Leaving the Pond 2013

 

 

 

 

The wind outside is howling, the temperature dropping over the day from 23 to 11 degrees as the weather circles to come from the cold north. Autumn approaches as we pack to leave the tranquil life of New Pond and the Blue Charm Inn. Squirrels are scurrying about collecting their winter stash as the last of the salmon make their way up river. Soon the eels will head for Mexico to spawn.

 

It is hard to describe how we will miss the ever changing display of weather, water and sky that have been our constant companions for the last two months. Days of yoga and meditating followed by hours of sculpting and writing and fishing for our supper have blended into each other as we have merged with the pristine wilderness of Newfoundland.

 

The longer we stay the more confidant the wildlife have become with our presence. Nettie has had the grey jays feeding from her hand and the squirrels get cheekier. One full orange ‘harvest’ moon and the next two days we were visited by the Great Horned Owl. What a sight in the moonlight as it perched on a spruce, looked Fran in the eye, then swooped away on majestic wings. No wonder owls are so revered! Mesmerising  to watch the mink take to the water in the misty morning and swim to a far point.

 

The spawning salmon have leapt and frolicked in a constant display of exuberance and the trout have been pink and delicious.

 

Our neighbours here on the pond continue to make us welcome and share their delectable bounty of the wild harvest.

 

Our friend Sandy has come to stay for a few days of fishing, feasting and scrabble.

 

So now we head south like the birds to spend our last month on Long Island, in Selkie house, in the village of Gaultois. It will be a little strange to be back in the world of people but looking forward to a gentle transition in this delightful carless outport of boardwalks, trails and ripening blueberries.

 

 

 

 

Nettie’s outdoor studio

finessing the selkies…

Newfoundland Water Pitcher plant on the bog

blue dragon fly

looking for berries

fire pit seats

scrabble, a beer and a lake…perfect!

supper’s up

aerial shot of New Pond…Blue Charm Inn is on the bottom right before the river flows through to Loon Pond and Mann Pond

summer storm coming

Sedna

singing selkies

harvest moon

Fran fishing in our cove

dawn mists

salmon ring

mink taking off from the shore

mink taking off across da pond

full moon of the night of the Great Horned Owl

Sandy and Nettie on the track to the fen out the back of the cabin

any moose or bear?

dancing woman cloud above the Blue Charm Inn

leaping salmon

squirrels and knickers in the wood pile

getting stores for the winter