maherrv

Biochar

Posted on October 29, 2023 by maherrv

A few years ago, Alex Cole of Little Foot Yurts would visit us in the Fall (see post, Coppicing and Charcoal-Making).

He would make Biochar, using an old dairy condenser on Andrew’s property across the road.
(image by K.salo.85 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

One of the participants was Rick Ketcheson from Annapolis Royal.

Today Rick and Kathy invited us to attend a Biochar event on their property in Perotte. It was a beautiful day to be outside making Biochar.

Afterwards, we came home via the old military road to West Dalhousie. We did not see a soul. Even the campground at Gibsons Lake was deserted. Along the road the tamarack foliage was simply spectacular.

The previous day, we had been to Annapolis Royal for a medical appointment. Afterwards, at about the same time (3 pm) we went over to Parker’s Cove to take the coastal road to Hampton The same late afternoon light highlighted the striking colours of the foliage on North Mountain.

This evening, I checked my book shelves, I found Sacred Soil: Biochar and the Regeneration of the Earth, dated 2017.

(see post Overstory)

Acknowledgements

To Rick and Kathy Ketcheson for inviting us to the hands-on demo at Perotte. Rekindling our interest in Biochar. Edward Wedler continues to make a significant contribution to these blogs. He searches the web and finds interesting connections. This week, he heads down to Florida, as a snow bird. We will try to maintain the connection. Heather travelled the same road with me.

References

Robert Tindall, Frederique Apffel-Marglin and David Shearer, 2017, Sacred Soil: Biochar and the Regeneration of the Earth, North Atlantic Books.

biographical sketch

Experiment

Posted on October 26, 2023 by maherrv

Years ago, I had called my blog Ernest Blair Experiment. Ernest for Ernest Buckler. Blair for Eric Blair aka George Orwell. Now I am conducting an experiment (see also an early post We Are All Geographers).

In order to understand the changes in GIS technology, I asked David Maclean if I could sit in on his Fundamentals of GIS (FunGIS) class, offered at 8:30 am on Wednesday mornings — not to become proficient in the latest technology but rather to appreciate the learning environment. The session this morning introduced me to some of the new materials from ESRI. For example, Briefings – how – to – info.

My plan is to attend every Wednesday morning class. Today, there were eighteen students; each working with two computer screens.

My intention is not to disturb the learning process. Instead to understand the technology, and how it can be applied to current geographic problems in society.

My hope is to attend COGS on a regular basis, on Wednesdays, attend the FunGIS class and watch the learning process with my new cohorts.

In my mind, this is an experiment. Can a retired faculty member/educator still make a contribution across the generations?

From the Reader, Community Spaghetti Dinner at COGS Thursday, October 26 5-6:30 pm. Adults $10.

Acknowledgements

Thank you, David Maclean for facilitating my experiment / learning opportunity. From Jennifer at the COGS Bookstore, I learned that there is a knitting session at the cafeteria on Wednesday at 11:30 am. Heather has gone to check it out today.

Reference

Briefings in ArcGIS StoryMaps.

POSTSCRIPT

Here is an entertaining read of COGS’ First Semester Overview Fundamentals of GIS for non-Geomatics Grads by Liam Gowan, as posted with ESRI Canada Centres of Excellence.

Made It, HOME

Posted on October 23, 2023 by maherrv

We were away for a week. Two days driving each way from Paradise to Peterborough. Three days in Peterborough, enjoying activities with grandchildren, Fraser and Logan. Total distance travelled 3878 kilometers.

While in Peterborough, we watched speed skating practice and training for soccer. We managed to find time to visit By the Books, Thoughtfully curated used books on Water Street.

I found Peterborough, Land of Shining Waters, a centennial volume published by the City and County of Peterborough 1967. Also, The Wilderness Companion. Reflections for the Back-Country Traveler.

From the Preface:
”Sigurd Olsen once wrote that a long standing habit of his canoe trips was to take little scraps of paper on which he’d copied brief passages taken from writings of poets, saints and other spiritual seekers. He would gather these bits of prose and poetry in what he called his ‘medicine bag’ and now and then, while he was in the canoe he’d pick one out, put it on the pack in front of him, anchor with a stone, and slowly read it.” P4.

Heather found three books:
Taming the Ox
Zen Lessons: the Art of Leadership
Daily OM

What were the highlights of the trip ?

