DavidMcNab

This lucky woman is visiting a very unique goat farm in Ontario, Canada, called Haute Goat. The guests here are treated to a wonderful experience as they stroll around the farm with a herd of friendly goats. The goats follow and munch happily on grass and clover while guests pet them and take pictures. After they get their fill of clover, the stroll takes them back the barn area where the babies are brought to an enclosure with climbing structures and toys. The goats climb and frolic as guests take turns cuddling with them. This happy little baby too a liking to Kristy who sat on a bench to watch the goats. The baby repeatedly jumps onto the bench and climbs into her arms to be cuddled. Goats are curious and affectionate creatures that enjoy the contact with the people who come here to visit. The goats here are all named and treated like family.

Scammers make use of the internet and social media to reach out to potential victims daily. For some, this is their way of life. It's what they consider to be their occupation and the victims are just necessary casualties. Their scams and ploys evolve and adapt to mislead people from all walks of life. Surprisingly, many people fall for these scams and provide their hard earned dollars to someone they trust, but shouldn't. One of the most common scams is the promise of large amounts of money that require administrative fees or taxes for release. The scammers use social media profiles to impersonate a friend and then invite the victim to take part in a payment opportunity. When a Nigerian scammer named "Mark" impersonated a trusted friend and contacted Dave, a veteran police officer, he was hoping to gain his trust and scam Dave out of his money. But in a shocking turn of events, the scammer got money in a way that he never dreamed of. And Dave got something in return that might never have been done before. Initially, Dave made fun of Mark, who was posing as his buddy, Ben, asking him when he was released from jail. Mark plays along and the sarcastic responses continued. But then things got serious. Dave admitted that he knew the scam and he offered Mark money in exchange for revealing the secret of his ruse. The catch was that Mark would have to agree to an audio call that would be used to educate the public about the scam itself. Fifty dollars was too tempting an offer for Mark to refuse and these two began to negotiate their terms. Mark couldn't trust Dave to pay so he asked for the money up front. Dave was also short on trust for a confessed Nigerian scammer, so he insisted that the money be paid immediately after the phone call. With nothing to lose and fifty dollars (U.S.) on the table, Mark agreed to speak honestly if his identity could be protected. Mark called Dave on Facebook and they talked about scams, people in U.S.A. and the struggles of people in Nigeria. It was a frank and open discussion and it was obvious that Mark was in a world where there are few honest options. As Mark and Dave spoke, Dave sent Mark fifty dollars through PayPal. The conversation continued and Dave couldn't help but think that Mark had more than honoured their agreement. Dave sent another fifty dollars that wasn't asked for. Mark and Dave exchanged pleasantries and hung up after a lengthy call. Mark immediately sent a message through Facebook and suggested that a video call would be much better for making a video about the scam. Understandably, he asked for another fifty dollars for a video call. Dave liked the idea but they had to make sure that Mark's identity would be protected in the video. They agreed that he would wear a hat and keep his face partially off camera. Dave also assured Mark that his face would be blurred if it was visible at any time. Surprisingly, the two had now established enough trust for each other to work out the details and, within a few minutes, Mark and Dave were on a video call. It was possibly the first video call ever between a scammer and a retired police officer, discussing his methods. Dave asked some of the same questions that were asked on audio and a few new ones, trying to show an accurate picture of the scam and why Mark does what he does. North Americans have very little understanding of what life is really like in a third world country. They have little understanding of how people there perceive the people of the western world. And more than anything, North Americans don't truly understand what they would do if they were faced with the same struggle for survival. But almost anyone would ask how a person like Mark lives with himself as he dupes good people. In a brutally honest manner, Mark's position is clear. He simply needs to run scams in order to survive. Dave sent Mark a third fifty dollar payment as they had agreed to. Throughout the conversation, these two developed a surprising level of trust and respect. But as they talk, Mark shows that our life in North America is vastly different that life in Nigeria. It's very possible that any of us would make the same choice that Mark does in order to get food. In Mark's world, the common belief is that all people from North America are rich and that they have a life that some Nigerian people can only dream of. Mark says he wants to come to U.S.A. in a voice that conveys his understanding of how impossible that dream is. When we take an honest look at the comparison between both worlds, their belief is understandable that we have everything and they have nothing. It's important to protect ourselves from these scams, but it is also important to remember that anyone will do what they can to survive. Don't allow scammers to access your information and your friends list on social media. Don't provide any personal or financial details to anyone over the internet. Don't ever pay money in hope of getting more. And, don't forget that we are luckier than we know to live where we do.

