urban wetlands

All of this is well within the city. RJH wanted to go kayaking. There is a company which rents kayaks down at the beach, not far from here. We went to the water, but they weren't there. Not deterred, we continued past Old Mill to the Humber River, where there were kayaks and canoes for rent. Where we launched was noisy enough, what with the construction on the Bloor St bridge and the overpassing subway cars, but right away we could see kingfishers, moths, dragon and damselflies. While neither as quiet, not pristine as our paddle near Fredericton, earlier this summer, it was quite amazing how quickly the city disappeared. We passed the Humber Yatch Club, but only saw a couple of pleasurecrafts, a few canoes, another kayak and some fishermen. There were a few marshes to explore. RJH took the photos (of course). I had an instinct that I should not bring my camera in a kayak and I find it's best never to ignore instincts. I love turtles and was happy to see this muddy guy sunning himself. We veered some distance off the main course of the river into a secluded marsh, where we found many swans, water lilies, lily pads and this lovely egret. He remarked that we had a full 360 degree view of green. The tall reeds screened any sign of homes or roads, and dampened noise as well. We went most of the way down towards the lake, returning only when we could see the Lakeshore.

Now I have sore shoulders and sunburnt thighs, but it's great to remember how much wildlife manages to thrive here, and that wild spaces remain, for those who can't escape the city.



With a pun only Reynardin could love, RJH mailed me that photo with the subject line 'Egrets, I've had a few.'

Halifax

So, we made it to Halifax, about mid-day, and wandered out in search of lunch. For a brief glorious hour, it ceased being what RJH calls "fresh" (at least a 20 knot wind which makes it feel shockingly cold for June) and the sun shone and everything was lovely. I took some photos, but I didn't take enough time. Occasionally it is intimidating trying to take snapshots with a professional photojournalist in tow - but here's a glimpse:



Coincidentally, he had photographed this artist and this sculpture as it was being made in Ontario.




He described the looming Irving refinery as looking like 'the gates of hell'.



Isn't that the most ridiculous thing you have ever seen? I look that the ball cap wearing tug actually has a SIMRAD antenna like it might go further than the harbour, out to sea.






After our outing we rested than I dragged him out to the pub with scientists (mainly German), but now, in recompense, we're watching the Stanley Cup finals, game 1.

Vessels, ropes & icicles

Been looking at boats again. This was a week ago, in Brampton.




Look at the regular icicles hanging from the ropes. For the bottom rope, why are the icicle ends in a horizontal line, as opposed to say, the shape of a catenary, the natural form taken by a rope suspended by its ends? I note the ice build up on top of this second rope... but I do not know the answer to my question. Perhaps I shall play "stump the physicist". I wonder if it's like isostasy. Hmmm....

Little Boat, Big Ocean

In case any of you were wondering, "When is that minouette ever going list her tradition Japanese-syle moku hanga woodblock print for sale?" the answer is now.

If you never saw or have forgotten previous posts about this, here's my summary:
'I made this woodblock print made in the traditional Japanese moku hanga style on beautiful handmade hosho paper. I carved four blocks, one for each colour: yellow, blue, violet and charcoal gray. It depicts a folded paper boat containing an unseen fisher, on the ocean, which in turn contains the unsuspected giant octopus. I'm playing with scale, colour, line and legends.

As a scientist who does science at sea, I've learned to remember we are in but a small boat on the big ocean.

This is a first edition print of only 4. Each print is about 14 inches by 11 inches (36 cm x 28 cm).'

Also, my shop has been undergoing a complete make-over, as I've been editing all listings. I've replaced many photos with bright, more detailed scans (using my new scanner). If you have a look, let me know what you think. Thanks!

The Owl and the Pussycat (pillow)

The owl and the pussycat: The owl, asking, "Who?" is blockprinted in black on purple cotton. The pussycat is a block print of my namesake, Minouette (the cat) and the French slogan, 'Méfiez-vous de la contrefaçon!' Inspired by a peculiar but endearing vintage French ad, you might translate the slogan as 'Accept no substitutes' if you wanted to be snappy, but it is more like, 'Be suspicious of counterfeits!' The front also features a swath of pin-striped burgundy wool and dark blue faux-bois print cotton with an ampersand '&' printed in white with a vintage letterpress letter.

On the reverse, however, the owl and the pussycat appear much more relaxed. The owl serenades the pussycat, as they sail beneath the benign moon, on a very sweet print fabric. This is combined with a stripe of a great, colourful print, block printed with the minouette flowers and tentacles label.

Saint Lawrence River

Wind-farm