We visited the British store, outside of Peterborough. I picked up winter supplies of Branston pickle. The other highlight, we picked up our Swift canoe to bring it home to Nova Scotia.

In terms of travel, we enjoyed our best night at the Quality Inn in Levis on the way home. We also enjoyed the fabulous colours, as we followed Highway 20E through Quebec province.

The greatest challenge was the final day of driving. Levis- Rivière de Loup- Fredericton – Moncton – Amherst – Truro – Paradise.

Mistakenly, at the end of the last day, we took the route through the Rawdon Hills.

Map Carta link https://mapcarta.com/24580910

The roads were dark, and it started to rain. We took our time and thankfully arrived safely, with the canoe.

PS. Peterborough is certainly ‘Canoe Country’.

Acknowledgements

Patrick, Emily and the boys looked after us well for the three rest days in Peterborough. Patrick gave the driver, a rest after two days on the road. Heather shared the journey. Edward added the links and graphics.

References

Peterborough: Land of Shining Waters, 1967, An Anthology. U of T Press.

David Backes,1999, The Wilderness Companion: Reflections for the Back-Country Traveller, NorthWord Press.

Madisyn Taylor, 2008, Daily OM: Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day, Hay House.

Zen Lessons, 2004, The Art of Leadership, Translated by T. Cleary, Shambhala Classics

Charles Johnson, 2014, Taming the Ox: Buddhist Stories and Reflections on Politics, Race, Culture and Spiritual Practice, Shambhala Publications

biographical sketch

Screening / Road Trip

Posted on October 17, 2023 by maherrv

Saturday night, we attended the screening of ‘In the Quiet and the Dark, Saving the Eastern Hemlock’ at Kings Theatre in Annapolis Royal,

“ The documentary by local film maker (Tupperville), Nance Ackerman follows the passionate people to save Eastern Hemlock from an invasive tree-dwelling insect (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid) in hopes of preventing ecological catastrophe. Film-goers were also treated to a screening of Tim Wilson’s short documentary Old Growth, before the main feature and to a Panel Discussion featuring Nance Ackerman, Donna Crossland, Sally Steele, Lorne Julien and Nina Newington. “

Both documentaries were beautiful works of art, featuring local concerned , environmental citizens. The screening raised a number of questions.

As a Geographer, I had questions on the distribution of Eastern Hemlock in Nova Scotia and beyond. I wanted to see maps of existing stands, the distribution of both healthy and damaged stands. What is the forest matrix within which the Hemlock stands exist? I recognize that this information on the forest matrix raises many additional concerns.

It was an excellent artistic, community event. With high attendance, and many salient questions from the audience.

Before the showing, we had decided to take a road trip to Peterborough, Ontario to visit family. Hence, on early Sunday morning, it was time to ‘get out of Dodge’. We spent a good twelve hours on the highway. And made it to Levis, PQ, just east of Quebec City. Our objectives were simple:

a) can we still make long-distance drives across the country?
b) how will the ‘new-to-us’ Honda HRV perform ?

The answers: Yes and Well.

The next day, we arrived in Peterborough. The weather and the forest colours were stunning. As usual, we were shocked by the road traffic on Highway 20 West and Highway 401. Montreal proved challenging, even on Monday morning.

Acknowledgements

John Wightman joined us for the Kings Theatre screening. We were thankful for the welcome in Peterborough from Patrick, Emily, Fraser and Logan. We plan to return home, next weekend.

Reference

SOOF Newsletter, Sunday, October 15, 2023 (see post SOOF presentation)

Book Review

Canadian Magazines

Posted on October 8, 2023 by maherrv

We are in New Glasgow for Thanksgiving weekend. This is an opportunity to catch up with the Fall magazines. From Saltscapes (October/ November 2023 ), I find In Praise of Books (and the people who sell them). One of the feature stores is Endless Shores Books in Bridgetown and Jennifer Crouse. Last week , Jennifer was recommending to Heather ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ by Madeline Martin.

“The Last Bookshop in London is an irresistible tale which shows the transformative power of literacy, reminding us of the hope and sanctuary our neighbourhood bookstores offer during the perilous trials of war and unrest”, Kim Michele Richardson.

In the same issue of Saltscapes (p.28-33), Written in Rock, Table
Point Newfoundland records a prehistoric moment. This brought back memories of Gros Morne National Park, Western Brook Pond and the Serpentine Tableland.

