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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Listening Point - General Discussion Favorite canoe country critter? |
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01/05/2017 11:04AM
So, what's your favorite canoe country critter not counting fish species and your pooch?
Mine is the bald eagle. Here's why:
They're part of every trip.
I love when they sit atop a tree and watch me fish below a rapids.
I'm sixty years old and have seen eagles beyond counting, but they still dazzle me when they take flight.
Mine is the bald eagle. Here's why:
They're part of every trip.
I love when they sit atop a tree and watch me fish below a rapids.
I'm sixty years old and have seen eagles beyond counting, but they still dazzle me when they take flight.
I will paddle eternal, Kevlar and carbon.
01/05/2017 11:18AM
Close call between Pine Grosbeak and Boreal Chickadee.
I like the song of the Pine Grosbeak. Not all that special but it's a cheery little ditty that makes me happy to hear along the portage trail.
The Boreal Chickadees are always fun when an active flock comes through and one checks you out from arm's length away.
Alan
I like the song of the Pine Grosbeak. Not all that special but it's a cheery little ditty that makes me happy to hear along the portage trail.
The Boreal Chickadees are always fun when an active flock comes through and one checks you out from arm's length away.
Alan
01/05/2017 11:18AM
quote northallen: "Loon. Except when they are seemingly parked just outside the tent at 2am."
How about when they carry the melody and the tail-slapping beavers pound out the beat at the same time?
I will paddle eternal, Kevlar and carbon.
01/05/2017 11:19AM
Otters. They have an affinity for play and mischief that I find appealing.
"Said one of these men, long past seventy years of age: 'I could carry, paddle, walk and sing with any man I ever saw. I have been twenty-four years a canoe man, and forty-one years in service; no portage was ever too long for me. Fifty songs could I sing. I have saved the lives of ten voyageurs. Have had twelve wives and six running dogs. I spent all my money in pleasure. Were I young again, I should spend my life the same way over. There is no life so happy as a voyageur's life!'"
01/05/2017 12:22PM
Any otter incident is a special occasion. They are so very busy, sassy and curious and make for excellent entertainment. I'm also enchanted by gray jays: their intelligence, desire to interact and observe, and their ability to just appear in a camp in absolute silence.
01/05/2017 12:44PM
The gray wolf; because at one point they had been extirpated from all of the lower 48, and much of Canada, except for canoe country. The wolves’ recovery is sort of symbolic of the restorative state people say they experience from their visit.
01/05/2017 12:51PM
There are many spectacular animals that I enjoy seeing in the bwca. Wolves, moose, black bear, otter, beaver, eagles.......the list is endless.
But my favorite, for pure entertainment value is the little north woods red squirrel
This fat little bugger was caught stealing popcorn out of our pot at Trails End Campground. Didn't take him long to figure out how to pop the lid off.
But my favorite, for pure entertainment value is the little north woods red squirrel
This fat little bugger was caught stealing popcorn out of our pot at Trails End Campground. Didn't take him long to figure out how to pop the lid off.
I set a goal of losing 10 lbs. this year. I only have 15 left to lose.
01/05/2017 12:52PM
Wolves. Mainly because of the huge black one that sauntered into my camp around dusk on Oyster Lake, stopped at the fire grate, lifted its leg on a log, and locked eyes with me for what seemed like 10 minutes (prob only 3 seconds). It was absolutely incredible. Chills just thinking about it.
01/05/2017 02:40PM
Loons for me. I love laying in the tent at night and listening to them. Very haunting but calming at the same time. Since moving from Wisconsin to Oklahoma we don't get to hear loons anymore down here. So they make the trip extra special
"Love many, trust a few, and always paddle your own canoe"
01/05/2017 03:44PM
It's always been the wolf for me, I have a wolf tattoo on my arm.
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.” ~ Chief Dan George
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.” ~ Chief Dan George
May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.
01/05/2017 04:22PM
Have to be the loon.
Can't get enough of that sound.
Followed closely by the wolf.boo coo trips and I've only seen 4..heard lots.
