Landscape

International Day of Action for Rivers 2017

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"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” 
― Laura Gilpin

March 14, 2017 was the International Day of Action for Rivers 2017 and I wanted to share my passion for protecting our local and international rivers.

My short aerial video shows the beautiful Sackville River during this past Fall season. The Sackville river runs through rural & urban areas within the city limits of Halifax/Bedford, Nova Scotia.

This is a river that truly flows through a city. I have personally enjoyed many days of hiking, photographing & fly fishing on this river system.

With the continued restoration efforts from the Sackville River Association, it is a habitat that supports a healthy ecosystem for many types of fish, birds and vegetation.

With Spring just around the corner think about supporting a local river association in your area.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, if you have any questions or comments please free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Fresh snowfall hike on the Blue Mountain Wilderness trails

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As soon as I saw the fresh snowfall in the early morning hours, I quickly packed up my gear and run out the door to catch the sunrise.

Fox Lake Trail, Blue Mountain Wilderness trails

I get such a charge hiking in freshly fallen snow.  There is a special stillness in the air that is very unique to a fresh snowfall.

All you can hear is your footsteps and the snow falling from the trees as the sun begins to rise.

As the sunrises on the trail

Coyote Bog, Blue Mountain Wilderness Trails. Nova Scotia

The Blue Mountain Wilderness Trails are my goto place to explore our natural world.  

Some much amazing accessible wilderness is found all within the city limits of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Beautiful trails through quiet forest, along lakes and stunning look-offs.  

All this wilderness within the city limits of Halifax, Nova Scotia

So the next pretty winter morning get outside and grab your winter coat, a pairs snowshoes and of course your camera.

To find more information about the trails in the Blue Mountain Wilderness system checkout the links below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Gear

  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon 14-24 / 24-70 / 70-200
  • Drone - DJI Inspire I

Boxing Day Hike on Micou's Island

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My Boxing day hike with the kids at Micou's Island, St.Margaret's Bay Nova Scotia.

Micou's Island,  St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia.

My little ones love this place, they get such a kick out of crossing the sandbar to explore the island.

Crossing the sandbar to the Micou's Island

It may not be a long hike but it has everything in one place; forest, beaches, hiking trails and of course lots of salt water.

This is what I call a kitchen with a view.  :)

There is lots to see and explore on the island and of course time to stop for the kids favourite winter hiking lunch time snack;  KD & hot chocolate. 

My little one loves to pose for the camera. 

My little one loves to pose for the camera. 

To find out more about Micou's Island visit the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association website.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, if you have any questions or comments free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

What to see and photograph in Kejimkujik National Park

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I have been exploring Kejimkujik National Park since I was a kid.  It is a place that has calm meandering streams, fast flowing waterfalls, snapping turtles, whitetail dear and a lakeside sunset view over Kejimkujik Lake that is simply amazing to see and photograph.

Mill Falls, Kejimkujik National Park

Recently, I was organizing my Kejimkujik National Park photos for an upcoming project and I thought I would share some of my favourite photos from my collection.

Every time I photographing in this area, I am always struck by the sheer beauty of the light and how it seems to cascade through the trees and over the water.  If you don't believe me about the light, I suggest hiking the Mersry River trail in the morning and you will see the effect of the light in the trees. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/activ/activ5.aspx

Mersey River hiking trail,  morning sunrise

There are numerous places to photograph; hiking trail, paths for biking and waterways to paddle.  Check out the  Kejimkujik National Park and the Friends of Keji Cooperating Association websites for all the possible activities. 

Biking and hiking trails

If you are looking for more detail about the park and the Backcountry camping and paddling,  Paul Illsley has a amazing site full of detailed topo maps & photos of the park. http://www.paulillsley.com/kejimkujik/

Mersey River panoramic image.

Another spectacular feature of the park is of course the water. This park has so many lakes, ponds and rivers.  All have different moods of light at particular times of day and season.

This region is also rich with Mi’kmaw history and of course many opportunities for camping and enjoying the natural world around you.

My hope for this blog post is simple, maybe one of these images will spark an interest for you to go and experience the park for the first-time or encourage you to revisit a past campsite in the new year.

If you have any questions about places to photograph in the park please free feel to drop me a email or leave a comment.

Cheers and keep taking photos :)
Mike