The second magazine, Canadian Geographic (September/October 2023) is full of interesting articles. Here I will select Opoyastin’s Wolves of the Big Wind ( p.78-85).

An early morning encounter. With the first rays of sun warming their fur, members of the pack rose one by one to stretch. (Photo: Christoph Jansen) (Canadian Geographic)

”What makes Churchill Wild’s Wolf program unique is the interpretative approach to citizen science, the program pairs traditional field work with indigenous oral history”, p.83.

This reminded Heather of her time spent at Wapusk National Park.

Since my previous blog post, I have had the time to finish Graham Greene’s A Burnt-Out Case. To fully appreciate the book I had to remind myself about Graham Greene’s life. The simple solution was to use Google. Greene was born in 1904; died in 1991. He was a sub-editor of The Times. In 1926, he had been received into the Roman Catholic church. In 1940 he became literary editor of the Spectator. The next year, he undertook work for the Foreign Office and was sent to Sierra Leone in 1941-43. All of these ‘life experiences’ are captured in A Burnt-Out Case.

I found this short book, deeply moving, as the main character is defined as a ‘burnt-out case’ – a mental leper through whom the disease has run its course.’

I will swap this book with Heather for ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ A novel of World War II.

References

Madeline Martin, 2021, The Last Bookshop in London, Hanover Square Press.
Graham Greene, A Burnt-Out Case, Penguin Books.
Saltscapes, October/November 2023.
Canadian Geographic, September/ October 2023.

Acknowledgements

Jennifer Crouse passed ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ to Heather. John Stewart provided access to both Saltscapes and Canadian Geographic magazines. I found the Graham Greene book in the recycled bin at the Annapolis Royal library. Edward added the artwork and links. Edward and Anne were previous owners of The Inside Story bookstore in Greenwood, NS.

Uncategorized

Brown and Greene

Posted on October 5, 2023 by maherrv

This Fall, we have been in the habit of stopping at the Brown Dog Kitchen when we visit Annapolis Royal.

Besides coffee, we can be tempted to pick up a savoury pie or the curry of the day. The cafe is in the same building as the Library.

This week, at the kitchen, I picked up a brochure on Meguma Canoe.

They provide rentals for trips on the Annapolis River. Later, I learned that Don MacLean at COGS is the person behind the new venture. The brochure includes a map showing the routes on the Annapolis River between Nictaux and Hebbs Landing.

At the Annapolis Royal library there are used books for sale.

I picked up Graham Greene, A Burnt-out Case; a Penguin book, first published in 1960. Time for a book review.

From the back cover, Raymond Mortimer, Sunday Times:
”I do not think that he has ever written anything more persuasive, more deeply-felt or more powerful.”

”In a despairing fling to have done with the world and women and fame a well-known architect buries himself at an isolated leper colony in the Belgian Congo. He is recognizable, by his mutilated mind, as a ‘burnt-out case’ – a mental leper through whom the disease has run its course.

In his relations with his native servant, with the colony’s doctor, and its Catholic fathers, Querry discovers a sort of sunset peace. But the outside world is tragically incapable of leaving the story there.”

This week, as part of Plannapolis, there are a series of community meetings.

Looks like, I will attend the session at the Lawrencetown Fire Department, Monday, October 16, 6-9 pm.

Stantec and municipal staff will be presenting the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use bylaw for public input. (see posts 2022 “Lawrencetown Event“, “A Vision for the Annapolis Region“, “Home Place“)

Will they be addressing no spraying of Glyphosate in Annapolis County? (see posts “A Green Future?“, “Habitat Destruction“, and “Citizen Celebration in Burlington“)

Acknowledgements

Edward has returned from Cape Breton.

References

Graham Greene, 1960, A Burnt-Out Case, Penguin Books.

Meguma Canoe. explore@megumacanoe.com or megumacanoe.com

biographical sketch

Photo Album

Posted on October 3, 2023 by maherrv

This blog post complements ‘ Hidden Treasures’. Neither Heather or myself are very confident taking and sharing photographs with our cell phone. Viram provided us with photos from his visit.

Old Meadonians and wives
Heather and Mira
Annapolis Valley
Enjoying
Selfie at Ashram
The Ashram

On Wednesday, we attended Deb McBean’s presentation on cellphones at CORAH (Centre of Rural Aging and Health), NSCC Middleton (see earlier CORAH post). There were about thirty attendees, mainly retired citizens. The presentation covered the language of cell phones. There are a series of smaller, hands-on working groups scheduled for both Apple and Android phones.

