can camp on crown land outside of organized parks, anywhere and for free.
I love being able to easily find a lake or river to paddle on where there is no other person within ear shot. It is a sacred feeling to be alone in a wild spot with only the sound of the loon, the dip of a paddle and the breeze through the trees. On a clear night with the heaven exposed in all its glory and depth it is even more overwelming and awe expiring. It so reminds us that we are pilgrims passing through this World.
We are failing in our responsibility to be stewards of Nature that has so lovingly managed to sustain us. It is time for the debt to be repaid.
posted by Tossing Pebbles in the Stream @ 8:37 p.m.
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2 Comments:
love the photos. everything looks so lovely and green. love the animals. wish I lived closer and I would take your bunny from you. :) hope "V" has a great visit.
"... most land around here is Crown Land... Most lakes and rivers do not have cottages or camps on them."
That's one of my pet peeves of many areas including this one. We peons can hardly get to the water.
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