Animals Who Steal the Scene: Part Two

Reptiles from Around the World: 

Iguana Hold Your Hand.

I was admiring the odd spotted bark on an ancient tree in  Bermuda when one of the spots moved.  The little guy above was curious and beautiful, and stayed still long enough for me to take his photo before he slithered away.

 He was an anonymous reptile, but in Fiji I met one with a reputation. 

His name is Hector and he’s a rare Crested Fijian Iguana found on the island of Malolo in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. He was rescued by the people who work at Likuliku Lagoon Resort on the island and he has attained instant celebrity. Guests spend more time visiting Hector than they do the Spa.  He’s one of a highly endangered species, and he seems to know he’s important. He’ll pose, with attitude, for photographs, and there are many guests who track his exploits on face book. He’s probably the most famous iguana in the South Pacific.

 And here's another Fijian iguana, from the nature reserve in Fiji.  This British tourist was a bit nervous about letting him climb on his shoulder.

This next one is a resident of Kaua'i and he was artful enough to pose on a flower of bright red, his exact complimentary colour.  Obviously an experienced poser.

And this fellow with the black tongue lives at the aquarium in Napier, on the South Island in New Zealand.

These little guys may be cold blooded, but they sure have a lot of character, and they seem to love the camera.
Keep an eye out for them on your travels.
Next post - It's A Cat's World!

Animals Who Steal The Scene: Part One

Animals Around The World

The cow above was one of the prettiest cows I have ever met - She had big liquid brown eyes, soft brown and cream coloured ears and a deep musical moo. Around her neck was a bell, and we had been hearing its noise for the last ten minutes of our climb to the top of one of Austria's lovely mountains.  We turned a twist in the trail and there she was, with her cow friends, eating grass, soaking up the warm alpine sun and just generally being bovine.  She is one of my best memories from that climbing expedition to the Austrian Alps.

Which is not to say that I didn't love the scenery, the people I met, the Alpine culinary specialties, the art - all good, but that sweet cow made an impression.  She was a part of the experience.
Listen to her and her friends and see if you don't agree.

Many of the animals I have encountered on my travels have made their impression.  I will never forget the little kitten I found in the souk in Casablanca.  He was so tiny and skinny, and one of his eyes was missing.  He had either been in a fight, or had lost it to infection, but he was obviously sickly and weak.  He was shaking.

The souk was awash in what were probably feral cats, and this one little guy probably had no chance of survival. 

 I couldn't rescue him - I was returning to a ship where I would never get past the security check with a kitten. The poor helpless thing was doomed.  I often think of him.

On Fiji I found two lovely doggies who were having a quiet snooze under the trees on a day that was scorching hot.  They seemed totally comfortable.

 In the desert in Israel I met Rhonda, a rather bad tempered camel with awful teeth but lots of character -

And just outside Quebec City, I met these two handsome gentlemen who pulled my snow sled, and were much more attractive from this angle -

Than from this one.

 Just a few of the memorable creatures I've met on my journeys.  More to come!

Follow The North Star To Freedom

For many slaves fleeing a life of endenturement in the United States, Canada represented freedom. It was the shining Northern star at the end of the Underground Railroad, the secret network of helpers and hiding places that aided runaway slaves on their journey.

Niagara Bound Tours is a tour company that custom designs tours that will explore the history and heritage of Black immigaration in Niagara, with particular emphasis on the slaves who arrived here as a result of their journey along the Underground Railroad.
The tour features several places of interest, including Hariet Tubman's church, the crossing sites of freedom seekers on both sides of the border including the Canadian site of for the crossing of Josiah Henson (Uncle Tom’s Cabin character), and the Welland Canal Centre – home of the permanent Black history exhibit.
Tours can be individual or in groups. The customized tours include a step on guide who is a direct descendant (fifth generation) of a freedom seeker from Kentucky who came to Canada in 1850 settling in the Niagara Region. Recently added are tours of the Buffalo-Niagara Underground Railroad tours as well.
NIAGARA BOUND TOURS
87 Masterson Drive
St. Catharines, ON L2T 3P8
905-685-5375
www.niagaraboundtours.com

A Margarita by the Falls? Why not?