Jennifer Westman announced that there will be new CORAH programs at the NSCC campuses in Port Hawkesbury and Shelburne (https://nscc.ca/corah).

On Thursday, we went to Kejimkujik National Park to walk the Peter Point trail. When we returned home, we discovered no Bell Aliant service. For two days, we were without telephone (land line), TV or Internet. There was a technical problem in the Bridgetown- Lawrencetown geographic area.

This serves to illustrate a problem in rural Nova Scotia. Not only do we need reliable infrastructure, we also need access to the technology for an aging population, and access to practical, hands-on problem solving. If we do not address this inter-generational issue, then we lose access to a significant community human resource. CORAH is but one small step towards inter-generational education.

Acknowledgements

Viram provided the photographs. Edward brought his graphics skills to the table. Heather walked the same trail.

References

CORAH at NSCC. https://nscc.ca/corah

biographical sketch

Hidden Treasures

Posted on September 26, 2023 by maherrv

One of the delights, when you have visitors from afar, is to discover hidden treasures in your home landscape. This week, with Viram’s visit, I discovered two treasures.

First, Dhiren was interested in golf. This resulted in a visit to Eden Golf and Country Club in Paradise. I had driven by, many times, but never stopped to enquire about the facilities, green fees etc. A delightful spot that can be appreciated, even by a non- golfer.

The second treasure was the Arunachala Ashrama in Clarence. Again, many times, I have driven by, on my way to Bridgetown. This time, I stopped; the door was open. We returned with Viram, Mira, Dhiren and Bharti later in the afternoon.

From the brochure:

Nova Scotia Ashrama. Amidst the gently rolling hills and quiet rural surroundings of the Annapolis Valley, an intense life of prayer and meditation is practiced by a few residents of the Nova Scotia Canada Arunachala Ashrama. A temple ‘Sri Arunachala Ramana Mandiram’ was inaugurated in 1975.”

” Happiness is inherent in human beings and is not due to external causes. You must realize your SELF in order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.”

During Viram’s group visit, besides enjoying vegan meals at the Air B & B in Cottage Cove, we had the opportunity to enjoy Germanic food at both the Edelweiss Inn, on the Mount Hanley road, and the German Bakery in Annapolis Royal.

Postscript

The best view of the Valley is from the lookout in Valley View Park. You can look down on the mosaic of fields, pick out the Annapolis River, and Hwy #101 going up over South Mountain to Annapolis Royal. Awesome !

Edward was away this week.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Viram, Mira, Dhiren and Bharti for opening our eyes to the hidden treasures. Darlene for information on the Ashrama. Heather for companionship and support.

References

Arunachala Ashrama. Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi Center

Nova-Scotia@ashramana.org

Eden Golf and Country Club edengolf.ca

biographical sketch

For Viram

Posted on September 21, 2023 by maherrv

This weekend, Viram Jasani is coming to Paradise. Viram and I shared the common experience of Chiswick Grammar School for Boys (1956-63).

Viram describes the experience in his memoir (Independence to Freedom, Chapter 6). Our paths have crossed a few times in the subsequent sixty years.

Both of us have shared a common interest in Geography. Both of us were influenced by Hank Williams, the geography teacher at Chiswick. Besides visiting ‘East of Eden’ what has rural Nova Scotia to offer?

Here is my top-of-mind list. We enjoy the landscape and will enjoy the ability to step from the Valley, go over the mountain ( North or South) to arrive on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Viram and family have found an Air B & B in Cottage Cove. Our first stop will likely be the Edelweiss Inn on the Mount Hanley road.

Given Viram’s cultural background, I thought it would be fun (for me) to check out the local Indian restaurants. I found that there is an Indian Take-Out in Bridgetown — The Indian Masala House. I noticed too that The Brown Dog Kitchen in Annapolis Royal offers Indian Take-Out too. For more Nova Scotian fare, there is The Crow’s Nest in Hillsburn, or we could head up the Valley, to check out the wineries. In the few days available, we may not get beyond the borders of Annapolis County.

Postscript

In preparation for Winter, we had a delivery of two cords of firewood from M & M Firewood in Bridgetown. This will be back-up for the residual in the woodshed from last year.

I have managed to finish Frederic Gros’ A Philosophy of Walking.