Then there is the bear.always a treat.to many stories to tell about them "critters"
So I'll only tell one. 4 of us on a trip. Went to tent for a tequila induced sleep. Minutes later I yelled bear . He was on his hind legs trying to swat our good pack.
My buddy was laughing at me cause I had my filet knife.
Then he steps into a fresh pile of bear scat barefoot. He spent the next 15 minutes down by the water washing his foot.
We just died laughing.
We went back to tents and it took half hour to stop laughing. It would get quite then one guy would snicker and we would start laughing again......PRICELESS.
.
Can't get enough of that sound.
Followed closely by the wolf.boo coo trips and I've only seen 4..heard lots.
Then there is the bear.always a treat.to many stories to tell about them "critters"
So I'll only tell one. 4 of us on a trip. Went to tent for a tequila induced sleep. Minutes later I yelled bear . He was on his hind legs trying to swat our good pack.
My buddy was laughing at me cause I had my filet knife.
Then he steps into a fresh pile of bear scat barefoot. He spent the next 15 minutes down by the water washing his foot.
We just died laughing.
We went back to tents and it took half hour to stop laughing. It would get quite then one guy would snicker and we would start laughing again......PRICELESS.
.
Ah retired @ 50
01/05/2017 05:54PM
Bull moose are the kings of canoe country and my favorite critter encounter. For birds it's a toss up between loons and white throated sparrows. When I was a kid we used to see ospreys once in a while, they are magnificent birds. When the eagle population increased the ospreys seemed to disappear, not sure if the eagles had anything to do with the ospreys disappearance or not.
"Man's heart away from nature becomes hard." Standing Bear
01/05/2017 06:01PM
quote Elydog: "Wolves. Mainly because of the huge black one that sauntered into my camp around dusk on Oyster Lake, stopped at the fire grate, lifted its leg on a log, and locked eyes with me for what seemed like 10 minutes (prob only 3 seconds). It was absolutely incredible. Chills just thinking about it."
That's life changing stuff right there
"...And the days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, .......well, I have really good days". Ray Wiley Hubbard
01/05/2017 06:05PM
quote walleye_hunter: " Bull moose are the kings of canoe country and my favorite critter encounter. For birds it's a toss up between loons and white throated sparrows. When I was a kid we used to see ospreys once in a while, they are magnificent birds. When the eagle population increased the ospreys seemed to disappear, not sure if the eagles had anything to do with the ospreys disappearance or not. "
You know, now that I think about it, I'm going to revise my answer. When we lived in Wisconsin, we went to Sylvania. Beautiful spot, with my loons and white throated sparrows. But there was always something missing. When I took my friends from TN to the BWCAW they first inquired about Sylvania. I told them it's a nice place, but if you want a chance at seeing a moose......
Yeah, gotta admit the moose are the "Kings" and "Queens" of the BWCAW.
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
01/05/2017 06:39PM
Love them all, and catch my breath for eagles and loons... which I can see on the lake where I live. Moose are amazing but ugly, bear are pretty invisible most of the time...
Gotta go with OTTER. Makes for a really special trip and makes me SMILE. Catch my breath over the majestic loon and eagle, but smile a mile wide at the otters and they are just present enough and just rare enough to keep me hoping for one more glimpse.
Gotta go with OTTER. Makes for a really special trip and makes me SMILE. Catch my breath over the majestic loon and eagle, but smile a mile wide at the otters and they are just present enough and just rare enough to keep me hoping for one more glimpse.
Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau
01/05/2017 06:40PM
quote maxxbhp: "quote Elydog: "Wolves. Mainly because of the huge black one that sauntered into my camp around dusk on Oyster Lake, stopped at the fire grate, lifted its leg on a log, and locked eyes with me for what seemed like 10 minutes (prob only 3 seconds). It was absolutely incredible. Chills just thinking about it."
That's life changing stuff right there"
And undie changing too!
I will paddle eternal, Kevlar and carbon.
