Sarnac Zircon Mine – Where the Lure of Crystals overpowered our Fear of Bears – (temporarily)

IMG_1272, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
The Sarnac Zircon mine was undoubtably one of my stranger “rockhounding experiences in the Bancroft area. The approach was through the bear-ravaged Monmouth County Dump. Tripping down a stinking wave of torn blue garbage bags we wandered along what could only be describesd as a “bear’s highway”, all scat-strewn and gouged [...]

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Something Looming Beneath the Surface

I had recently been corresponding with one of this province’s cavers – James Sled, he has told me of a cave that sounds really promising – a pit on a high ridge in prime caving country. The pit is situated in the bottom of a 15 foot wide depression and beneath a river runs along [...]

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Cave Ice Disappears as Temperate Climates Warm – Another Grim Effect of Global Warming

IMG_6361, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Here is something that we are likely to see less and less of with the accumulation of greenhouse gasses.
Living in a cold climate with somewhat restricted caving opportunities the ice formations are a special treat – though – keeping in mind, the bats hibernate through the winter in many caves and [...]

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Under Webster’s Falls – Waterfalls are Meant to be Seen From Within

IMG_6699, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
In the sci-fi movie, “The Descent”, Webster’s Falls formed the backdrop in one of the scenes. Lava poured over where water now flows. In polar contrast, the real beauty of the falls is revealed in winter when the scree beneath is coated with ice. From above the rubble looks like a [...]

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A Sinister Image at the Edge of the Falls

IMG_6684, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Climbing along the edge of the valley you soon reach the base of the falls. These hooded figures looked a little sinister – something rather grim taking place – but in truth they are just youngsters enjoying the scenery.

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Visitors at Webster’s Falls

IMG_6682, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
The bowl beneath Webster’s Falls – a rather earthy hue with great slabs of fallen rock and vegetative drapery hanging down the cliff walls was made bright and gay by the visit of a large family of Indians. In silk saris the ladies clambered across the rock. By their facial expressions they [...]

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Webster’s Falls – Possibly One of the Most Beautifal Falls Around Hamilton

IMG_6697, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Being interested in the local geology and desirous of a little trip this morning, Maggie, Chester and I headed southwards from our Guelph home toward Hamilton and the famous Webster’s Falls.
I recall my first discovery of this feature some years ago when I had visited the nearby town of Dundas – [...]

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A Tunnel in Belfountain

IMG_5344, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Here is an interesting little spot. I was walking along the tracks through the upper reaches of the credit valley recently and noticed a stream pouring out from beneath.
Going down to investigate I discovered a substantial ribbon of water rushing from an arched tunnel of whirlpool sandstone. There had once been [...]

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Surfing in Tamarindo – Costa Rica

Costa Rica 3 014, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Tamarindo has all the flavor of a frontier town. The roads are alternatly dusty tracks or soggy rivers – depends upon the time you visit. Atv’s, dirtbikes and Vespas are the way to travel.
Everywhere there are surf shops – neon lights at night – rastafarians, dreadlocks – California [...]

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The Melon Pickers

Costa Rica 3 278, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Saw these guys on the way to the Peninsula de Papagayo – Nicaraguan Melon pickers.
In Costa Rica the locals favor the plush jobs – dealing with tourists. The Nicaraguans do the dirty work – construction, farm labour etc. Stopping the van, I introduced myself and shook hands, they [...]

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