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Niagara

Seems so out of season, but sometimes doing the opposite of what is expected has a frisson all of its own.
One of the newest additions to the dining/nightlife scene in Niagara Falls is Margaritaville, one of a chain of Jimmy Buffet's establishments that have honed the art of casual entertainment to a high gloss.
This attractive bar and restauarant has a great patio that shines in good weather, but the view is pretty good from inside, too. And the margaritas are guarranteed to be great. Food is the usual pub grub, tasty and plentiful.
Plus every Wednesday night is Beach Night, so you can wear your flip-flops and pretend.

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Niagara

It's a nice place to stop in for a drink and nibbles, or for a casual meal. Situated so close to the Falls, it is easy to walk to any of the attractions.

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Niagara

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Niagara Falls
6300 Fallsview Blvd.
Niagara Falls, ON
Phone: 905-354-1245
info@margaritaville.ca
www.margaritavilleniagara.ca

Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom

It may be cool and rainy outside as Fall sets in, but inside the Bird Kingdom, the atmosphere is warm and steamy, and the birds are happy to see you.
This family friendly attraction located near the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls is the perfect place when the family wants an outing and the weather is iffy. Even in good weather, the Bird Kingdom is a pleasure.

(Photo Courtesy of The Bird Kingdom)
It's the world's largest free-flying aviary with hundreds of exotic birds in a climate controlled jungle atmosphere, filled with bird song. Visitors can feed the birds and even hold them, with the help of a trainer.

(Photo courtesy of Bird Kingdom)
There's an historic hand carved Javanese Tea Room as well as a good gift shop.
Why not let everything go to the birds and spend a few hours with our feathered friends? It is fun, educational and good for the soul. Studies say that time spent with nature lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and increases positive emotions.
5651 River RoadNiagara Falls, OntarioL2E 7M7Toll Free: 1-866-994-0090Phone: 905-356-8888

www.birdkingdom.ca

Canada's Bloodiest Battlefield

Old Fort Erie is a place that is of particular appeal right now, as Canada and America prepare to celebrate 200 years of peace, and to mark the end of the War of 1812.

The original Fort Erie was built by the British in 1764, and was improved into the Fort you can visit today in 1805-1807. Over the next seven years, the fort was fought over by both American and British troops, changing hands and being partially destroyed. It was witness to brutal combat that resulted in huge losses on both sides.
Old Fort Erie was the first fort built in Ontario by the British - in 1764 during Pontiac’s Rebellion. The fort was abandoned by American troops in 1814, and subsequently occupied by Britisth troups after the Treaty of Ghent brought an end to the War of 1812. The fort lay in ruins for years, until the Niagara Parks had it rebuilt as a make work project during the Great Depression in 1939. Fort Erie remains Canada's bloodiest battlefield, and stands today as a brilliant and authentic replica of military and domestic life as it was lived in Canada from 1812 to about 1814.

The fort is a truly fascinating place to visit, both entertaining and informative. There are tours of the grounds and the buildings, weekly 'ghost tours', battle recreations, and costumed guides. A perfect destintion for a family outing.
If you are interested in a bit of a fright, consider the following special events at the Fort:
Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie: September 10 & 11 at 7pm
Experience a murder most foul in the creepy interior of the old stone fort. A different story each night - Friday: "Militia Muster" Saturday: "Wedding in the Fort". Exciting prizes to be won! Adults 13+ $10 per night or $15 for both; Children 6-12 $5 per night or $8 for both. Tours will depart from the front gate of the Fort. Please call for reservations 905-871-7211.

Horseplay on the Beach

Spend the day Horsin' Around!

(Photo Courtesy of Horseplay Niagara)
As another long hot summer weekend - possibly one of the last of the season- approaches, here's an idea of something different to do. Why not take a horseback ride through a cool forest trail or along the beach, maybe with your lover, friend, mate, even your kids? And this is an adventure you can take in any season - it operates all year, with special winter rides that have their own unique charm.
Horseplay Niagara runs trail rides through scenic forests and along the beaches of Lake Erie. There are over 300 acres of trails, and Horseplay Niagara will tailor the ride to fit the riding abilities of the clients. Children as young as 6 can enjoy this experience.

(Photo courtesy of Horseplay Niagara)
There are several types of rides available , including cookouts and sunset rides, and rides can last from one hour to half a day.

(Photo courtesy of Horseplay Niagara)
Horseplay Niagara is only a 30 minute drive from Niagara Falls. So, grab your gear, haul out your cowboy hat, saddle up, and enjoy the outdoors on horseback!