Ernest Blair Experiment

Between 1963-66, I was an undergraduate at the University of Birmingham, UK.

For two Summers, I came to Canada to work at the McGill SubArctic Research Lab, in Schefferville, PQ. I was a field assistant to graduate students working on the Canadian Shield. The research involved digging soil pits and undertaking till fabric analysis.

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This Monday evening, after being saturated by the CBC coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration, we decided it was time to find out more about David Bowlby,

The AGM meeting was 6:30 pm, at the NSCC Middleton campus.

I had always enjoyed his writing. Time for a re-read.

Later this week, I shall drop by the PC office to learn more about the current government plans for Annapolis County. In particular, I am interested in the use of modern mapping technology (at COGS and AGRG) and its application to resource management in the county (agriculture, forestry, fisheries and mining).

Acknowledgements

Heather joined me at the AGM for the Annapolis County PC party.

Edward added the graphics and links.

Reference

Harold Horwood, 1972, White Eskimo: A novel of Labrador, Doubleday Canada.

From my growler of Brickyard Red beer, purchased at Lunn’s Mill:

“In 1760, this beautiful part of the Annapolis Valley was known as Lunn’s Mill, named after the major industry in the area: a bustling sawmill owned by John Lunn. Around this time the Charming Molly set sail from New England carrying the first New England Planters. These intrepid people helped expand the community with farms and shops, and in 1822 it was renamed Lawrencetown.”

Besides stopping at Lunn’s Mill for the beer, I stopped at Bees Knees in the village to pick up a couple of slices of quiche.

The other day, I was talking with Paul Colville. We commiserated about the closure of Bistro 300, the coffee shop in Middleton, next to the Independent grocery store.

Walking home from the grocery store, we found a different route, behind St. Monica’s Catholic Church. It was marked by the sound of a pileated woodpecker in a grove of trees.

Meanwhile, at the house, we continue to be entertained by grey squirrels gathering up the acorns, and by the blue jays from the neighbouring feeder. Today, there is a male cardinal in fresh snow.

From the top of the red oaks, there is a Northern Goshawk scanning the riverside meadows..

In the next week or so, I shall be reporting on the COGS Industry Expo 2025 (January 27-28) in Lawrencetown. More on that event, once I see the detailed program.

Acknowledgements

Heather shares the exploration of the local geography.

At this time, when Canada is under siege from the South, it feels good to ‘support local’. Here are a few examples.

The lady who did the work, expressed the opinion that it was an enjoyable task. Just the text of all the blogs from 2024, no graphics ( as added by Edward).

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While in New Glasgow this weekend, I had the opportunity to read an older issue of Saltscapes magazine.

It included an article by Bob Bancroft on the Eastern Cougar and the protection of its habitat. I also chanced on a map of Canada, advertising the Fifth International Protected Areas Congress held in Vancouver, February 3-9th, 2023 (Link to Scholarly articles).

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As is our habit, we shared Saturday night with John. We watched two episodes of As Time Goes By on PBS Maine (BritBox link) Such a pleasure to watch Judy Dench.

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Sunday, the weather remained good. A light dusting of snow on Mount Thom. We took our usual route through the Rawdon Hills, and then down through the farmlands of the Annapolis Valley, from Windsor to Middleton. Overall, roughly , it is a three hour drive.

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From CORAH, a notice on Maps as Art: the Beauty of Exploration. Join NSCC library staff Andrew Hannam and Chelsea Heighton for a talk on the COGS Historic Map Collection. Wednesday, January 29 10-11am or 1-2 pm, Thursday January 30 10-11 am or 1-2 pm. Register via email, CORAH-avc@nscc.ca or by phone, 902-825-5215.

Acknowledgements

Heather joined me on the trip to visit her Dad in New Glasgow. Ninety five years, young ! As you can see, Edward has returned from Florida. Thank you so much for your contribution.

It’s been a tumultuous week. Started well, with the January GrapeVine at the Bridgetown Library. Wendy Elliott’s column on Books by Locals featured a review of Garry Leeson’s new book ‘One Damn Thing After Another’. I think that sums up very well the first week of 2025.

