What's It All About, eh?

Cape Breton evokes deep memories and strong emotions for me as well as a deep appreciation for the beauty of my adopted island. My hopes are that you too might find the photos evocative - maybe a view you've not enjoyed before, or an 'Oh I've been there', or if from away that you may be encouraged to visit this fair isle so that you might come to love and breathe Cape Breton as I do. One word about place names that I use - some are completely local usage while others are from maps of Cape Breton that I've purchased over the years. I frequently post travel and other photos that are of interest to me - and hopefully you.

On the right hand side bar find my take on Single Malt whiskey - from how to best enjoy this noble drink to reviews (in a most non-professional manner) of ones that I have tried and liked - or not. Also musings, mine and others, on life in general.

Photographs are roughly 98%+ my own and copy-righted. For the occasional photo that is borrowed, credit is given where possible - recently I have started posting unusual net photographs that seem unique. Feel free to borrow any of my photos for non-commercial use, otherwise contact me. Starting late in 2013 I have tried to be consistent in identifying my photographs using ©smck on all out of camera photos I personally captured - (I often do minor computer changes such as 'crop' or 'shadow' etc but usually nothing major), and using ©norvellhimself on all photos that I have played around with in case it might not be obvious. Lately I have dropped the ©smck and have watermarked them with the blog name.

COMMENTS are appreciated as feedback is the driving energy of blogging - And if you like this site please pass it along to a friend. Thanks!

NOTE: TO ENLARGE PHOTO, CLICK ON SAME - If using Firefox also click f11 - photos will fill the screen ...... ----------------------------------- ......TRANSLATION BUTTON AT TOP OF LEFT COLUMN!

Tu Es Mon Compagnon de Voyage!

© August '09    photo by ctmck

I think it much better that, as we all go along together, that every man paddle his own canoe

Character of 'The Indian' in The Settlers in Canada by Captain Marryat (1844)


Tu es mon compagnon de voyage!
Je veux mourir dans mon canot
Sur le tombeau, près du rivage,
Vous renverserez mon canot

When I must leave the great river
O bury me close to its wave
And let my canoe and my paddle
Be the only mark over my grave

From 'Mon Canoe d'écorce' ('My Bark Canoe')
 translated by Frank Oliver Call


August is laughing across the sky
Laughing while paddle, canoe and I,
Drift, drift,
Where the hills uplift
On either side of the current swift.

Be strong, O paddle!
Be brave, canoe!
The reckless waves
you must plunge into.
Reel, reel.
On your trembling keel,
But never a fear my craft will feel.

Song: My Paddle Sings, 
E. Pauline Johnson
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Calm Day on the Bay

© August '10    photo by smck

Looking eastward across St. Peters Bay toward Battery Park and Grand Greve, the sea is tranquil in the early morning light.
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HITS - Around The World







United States
Canada
France
Germany
Russia
Ukraine
Latvia  
United Kingdom
Ireland
Sweden
Peru
Brazil
Ecuador
Malaysia
Japan
Australia
Jamaica
China
Indonesia 
United States accounts for the most 'hits' followed by Canada, Russia, United Kingdom, France and Germany in that order.

This is probably not of as much interest to you as it is to me.  But it just seems great that such a small blog has spread around the world without benefit of controversy, scandal, or salacious content. 

So come on Easter Island and give me a click for the Pacific !!
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Bench and View - on the St. Peters Coastal Trail

© August '10    photo by smck

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What Is A Weed?

© August '10     photo by smck

False dandelions

Dandelions are so similar to catsears (Hypochoeris) that catsears are also known as "false dandelions." Both plants carry similar flowers which form into windborne seeds. However, catsear's flowering stems are forked and solid, whereas dandelions possess unforked stems that are hollow. Both plants have a rosette of leaves and a central taproot. However, the leaves of dandelions are jagged in appearance, whereas those of catsear are more lobe-shaped and hairy. Other plants with similar flowers include hawkweeds (Hieracium) and hawksbeards (Crepis). These are both readily distinguished by their branched flowering stems.

I have no idea what the local name is for this plant but I erroneously took it for a dandelion - however the 'forked flowering stems' puts it into one of the above Catsears, Hawkweeds, or Hawkbeards.  (if you know for certain leave a comment and I will repost - with appropriate credit).

The title "What is a Weed" was really directed to dandelions which I (unlike most) like and encourage in my lawn - hence to me not a weed, which basically means an unwanted plant. 

Dandelions are thought to have evolved about thirty million years ago in Eurasia. They have been used by humans for food and as a herb for much of recorded history. They were introduced to North America by early European immigrants.  All parts of the dandelion has been used for food and drink - some caution is advised on the pollen however as some individuals are sensitive to it.
 
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