Niagara

Here are a handful of shots taken about 15 years ago in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, several hours north and west of Toronto (Canadians measure distance by how long it takes to get there, not actual units of distance).

: A young bull checks out the forage at the side of the highway

: And hears someone taking pictures

: Beaver damned fine lake in the middle of the park

: A little washed out unfortunately, a crane surveys the water for signs of food

: Algonquin always reminds me of those films about geologic eras before dinosaurs

: He rose so beautifully among the grasses

: The blooms were so delicate

: Our national symbol blighted by some form of fungus

: The park squirrels were a lot less mangy than those in Toronto

Knotty photo

June 15, 2013 by Created by RCW

Must be…ahem…Spring

Wilds of Mexico

June 13, 2013 by Created by RCW

My trip wasn’t just about dead people and lost civilizations, of course.

You can’t visit Central America without taking in some of the natural wonders.

: Black iguanas rule the roost in Xel Ha, peering from every ruin

: Considering I was within a foot of him, he remained calm and patient

: Every plant bore some type of fruit while we there

: One of the thousands of water-filled sinkholes that dot the landscape

: A popular place to take a dip, or jump, during the blistering hot days

: I can only imagine the sound when this finally opened up in the floor of the jungle

: A moment’s rest in the shade

: Among the gulls and pelicans, the raptor glides gracefully

Spirits of Ancient Mexico

June 11, 2013 by Created by RCW

As a child (and still as an adult), I have always been fascinated by history, so the thought of visiting one of the great sites of human civilization–the ruins of Chichin Itza and Xel Ha in Mexico–while on vacation just over a year ago, blew me away.

Although magnificent, what struck me was how small and human they seemed. It was as though these ancient cultures were ruled by giants, and yet, as close as I was allowed to approach, I was met with steps that would not be challenging for a short-statured adult.

I remain in awe of who these people were and what they accomplished, but having visited their cultural centres, I must admit that I came back a little disappointed. They were as you and me, and for whatever reason, that has dulled their sheen in the wondering eyes of the young boy I was.