We spent part of a day driving to the Apple Store at the Halifax Shopping Centre. I needed support to make sure I was making payments for online storage. It has been quite awhile since we had wandered through a large mall.

I had a beer with John Wightman. We went over the history of CANMAP. This not for profit was invented by John in the era of Roger Tomlinson. The acronym stands for Canadian Numerical Mapping Applications (CANMAP).

Moving onto this week, the media has been full of Justin Trudeau, Donald Trump and Elon Musk. I tried to turn it off, by watching North to North. This distraction reminded me of the landscape of Iqaluit, and the time we spent living close by, with Andrew and Julia’s family.

Ultimately, life is about landscape, and how we share it with friends and family, embedded within its local geography: climate, ecology. Unlike the newsmaker/ politicians, it is not a resource to be traded for personal gain.

As I look up from my desk in the basement, I see Nancy Turner’s book. The Earth’s Blanket. Traditional Teachings for Sustainable Living.

That reminds me, that we CAN MAP !

Postscript

We walked in the Riverside Park this morning. Noticed that the watch had disappeared; hopefully, to its rightful owner. Edward is away in Florida.

References

Garry Leeson. 2024. One Damn Thing After Another. Moose House Press.

Nancy Turner. 2005. The Earth’s Blanket. Traditional Teachings for Sustainable Living. Douglas and McIntyre.

Yesterday, I received an ‘end of year’ email from Ollie at Moresby Explorers on Haida Gwaii. It reminded me of our time on the west coast (see below). Time to reconnect.

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Later in the day, we went to Berwick. I needed some technical advice on my iPad. Jason at Gekko Tech is an excellent resource for all things related to Apple computers.

While in town, we stopped at North Mountain coffee shop. I picked up Mount Kenya coffee and Heather picked up a box of North Mountain tea sampler.

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Over Christmas, the Bridgetown Reader is not available. Instead, I purchased the Annapolis Valley Register, Thursday, January 2nd. On page A3, there was an interesting article on Allison Maher (no relation) by Jason Malloy. The title of the article ‘There’s no how-to manual’.

This struck a chord. As you likely know, I have been writing this blog since 2013. At this time of year, I go to Integrity Printing in Bridgetown and ask them to print (hard copy) my blogs for the previous year. When the holiday is over, I shall go and ask them to print off, Volume 9. Just the text, not the graphics and links. Although there is a great benefit in Edward’s contribution.

Perhaps I can take a lesson from Allison Maher and recognize that ‘there is no how-to manual’. Time to ‘bite the bullet’.

Reference

Jason Malloy, ‘There’s no how-to manual’, Maher writes about grief in latest book, The Last of the Firsts’. Annapolis Valley Register. January 2, 2025. Page A3.

Check out this link to her book “The Last of the Firsts”.

https://49thshelf.com/Books/T/The-Last-Of-The-Firsts

Acknowledgements

Edward continues to provide excellent technical and creative input to this blog. Heather shares the journeys.