Storms are incredibly powerful and beautiful at the same time. This lightning show closed in on the shore of Cobourg on Lake Ontario, one of the five largest lakes in the world. As the ominous thunderclouds rolled towards the marina harbour, a drone circled and recorded, catching the contrast between a peaceful sky with a setting sun and a black pillar of rain. From the middle of the lake, under the storm, a small boat appeared, racing at full speed for the safety and security of the break water. Cutting it close, a few drops of rain were falling as the boat reached the entrance. The crimson line on the horizon as the sun dipped out of sight was breath taking. The booming thunder and increasing wind from the south suggested that the peacefulness was about to be broken. Geese frantically flew along the shore to find a place for shelter. They also knew that the weather was going to turn foul momentarily. They dipped low and found refuge in the trees. Minutes after the drone finished filming and returned to the shore, the skies opened and rain poured down in a deluge. Thunder cracked and the ground shook. The fishermen in the boat had beaten the storm by only minutes. Nature can be magnificent, beautiful, peaceful, and terrifying all at the same time. The beauty of these storms along the shore is incredible, but those caught in weather like this would not appreciate the colours and the splendour.

African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They are majestic and powerful, yet usually gentle, unless threatened. This young bull is already enormous. He demonstrates how to use the dust to create a barrier on his skin that deters flies and parasites. He spends a few minutes in the shelter of a tree where he has found some loose dirt. Using his trunk, he sprays the dirt all over his back before returning to the nearby herd. The elephant appears to be full grown and very large until we see him standing beside the other elephants in his herd. This gives us a better appreciation of the massive size that these animals reach. The other elephants are much larger than he is. These elephants enjoy the safety and freedom of life in a protected area in Kenya, Africa. The vast grasslands here are full of potential predators like cheetahs and lions, but they are free from poachers and hunters. Patrols ensure that nobody can unlawfully kill or harm the elephants. The numbers of these majestic beasts has declined greatly in recent decades but conservation efforts around the globe are helping them to make a comeback. We must do all that we can to ensure that these beautiful giants are not lost forever.

This baby elephant roams freely on the plain in Kenya, Africa. His home is a vast, protected grassland where he can wander in safety from poachers. The animals here are still wary of predators, especially the crocodiles in the rivers. An unwary baby elephant would be grabbed and dragged into the water if he doesn't keep an eye out for approaching crocs. This happy little fellow drinks his fill and then plays with the water, spraying it from his trunk. The adults in the herd keep a watchful eye on this young calf.

Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes that lies on the Canada/U.S.A. border. It is the 13th largest lake in the world and home to Niagara Falls. To stand on the shore and gaze out to the horizon gives one the impression that they are on the ocean. You cannot see the shore on the far side. This drone took to the skies as the sun was setting and it captured the beauty of the harbour in the small town of Cobourg, Ontario. Ships come and go here, protected by the breakwaters and peninsulas. The water can become rough and unforgiving with little notice, however, and those who venture far from shore must calculate the risks. The sailboats moor for the night, some being a summer home for the owners who sail around the shoreline in the summer months. As expected, restaurants and ice cream shops invite the people who walk the pathways and the trails along the shore. Swans inhabit the bays, geese graze on the grassy areas, and ducks dabble in the shallows. It's a beautiful and peaceful scene that touches the hearts of those who take the time to experience it. A "whiting effect" caused by suspended calcium carbonate particles reflecting the blue light gives the lake its beautiful blue colour. Strikingly beautiful from the ground, the lake is even more beautiful from the air, as we see from these images taken 100m above the water.