01/05/2017 08:47PM
Loons. They are a special creature. Years ago I read this book and fell in love with the animal and its yearly cycle. I feel there is a magical quality in their sound and adore hearing them. The Loon: Voice of the Wilderness by Joan Dunning
My superhero name is TYPOMAN. Writer of wrongs.
01/05/2017 09:34PM
I'll go with the loon as well. I especially love the ones that just seem to beg to have their picture taken and will let you glide mere feet away from them while they seem to pose for the camera. Then there's the ones that break the silence in the middle of a calm night for a half hour of commotion.
"Leave it as it is.....The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it." Theodore Roosevelt
01/05/2017 11:20PM
I'd have to go with the loon, too. But pretty much every animal causes some joy and excitement. Even those brave little mice that hang around trying to steal food from under our noses. But after the loon, I'd put dragonflies high on the list (my wife loves them) and moose, bear, beaver, and wolves are other favorites. I hate picking just one.
01/06/2017 08:46AM
Funniest is definitely people!
Favorite??? Moose are always at or near the top, as are eagles, loons, and even bears; but my favorite that I've seen are probably otters and wolves. I haven't see a lynx yet but that too would be very cool!
Favorite??? Moose are always at or near the top, as are eagles, loons, and even bears; but my favorite that I've seen are probably otters and wolves. I haven't see a lynx yet but that too would be very cool!
01/06/2017 11:02PM
I am going to stay with the loon but after more thought I have seen most of the birds mentioned, moose ( I have been fortunate and have seen many ), have yet to see a bear, and quite a few deer. I don't hear of many talking about seeing deer while up there. Once we glided by a tiny submerged island with some grassy outcroppings. There was a deer on it that didn't even notice us as we went past. That was kind of special.
My superhero name is TYPOMAN. Writer of wrongs.
01/07/2017 01:15AM
I always look forward to encountering otter, especially in a group.
However, I would also enjoy another close encounter with a wolf. It would be nice to also spot him/her before I'm spotted (as was the case previously). Makes that 40 foot distance almost feel like its within arms reach.
dd
However, I would also enjoy another close encounter with a wolf. It would be nice to also spot him/her before I'm spotted (as was the case previously). Makes that 40 foot distance almost feel like its within arms reach.
dd
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs" chances are you missed something. (Inspired by Rudyard Kipling.)
01/07/2017 09:21AM
Lynx. Was so special to see one in the French Lake campground of Quetico
Followed by wolf.. Saw one on Sturgeon.. very quickly left after giving us a hard look over.
Now I like to look for loon nests and watch from afar... But that is a hometown bird... As well as the eagle that has a nest on the island about 300 feet away.. The loon nest is too close to that but they survive somehow. They are at the southern part of their range and human boat wakes are a real threat. Some lake associations have started building loon nesting rafts that ride the waves and have a wire roof to protect from predation.
What is fascinating is watching any animal interact with others even when the eagle stole a backriding loon chick and took it back to feed its babies.
Followed by wolf.. Saw one on Sturgeon.. very quickly left after giving us a hard look over.
Now I like to look for loon nests and watch from afar... But that is a hometown bird... As well as the eagle that has a nest on the island about 300 feet away.. The loon nest is too close to that but they survive somehow. They are at the southern part of their range and human boat wakes are a real threat. Some lake associations have started building loon nesting rafts that ride the waves and have a wire roof to protect from predation.
What is fascinating is watching any animal interact with others even when the eagle stole a backriding loon chick and took it back to feed its babies.
01/07/2017 02:22PM
On one trip through Quetico I witnessed a bull moose, a blck bear, and a lynx. An amazing and memorable trip.
I have seen plenty of excited pine martin, playful otters, and sneaky fishers. Love seeing turtles warming themselves on logs or snappers lurking just below the surface by my stringer of fish.
Shining a flashlight into the dark water after sunset is great for seeing crayfish and frogs swimming about. And hearing the distant calling of loons and owls on a silent, starfilled night is haunting and introspective.
Nothing like wolves though, being seen and heard, to make a chill run up the spine.