Postscript

Winter ReflectionsAs the days lengthen, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The gradual increase in daylight hours signals the return of spring and the renewal of life that will soon follow. Large storms batter the coast, snapping trees like twigs and uprooting the seabed to be displayed on the beach like a gift to the land. Witnessing the first glimpse of sunlight after a storm is so welcoming. Here on Haida Gwaii, the changing of the seasons is more than just a shift in the weather; it’s a dance of life—both marine and terrestrial—that never ceases to inspire.The Magic of Winter on Haida GwaiiDuring these cooler months, the waters surrounding Haida Gwaii come alive in unique ways, showcasing the dynamic interplay of marine life. Humpback whales, often thought of as summer visitors can be spotted feeding on the abundant krill and small fish near our shores. Meanwhile, sea lions gather in noisy colonies along the coast, their barks carrying on the crisp winter air. It’s a reminder of the resilience and rhythm of marine life that defines this region.Haida Gwaii’s temperate rainforests continue to thrive, even in the heart of winter. Mosses and lichens, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem, are at their greenest thanks to the season’s moisture. During winter, puffins lose their beaks’ vibrant orange and red colours, replacing them with duller shades. The bright hues return as spring nears, signalling readiness for mating season. These moments of quiet discovery make this time of year so special.A New Year, A New AdventureAs we look ahead, we’re excited to get back on the water and meet the new people who wish to experience Gwaii Haanas. Whether you’re reminiscing about the thrill of a zodiac tour or the serenity of exploring ancient rainforests, we hope the memories you’ve made with Moresby Explorers inspire you to stay connected to the wild beauty of Haida Gwaii.If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of our tours, now is the perfect time to start planning. And if you’ve joined us before, why not share the experience with a friend? There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering this incredible region for the first time—or seeing it anew through someone else’s eyes.Fun Facts: Seasonal Shifts and WildlifeDid you know that Haida Gwaii’s unique geography makes it a hotspot for migratory birds? As winter wanes and spring approaches, keep an eye out for the return of species like the sandhill crane. These elegant birds use the islands as a stopover on their journey north, symbolizing the season’s change.Many birds, such as cormorants and gulls, undergo pre-breeding moults, replacing worn feathers with fresh ones to prepare for the demands of the mating season. This process often results in more vibrant plumage. Stay ConnectedAs the seasons change, so do the stories of Haida Gwaii. Follow us on social media or visit our website to stay updated on the latest news, wildlife sightings, and upcoming tours. We’d love to hear about your favourite moments with Moresby Explorers—share your stories and photos with us!Here’s to a year of meaningful adventures, shared stories, and deep connections to the extraordinary beauty of our planet. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to see you on the water again soon!Warm wishes,The Moresby Explorers TeamCopyright © 2024 Moresby Explorers, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either opted in via our website or you are a previous guest of ours. Our mailing address is: Moresby Explorers365 Beach RdPO Box 127Sandspit, BC V0T 1T0CanadaAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

With the approach of the New Year, our thoughts go towards travel. Fortunately, the mail strike is over; this week, we received our new passports.

Before Christmas, we stopped by the Middleton library. Heather found three books of interest. This allowed me to start reading, No Place for a Woman: The Life and Newfoundland stories of Ella Manuel, compiled and edited by Antony Berger. Berger, her son, is a Geologist.

Heather and I met Ella Manuel in the early 1970’s. Heather was employed as a seasonal Park Naturalist. I was a Geographer, teaching at Memorial University in St Johns. Conducting field work on the west coast, and leading ten day back-packing trips into the Long Range Mountains for Black Feather Adventures. This was a company, owned by Wally Schaber,operating out of Ottawa.

Ella owned a house in Woody Point. She had been instrumental in community support for the National Park.

From the back cover, by Annie Proulx:

“Newfoundland’s international reputation as a treasure house of remarkable storytellers is enhanced by this rich account of the life and career of the unforgettable Ella Manuel, twentieth century writer and radio personality. Her story is told with wit and affection by her son, Tony Berger.”

For Heather and I this book brings back so many memories of the landscape, our life, and the people of the West coast of Newfoundland.

Acknowledgements

Heather has shared the journey, from the time we met in Gros Morne National Park. Edward is away, hence less images or links.

References (from the Middleton library)

Antony Berger (ed), 2020, No Place for a Woman:The Life and Newfoundland Stories of Ella Manuel, Breakwater Books.

Pamela Mulloy, 2024, Off the Tracks: A meditation on train journeys in the time of no travel, ECW Press. https://ecwpress.com/products/off-the-tracks

Joan Didion, 2021, Let me tell you What I Mean, Alfred Knopf. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/666038/let-me-tell-you-what-i-mean-by-joan-didion/

Today, we drove home from New Glasgow to Middleton; clear blue sky and a carpet of white snow on the fields.

This week, I was reading the short essays from Tim Dee’s (Ed.) Ground Work: Writings on Places and People. The contribution by David Matless’ “Seaview: the Anthroposcenic” caught my attention. In particular, this description.

“Holidays at East Runton; forty years ago, with predictions of a new Ice Age, and in newer hotting times. A beach mile from Cromer, rock pools and sand, the wave cut platform and forest bed. A minute from door to paddle, cliff’s topping to North Sea summer icing, always a chill” p.187.

