Brantford – A Treasure Trove of Outdoor Activities

When we think of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, and cycling our minds usually tend to wander to remote vistas and wilderness solitude. You know the old saying, "Perception is reality!" Well, the reality is that you often don't have to go very far to find the perception of wilderness solitude. In fact the City of Brantford is one such hidden Southern Ontario gem.

I always thought of Brantford as the home of Alexander Graham Bell, Joseph Brant, and of course Wayne Gretzky, but I was thrilled to discover another side to Brantford. Nestled along the banks of the Grand River Brantford is a treasure trove of activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the highlights include: the Grand Valley Trail, Brant Conservation Area, and the Grand River Exceptional Waters Region. Fishing in this area is second to none with an abundance of species from small mouth bass, pike, and channel cats, to walleye and rainbow trout. There are many access points and the river can be fished from shore in many locations, or wade and cast the shallows. If you're looking for something a bit more leisurely you can drift the lazy current in a canoe or kayak.

Whether you hike, fish, or paddle, the perception of wilderness solitude is very real, especially on and around the Exceptional Waters region that runs from Brantford to Paris. Even though you are surrounded by everything from towns and cities to farmland and major highways, you'll likely never know it. All you will experience is that tranquil feeling that only comes from a wilderness experience, but with all the advantages of being close to a major urban area.

Depending on your interests and pocket book, accommodations range from 4 star hotels to B&Bs to tranquil campsites along the Grand River, and local attractions are abundant and varied. If you're feeling lucky why not head to the OLG Casino, or take a side trip to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Chiefswood National Historic Site, Bell Homestead National Historic Site, the Woodland Cultural Centre, or take in a show at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Be sure to put the City of Brantford on your list of must visit places in Southern Ontario.

©2010 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

Spread the joy of birds with gifts that support conservation Published with With thanks to Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ithaca, NY--Birding is such a simple pleasure—the bird watchers on your list probably already have umpteen field guides and a good set of binoculars. But there are some meaningful gifts that not only enhance the enjoyment of birds—they give back to the birds that give us so much pleasure. Here are some holiday suggestions from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Proceeds help support the Cornell Lab's mission of research, education, and conservation of birds.  1. Cornell Lab Membership  A "green" gift that gives back to the birds by supporting the Lab's mission of research, education, conservation, and citizen science. As part of your gift, your loved one will receive the Cornell Lab's Living Bird magazine and BirdScope newsletter. $35 2. The Birds of North America Online Features all of North America's breeding birds, plus photos and sounds. A gift of knowledge for anyone who loves to learn more about birds. $5 "stocking stuffer" (30-day subscription) or $42 for a whole year. 3. Songbirds Weekly Planner This 2011 planner indulges bird watchers all year long with bird illustrations and fascinating information. 4. Singing Bird Books Bird information plus sounds at the touch of a button. Backyard Bird Songs, BirdScapes, Bird Songs Bible, and more. 5. Audio Guides Birding by ear is a revelation. Choose a guide to favorite regions or species.  6. BirdsEye App See more birds with the world's only app that helps you find the places where your target species are. $1.99 for BirdsEye Lite, $19.99 for it all. 7. Bird-Friendly Coffee Enjoy delicious coffee knowing it was grown in a way that helps migratory songbirds on their wintering grounds. 8. Really Wild Cards Delight someone with these beautiful cards that play authentic bird sounds when you open them up. $7.99 9. Plush Birds that Sing These irresistible birds sing when you squeeze them. Choose a favorite species for a fun stocking stuffer. $7.99 10. The Bird Watching Answer Book Funny, fascinating, and helpful—this entertaining book answers many of the questions that the Cornell Lab receives from bird watchers each year. $14.95 11. Celebrate Urban Birds Calendar Features photos and artwork from our seasonal challenges. More than 100 funny, sweet, unusual, and gorgeous images. $15 12. Online Bird Behavior Course This very special gift enables your loved one to gain new insights and enjoyment through the Cornell Lab's five-week online interactive course, "Courtship and Rivalry in Birds."  Next session begins January 19, 2011. $295 ($255 for Lab members. For member discount, enroll by phone at 866-326-7635).  13. Sound Recording Workshop Students spend a week learning professional recording techniques. Takes place June 11-18, 2011, at San Francisco State University's Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the spectacular Tahoe National Forest. $975 Contact: Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu ______________________________________________________________________

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab's web site at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.