But my favorite critters have to be the tiny ones: the black-capped chickadee, nuthatch, and downy woodpecker. Sure, they are in my backyard right now, but whenever I go camping up north, they are there too with me. When I am camping, its like having a bit of home with me. When I am home, its like having a bit of the northwoods with me.
"It is more important to live for the possibilities that lie ahead than to die in despair over what has been lost." -Barry Lopez
01/07/2017 07:29PM
Quetico Wild
Quetico park, Wildlife abounds
Loons call, Eerie sounds
Monster nest, Soaring regal
Elongated wingspan, Bald eagle
Moving indolent, No hurtle
Pulverizing jaw, Snapping turtle
Chocolate color, Comfortable den
Rabbit chaser, Pine Marten
Roaming scavenger, Hang pack
Crunching limbs, Bear black
Massive rack, No fear
Grunting snort, White-tailed deer
Head bob, Meandering water
Playful attitude, River otter
Timber wolves, hunting pack
Diving birds, Merganser quack
Tail slapper, Wood weaver
Gnawing teeth, Engineering beaver
Canadian honker, Aerial goose
Twig devourer, Majestic moose
Nature thrives, Nothing mild
Dynamic woods, Quetico wild
To answer the question on which one is my fav.....it's the ones that don't mess with my food pack :-)
Quetico park, Wildlife abounds
Loons call, Eerie sounds
Monster nest, Soaring regal
Elongated wingspan, Bald eagle
Moving indolent, No hurtle
Pulverizing jaw, Snapping turtle
Chocolate color, Comfortable den
Rabbit chaser, Pine Marten
Roaming scavenger, Hang pack
Crunching limbs, Bear black
Massive rack, No fear
Grunting snort, White-tailed deer
Head bob, Meandering water
Playful attitude, River otter
Timber wolves, hunting pack
Diving birds, Merganser quack
Tail slapper, Wood weaver
Gnawing teeth, Engineering beaver
Canadian honker, Aerial goose
Twig devourer, Majestic moose
Nature thrives, Nothing mild
Dynamic woods, Quetico wild
To answer the question on which one is my fav.....it's the ones that don't mess with my food pack :-)
I can be followed on Instagram @queticomike
01/08/2017 07:19AM
quote JackpineJim: " Winter Wren There is always one hanging out by my favorite Quetico campsite at ice out and when they sing they really go for it. Makes me happy!"
+1! For some reason I don't feel a BW trip is official until I hear my first Winter Wren. I can't argue, though, with all the loon and moose folks.
01/08/2017 08:28AM
quote QueticoMike: "Quetico Wild
Quetico park, Wildlife abounds
Loons call, Eerie sounds
Monster nest, Soaring regal
Elongated wingspan, Bald eagle
Moving indolent, No hurtle
Pulverizing jaw, Snapping turtle
Chocolate color, Comfortable den
Rabbit chaser, Pine Marten
Roaming scavenger, Hang pack
Crunching limbs, Bear black
Massive rack, No fear
Grunting snort, White-tailed deer
Head bob, Meandering water
Playful attitude, River otter
Timber wolves, hunting pack
Diving birds, Merganser quack
Tail slapper, Wood weaver
Gnawing teeth, Engineering beaver
Canadian honker, Aerial goose
Twig devourer, Majestic moose
Nature thrives, Nothing mild
Dynamic woods, Quetico wild
To answer the question on which one is my fav.....it's the ones that don't mess with my food pack :-)"
Nice
"In wilderness is the salvation of mankind." Thoreau.
01/08/2017 06:58PM
great thread miss molly , i'm with Mr. barley , love the whiskey jacks, this guy followed us into south lake 1 winter wanting some treats. and the chipmunks are so cute, the red squirrels ,,, we arrived at this campsite in the SAK and this red ran down a tree to log at the site and just chattered at us, as to say this is my site get the "F" out LOL.
keep your line wet, good things will happen
01/08/2017 07:14PM
Our Wildlife Biologists on the Kenai NWR state that Whiskey Jacks enjoy human company but do not like human disturbance/encroachment.
Have you ever seen one around your bird feeder?
Rarely if ever, they prefer undisturbed habitats.
