British Columbia

There are 5 posts tagged British Columbia (this is page 1 of 1).

Rockhounds in Ontario and Canada

A rockhound is an amateur geologist or collector of rocks, minerals and gemstones. It’s not always about the value or selling them. Not for me. I like the history of rocks. Such ancient things, far older than even the oldest of trees. Eroded by time and the elements (mostly water) found on and under land, sea and space, small enough to fit into a pocket or far too massive to consider moving at all. How can anyone not find even the most common rock a bit interesting.

There is some difference between being an ordinary rock collector and someone who actually knows whether the rock they just picked up (because it looks interesting) is a gem, mineral, or just another rock. I’m the ordinary rock type of beachcomber, streetcomber, forestcomber, (even though only one of those is a considered a real word at this time).

I like rocks, sometimes I carry one home in my pocket. It’s a casual hobby. But, I couldn’t say for sure whether the rocks I keep are anything but an interesting looking rock. I did study geology in high school, so I know (remember) a little about how rocks are formed.

Ontario (I live in Ontario) with links found for the other Canadian provinces afterwards.

Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club
The Niagara Peninsula Geological Society – St Catharines
Barrie Gem and Mineral Club (Currently inactive).
The Gem and Mineral Club of Scarborough – Toronto

The British Columbia Lapidary Society
Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society
Ripple Rock and Gem Mineral Club – Campbell River
Port Moody Rock and Gem Club

Alberta Federation of Rock Clubs 
Southern Alberta Rockhounds Association
Edmonton Tumblewood Lapidary Club
Calgary Rock and Lapidary Club

Prairie Rock and Gem Society – Regina, Saskatchewan

Montreal Gem and Mineral Club Quebec

The Central Canadian Federation of Mineralogical Societies
Mineralogical Association of Canada 
Gem and Mineral Federation of Canada

Do you know all of these, what they are or even more about each of them? They are all connected to rocks in some way. Not on this list was rock piling or stacking. I’ve seen people turn them into bridges which continue to stand without anything but friction and gravity keeping them together. Also, Inukshuks, traditionally used for navigation and communication in northern Canada.

  • lapidary
  • tumbling
  • carving
  • sculpture
  • architecture
  • fossils
  • geology
  • paleontology
  • prospecting

List from: Virtual Museum of the History of Mineralogy

Kevin McElheran’s Abandoned Church Photo

I tried to find the photographer, Kevin McElheran online. No luck, just more abandoned or broken links. I did find a description which was posted with another copy of the same photo, on two other sites. So, some background information about how the photo was taken. But, I still don’t know what happened to Kevin McElheran from Calgary, Alberta.

“This abandoned 100 year old church is what’s left from what was the rail town of Sorrento, British Columbia. I was driving through this area late one night when I noticed a train in the distance approaching which outlined this structure in it’s glow.”

I think the church is Notch Hill Church, not Saint Mary’s as the description says with the photo above. Notch Hill Church is in Sorrento, BC and it is located right at the train tracks. One sites says it is Tappen, BC.

One way or another, this seems to the the church photographed. It was being restored but the site stopped posting in 2014. In 2016 I read a report about building materials being stolen from the site. The project is on hold due to lack of funds to replace them. The photo below was taken before the renovations began.

DanOCan – STST2017: Notch Hill Church

Bench By Bench with Rebecca Kennel

Victoria: Bench by Bench

Another idea for backyard explorers, public benches in parks, along trails, anywhere you can walk to. Some benches have been built for people to take a break during a walk. Some give people a place to sit, read awhile and admire the scenery or a great view. Some were donated as memorials with a plaque for a family member, local business or celebrity.

So far I can’t find a copy of the book, but that happens with local history books published by the author/ photographer. Rebecca Kennel lived in Victoria, BC. While there she wrote a book about the public benches in Victoria, BC. She photographed them, wrote about their history and the surroundings. It looks like a charming book and I have emailed her (if she gets email at that address still) and maybe I will be able to get a copy, if there are any still in print. I can find the book on Amazon, but it is out of print, no more copies expected. I was hoping for better news, but not surprised.

I found a personal site Rebecca kept, until 2018. She had moved from Victoria to a town in Saskatchewan. She was/ is looking after her Mother and her husband, Galen, has passed away. I don’t know what she has been doing since then. I found a YouTube channel, Twitter account, and a Facebook page but nothing is updated. I hope she is still ok herself. There are two posts about her book on her YouTube channel.

The site for the book has a backup link on her personal domain. I’m leaving that link in case the other site disappears.

Links in Canadian Cuisine

 

 

A history of cooks and cooking, foods and foodways in Canada.

 

Dotty’s Recipes

 

Collection of tried and true recipes, reflecting Canada’s ethnic diversity. Dorothy Rheaume.

 

J.J.’s Complete Guide to Canada: Canadian Foods

 

An explanation of Canadian meals. Unique food and drinks.

 

 

The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association provides numerous recipes that use maple syrup.

 

 

Lovella Schellenberg enjoys farm and family life western coast of British Columbia. Traditions of food and faith.

 

 

Information about the show and the cook, with recipes and kitchen tips.

 

Voyageur Storytelling: Country Supper Recipes

 

Small collection of recipes from the French Canadian trappers of yesteryear.

 

 

The list includes: figgy duff, Saskatoon berry pie, butter tarts, and split pea soup. (August 03, 2012)

 

 

 

Valerie Lugonja showcases the evolution of Canadian Prairie cuisine. Based in Edmonton, Alberta.

 

 

 

DNA Gardens: Prairie Berry Recipes

 

Dessert dishes made from such familiar prairie berries as saskatoon, chokecherries and black currants.

 

 

Recipes for dishes using Manitoba grown ingredients.

 

 

Original recipes provided by this northern Alberta resident.

 

A Culinary Tour of New Brunswick

 

 

Provides information on various New Brunswick restaurants and also includes unique recipes.

 

New Brunswick Recipes

 

Mainly seafood recipes. Soups, roasts and desserts.

 

 

Archive of Acadian recipes, including some Cajun and French-Canadian cooking.
Provides an archive and weekly features for recipes ranging from pickled zucchini to barbequed caribou ribs. St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Original source ODP, now Curlie.

 

Emily Carr Set of Mugs

Emily Carr (1871-1945)

Prior to 1927, Emily Carr boldly pursued her unique artistic path in isolation from the major art movements taking shape in the Eastern part of Canada. Carr passionately explored the remote native communities of coastal British Columbia, delving into the merger of landscape and cultural objects. From 1927 through the end of her career, Carr enjoyed association with the Group of 7 and subsequent art movements, creating some of her most famous works in the final decade of her life.

Source: Set of 4 Mugs Carr Set of 4 Mugs from McIntosh in South Lancaster, ON from Rob McIntosh