Two Rivers Wildlife Park

A few miles down Sandfield Road in Marion Bridge, Cape Breton, is the Two Rivers Provincial Wildlife Park. I have been visiting it on occasion since I was small, but it has come a long, long way in that time and has been updated to include camping lots, wedding and event hosting, and lots to do.

The landscaping is also amazing.

And of course, there's the animals. This guy is actually a fox:

I don't remember what this one is except SUPER CUTE!!!!

It so happened the wolves were being fed as I made my way past their enclosure. Watching them fight and growl to protect their keep was awesome, and getting a shot of this she-wolf protecting her food pile was sweet. Check out the fur on the back of her neck!

One eagle...

TWO eagles!

On this particular day, there was also a horse show going on. I stayed and watched for quite a while. It made for some great shots to see the kids interacting with the animals.

.

...and on the way out, a little something extra just for me:

Scrabble

Hanging out, playing Scrabble with the mama...

...and, yup, that actually happened. 

Nena and Jeremy

On occasion, I am actually invited to a wedding as a guest.

I met Nena when she was Maid of Honour at Nancy and Jonathan's wedding, and we hit it off well enough that she extended an invitation to her own nuptials taking place two months later.Their ceremony was short and sweet, and took place on the shores of the Bras D'Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island with a backdrop of gorgeous blues and greens and a perfect clear sky.

In typical Cape Breton style, this guy provided the ambiance because, really, a fiddler is an absolute requirement if one is getting married on the shores of the Bras D'Or Lakes.

While it was fun to relax and not have to worry about getting the perfect shot, there is one moment that no photographer should miss:

The official photographer was the lovely and talented Mr. Sean O'Connell. His style is a lot like mine and we talked a bit of shop at the reception: I'd definitely recommend his services... you know, if I was already booked up.

 This well-discarded bouquet gave me a little something of my own to do while Sean was working his magic.

If, for whatever reason, I'm not the photographer, I'm always game to sit among family and friends as a wedding guest. I learn a lot just watching other photographers do their thing and it's a welcome change to just sit and relax and enjoy the day sometimes. I also have this dream of actually standing in a wedding, but until I can actually put my camera down for more than 5 minutes, that might not be in anybody's best interests!

Clam Harbour Sandcastle Competition

One of my favorite beaches on mainland Nova Scotia is Clam Harbour Beach. I learned in August of 2012 that one of my favorite days to go there is the day of the Clam Harbour Beach Sand Castle Festival. This year the sun was glorious, and it was a perfect day for those taking part as well as for those spectating like me.

My afternoon arrival meant I was greeted at the gate with the winning competitors, prizes and beach towels in hand, packing up shop. This worked out in my favor, as all the castles were left behind, almost like they were waiting for me to show up with my camera. People were posing with their creations and children were playing among the towers, but that just made for more of a festive atmosphere in my shots.

 

 

Some just spoke for themselves.

 

 

 

 

Some of my favorites (OMG, STEWIE!!!!) weren't sand castles at all!

 

 

*drumroll*

 

(For some size perspective, he was taller than me when I was kneeling beside him) 

The detail in some of the sculptures was quite impressive and all were, I have no doubt, a labour of love. It took an hour or more to walk the entire beach to properly see them all, and then of course, I had my own labour of love to work on a little.

Mmm... early evening beach sun...

 

 

Not just another day at the beach!

Halifax Busker Festival

Every year at the end of July and into early August, downtown Halifax explodes with jugglers, contortionists, magicians, dancers, and fire eaters. No, it's not just another Saturday night at the Dome, it's the Halifax International Busker Festival, and it brings all manner of the weird and wonderful to our waterfront.

August 6, 2012 saw me there with them, camouflaged among the camera-toting tourists, hoping for that perfect moment. To my delight, there were many.

First up, this guy. I love how he included the little girl in his show!

   

There was also this guy:

 

and these guys: 

and some human-statue types, who completely fascinate me for some reason.

    

 There were also some less showy (but no less talented) folks taking to the boardwalk to get in on the festivities.

 and there were bouncy castles for the kids, and some other fun for those brave enough to handle it.

As with any festival, the vendors were out in full swing, attracting your eye with colorful wares and ice cold drinks. I loved all the colors and textures laid out on the booths!



 

 Lastly, of course, what would a busker festival be without a guy who eats fire?

Especially one who totally seems to enjoy it!