- AC Events

Newfoundland Circumnavigation 2007: Retrospective on Canvas

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:17:57 -0400

Adventure Canada staff and passengers are invited to an exhibit of paintings by
Steven Fick, based on the fall 2007 circumnavigation of Newfoundland.

Date: Friday, June 20 Right-click to change this image
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Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Canadian Geographic Magazine, 39 McArthur Ave. Ottawa

Also on this date, a words-and-pictures travelogue of the trip will go live on Canadian Geographic's website.

To access the site click here (after June 20th only)

In the meantime you can enjoy the exhibit virtually (and hear a cut from
"Chain," the new CD by the on-board musician and folklorist Daniel
Payne) by clicking on link below. You can also see the paintings in
higher resolution on Steve's website.

Video of Daniel's music and Steve's art click here
(Be sure to choose the option: "watch in high quality.")

For Steve's artist website please click here
(Follow the links: Artwork > Landscapes > Newfoundland)

Please contact Steve for more information (613) 740-2017.

Geographies by Judith DesBrisay

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:16:40 -0400

Adventure Canada client, Judith DesBrisay explores form and texture in a series of recent acrylic paintings that borrow from the
environment around her. Simplifying forms derived as frequently from
human artifacts as they are from geographical features, she establishes
a repertoire of imagery that documents the interplay between person and
place. Incorporating found objects into some of her modeled surfaces,
DesBrisay's apparently abstract paintings are ultimately biographical
in nature; they speak to her experience of living within a northern
wilderness setting outside of Quesnel, B.C.

Date: May 23 - August 10, 2008
Where: Two Rivers Gallery
Prince George, BC
For venue information click here

For more information on Judith and her work please click here

Daniel Payne Releases First Solo Album

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:13:39 -0400

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- choose from a variety of alternatives." name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.37" optionname="ADVENTURE_SMIMG" alt="Daniel Payne" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs027/1102045886931/img/37.jpg?a=1102131933426" />
Newfoundland musician Daniel Payne is proud to announce the release of his first
solo album, entitled "Chain". Named for a figure in traditional
dancing, "Chain" features poignant ballads, rollicking jigs, and
thundering square dance tunes, with Daniel performing vocals, fiddle,
accordion, flute, whistle, and guitar. The official album launch will
be 7:00 pm, June 26th, at the MMAP Space, Arts and Culture Center, St.
John's, Newfoundland.

For more info or to order Chain, visit www.danielpayne.ca or email Daniel at danielopayne@gmail.com

For more information on our Newfoundland Circumnavigation please click here

2008 Pangnirtung Print Collection

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:06:43 -0400

Right-click to change this image
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Join our partners and friends at the Houston North Gallery as they introduce
the highly anticipated 2008 Pangnirtung community print collection,
including this untitled print by Jolly Atagoyuk, Adventure Canada
staffer. A reception with scrumptious food and beverage will feature
the new collection. Admission is free and feel free to bring a friend.
If you are unable to attend the event the collection will be release on
the Houston North website on the 20th of June.

Click here for the Houston North Gallery website.

Inuit printmaking is more atypical than carving in that it does not have
substantial historical precedents. Carving materials such as stone,
bone, antler, wood and ivory were available locally, but paper and
drawing tools were unknown until introduced by early explorers and
missionaries. The favoured print technique in the early decades was
that of the stonecut, which evolved through experimenting with such
material as bone, wood and linoleum. The stonecut is a relief
technique, similar to the woodcut. The stencil technique was a logical
progression from the traditional inlay designs that women employed to
adorn skin garments. Engravings and etchings were also produced, and
later serigraphy and lithography were added - techniques that are
particularly adaptable to colour. Printmaking requires special skills
and refined equipment to compete in an international market. In fact,
since an experimental print program was first attempted in Cape Dorset
(1957) with promising results, only 4 other communities - Povungnituk
(1962), Holman (1965), Baker Lake (1970) and Pangnirtung (1973) - have
been able to produce print collections in a consistent manner and over
the long run.

