The tip of Canada

[vaneramos]

We're home for one night after spending a week at Poplar Bluff, my parents' home on Lake Erie. I'm most pleased with the photos from Tuesday's day trip to Point Pelee National Park. The most southerly point on Canada's mainland, it stretches into Lake Erie, crossing the 42nd Parallel in line with the northern boundary of California and the city of Rome. A mere 15 square kilometres of wetland, beach, dunes, Carolinian forest and cedar savannah, it boasts many rare and endangered species like fox snake and red-headed woodpecker, even some found practically nowhere else in Canada, like prickly pear cactus. Close to heavily populated territory (only 35 miles from Detroit MI), its precious habitat was nearly overrun before it was appreciated and designated as a national park in the late 1960s. It has become a birdwatchers' mecca, one of the best sites in Eastern North America for observing spring migration, because it's the easiest place for songbirds to cross the Great Lakes. The only significant inhabited Canadian soil south of this is Pelee Island, a few miles offshore, which I have yet to visit.

Here's one shot of the tip itself. The waters there are perilous. After seeing numerous warning signs, Marian and I started joking about getting attacked in the water by "dangerous currants," a phrase which resurfaced randomly during the course of the week.

(I laugh harder with Marian than anybody. It more than makes up for the difficult teenager days. Note to djjo and trapezebear: at this moment she is reading Bellwether in the living room and laughing her head off. "Sheep are so stupid!" she squeaks.)





The rest are portraits of my daughters, who were particularly disposed towards my camera that day. The friendly fella in the black t-shirt shot our family photo at the top.





Following are two shots taken amongst some picturesque fallen trees along the beach. Three more from this series have been posted at iamthelorax and one in texture. The last two here were taken in the large interior marsh earlier that afternoon. It is recognized as an internationally significant wetland. I plan to write something about it for one of my August articles at Suite101. But the main subjects here are Marian and Brenna.














If I have time, I'll post a few more shots from Poplar Bluff before we leave again tomorrow. The girls will go home and I'll spend the weekend in Toronto. Then we're off for a few days of camping in Bon Echo Provincial Park and back to the cottage for our last week together before Labour Day weekend.

I'm still feeling overwhelmed, but at least some plans have fallen into place to keep us occupied. Somehow, composing this post, I am reminded of the many good memories we have forged. Last year seemed like such a golden summer in hindsight, and this one has been better already. It puts my days of listlessness and frustration into perspective.

Many times this week I reminded myself, "Stay in the moment." Even walking through a variety store this afternoon, I remembered to stop fretting about my problems and stick with my perceptions. For a moment my eyes were dazzled by the colourful rows of products on the shelves. It's a simple thing, but it helps.

Comments

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

simple things are often just the ticket.

greatness in this post. I love the pics and yes the memories you are forging. WOW! really outstanding.

be well Van

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking of you often. One day Brenna found a playmate down the beach who somehow reminded me of your little sweetie.

Cheers and hugs,
Van

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

That is soooo cool. I have not been to the ocean since 2000 with some friends. Looked like you three had a wonderful time.

Sounds like this will be a summer to remember. Enjoy it while it lasts!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

This is not the ocean, it is Lake Erie. I haven't seen salt water since 1991, but I loved it.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

Still, it's lovely non the less.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen salt water since 1991

Good Lord! How do you survive?

Whenever I consider whether I might ever live somewhere other than where I live now, one of my criteria is that the ocean must be within a short drive.

We've got to get you out to New England one of these days.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I would love to visit New England and can think of many reasons to do so.

I've lived my life near so many lovable bodies of water that they have always sufficed. Nevertheless, from my few visits to the ocean, I know it possesses a special magic. I felt it particularly in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

Wow...

You know, I'm starting to realize that one of the things I love most about seeing your photos of Brenna and Marian is that I'm getting to watch them grow up vicariously through your camera. I can see glints and hints of their personality in their physical bearing, and I can see how they're changing and maturing. What an incredible experience it must be to have such vital energy sources in your life. The closest I get to that is my students. :)

I know it can be challenging sometimes to be a dad, Van, and I know you know this, but you are extremely blessed/fortunate/lucky/whateverwordthatsuitsyourfancyhere.

*hugs* to you, sir. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I'm thrilled with the way they let their personalities show when I photograph them. Marian admits she went through a phase a few months ago when she hated cameras (I think most teenagers hate their parents' cameras), but she started having her picture taken. These are a far cry from the lined-up family snap shots I detested when I was little. What I probably resented was the control: I had to stand a certain way and smile. Instead, I'm encouraging Marian and Brenna to express themselves.

As for your students, you say that's the closest you get, but it's actually a wonderful thing to pass something onto so many young people. I admire your stamina. I wouldn't have the guts to face so many of them.

Hugs back to you. :-)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ian. Gems, aren't they? Hope you're having a good and colourful spring.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

yes, Brenna and Marian are wonderful,
and it's great seeing them. and you,
as well!~paul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I was pleased that I managed to slip behind the camera at least once. Good to hear from you. I hope all's well on your end.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

so far, so good.~paul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Hi Vance. Thank you very much. It's good to hear from you. :-)

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

I love the top one. God, even in baggy clothes and baseball cap, you're still a gorgeous hunk o' man.

Looks as if you and the girls are having fun on the beach. Sounds like just what all of you needed!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, charmer. Yes, I admit I regretted leaving the old home yesterday. Don't spend much time there anymore.

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Beautiful shots--I love the one of Brenna (?) sitting on the tree with her legs twined in different directions. She has really grown, too!

We got your postcard while I was in Maine, and I saw it when I got home--thank you! We both enjoyed it so much. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed. And thank you, I knew that particular shot was going to be a favourite as soon as I snapped it.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

My first reaction (as the shot was scrolling by) was "My, what long legs that girl has!"

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Beautiful pictures, nice stories. Always good to hear from you, Van.

started joking about getting attacked in the water by "dangerous currants,"

Is that what the signs actually say?

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

No, but that's the spelling we imagined.

[jwg.livejournal.com]

What a splendid place. The sand bar pictures remind me of the tidal sand bar at Wingaersheek beach in Gloucester (MA) overlooking Ipswich Bay.

And when you feel overwhelmed, etc. do remember that you have these two great kids that you get to spend so much time with. I'm sure this far exceeds what most so-called traditional families have. That is pretty special.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I am indeed thankful, although being a single dad 24 hours for days at a time without a break or much adult company is overwhelming at times. I couldn't do it all the time, and admire people who do and manage to keep their lives balanced.

I don't remember seeing much of the coast in New England except for a few minutes in Connecticutt 20 years ago, but it sounds wonderful.

[eloquentwthrage.livejournal.com]

I really like that last shot, of your daughters. One of those "thousand word" shots for sure.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Looking at that picture I try to forget, for a moment, that they're my children, then I start to feel all kinds of stories brewing.