Whiskeyjack
All about Grey Jays
Have you ever seen one around your bird feeder?
Rarely if ever, they prefer undisturbed habitats.
Whiskeyjack
All about Grey Jays
May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.
01/09/2017 06:37AM
I watched a cougar for 30-40 seconds from about 200 yards away at the Island River EP in 2015. Hard to beat that. I've seen moose up close 3 times, once at a distance. Very cool. I love it when wolves are howling and they sound like they are right around the corner. Eagles are awesome. But when there are 2-3 loons exchanging calls back and forth, that has to be my fav. 2 in the mormorning is fine. There is nothing like that. They also are inquisitive and you can get close to them in a boat. Fun to watch. Loon.
01/09/2017 07:22AM
I have thought and thought about this. First I thought "the loon". Then "the white-throated sparrow". Both of these songs are so "canoe country" for me--when I hear them I know I am finally there again. But every trip has this sound.
And when I get right down to it, the most memorable experiences, the most breath-taking--those are the moose. So I guess I have to finally say that the moose is my favorite.
We have had wonderful times with hares, with red squirrels, chipmunks, and even a neat time or two enjoying otters. I remember one funny night when we had our teenagers along and they discovered the jumping mice with the big ears--that was fun! Turtles provide a diversion, and I love to photograph frogs when I get the chance.
I am particularly enchanted with dragonflies. I have made entire calendars with my dragonfly photos, and have dragonfly photos hanging in my home. And the butterflies are exquisite. Heck, I even love to photograph spiders!
The more I think about this, the more I wonder if it is even POSSIBLE to pick a favorite. Oh, that's right, I already did!
It's the moose. It has been a long time since I have seen one, but when I did, it was the best of the best. That's it. The moose. :-)
And when I get right down to it, the most memorable experiences, the most breath-taking--those are the moose. So I guess I have to finally say that the moose is my favorite.
We have had wonderful times with hares, with red squirrels, chipmunks, and even a neat time or two enjoying otters. I remember one funny night when we had our teenagers along and they discovered the jumping mice with the big ears--that was fun! Turtles provide a diversion, and I love to photograph frogs when I get the chance.
I am particularly enchanted with dragonflies. I have made entire calendars with my dragonfly photos, and have dragonfly photos hanging in my home. And the butterflies are exquisite. Heck, I even love to photograph spiders!
The more I think about this, the more I wonder if it is even POSSIBLE to pick a favorite. Oh, that's right, I already did!
It's the moose. It has been a long time since I have seen one, but when I did, it was the best of the best. That's it. The moose. :-)
01/09/2017 10:32AM
I have to agree with Lynda... the moose makes it for me too. Although the loons, beaver, bear... everything else makes it too. But I see most everything else at home. And even so you still love to see loons, swans, and all out there. Bernice hardly ever took notice to beavers at home. But she'd sit and watch them for a long time on trips. Then she got a little more interested in them as time went. Same with loons... why do I take so many pictures of them in canoe country but rarely at home? At home we're at war it seems with rodents. But they are (cute?) Up in canoe country. On Disappointment one year we had a wood chuck that lived in the campsite. It would come out and eat pretty close to us. Glad Bernie wasn't there that trip. But the moose is by far the best. On my forty day trip in 2012 I was on Elton lake. About ten thirty or eleven Bernie woke me up. Something was waking up the shore. We go out and sat watching a big bull moose in the light of a full moon. He didn't seem to mind us and we enjoyed watching him. It was cool to have a dog that enjoyed wildlife as much as I do. I am glad skunks are not an issue out there.