Inuit prints are generally not released for sale
individually but as an annual collection portfolio, although many
individual prints have been released as special commissions. The number
of prints per edition is controlled. The first prints were usually
issued in series of 30; today the size of the edition varies but the
norm is 50.

Date: Friday June 20, 2008
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: 110 Montague Street, Lunenburg Nova Scotia

To learn more about Inuit art and printmaking travel north this year with
John Houston on our Baffin Expedition. For more information please click here

Near perfect Fog Bow spotted in Igloolik

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:05:40 -0400

Right-click to change this image
- choose from a variety of alternatives." name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.40" optionname="ADVENTURE_SMIMG" alt="Fog Bow" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs027/1102045886931/img/40.jpg?a=1102131933426" />
Adventure Canada staffer, John MacDonald, sent in this image of a near perfect
fogbow seen from the hamlet of Igloolik. A fogbow is similar to a
rainbow, but because of the very small size of water droplets that
cause fog, the fogbow has no colors and appears white. Fogbows are
sometimes called "white rainbows" or "cloudbows". Mariners sometimes
call them "sea-dogs." When a fogbow appears at night it is called a
Lunar Fogbow.

For programming in Igloolik please click here.

Nunatsiavut Artist Celebrated

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:57:23 -0400

In 2008, The Rooms in St. John's features an extensive body of work by the noted photographer James
Anderson. The collection documents over fifty years of community life
in and around Makkovik, Labrador. The stories that accompany "Uncle
Jim's" work explain why for over half a century he has never been
without a camera. Anderson's collection has been called the "largest
collection of photographs from a single community in Canada" (Sam Kula
- Archival Consultant). It represents a remarkable record of community
and family life in Labrador that will be passed on for generations.
Anderson, now aged 89, still enjoys photography and capturing the
special moments in the every day. The exhibit runs through the 24th of
August.

For more information on the exhibit please visit www.therooms.ca

On our Wild Labrador program we plan to visit a number of the coastal
communities learning about life ways and traditions of Labradorians
people. For more information please click here.

Baffin Narwhal Population Stable

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:55:04 -0400

Often referred to as the unicorns of the sea, Narwhals are one of the
most elusive of all Arctic species. The whales are characterized by a
single spiraled tusk extending six to nine feet, emerging from the
upper jaw and through the lips of adult males. Some females may exhibit
a tusk and, in rare instances, a male with two tusks has been observed.
The narwhal tooth has found its way into the books of scientific
rarities and mythical tales and for centuries has inspired legend and
lore. So prized was the fabled tooth of the unicorn that Queen
Elizabeth in the 16th century paid 10,000 pounds for one, equivalent to
the cost of an entire castle. The tooth is revered by many cultures
around the world. In Japan, two crossed narwhal teeth adorn the
entrance to the Korninkaku Palace. In Denmark multiple teeth comprise
the frame. The royal scepter in England is made from the rare tusk.

Recent research indicates that the Baffin Bay narwhal population is well over
50,000 individuals, with a mean estimated population of 66,000. The
Baffin Bay population ranged from Qiqiktarjuaq to at Prince Regent
Inlet and the Gulf of Boothia. This does not cover the entire range of
the species in the High Arctic and it is reasonable to think that the
mean estimate could in fact exceed 80,000.

Research in these
higher latitude regions is ongoing. This is positive news on the state
of that population. Nevertheless, a recent paper senior authored by
Kristin Laidre suggests that the narwhal is one of the arctic species
most vulnerable to the long term effects of global warming because of
its reliance on a sea ice habitat in winter.

Despite their
large population, narwhals are not always seen because they tend to
either move well up the bays and fiords of Baffin Island or to seek the
remaining pack ice in passages of the Arctic archipelago. Also,
narwhals are shy creatures that tend to avoid small boats and large
vessels alike. Nevertheless, they have been seen by Adventure Canada
passengers and staff on past expeditions. We will be travelling in
known narwhal habitat on our High Arctic and Baffin Expeditions this
year. Ask our marine biologists about them and keep a watchful eye for
them from the observation decks.

