6-10-16: Cape Breton Highlands NP, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sad commentary: Last night , because the provincial parks in Nova Scotia didn't open until today, we stayed in a private campground. 4 minutes of shower time cost $1.00. Interestingly, the owner apologized for having pay showers but went on to explain why. He said that during the first couple of years that he owned the park, kids would go into the showers, turn on the hot water full blast, then leave and lock the doors. The hot water heaters would burn up once the 80 gallon tanks were empty and after having to replace 3 or 4 of those very expensive hot water heaters he put in the pay showers.
Wildlife cascade: Where did the trees go? Spruce budworm infestations are part of the natural cycle of the boreal forest. An outbreak in the 1970s removed 90% of forest cover in many areas. New growth of young trees and shrubs provided the perfect food for moose. With no major natural predator or disease in Cape Breton, the population grew to more than four times the amount a healthy balanced forest can typically support. Since then, there has been little or no regeneration of the boreal forest. Grasslands have taken over, changing the landscape of this beautiful park and putting species at risk.
6-10-16: Today was another 150 mile travel day and the morning and early afternoon were again rainy, windy, foggy and cold (42 degrees). By mid-afternoon the sun decided to make an appearance and we did get several hours of hiking accomplished and territory explored for our full day tomorrow out and about in this supposed birding hotspot. Stay tuned, please.
I'm currently sitting outside the closed Visitor Center in 39 degree temperature as this is the only spot in the campground with internet coverage.
Eastern Cottontail
These rabbits are a little darker this far north.
At the entrance to all of the hiking trails
Female Downy Woodpecker
North America's smallest but most widespread woodpecker
We're always on the alert
The Cape's "highway"
And its beautiful coastline
This is the "swimming beach" if one is brave enough to enter the frigid waters
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Hunting for insects in the branches
Success!
Female Hairy Woodpecker
Bathroom Signs
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