Nctry
01/09/2017 11:22AM
quote airmorse: "quote QueticoMike: "Quetico Wild
Quetico park, Wildlife abounds
Loons call, Eerie sounds
Monster nest, Soaring regal
Elongated wingspan, Bald eagle
Moving indolent, No hurtle
Pulverizing jaw, Snapping turtle
Chocolate color, Comfortable den
Rabbit chaser, Pine Marten
Roaming scavenger, Hang pack
Crunching limbs, Bear black
Massive rack, No fear
Grunting snort, White-tailed deer
Head bob, Meandering water
Playful attitude, River otter
Timber wolves, hunting pack
Diving birds, Merganser quack
Tail slapper, Wood weaver
Gnawing teeth, Engineering beaver
Canadian honker, Aerial goose
Twig devourer, Majestic moose
Nature thrives, Nothing mild
Dynamic woods, Quetico wild
To answer the question on which one is my fav.....it's the ones that don't mess with my food pack :-)"
Nice"
Thanks, glad someone liked it :) I had another poem published in the winter 2016 issue of the Boundary Waters Journal on page 98 - It's called " Spiritual Quetico "
I can be followed on Instagram @queticomike
01/10/2017 10:32AM
While I do love the moose, loon and bear, my favorite one has to be a beaver. They are such home bodies and they are amazing engineers. They take care of their own (and sometimes other critters) and are great swimmers. Don't get me wrong, when they came to our land to eat our trees we did harvest them. And I do hate lift overs like on hog creek, but they are still my favorite canoe critter.
Life jackets float, you don't!
01/10/2017 04:07PM
There are too many to list just one!
Moose, Pine Martin, Franklins Ground Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Otter and birds too numerous to name.
Moose, Pine Martin, Franklins Ground Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Otter and birds too numerous to name.
You're just in time for the best part of the day ... the part where you and me become we! - Winnie the Pooh
01/10/2017 08:13PM
The loon is obviously the fauna that defines canoe country but in general I have always enjoyed the wide range of animals found few other places in the lower 48 especially moose, wolves, even the prairie chicken.
The creation of a thousand forests is in a single acorn- Ralph Waldo Emerson
01/11/2017 06:38AM
I really enjoy the loons of the BWCA. It seems like every time I portage to a new lake, the loon of that lake will meet and escort you on your tour of the lake. I also really enjoy the warblers that scurry through the bushes in camp singing their wilderness tunes.
01/12/2017 07:16PM
Wolf.
Not a nuisance animal wanting to tear your food pack(bear) and not common enough to inhabit every lake in the state(loon).
Closely related to- but so different from the beloved domestic dog; They are mysterious, almost invisible predators of a wildly different nature. But when the lake is quiet and you hear their cries amongst the trees and seemingly all around you- You can't help but pause and experience a moment of awe as the chills run down your spine.
I love hearing wolves.
Not a nuisance animal wanting to tear your food pack(bear) and not common enough to inhabit every lake in the state(loon).
Closely related to- but so different from the beloved domestic dog; They are mysterious, almost invisible predators of a wildly different nature. But when the lake is quiet and you hear their cries amongst the trees and seemingly all around you- You can't help but pause and experience a moment of awe as the chills run down your spine.
I love hearing wolves.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul" -John Muir
01/13/2017 09:22AM
quote nctry: "I have to agree with Lynda... the moose makes it for me too. Although the loons, beaver, bear... everything else makes it too. But I see most everything else at home. And even so you still love to see loons, swans, and all out there. Bernice hardly ever took notice to beavers at home. But she'd sit and watch them for a long time on trips. Then she got a little more interested in them as time went. Same with loons... why do I take so many pictures of them in canoe country but rarely at home? At home we're at war it seems with rodents. But they are (cute?) Up in canoe country. On Disappointment one year we had a wood chuck that lived in the campsite. It would come out and eat pretty close to us. Glad Bernie wasn't there that trip. But the moose is by far the best. On my forty day trip in 2012 I was on Elton lake. About ten thirty or eleven Bernie woke me up. Something was waking up the shore. We go out and sat watching a big bull moose in the light of a full moon. He didn't seem to mind us and we enjoyed watching him. It was cool to have a dog that enjoyed wildlife as much as I do. I am glad skunks are not an issue out there."
Wow - cannot believe your dog sat and watched a moose with you. Dogs or kids with me are a surefire way to miss all the large mammals on the trip and even some of the smaller ones! What a dog!!
Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau
01/13/2017 09:24AM
quote yellowcanoe: "What is fascinating is watching any animal interact with others even when the eagle stole a backriding loon chick and took it back to feed its babies."
Yup. Will never forget watching a loon plunge UP from the deep into a small group of merganser babies, trying to nab one. Loon lost on that one and mama duck got the ducklings to shore while being chased by the loon.
Fascinating.
Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau
01/13/2017 09:44AM
Yes, this is the Dark Side of the Loon.
They do not like sharing their Lakes and will come from underneath other ducks and spear them with their beaks.
May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.
01/14/2017 10:35AM
Homo Sapiens.
The ones I bring with me provide for great entertainment in observing how they adapt to surroundings they are not accustomed to, seeing their wonder in discovery and enjoyment of new experiences, noting how each one has so many unique qualities setting them apart from other homo sapiens and appreciating the companionship and engaging conversations they share among themselves and with me. They are usually handy in easing my work load in the BWCA as they can easily be trained to help with camp and portaging chores. Homo sapiens are most often what make my trips special. I also enjoy the random encounters I have in the wilderness with homo sapiens I have never seen before. I usually come away feeling pleasant after having learned something and knowing that they are enjoying their temporary home as much as I am.
The ones I bring with me provide for great entertainment in observing how they adapt to surroundings they are not accustomed to, seeing their wonder in discovery and enjoyment of new experiences, noting how each one has so many unique qualities setting them apart from other homo sapiens and appreciating the companionship and engaging conversations they share among themselves and with me. They are usually handy in easing my work load in the BWCA as they can easily be trained to help with camp and portaging chores. Homo sapiens are most often what make my trips special. I also enjoy the random encounters I have in the wilderness with homo sapiens I have never seen before. I usually come away feeling pleasant after having learned something and knowing that they are enjoying their temporary home as much as I am.
01/17/2017 02:53AM
seeing some loon post , i need to share this experience : we were coming out of a small bottle neck bay and these 2 loons were within 4' of the canoe , they drive down to the other side of the canoe 3 different times and then went to the front of our canoe and lead us out of the bay , very cool in the gin clear waters of the SAK.
keep your line wet, good things will happen
01/17/2017 07:09AM
Wow - cannot believe your dog sat and watched a moose with you. Dogs or kids with me are a surefire way to miss all the large mammals on the trip and even some of the smaller ones! What a dog!!"
You had to know Bernie (Bernice). She could walk up to a skunk and never got sprayed. She did tangle with a porcupine in the end. But she saw how I loved certain things and she kind of adopted that. I'm guessing she saw as many moose as any dog has. She loved fishing as much as anything too. She spent hours down at the lake at home. People come and fish from shore here and she'd go down and stand in the water and watch people's bobbers. They always laughed that they never had to watch their bobbers cause she'd let them know when something was hitting. She always chased deer out of my yard. But they always bedded within a few yards of my yard. They had this understanding I think. She never missed a fire call... pager went off and to the truck she'd go. While on the call she'd watch over the fire hall. She'd go to my locker and take one of my shoes and sit with it until I got back. I could go on and on, but she was a one of a kind in my book.
Nctry
01/17/2017 08:16AM
Once I'm in my tent all ready to fall asleep the "critter" that is snapping twigs and branches somewhere behind camp. The critter that could weigh less than a pound but in my mind it is BIGFOOT and I stay up for hours wondering what it is.
01/17/2017 02:37PM
quote muskiejerk: "Once I'm in my tent all ready to fall asleep the "critter" that is snapping twigs and branches somewhere behind camp. The critter that could weigh less than a pound but in my mind it is BIGFOOT and I stay up for hours wondering what it is."
Hate those critters. Funny how the night magnifies.
One more cast... 'Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience' R.W. Emerson
01/18/2017 02:40PM
quote deerfoot: "Woodland Caribou - finally saw one in NW Ontario after 10 years and seventeen weeks of trips there. No photo as I couldn't get the camera out without spooking it."
...and I've been on 13 weeks of trips and saw one on my first day in Wabakimi back in 2007 and haven't seen one since.
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