Awenda

We went camping last week at Awenda Provincial Park (near Penetanguishene). We had a fair bit of rain, but managed to stay dry (or at least not too wet) thanks to our tarps, screen house and tent. We had a deer walk right by our campsite, but I think the kids were more excited by the butterflies that landed on their shoes.

We went on several day hikes and saw a great big snapping turtle on the trail. I learned about forest progression and Huron longhouses.

We went to the beach in the afternoons. The kids enjoyed playing in the water, and they made some new friends. I even got to do some snorkeling and saw a shipwreck.

We had a campfire most nights, and it was great to roast marshmallows and have smores, even if it resulted in the kids staying up way too late.

Click here to see the rest of the photos from our trip.

Bullfrog Powered

We decided to go green. We have converted from our local utility provider to Bullfrog power. We did it basically because we felt that environmentally it was the right thing to do. We are no longer powered by coal or nuclear energy. Here is some information from the Bullfrog website:

When you buy your electricity from Bullfrog Power, you are ensuring that your electricity dollars are supporting 100% clean, renewable power production instead of nuclear and coal. All of Bullfrog Power's electricity comes from generation facilities, like Sky Generation's wind facility, that have met the Canadian federal government's Environmental Choice Program EcoLogoM standard for renewable power. Our current electricity mix comprises 20% wind power and 80% low-impact hydroelectric power.

Wind power is among the cleanest sources of energy available, producing no emissions that contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gases. EcoLogo-certified low-impact water power must meet a range of environmental criteria including the protection of indigenous species and local habitat, and measures to minimize fish mortality and to preserve fish migration patterns.

All of this means that when you sign up for Bullfrog Power, you're supporting the production of environmentally low-impact electricity that does not produce any smog or greenhouse gas inducing emissions and that helps preserve local habitats. By choosing renewables, you're doing your part for the environment!

GONE BRAZIL

VIVA LA FRANCE

With Brazil's defeat, it looks like any chances at coming from behind to win the company soccer pool are nil. I may have to cheer for France, seeing as they are the team to knock out Brazil. It looks like I will come in about 28th place (out of 35 people). But it was fun to follow the match.

Here's the original post.

A warm Haliburton weekend

We had some nice weather at the Lake last weekend. We went out in the canoe and went swimming a few times. Lorne caught a really big fish (biggest in the Lake), which really made Alex's weekend. The kids really enjoy playing at the cottage, especially walking the dogs.

Happy Birthday Canada

We celebrated Canada's 139th birthday by taking in the local festivities. It was crowded. The kids enjoyed the pony rides and the puppet making. I enjoyed the 1867 artillery displays (no one was spooked by the canons). My daughter made a special Canada Day cake. And in the evening they played with sparklers (under intense adult supervision)