Seen better Days

This is in Clarkes Head, Gander Bay, I guess really another sign of out migration, lack of population and support and institutions like this are really left to the elements. I think the leaning cross tells it all, the support in so many ways is gone............

Little Berg

On the trip to Twillingate yesterday this is the only "iceberg" to be seen. It looks like it's been around for a while with the top all rounded off and smooth. I hope the next couple of months brings lots of icebergs for the tourists and the tour boat operators.

Long Point

We went for the "sunday drive" today out to Twillingate in search of icebergs. I heard earlier the week that there may be one out there, even though it is a tad bit early for the north east coast we didn't need much of an excuse to get out of the house. Unfortunately, no big icebergs however there was one small "bergie bit." (I'll post later in the week) It was a beautiful sunny day, kind of spring like till you get out of the car out near the ocean.....on the horizan it is all ice hence the BITTER COLD breeze.

Jay

Still recovering, it's going to be a long slow process. I was looking through some pictures I've taken this winter and came across a number of shots of jays, it's funny every time when we stop for a break on the trail in less than 5 minutes without fail there come the jays. They are fearless probably hoping for a handout, but this little guy looks like he's been eating well! On another note I will be in the market for a macro lens and a zoom lens in the very near future for my Olympus E-Volt, but most of all I am looking for advice and suggestions on where and what to buy, especially if you have the same camera.....my e-mail.... cford@nl.rogers.com

not a great day

Last thursday my friends and I left Gander bound for Stephenville via the groomed trail, at about 178 miles from home near Hampton Junction we came over a rise and at the bottem there were 3 machines parked blocking the trail. Our lead machine stopped as did the one folowing him(barely), then came me, I couldn't see a thing all of a sudden I was in a cloud of dust(snow) when it cleared it was too late I tried to go around on the right but went into Colin on machine number 2. Jason was behind me now in a cloud, he didn't see anything and went right into Trace(number 1) and one of the machines blocking the trail. By this time we were able to flag down the next two machines in enough time to stop any further collisions. In all 5 seriously destroyed snowmobiles and 2 with minor damage, a couple broken bones(mine) and a lot of stiff and sore bodies. I really don't know where peoples minds are when they stop and don't pull off the trail. I liken it to stopping on a street and not pulling over out of the way. The snowmobile industry is getting bigger and bigger every year here in Newfoundland, more people are out and more trails are constructed. I believe that the Snowmobile Federation have a lot of work ahead of them in education and regulation before we can call it a "safe" sport. I know the risk I read the sign "use trails at own risk" but I know it can be safer. We are so lucky, a little to the right or a little to the left I'm sure there could have been someone killed. For all snowmobilers and ATVers out there use your heads and a little common sence, be carefull, ride safe and above all ride sober.

On The Trail

This picture is taken at a branch in the trail near Mount Peyton. I have to really hand it to the Newfoundland Snowmobile Federation this year, the trail conditions have been out of this world. They are well signed and marked and above all groomed to perfection. Every year the snowmobile federation and more importantly the local clubs improve and add in may ways to the trail network and facilities for enjoying the outdoors, I applaud the hard work put on by the many volunteers.