Lionesses on the plain in Kenya, Africa have made a kill and their prey is being devoured in a hurry. Here in Africa, the opportunity to eat is often short. Predators smell food from miles away and there are always hungrier lions, packs of hyenas, or wild dogs, ready to try their luck in stealing meat where they can. Even a pair of powerful lionesses musty eat quickly to get their share. This vulture has followed his nose to the scene of the fresh kill and he is ready to dash in if he sees an opening. He keeps a respectful distance as he looks over the carcass and sizes up the lionesses. They are far too busy and unconcerned with his presence while he stays distant, but he knows that he is also vulnerable if he gets too close. A lioness would happily eat a bird like him and they would object to being robbed of their dinner. The vulture will wait until the bigger predators have all had their turn, or he will swoop in if their is enough chaos to cause a distraction. He will be ready in either case. The hyenas and dogs that live on these plains are also crafty and they know that food attracts other creatures that can be food as well. The vulture will need to keep an eye on more than just the lionesses if he is to live through the day. As the vulture casually strolls past, the lioness chew and tear off meat as quickly as they can. This wildebeest will be reduced to bones and stripped of every ounce of flesh before nightfall. Life on the African plain is complex. Nature here, like in most places is strikingly beautiful, but harsh and dangerous at the same time.

Ground squirrels are one of the most adorable rodents in the world. They resemble gophers, but they are much smaller. They are in the same family as gophers and are often referred to as gophers, along with many other species of rodent that are closely related. But more precisely, this is a Columbian ground squirrel, common to Southwestern United States and certain regions in Canada. This is a female living in British Columbia, Canada. She has made her den in the ground beside a log cabin, beneath a majestic mountain near the town of Fernie. She is a proud mother to two babies that play in the sun near the den during the day. They are tiny little balls of fur that are completely adorable. But when anyone or anything appears near the den, the babies quickly dash for cover. The mother comes out in the day to explore and graze. She will need lots of food so that she can produce a constant supply of milk for her babies. These ground squirrels spend 8-9 months hibernating. They emerge in the summer months, emaciated from many months with no food. The mother's fat stores will carry her through this long sleep. Her young will be born during this hibernation and they will emerge with their mother in the late spring. Ground squirrels build impressive burrows, consisting of a nest and another chamber for toilet activities. In constructing a burrow, the ground squirrel will excavate 4-12kg (9-27 lbs) of soil. Expansion of these burrows in later years will result in an even greater amount of soil being excavated. The nests are lined with grasses and other vegetation. Social animals, they will often greet each other with prolonged touching of their mouths and noses. This behaviour resembles kissing. This dedicated mother keeps a close eye on her babies throughout the day. When they are out of sight, she will chirp until they answer her or come back to the burrow. The babies eventually wandered back within a close range and she went back to nibbling on grass quietly. They often stand at attention for long periods of time, enabling them to better see their surroundings and any potential threat.

This beautiful little animal is often referred to as a gopher, along with many species of rodent that are closely related. But more precisely, this is a Columbian ground squirrel, common to Southwestern United States and certain regions in Canada. This is a female living in British Columbia, Canada. She has made her den in the ground, beneath the mountains near the town of Fernie. She is a proud mother to three babies that play in the sun near the den during the day. They are tiny little balls of fur that are completely adorable. But when anyone or anything appears near the den, the babies quickly dash for cover. The mother comes out to explore and graze. She will need lots of food so that she can produce a constant supply of milk for her babies. These ground squirrels spend 8-9 months hibernating. They emerge in the summer months, emaciated from many months with no food. Her fat stores will carry her through this long sleep. Her young will be born during this hibernation and they will emerge with their mother in the late spring. Ground squirrels build impressive burrows, consisting of a nest and another chamber for toilet activities. In constructing a burrow, the ground squirrel will excavate 4-12kg (9-27 lbs) of soil. Expansion of these burrows in later years will result in an even greater amount of soil being excavated. The nests are lined with grasses and other vegetation. Social animals, they will often greet each other with prolonged touching of their mouths and noses. This behaviour resembles kissing.

