Bay of Fundy

Different locations along the Bay of Fundy at sunset.

Prince Edward Island

Along the coast of PEI

Walking to the beach.

Love the red rocks and sand.

The beauty of PEI never ceases to amaze.

This last picture was taken on my last day on the island as a storm rolled in.

No FRACKING

In my travels a week or so ago, in the Maritimes, I came across a number of signs stating "NO FRACKING"
Some signs were posted at driveway entrances along the highway, others were in the sides of rural buildings. Some signs were very large, others were just big enough to read as I drove by.
I've finally had the opportunity to look up this term. The following is from Wikepedia:
"Hydraulic fracturing, often called fracking, fracing[a] or hydrofracking, is the process of initiating and subsequently propagating a fracture in a rock layer, by means of a pressurized fluid, in order to release petroleum, natural gas, coal seam gas, or other substances for extraction. The fracturing, known colloquially as a frack job (or frac job), is done from a wellbore drilled into reservoir rock formations. The energy from the injection of a highly pressurized fluid, such as water, creates new channels in the rock which can increase the extraction rates and ultimate recovery of fossil fuels.
Hydraulic fractures may be natural or created by human activity, and are extended by internal fluid pressure which opens the fracture and causes it to extend through the rock. Natural hydraulic fractures include igneous dikes, sills and fracturing by ice as in frost weathering. Man-made fluid-driven fractures are formed at depth in a borehole and extend into targeted formations. The fracture width is typically maintained after the injection by introducing a proppant into the injected fluid. Proppant is a material, such as grains of sand, ceramic, or other particulates, that prevent the fractures from closing when the injection is stopped.
The practice of hydraulic fracturing has come under scrutiny internationally due to concerns about environmental and health safety, and has been suspended or banned in some countries." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing

Pictou, Nova Scotia

 The Hector replica and museum in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

The original ship carried 200 Scots across the ocean in their migration to Canada. This replica, like the ship, is all wood. Placed beside a three story building you really get a sense of how large it is. While it looks large, it would still be very small for 200 passengers. The passengers voyage was spent below deck. There was very little room to move around in and their bunks had only about 2 feet of head room.

The people of Pictou take great pride in their replica. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit it.

Inspiration

Inspiration comes to us slowly and quietly; prime it with a little solitude. ~ Brenda Ueland

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Stanley Park in Vancouver. A Great Blue Heron and some amazing trees.

Stanley Park

Here are some amazing and interesting trees and stumps that we found on a recent walk through Stanley Park. It was a beautiful day and a walk off the beaten path led us to some great sights!

Vancouver Island

A view of the Pacific Ocean. The weather was as beautiful as the view.

Aquarium

Last week I visited the Vancouver Aquarium.

It was a fascinating visit, from funny fish to the life span of the jellyfish, I sure learned a lot.

One thing I have always wanted to do is swim with dolphins. Obviously you can't swim with them at the aquarium, but there was something heart stopping about seeing them in person.

My first response was an absolute ache in my heart, to think that they lived in captivity. Later, we caught the dolphin show. I began watching with some very mixed emotions. Part of me was excited, the other felt like I was about to witness a car crash....you look, but with dread.

Fortunately, very quickly into the show they explained that the 4 dolphins had been rescued and had been deemed unreleasable. My relief was palpable, and I began to enjoy an amazing show of intelligence and athleticism.

Congratulations to the aquarium for creating a healthy, clean and safe space for their inhabitants.