Bogman

I woke Jamie up and headed out to Eagle Hill Bog this morning. My intentions were to grab some shots to use as background to an entirely different blog post.

That topic can wait. After all, nothing I do on here is particularly urgent. 🙂

In any case, I had one of those wonderful encounters that keep happening on this Island and I need to share.

The Bog has officially opened since my last visit. All the signs are on display and the edges of the boardwalk have been groomed. There were information pamphlets at the entrance with Trail Guides for the whole Park – I grabbed everything.

We headed toward the Observation Deck, but partway there the boardwalk ended. It started to look much like the trail to Wreck Beach (Westcoasters know what I’m talking about). I’m sure it’s not that steep, but by this point I was carrying the dog and, frankly, I’m not that young anymore, so that part of the experience will just have to wait.

I put the dog down and we headed back. At one of the intersections we encountered another human being. This is the first time I’ve seen another person in the Bog – mind you it has been definitely off season during my visits.

We exchanged greetings and he introduced himself as a Bogman. He then gave me a mini-tour of what is obviously his favourite place in the world.

We had a wonderful time. Along the way I learned that my hopes that the Pitcher Plants will eat all the mosquitoes are misguided. It turns out the little bugs actually lay their eggs in Pitchers.

The good news though is that a smaller, more deadly, carnivorous plant exists in the Bog – the Sundew. This loves to eat mosquitoes. 🙂

Here’s a poor shot of a Pitcher husk from last year – remind me not to try and take photos and talk at the same time.

We didn’t just talk about murderous plants – I also learned about the Black Spruce and all the different flowering plants I have to look forward to.

Mostly I learned, once again, how exciting it is to meet and talk to somebody so incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about something.

We introduced ourselves before parting and I have to add Dennis, the Bogman, to my list of very favourite people.

I love this place. 🙂