The quiet August nights with the glass lake and distant loons is probably the most relaxing thing to me.
Anyone who has been to the Whiteshell probably also knows about the ancient history as well.
In several areas of the Whiteshell, petrofroms like this can be seen. The meaning of the petroforms is uncertain, They are often in the form of animals, such as this turtle. Many of the earlier ones are thousands of years old, but some depict things from Post-Columbian times, such as one that shows a man on a horse, something that was only seen after European contact, when horses were brought to the Americas.
Aside from real scenes and creatures, some also depict things sacred to the First Nations of the area. This one is my favourite petroform, and it depicts the Thunderbird.
The bare granite rock creates nice basking spots for snakes, and the petroforms offer shelter. I have actually found this exact same snake in the exact same spot in subsequent years, identifiable by the large scar on his head. I had no idea Red-sided Garter Snakes went to the same spot every year.
Grey Jays are ever present on the petroform site, as the regular visitors often bring food with them, and the bold birds are not beyond asking for a peanut or too. I tossed a handful in front of me and took pics while the jays hopped about me. They take the nuts and then store them, so they can have a food source to endure the long harsh Manitoba winter. They have excellent memories and can remember caches several years later.
Red Squirrels like handouts too, as did the resident Blue Jays at the cabin. On one evening at around 10 pm, when it was pitch black I noticed a squirrel eating peanuts on our deck, illuminated from the lights inside. I wondered what a Red Squirrel was doing up so late, as they're diurnal. When I went outside said squirrel glided to the tree next to the cabin. It glided! I knew what it was right away--a Northern Flying Squirrel! Unfortunately it was too dark for a picture, and the squirrel was too fast, but it was a thrilling experience!
The next morning my dad and I woke up early and went fishing. It was gorgeous out, as the lake was misty, and dead calm.
This is still one of my favourite photos.
Granite cliffs, rocks and escarpments are a defining feature of the Canadian Shield, and there is many spectacular views in the Whiteshell with them. These are often covered in lichen and juniper, as well as cactus, some grasses and jack pines, which thrive on the bare rock.
Hiking up these rocks was fun, the view was great!
Boreal Chickadees were around, and I spotted some on the rocks.
Fireweed is also a common plant that grows in this area.
Least Chipmunks were also common on the rocks. In Manitoba we have two chipmunk species; the larger and more common Eastern Chipmunk, and the smaller Least Chipmunk. Least Chipmunks like drier areas, such as the rock faces. These ones were eating juniper berries.
Ravens are also common here, as they are over most of the province. Adaptable and smart, they can live pretty much anywhere.
The next day we packed up and headed home. On the way back we stopped for a hike at Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary. This is a nice hike, but unfortunately the high rick of forest fires from dryness meant we couldn't go far. Nonetheless I was able to take some pictures!
The small lake is always filled with water lillies, providing shelter for fish and frogs.
There were lots of flowers on land as well, such as Black-eyed Susans (top) and Daisies (bottom). Both are common wildflowers here.
And of course, the Goose Sanctuary has Canada Geese! There are loads of them here! The lake provides a breeding and staging ground for the largest subspecies of Canada Goose, which is fairly uncommon (hard to believe, I know). On subsequent trips other animals would be seen, but the closed trail only offered minimal views this time.
After the hike, we headed home, and unpacked. It was a great trip and it is one that I won't soon forget!
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