2000 Canada

Photo Journal of my visit to Canada in 2000. It includes images of Niagara Falls, Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Starkey bridge in New Brunswick and Crab-fishermen in Sydney on Nova Scotia.
Niagara Falls from the West - Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls from the West - Ontario, Canada. Maid of the Mist - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Maid of the Mist - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls from the West - Ontario, Canada.
Niagara Falls from the West - Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls - Ontario, Canada. Boldt Castle on Heart Island (NY) Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island among the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River on the northern border of New York State. Multi-millionaire George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and his family enjoyed for several summers an earlier frame cottage on Hart Island (the original name) which they greatly expanded. In 1900 George Boldt started the construction of a huge masonry structure, one of the largest private homes in America. He did this for his wife, Louise, as a testimony of the unsurpassed love of a man for his wife. The construction of Boldt Castle ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. For 73 years, the castle and other stone structures were left exposed to the harsh winter weather and occasional vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house in 1977, for one dollar, under the agreement that all revenues obtained from the castle operation would be applied towards restoration, so that the island would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. In the two decades after acquiring the property, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority spent some fifteen million dollars for restoration and improvements here, and work continues annually. The initial goal of the restoration of Heart Island was not to finish what hadn't been completed, but to restore the island to the state it was in when construction was halted. Alster Tower on Heart Island (NY) Alster Tower, the Boldt's playhouse, was the first structure Boldt erected on Heart Island. Its design suggests a defense tower similar to those on the Alster River in Germany. But this curious mini-castle probably was not pre-designed, since it would have been nearly impossible to describe its eccentric and irregular forms on paper. It was likely improvised by Boldt himself in a highly personal manner, and evolving as it rose. This building was intended for the entertainment of guests and the Boldt children. The ornate "Shell Room" was to be used for dancing, and was so named because of the shape of the roof. The basement housed a bowling alley, and the upper floors were to include a billiard room, library, bedrooms, cafe, grill and kitchen. Unlike the main residence, which was never completed, this whimsical "play house" was completed and occupied by the Boldt family during the four years when the Castle was being erected. After extensive renovations to repair the deterioration of the edifice, Alster Tower is now open to visitors. Boldt Castle on Heart Island (NY) Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island. Heart Island is one of the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River along the northern border of New York State. George Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and his family enjoyed for several summers an earlier frame cottage on Hart Island (the original name) which they greatly expanded. In 1900 the Boldts launched an ambitious construction campaign to build a huge masonry structure, one of the largest private homes in America. The construction of Boldt Castle ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. For 73 years, the castle and other stone structures were left exposed to the harsh winter weather and occasional vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house in 1977, for one dollar, under the agreement that all revenues obtained from the castle operation would be applied towards restoration, so that the island would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. In the two decades after acquiring the property, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority spent some fifteen million dollars for restoration and improvements here, and work continues annually. The initial goal of the restoration of Heart Island was not to finish what hadn't been completed, but to restore the island to the state it was in when construction was halted.
The Power House and Clock Tower on Heart Island (NY) The Power House and Clock Tower are designed after the fashion of a Medieval Tower and are located on the eastern end of Heart Island. It was built to hold a generator to supply the island with power, and now is more of a museum of how electric power was obtained in the early 1900's, as well as a few stories of getting tools and equipment to Heart Island during the castle's construction. The Boldt Yacht house on Heart Island (NY) The Boldt Yacht House, located on nearby Wellesley Island can be seen from Heart Island's north side, was built to house the family's three yachts and houseboat. The main space rises 64 feet to accomodate tall masts and rigging of their yacht in slips 128 feet long, with doors so huge and heavy that an engine was required to open and close them. The yacht house included a shop to build racing launches as well as living quarters for the crew and maintenance staff. The Yacht House was opened to the public for the first time in the summer of 1996, after undergoing extensive repairs. It now serves as a museum where you can see some of the boats actually used by the Boldt family. Alster Tower on Heart Island (NY). Starkey bridge (1912) - New Brunswick, Canada. Starkey bridge (1912) - New Brunswick, Canada.
