US, Michigan: Seney National Wildlife Refuge

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Even though we wanted to be at the Refuge entrance before sunrise, we were not able to be there. We were wondering if the late barbeque we had the night before or the stars I couldn’t stop gazing at in the middle of the night had something to do with this. Anyway, with a fresh enthusiasm we got to the Refuge gate around 10 am, an hour drive from Munising, where our host was living. The late August sun was up in the sky, and I knew the wildlife was well hidden at that late hour of the morning. The refuge is vast, and has several trails for hikers, or bikers, and needs a lot of time to have it explored. Since we were late already, we decided to have only the drive-through ride, with few stops along the way.

Seney one quiet and calm pond

Continue reading →

US, Michigan: The road to Tahquamenon Falls went through Paradise

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: The road to Tahquamenon Falls went through Paradise

Leaving Canadian land via the International Bridge that links the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie of Ontario and Michigan let us have a glimpse of what kind of weather would be greeting us in the neighbouring country, where we were going to continue our road trip around Huron Lake.

After a beautiful and serene sunset on the St Mary’s River shore, we didn’t expect this kind of weather. Gloomy clouds and foggy roads were following us from the morning, but when we saw the post of Paradise town, we knew the rain would stop soon.

Paradise

Continue reading →

CA, Ontario: Sault Ste Marie vs St Marys River

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Sault Ste Marie vs St Marys River

Pursuing our road trip around Huron Lake after leaving Manitoulin Island, our next destination was Sault Ste Marie. Passing cities like Espanola, and Spanish, or reservations such as Mississauga First Nation, I couldn’t stop noticing the French hint of Sault Ste Marie’s name. Anyone can sense from the distance how rich in history this whole area is, isn’t it? But more intriguingly, between the French name of Sault Ste Marie, and the English name for St Mary’s Rivers, I couldn’t stop asking myself which one came actually first?

St Marys River Rapids as seen from the Bridge
St Marys River Rapids – view from the Bridge

Continue reading →

Exploring Ontario: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

Chi-Cheemaun is not only a ferry. It is the Big Canoe (as it means in Obijwe language) that connects Tobermory in Bruce Peninsula with South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, but also connects people, stories and spirits.

Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour
Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour, as seen from the ferry, before departing.

Continue reading →

CU, Santiago de Cuba: Birding was not my hobby

| Christie

Going to Cuba again this year was not originally part of my plans, but when I had to cancel postpone for an unknown date a trip up North, my itchy fingers instead found a last minute ticket, to a Southern Destination.

La Sagra's flycatcher
La Sagra’s flycatcher

Continue reading →

Exploring Ontario: Bruce Peninsula – Tobermory – Flowerpot Island – Grotto

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Bruce Peninsula – Tobermory – Flowerpot Island – Grotto

After four hours of driving north of Toronto, getting to Tobermory was like a great relief. Tobermory is located at the top of Bruce peninsula, where Huron Lake meets Georgian Bay. Small town but full of life, this is a destination for everyone.

Tobermory

Continue reading →