TRILLIUM TWINS

One of my favourite signs of spring is when the trilliums appear. I intended only to photograph a single flower, however after getting into position I noticed how the second flower dovetailed nicely with the first, and was pleased with this result. The floral emblem of Ontario, trilliums are white at first, then turn pink when they wilt.

MISKODEED

An Ojibwa tale tells of the encounter between two men, the elder Peboan and the younger Seegwun who visits him, where overnight they compare their influences on the landscape. By sunrise the old man melts away, his true nature revealed as Old Man Winter to his guest, the Spirit of Spring, leaving behind in his place, Miskodeed.
[Thanks to fellow blogger Susan Oling, for contributing her photo.]

During my ramblings through the woods today I came across several patches of Spring Beauty, and was reminded of the tale, the Ojibwa calling this wildflower Miskodeed. The name of the young character from this story, Seegwun, the Spirit of Spring, is also the source of the name and meaning that's attributed to the Muskoka steamship.

TOBIN THERE, DONE THAT

This afternoon I kayaked around the perimeter of Tobin Island, the largest island on Lake Rosseau, which took me over five hours as I explored every inlet and bay along the way. It was a beautiful sunny day after freezing temperatures overnight, that created clusters of icicle formations at the shore that resembled candles being dipped.

LIKE A LION

The verdict remains undecided if March went out like the proverbial lion, with its sudden snowfall yesterday, or not, by all melting today. Another debate is whether the edge of this rock formation looks like the profile of a lion's head, its mane starting with the trees or if you include more of the rock, resembles a sea lion with its head lowered?
[Thanks to Captain Randy Potts of Sunset Cruises for this trivia tip.]

CHILLAKING

Chillaking is a term that I've invented to describe the combination of kayaking in near freezing temperatures. With the ice out earlier this year I've been taking advantage of most pleasant days to get out and experience the lakes in a new light, sometimes with fresh snow still lingering on the ground, enhancing the scenery of the area and trip.