For more information on the Baffin Expedition please click here

For more information on the High Arctic Adventure please click here

Birding in the Codroy Valley

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:52:29 -0400

For the past several years, Adventure Canada and the Nature Conservancy of
Canada (NCC) have partnered to bring visitors to the lush and beautiful
Codroy Valley in southwest Newfoundland. Participants in Adventure
Canada's Circumnavigation of the Island of Newfoundland have been
treated to the outstanding hospitality of Codroy's residents. The
Nature Conservancy of Canada has been active in the valley since 1994
and has acquired 15 properties in that time. In May, 2008, NCC offered
a one-day introductory course on bird identification to residents of
the valley. Initially, only 12 student seats were available. However,
the interest was so high that the course was expanded to 16 seats (and
still people were turned away). The students were, one and all,
interested and enthusiastic and are looking forward to the fall visit
of Adventure Canada so they can show off their new skills to the cruise
passengers.

For more information, please read the article posted on the NCC website.

To find out more about visiting the Codroy Valley on our Newfoundland Circumnavigation please click here.

Paging Dr. Lishman

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:50:14 -0400

On June 6th, 2008, long-time Adventure Canada friend and staff member Bill
Lishman was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws by the Ontario
Institute of Technology for his contributions to his profession and
community.

Bill is an award winning sculptor, filmmaker, inventor and naturalist.
He is co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Operation Migration, a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing safe
migration routes for migratory birds. In 2000, William received the
Meritorious Service Medal for his pioneering work with migratory birds.
The 1996 Oscar-nominated film Fly Away Home was inspired by his life story.

Congratulations Dr. Bill!

For more information on the ceremony click here.

To watch the convocation ceremony click here.

Bill is joining Adventure Canada on the 2008 Newfoundland Circumnavigation. For more information Click here.

Congratulations Aaju!

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:47:48 -0400

Right-click to change this image
- choose from a variety of alternatives." />Adventure Canada staff member and Inuit culturalist Aaju Peter recently passed her bar exam in Iqaluit.

Aaju was a graduate from Canada's first Arctic law school. Aaju received a
University of
Victoria law degree in a special ceremony in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Eleven
students earned their degrees through a unique program
offered in the territory by UVic's faculty of law in partnership with
the Akitsiraq Law School Society and Nunavut Arctic College. On June
20, she will officially be called to the Nunavut Bar as a lawyer.

Congratulations Aaju - we know how hard you've been working these past few years!

Aaju is travelling with Adventure Canada in 2008 on our Baffin and Walrus Expeditions.

For more information on the Baffin Expedition please Click here.

Celtic Quest Series

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:09:10 -0400

Right-click to change this image
- choose from a variety of alternatives." name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.26" optionname="ADVENTURE_SMIMG" alt="Evigheds Fjord" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs027/1102045886931/img/26.jpg?a=1102131872149" />Many of us here at Adventure Canada can trace our routes back to the Celtic
peoples of Western Europe. Company director, Matthew Swan, designed
our first Celtic Quest in 1995 in hopes of gaining greater insight into
his Scottish heritage and the wild landscape that so shaped the lives
of its coastal peoples. Since that time Adventure Canada has returned
to Scotland and set out to explore the other Celtic nations: Ireland,
Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man, Cornwall and the Iberian Peninsula.
In 2009 we are thrilled to present our Celtic Series: Spain to
Scotland and Scotland Slowly. Taken as one extended learning holiday
or as two separate legs we will explore the rich regional traditions
and the ties that unify; language, music, migration, ancestry and maybe
even ale! Onboard the luxurious ninety-four passenger MS Andrea
we take the road less travelled, visiting small island communities,
wild islands, and important historical and archaeological sites
including highlight excursions to the sacred pilgrimages of Santiago de
Compostela and Iona.

Booking for this trip begins on July 2nd, 2008

For more information on our Celtic Quest Series please click here

Gros Morne Wonder

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:30:38 -0400

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Visit one of the forerunners in the new Seven Wonders of Nature contest.

