Friday, August 27, 2010

ATV trip near Dinny Lake



Out a few days ago with Ed and Faye Barnstaple doing some exploring up the Everett Lake Rd. Went up to some claims that are being checked out for minerals and ended up a bit south east of Dinny Lake. Lots of digging going on and samples being taken. Found one rock that looked like it had asbestos in it.
Not many flowers left in bloom some pearly everlastings and and some asters, its beginning to look like fall is coming.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Gowganda's old bailey bridge

Have been looking for this pic for some time. This bailey bridge over the Montreal River on the west side of town was removed in 1998 (thanks for the info Paul). It was a one lane bridge that held up the trucks and cars quite often. The road all through town was upgraded in 1994.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Follow up to the New Gowganda Tower

Well this looks like the final stage in tower watching, Paul and I were up there this afternoon watching them take the first of the old tower down. We got here just as they were starting to take down the dish. For the next couple of hours the guy lines, torsion struts and the very top couple of tower sections. Work will resume tomorrow if the weather co-operates. One of the workers said it would take two days to finish the job.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Bits and Pieces



Looking back through some files and found a few extras, White Waterlily LeRoy Lake, Wintergreen Miller Lake and a new one Marsh Skullcap LeRoy Lake.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Leopard Frogs

Back down to Sunshine Lake which is south of Longpoint Lake about 8 km. down theBeauty Lake Road. There is a ATV- snowmobile trail that runs from Gowganda to Sunshine. This time I couldn't help noticing all the Leopard Frogs around the lake edge. The more you looked the more you found. The last time down I didn't notice any. A bit more information on the Leopard Frog in Ontario---
Threats & Trends
Threats (and their severity) to the northern leopard frog are variable across its range. In Ontario, the main threats are habitat loss and degradation, as well as predation and road mortality. Frog population density in areas adjacent to major roads is often smaller than in other habitats.
One study has shown that low aquatic pH levels increase the susceptibility of frogs to fatal bacterial infections, the severity of which is exacerbated by warmer water temperatures and higher frog population density (i.e., crowding). Overexploitation has also been reported as a threat to this species. Despite these threats, the northern leopard frog’s high mobility and use of a wide range of habitats are helping to prevent an overall species decline.

Protection
Federal Protection
The Northern Leopard Frog, Western Boreal/Prairie populations, is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). More information about SARA, including how it protects individual species, is available in the Species at Risk Act: A Guide.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Miller Lake


Made some time to get into Miller Lake on the ATV last week. Always surprising just how clear the water is in there with all the rock tailings about. Some of tailings are able to support some Spotted Knapweed, and in a moist area some Mountain Ash with berries.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Leroy Lake



A couple of weeks ago I paddled around Leroy Lake and found a couple of interesting plants I haven't seen for awhile. Paddling up through a small backwater I found some Bog Rosemary and Round Leafed Sundew a carnivorous plant.
The plant feeds on insects, which are attracted to its bright red colour and its glistening drops of mucilage, loaded with a sugary substance, that cover its leaves. It has evolved this carnivorous behaviour in response to its habitat, which is usually poor in nutrients or so acidic that nutrient availability is severely decreased. The plant uses enzymes to dissolve the insects - which become stuck to the glandular tentacles - and extract nitrates and other nutrients from their bodies. (from Wikipedia)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Around the lakes tour








An ATV trip leaving from Gowganda around Gowganda Lake, Stumpy Lake, Hangingstone Lake into Spear Lake and back up to Duncan Lake and home via highway 560. With stops at Sunshine Lake on the Beauty Lk. Rd. where the smartweed was in flower. Another stop at Rusty Lake Mine where we discovered old mine equipment, the old winch, water tower, air compressor, and a ball mill and cart. A great day trip about 100 km. with side trips.