Posts tagged ‘Bay of Fundy’

October 17th, 2011

Plants at Blomidon

On the first part of the Jodery Trail, which is mostly open, there are lots of pin cherries.

mystery wild flower gone to seed. Any guesses?

During our hike along the trails at Blomidon Provincial Park, one thing stood out, and that was fall colors. By that I mean the lack thereof!

“Scientists don’t quite know if global warming is changing the signs of fall like it already has with an earlier-arriving spring. They’re turning their attention to fall foliage in hopes of determining whether climate change is leading to a later arrival of autumn’s golden, orange and red hues.” Read the whole story on MSNBC.

A vernal pond? This spot was magical, but alas, it does not show well in the picture:(

The changes don’t necessarily indicate long-term trends. It could have been the heavy rain and hurricanes we had this year leading to fungal growth, which in turn, cause some tree s to forego the colourful display with leaves to turning brown and dropping earlier. However, there are some studies that indicate long-term trends. 

But in the last week, the fall colors came out, and many are already on the ground.

There are spots along the trail where the forest is all maple trees. There are four speices of maple in the park. I can't tell you want they are because we didn't walk the interpretive trail!

One of my favourite things to do when hiking in the woods is to pay attention to the smells. The types of plants in an area affect the smells. Some areas are full of that pine scent, others smell of rich humus, but my favourite smell is that sweet, cotton-candy smell! What causes that smell out in the middle of the forest? (Douglas fir trees?) (twin flower?)

I hate to admit it, but I don't know my trees! I most correct this gap in my knowledge.

Fireweed gone to seed.

I've always wondered what this black stuff is, anyone know?I think the black stuff is Black Knot Fungus.

Orange Hawkweed, sometimes called Devil's Paint Brush

August 10th, 2011

Vote For Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks at High Tide

 The Bay of Fundy is one of two North American contenders in the New 7 Wonders of the world campaign (the Grand Canyon is the other one).
 
Why should you vote for the Bay of Fundy? Well, there are seven reasons: 
  •  Highest tides in the world.
  •  Marine ecology comparable to the Amazon Rainforest.
  •  World renowned dinosaurs and fossil discoveries.
  •  Home to over 12 species of rare and endangered whales.
  •  Best site on planet for green tidal energy.
  •  Rich in history and culture.
  •  Home to 2 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, one World Heritage Site and a Geopark.

(Source)

You can vote for seven candidates here.

 

Walking on the ocean floor during low tide.

I grew up at the foot of the North Mountain, Nova Scotia, so I’m no stranger to the Bay of Fundy, but my trip to New Brunswick was my first time seeing it from the other side. I can now check Hopewell Rocks off my bucklist (and ziplining, too, but that’s another post). Not only did we see some beautiful millions-of-years-old rock formations, we also saw flocks of shimmering Semipalmated Sandpipers

 

One of many “before” shots. Bay of Fundy at Hopewell Rocks during high tide. (Mother/Me/Sister)
“After” Shot. Same location, low tide.
That light grey border on the horizon is home, i.e., Nova Scotia! I waved.

You don’t have to travel far to have fun. I have lots more New Brunswick photos to share later, including a few more of Hopewell Rocks.

 
Oh, don’t forget to vote. Let me know who you voted for!