Winter Tracks

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Feb. 6, 2015

Just us winter critters, out exploring the fresh snow. Consistent cold temperatures have produced excellent skiing conditions.  Lots of powdery snow atop a hard, crusty base.  I'm in heaven.

Birding: Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Jan. 23, 2015

It's been a while since I've posted here, thought this shot was worthy of jump starting the 'ole blog again.  This is my first sighting of a redpoll, I think I'm in love.  What a cutie!!!

How cold is that ocean?

A zippy and refreshing 14 C.

First time I've had the hood and gloves on this Fall, air temp is colder than the water.

Beach Report - How cold is that ocean?

9 a.m. - A brisk 15/16 C (knee deep) at Hirtle's Beach

How cold is that ocean? Not as cold as last week!

Current ocean temp.: 3.5 C
Air temp.: 10 C

Feet temp. after 2 hours surfing: not cold

Everything's coming up Millhouse!

Blowin'

Gaff Point

Jan. 12, 2014

Winter beach

Hirtle's Beach, NS

Feb. 2, 2014

Scrape, shiver....mutter...

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Nov. 15, 2013

I haven't been taking many pictures lately, here's a typical winter morning scene.  I'm one of the few maniacs looking forward to the snow on Sunday.  Now where did I put my ski boots?........

Lunenburg Bike Barn Cyclocross Race #2 at the MARC

The switchback starts to fill up with early race leaders in the first lap. 

All photos Dec. 1, 2013 @ the M.A.R.C., Dayspring, NS

 Still more room at the top....

Almost full of riders!

I decided to play around with capturing speed blur shots for the rest of the race, here are some of my better results:

Shawn Marshall, race leader for many laps, finished #2.

 Not sure if the smiles were due to the early stage of the race or the fact that the labyrinth/spiral/vortex race feature was gone.

Shane Eno with his eye on the prize.

Jack be nimble....

Glad I lucked out and got two racers in this shot.

Jack be quick....

The aftermath of the race.  Mild temps made for slicker conditions than last week.  I witnessed a couple spills during the race but luckily nothing serious.

Lunenburg Bike Barn Cyclocross Race - Nov. 24th

(all shots from Dayspring, NS, Nov. 24)

Racers gather at the start line while Al and Tobias sort out last minute details. ^_^

Cyclocross, wut?  File under: it's big in Europe, especially....Belgium?  This was my first cyclocross race and it won't be my last.  Cyclocross races typically have many short laps and what seemed like a short race duration.  They also feature technical course sections, forcing racers to slow down as they navigate tight hairpins/switchbacks and other interesting elements like this pinwheel/labyrinth:

Did I mention dismounting?  You heard right, it wouldn't be a *cross race unless riders were forced to get off and push their bikes up steep sections.  The sawpit in the background is usually a soupy mess of sawdust but on this race day it was looking pretty frozen:

Those that managed to ride up the steep section had a slight speed advantage on the exit, which I hope my 'speed blur' attempts convey:

To add insult to injury, there was a stair/step section and this lone obstacle which forced all riders to dismount and carry their bikes.  I was hoping for an epic bunny hop over this one but as far as I could tell, no takers that afternoon:

Riders will return to the MARC next Sunday, Dec. 2nd for another cyclocross race.  The course makes for great viewing as a spectator and by all accounts the racers liked it too.  Even the pinwheel.

See you at the MARC!

The Big Ex: Musik Express

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Colourful ride lit up at night?  Check.
Over sized toy in hand of onlooker?  Check.  
Carnie yelling, "Do you want to go FASTER?!?".  Check.  
Kids full of carnie food on the verge of puking?  Check.  

Just another night at the Ex.

The Big Ex: Ox Pull Spectators

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

A mix of gents taking in the ox pull competition at the 2013 Big Ex.  Mr. Lunenburg County is in this shot, can you spot him? ;-)

The Big Ex: The Truth Hurts (especially if you're dead)

4-H Barn

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

This was one of my favourite 4-H projects on display at this year's Big Ex.  I see that the judges agreed.  

The Big Ex: What are YOU Lookin' At?

The Big Ex Poultry Barn

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Yikes, I didn't recall getting the look I received from this bird at the time.  Looking at it now, I think I'm lucky I didn't get pecked through the cage!  

I love the markings on this bird's plumage.  I wish I had taken a picture of its breed/name.  I'm going to guess it's a Wyandotte.  Feel free to correct me. 

The Big Ex: Planet....something

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

'Nuff said.

Backyard Wrasslin' Ring

Conquerall Mills (?), NS

Oct. 13, 2013

I wish I could have seen this backyard wrasslin ring in its prime.  Now, it's just a rusting, rotting relic.  From what I can tell from the road, the 'floor' looks like it's made of old mattresses.  Heck, it looks like it even has turnbuckles!

I've meant to take a shot of this spot for a while now...it's been there for over 10 years.  This spot always sketches me out.  I rolled up, took a couple quick shots and got the hell out of there. If I'm feeling brave, I might try to get a better shot of it down the road...for now, this will have to do.

Fall foliage sunset

New Cumberland, NS

Oct. 13, 2013

A gorgeous end to a fine Fall day.  That's an old steam powered shingle mill in the distance.

Hirtle's Beach Sunset Gold

Hirtle's Beach

Kingsburg, NS

Oct. 10, 2013

I was looking for waves but all I found was this amazing sunset.  What a rip off! ;-)

The Big Ex: Mr. Lunenburg County

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Lunenburg County's very own big shot, Italy Cross & Middlewood Fire Dept. canteen fries in hand.  If you listen to CKBW birthday announcements, you know this regular caller!

Mack Attack

Riverport, NS

July 27, 2013

One of my better hauls of the summer....reminds me I should hit the wharf again to see if there are any Fall run mackerel around.