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.

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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!

The Real McCoy


My wife and I were driving from down the Elk Neck Peninsula to go shopping in Delaware when we passed a vehicle with two orange kayaks, and I wondered if they were going kayaking or just headed down to the bay for the week.  After shopping and returning home I decided to get the last Christmas card off to Canada and drove into town in the grey, foggy, rain that drenched the day.  So after mailing the card I did my usual return home by checking the town park for rainy day photographs and what to my wondering eyes should appear but these two coming in drenched from paddling, carrying their kayaks and buttoning down for a trip back to somewhere.  These guys were the real McCoy and I had to ask for their photo. 

Burning Smoke




top photo - wood stove burning away with bypass damper to catalytic smoke burner engaged
2nd photo -  Catalyst showing over 800 degrees F, perfect temperature for burning smoke
3rd photo - Chimney showing only heated air with no visible smoke particles 



Nice Old Blanket Trunk