Magnetic Hill - Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Magnetic Hill - Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Zoo - Canada. The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk. The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk.
The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk. The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk. The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk. The Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America. It stands six feet tall from shoulders to feet. Females weigh between 800 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The moose has long, thick, light brown to dark brown fur. Moose hair is hollow, which helps keep the moose warm. The moose has long legs. Its front legs are longer than its rear legs. This helps it jump over fallen trees and other forest debris. It has a long head with a large nose and upper lip and a dewlap hanging on its throat. It has small ears, large nostrils on its muzzle and a small tail. It has powerful shoulder muscles that give it a humpbacked appearance. The male or bull moose has huge broad and flat antlers that can stretch 4 to 5 feet across. Antlers start to grow in the early summer. When antlers first start to grow, they are covered with a soft fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet has blood vessels in it that deliver nutrients that help the antlers grow. By late summer when the antlers reach full size, the blood supply dries up and the velvet starts to drop off. In Europe the moose is known as the elk. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park - Nova Scotia, Canada. Fortress Louisbourg was built to protect France's interests in the new world and to serve as the centre of its massive seasonal fishing industry.Its location near the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia enabled it to serve not only as the capital of the new colony of Ile Royale but also to act as the first line of defence for France in its 18th century struggle against Great Britain for colonial supremacy in North America. Fortress Louisbourg was first captured in 1745 after a six week siege by New England troops with the support of the British navy. After three years under British governors, the Fortress of Louisbourg was returned to France by treaty in 1749 inspite of the protests of the American colonies. After almost a decade of increasing prosperity, the much stronger Fortress again fell again after another six week siege in 1758, this time to the largest assembled assault force in colonial Canadian history.The fortifications were blown up in 1760-61 and the British military presence withdrawn in 1768. The imported cut stone which was widely used in the original construction of the Fortress was re-used around the province, and is still found in buildings standing today at both Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia and along the eastern seaboard. The new town of Louisburg would be a community established first by English and Irish soldiers who served at the second siege of Louisbourg and at Quebec, to be joined soon afterwards by Loyalists and more Irish via Placentia, Nfld.
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park - Nova Scotia, Canada. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park - Nova Scotia, Canada. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park - Nova Scotia, Canada. Crab-fishermen in Sydney - Nova Scotia, Canada. Pileated Woodpecker - Nova Scotia, Canada.
Fishermen - Nova Scotia, Canada. Crab-fishermen in Sydney - Nova Scotia, Canada. Rafters Ridge Cottages - Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Rafters Ridge Cottages are located 7 miles North of Shubenacadie in the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park. This park is located on the Shubenacadie River and offers spectacular tidal bore rafting. The Bay of Fundy, which is 48 miles wide at its mouth and narrows down along its entire length, is known for its extremely high tides (the highest in the world). When the high tide enters the bay at its widest point the water is squeezed through the funnel-shaped bay until it reaches the head of the bay. The advancing tide becomes a wave of up to 10 feet high. When this wave or tidal bore enters the Shubenacadie River it creates 3- to 10-foot ferocious rapids. Rafters Ridge Cottages - Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Rafters Ridge Cottages are located 7 miles North of Shubenacadie in the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park. This park is located on the Shubenacadie River and offers spectacular tidal bore rafting. The Bay of Fundy, which is 48 miles wide at its mouth and narrows down along its entire length, is known for its extremely high tides (the highest in the world). When the high tide enters the bay at its widest point the water is squeezed through the funnel-shaped bay until it reaches the head of the bay. The advancing tide becomes a wave of up to 10 feet high. When this wave or tidal bore enters the Shubenacadie River it creates 3- to 10-foot ferocious rapids. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello - Charlottesville (VA), USA. Monticello, located near Charlottesville, Virginia, was the estate of Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence (adopted on July 4, 1776), the third President of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. Construction of Monticello began in 1768 and was substantially completed in 1809 with the erection of the dome. Monticello is the only home in the United States of America that has been designated a World Heritage Site.