Gros Morne National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its
scientific attributes combined with unrivaled natural beauty. Table
Mountain is an elevated flatland of rust colored rocks that represent
500 million year old deep mantle, now transported upon shallow water
limestone; Green Point has thin layered limestone and shale chosen as a
world geologic time line, and Western Brook Pond is a spectacular
inland fiord. View the candidates and cast your vote at www.n7w.com.

On our 2008 Newfoundland Circumnavigation we explore the tablelands and weather permitting Western Brook Pond.

For more info on our Newfoundland Circumnavigation click here:

Bowhead Whale Update

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:28:06 -0400

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Recent studies have revealed that the bowhead whale population of the eastern
Canadian Arctic is higher than the previously believed. The range of
probable estimates for the eastern bowhead is presently 4,811-43,105,
with a mean estimate of 14,400. While the range is quite large and
exact figures still unknown, the numbers are higher than previously
thought and this is good news for the population. Past estimates put
the population at only a few hundred. The reason for the larger numbers
is in part due to surveys of new areas which were not known until
recently to have large numbers of bowhead whales. Tracking with
satellite-linked transmitters has been very helpful in determining the
wider range of occupation.

We are looking forward to
travelling in bowhead whale territory this summer and hope to have the
great fortune and privilege of spending time amongst them. Over the
past four years we have been very blessed indeed with viewings of pods
as large as sixty and last year spotting a rare albino bowhead whale.
In 2008 we travel with bowhead expert Pierre Richard on our High Arctic
Adventure who will share with us his knowledge of the bowhead whale and
be glued to his spotting scope in hopes of sharing these great beasts
with us.

For more information on our High Arctic Adventure

Michael Crummey

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:26:50 -0400

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We are delighted to have awarding winning author and poet Michael Crummey
join our team of wonderful resource people on our 2008 Newfoundland
Circumnavigation. Throughout our journey Michael will share selected
readings and his insights into the Newfoundland literary scene. Michael
was born and raised in Newfoundland. He has published half a dozen
books, including Hard Light and Salvage (poetry), Flesh and Blood
(short stories) and two novels. His first novel, River Thieves, was a
national bestseller and appeared on half a dozen award shortlists,
including the Giller Prize. His most recent book is The Wreckage,
published in 2005. A national bestseller, it was short-listed for the
Rogers' Writer's Trust Fiction Prize and was long-listed for the Dublin
IMPAC Literary Award. His work has appeared in The Penguin Book of
Canadian Short Stories and in The New Canon: An Anthology of Canadian
Poetry. He was recently named the winner of the Timothy Findley Award,
given to a Canadian writer at mid-career to honour a significant body
of work. He lives in St. John's.

For more information on our Newfoundland Circumnavigation please click here.

Summer In Newfoundland

nospam@example.com (Rebecca Burgum) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:21:51 -0400

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From time to time polar bears reach their southern-most limit when they
reach the coast of Newfoundland, especially in the spring of the year
when the arctic ice presses onto the northeast coast. This appears to
be one of those years. Polar bears have been sighted on Fogo Island and
elsewhere in Notre Dame Bay as well as on the Northern Peninsula. A
woman from Lumsden, Notre Dame Bay recently had to stop on the highway
on her way to work and wait for a polar bear to get out of the way. The
bears are in the area largely because of the harp seals that are
whelping on the ice at this time of year. It seems as though there are
more bears this year than usual. Is this just another sign of the
effects of global warming? Who knows.

Adventure Canada's cruises usually visit Newfoundland in the late summer and early fall
but mid- summer is also a great time to visit. Wildlife viewing
couldn't be better when seabird breeding is at its peak and humpback
whales are in the thousands. Why not join Dennis Minty and Antje
Springmann for their Newfoundland Close Up tour July 12-19 and
experience "the rock" at one of the finest times of year and learn to
improve your photo skills too.

For more information on Newfoundland Close Up click here