”We do not belong to those who have ideas only among books, when stimulated by books. It is our habit to think outdoors – walking, leaping, climbing, dancing, preferably on lonely mountains or near the sea where even the trails become thoughtful.”

On another book, Friedrich Nietzsche’s The Gay Science —
Besides Nietzsche, the book introduces the thoughts of Rimbaud, Rousseau, Nerval, Thoreau, Gandhi, Kierkegaard, Kant and Holderlin.

Acknowledgements

Heather shares our home and the walking in Paradise. Edward has a talent for online graphics. Viram will make us see the landscape through fresh eyes.

References

Viram Jasani, 2023, Independence to Freedom, Austin Macauley Publishers.
Frederic Gros, 2023, A Philosophy of Walking, 2nd edition, Verso.

Event Review

GoGeomatics Canada and COGS

Posted on September 18, 2023 by maherrv

It’s Saturday (Sept. 16) no power, no Internet in Paradise because of post-tropical storm Lee. ( Power back at 1 pm)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend two GoGeomatics sponsored events.
1) Third annual GoGeomatics COGS Industry and Career panel.
2) GoGeomatics Back to School Social at Lunn’s Mill.

First, I want to acknowledge the contribution of Jonathan Murphy and Ted MacKinnon, both graduates of the Applied Geomatics Research program in the early 2000’s. Jon went to Ottawa and has established GoGeomatics Canada. Ted has been working for Natural Resources Canada, and supports GANS in Nova Scotia.

The first event was a panel in the afternoon, in the AV Room at COGS, Lawrencetown to answer student questions about career opportunities and the state of the industry.

David Maclean organized and hosted the technology so that students could ask questions and participate online.

The panelists

Tim Webster, colleague at AGRG, described the types of technology and applications for their research in Middleton.

Various forms of remote sensing, LiDAR applied to modeling the impact of of sea-level rise and storm surges.

Nicole Caissie, a graduate from UNB Survey Engineering, and now with Eagle Engineering described her experiences since graduation.

Jonathan Murphy, explained the role of GoGeomatics in assisting Geomatics graduates find employment in Canada, and beyond.

Examples of his efforts include forthcoming GeoIgnite Western Canada Career Fair in Calgary, November 7-8th and their online magazine and job listings.

Ted MacKinnon gave an inside look into the application of Geomatics technology in the federal government, in the region, and specifically at Natural Resources Canada.

Finally, Simeon Roberts, Executive Director Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors, private consultant and ex-faculty at COGS explained the options for COGS graduates seeking professional surveying qualifications.

From the number of COGS students, and the types of question, I would judge it to be a useful panel. Afterwards, conversations were continued at Lunn’s Mill. This was convenient, since later, I could walk home along Highway #201 to Paradise.

David MacLean provided some current enrolment numbers on programs at COGS ( in person, and online).

Remote Sensing 9
Geospatial Data Analytics (GDA) 14
GIS 19 in person; 23 online
Marine Geomatics 6
Cartography 16+
GIS Tech High single digits
Many in Programming; lots in Surveying.

From my conversation with students, it seems that the new wing at the front of the building is being used as a residence, housing thirty plus (30+) students.

Outstanding Questions/ Observations

It would be extremely helpful to understand the exact number for each program, divided according to in-person and online. What level of interaction exists between in-person and online in each program? What level of technical support is offered to online students?

A second key question concerns projects with industry/external agencies. Traditionally (from my historic perspective) students would undertake a co-operative project with an industry, government or not-for-profit group. What infrastructure/support exists to manage these capstone projects? They are both learning opportunities, and they present challenges for the college administration. This would be particularly true, for off campus students.

An auxiliary question. What are the specific benefits of being in a particular ‘place’, namely rural Nova Scotia (Annapolis County)?

In ‘my day’ we would argue the benefits of studying in a rural part of Canada, to allow intensive learning about new technologies. Is that still true?

My Day : 1980-2011.

Acknowledgements.

I appreciate the contribution of the panelists. The coordination of David MacLean. Jonathan Murphy and the sponsorship from GoGeomatics Canada.

Postscript

Just stepped out for a coffee and a locally-made sausage roll at the Bees Knees in Lawrencetown. Another find, within walking distance of the house. Could become a new habit !

Earlier in the week, I met with Debby and Rocky Hebb for breakfast. Deb handed me, College of Geographic Sciences, Memories 1991. I will share with John Wightman over a beer.