Our family lived in Whitton, Middlesex. I recall in the early 1950’s, when Dad purchased our first car. We called her ‘Aggy’ because of the license plate. In the Summer, we would head to the East coast, driving around London on the North Circular. We would rent a caravan at East Runton. This gave us easy access to the beach.

Christmas would not be the same without watching Mr. Bean. Likewise, it would not be the same, without making an English trifle. This necessitated a trip to Sobeys for jelly roll, Bird’s Custard powder and a bottle of Bristol Cream Sherry. This year, I had to go online to make sure that I had all the ingredients, including the whipping cream, glacé cherries and peach halves.

P.S. David Matless, Professor of Cultural Geography at the University of Nottingham, is author of ‘Landscape and Englishness’. (2016).

Reference

Acknowledgements

My brother, Peter, will likely recall both Aggy (AGI) and SeaPeeO (CPO).

Tim Dee (ed.), 2018, Ground Work: Writings on Place and People, Penguin Books

We have passed the trifle recipe on to the next generation.

On Friday evening, before our first Winter snow storm, we went to Bridgetown library. Caleb Miles was the on-duty librarian. I picked up the November issue of Rural Delivery, and Journey, Celebrating the Journey Prize. Selected short stories 1989-2023, edited by Alexander MacLeod and Souvankham Thammavongsa.

Rural Delivery published by Dirk van Loon has been going since 1976 (48 years). Articles of interest included Steve Skafte ‘ Fall of the House of Esser, Delaps Cove, NS. And Peter Redden ‘ Highly Motivated. Maritime Hand Mowing championship marks its 20th. Anniversary’. Peter was a neighbour of ours, living in Paradise on Highway #201.

Alexander MacLeod attended one of our Ernest Buckler Literary Event Society (EBLES) events in 2017. His most recent collection ‘Animal Person’ was named ‘ Book of the Year’ by the Globe and Mail and CBC books.

Today’s The Marginalian by Maria Popova includes ‘How to have enough: Wendell Berry on ‘Creativity and Love’. I have referenced his writing in previous blogs.

Our preparation for Christmas includes Shepherds Pie, Red Currant Jelly and fruit cake.

But for now, we must wait until tomorrow to see if there are snow-cleared roads between Middleton, in the Valley, and New Glasgow.

Postscript

Edward remains down South, away from the first snow storm of the Winter. This means that there will not be his usual cross- referencing to earlier blog entries, or appropriate graphics.

Edward is away in Florida. Hence, there will be no graphics or links with this blog.

At this time of year, it is perhaps appropriate to reflect on the supportive network available through the Internet. In my last blog post, I made reference to the work of Allen van Newkirk. Edward searched on his name, using Open AI Chat GPT. His second request was a Summary of Ernest Blair Experiment blogs for 2024.

As a result of this collegial initiative, I found that I had referenced van Newkirk in an earlier blog, ‘Books and Memory’, May 4, 2020.

This, in turn, raised another question. I have hard copy of all blogs that go back to 2013. Should I consider curating this collection ? At some point, this material may disappear from the Internet.

Edward’s support raises more questions. He used AI to generate a summary of the 2024 blogs. Would it be useful to use AI to summarize the changes in blog topics from 2013 to the present ? Have there been changes in the subject matter, or thinking ?

This morning, Anne Crossman sent me an electronic copy of her weekly column ‘ Christmases I have known’, dated December 19. This was followed, later in the morning by a Jacquie Lawson Christmas e-card. Again, a sign of the times.

Regardless of the technology, it is a delight to have access to a cadre of individuals who have complementary skills, who can help navigate the new world.

Meanwhile, we have discovered in suburban Middleton, that there is a neighbourhood watch, supported by the same technological network.

Postscript.

Today, Friday Heather and I went to Kentville hospital. We wanted to be tested for COVID, prior to visiting New Glasgow for Christmas. Now we wait for the results.

In Kentville, I stopped in at Gaspereau Press, coffee at the Half Acre Cafe and Tides Art Gallery. At the Gallery, I heard that Dick Groot passed away last month. He left an unfinished book on the Harvest Moon trail.

Acknowledgements

Our human networks are well complemented by the online environment. Thanks to Edward Wedler and Anne Crossman. But also, to Heather, and other individuals who provide feedback on my blog posts.

I recall in 1975, visiting Allen van Newkirk in Heatherton, outside of Antigonish. At the time, I was teaching Biogeography and Quantitative Methods at Memorial University (MUN) in St Johns. Heather and I did not move to Clarence in the Annapolis Valley until 1980.

Looking through the books in our basement, I discovered my first publication ‘Applied Research in Biogeography’ The Great Blafigria Is. volume 2 and 3, page123-132. Coming up to fifty years ago. This was inspired by my interaction with Allen.

It covers Orwell’s life, born Eric Blair 1903, died 1949 ( forty six years old). He had recently finished the classic Nineteen Eighty- Four.

Part of the attraction, besides the description of life on Jura, was that I had taken the combination of Ernest Buckler and Eric Blair to devise an experimental blog: Ernest Blair Experiment.

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This weekend, Heather and I walked two Middleton trails. The Scotney Pathway was rather short and unattractive, surrounded by ATV tracks. The second walk was a repeat from the Riverside Park to the Rails to Trails down to the Feed Shop on highway #1 and home. Longer, and more satisfying in its geography (see my post Middleton Walks).

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Acknowledgements

Heather has shared both the reading and the living, over the last fifty years. Edward is en route to Florida, hence the graphics may be slim.

References

Christopher Murphy, 2024, Far Out! The untold story of the sixties inspired by the back to the land migration that changed Nova Scotia, Friesen Press.

Les Wilson, 2024, Orwell’s Island: George, Jura and 1984, Saraband Press

The Great Blafigria Is., 1975, Robert Maher p.123-132. Vol 2 and 3.

POSTSCRIPT

In the New Year, I will go to Integrity Printing and publish Volume 9 2024 of the Ernest Blair Experiment blog.

For more on Allen van Newkirk, search on Safari.
OpenAI ChatGPT writes

Allen Van Newkirk is an American activist, poet, and writer known for his work in the countercultural and ecological movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He founded the Detroit Artists’ Workshop and the Resurgence Youth Movement, advocating for radical social change through art, poetry, and activism. Van Newkirk later shifted his focus toward environmental concerns, promoting biocentric values and deep ecology. His writings explore themes of anarchism, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life, blending political critique with a profound respect for nature.

ChatGPT Summary of the Ernest Blair Experiment for 2024

In 2024, “The Ernest Blair Experiment” blog featured a variety of posts reflecting on personal experiences, technological insights, and artistic journeys.

In May, the author shared a commentary by George Argus titled “Technological Barriers,” expressing skepticism about relying solely on technology to address environmental challenges. Argus emphasized the necessity of ground truthing in remote sensing and critiqued society’s focus on consumerism and economic metrics.

Ernest Blair Experiment

The same month, the author discussed a meeting of the Ernest Buckler Literary Event Society (EBLES), highlighting their commitment to celebrating local writing under the motto “Reading where we live.”

Ernest Blair Experiment

Additionally, the author discovered old newspaper clippings from the Annapolis County Spectator, including articles on place-based economic development and cultural mapping. These articles underscored the significance of geography and history in understanding local development.

Ernest Blair Experiment

In April, the author recounted visits to various cultural sites in Nova Scotia. A trip to the ArtCan Kitchen & Studios café in Canning included encounters with works by geographer Dick Groot and ecologist Soren Bondrup-Nielsen. Another visit to Block Shop Books in Lunenburg led to the acquisition of Rebecca Solnit’s “A Paradise Built in Hell” and Annie Proulx’s “Fen, Bog and Swamp.”

Ernest Blair Experiment

The author also described a serene experience walking the Peter Point trail in Kejimkujik National Park, noting the tranquility of the closed park and minimal human presence.

Ernest Blair Experiment

In December, guest contributor Edward Wedler detailed a 5,000 km plein air painting journey across Newfoundland and Labrador titled “Footsteps Farther East.” Wedler emphasized the immersive nature of plein air art and hinted at future adventures in rural France and Ireland.

Ernest Blair Experiment

Throughout 2024, “The Ernest Blair Experiment” provided readers with reflections on the interplay between technology and environmentalism, the importance of local literature and history, and the enriching experiences of art and nature exploration.