Osprey are the second largest predatory bird in North America. Also known as fish eagles, they are very similar in their size, hunting habits, and ferocity. Equipped with razor sharp talons and beaks, they are formidable and they dominate the skies with little fear of anything. This nesting pair have their nest near Rice Lake in Southern Ontario. They arrive in April and stick to the same area each year, often the same nest. They travel a short distance to catch fish several times each day. This devoted male will bring his mate catfish, crappie, bass, and perch. His talons have barbs that make it very difficult for him to release the fish from his grasp once he brings it to the nest. These same barbs ensure that the fish cannot easily escape, once caught. Ospreys are occasionally seen floundering on the surface of the water as they struggle with a fish. Once they have one in their grip, they cannot release the fish if taking off is difficult. These barbs can cause them trouble. The osprey has an extra joint in its wing that enables them to raise their wings above the surface of the water to gain lift. This compensates for the problems caused by having a fish locked in its grasp. Osprey are loyal birds, sticking to the same mate. Both will hunt and care for the chicks. They will take turns feeding each other as they protect the nest. Osprey are among the most magnificent and graceful birds on this continent.

When a drone is launched to film over the ocean, almost anything can happen. An expensive camera and a costly piece of equipment are held aloft by four tiny propellers. Obstacles, wind, or tiny grains of sand can stop a propeller and make the drone plummet to the ground, or in this case, the water below. Flying over Voli Voli resort in Fiji, this drone was capturing spectacular footage and recording the shore, the ocean, and the resort. But as it flew along the coastline, the drone operator was surprised to see the monitor image suddenly jump around as if the drone had struck something. The camera tilted and showed the sky at an angle that the drone is not designed to fly at. Then there was chaos on the screen. The image transmission suddenly stopped and the screen went blank. The drone operator walked the shoreline and looked for his drone. He could not figure out why the drone had disappeared. There were no obstacles anywhere that the drone could have struck. He had to assume that there had been a rogue gust of wind, or a malfunction. Construction workers along the shore had seen the drone flying past them. They told the owner that the drone had suddenly headed out over the water in an erratic manner, as if out of control. With a serious language challenge, it was hard to understand much, but they pointed to the general area that the drone went to. The owner could not understand why it fell from the sky but it was clear that it was now submerged. The drone was probably finished within seconds of touching salt water, but the data card held the footage that the drone operator had come here for. He put on his scuba gear and searched underwater for the drone, without success. The following day, the owner made another attempt to find it. In 7m (222 feet) of water, the drone's white shell was seen. The owner had proudly placed a "Rumble" sticker on the drone and the familiar lime green logo now reflected back in the lights. The drone was definitely unsalvageable and the battery was also useless, but the data card was unharmed. The props of the drone were bent and broken from the impact with the water, suggesting that the drone had hit hard and fast. The last file on the SD card was corrupted, as is often the case when the power supply is cut off before the recording is stopped. Using Stellar video repair, the owner was able to recover the last footage that the drone had ever recorded. It showed the unnatural angle that the drone had taken, suggesting a propeller failure, along with a view of the sky and then the water. Although a drone crash like this one can be costly, at least this drone operator was able to retrieve the footage that he had recoded that day. He was also able to solve the mystery surrounding the sudden plunge into the ocean.

Daisy is a lucky cow who lives on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's acres of lush pasture on rolling hills, ponds full of clean water, and trees for shade. The "girls" here graze freely and lie in the sunshine when they are relaxing and chewing their cud. It's as perfect a life as a cow could want. There is even a bull here who does his duty in the natural way and watches over them protectively. Daisy is a seasoned mother who has had a few calves and she knows her time is coming again. She picks a spot on the hill and lies down to let nature take its course. Her herd mates seem to know what's happening and they line up and take a spot in the grass beside her. Their calm presence seems to comfort Daisy as she begins her labour. The other cows look on, unconcerned, but seemingly there for a show of support. They have all given birth a few times themselves and they must understand that a calf is on the way. Daisy begins giving birth and works quickly, with her calf emerging over the course of ten or twelve minutes. A healthy and chunky male, he slides out smoothly and waits patiently as his mother licks him clean. Slowly, he will gain the strength to stand and nurse. The licking and grooming is important for the bonding between the mother and the calf. It is also imperative that Daisy cleans up anything that could attract predators such as wolves or coyotes. Daisy's new baby will need to get to his feet as quickly as possible and stay close to the herd for protection. He will also need to get a dose of the first milk which contains colostrum, the antibodies that will build his immune system and nourish him in the first day. Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and they are highly mobile in a day or two. Nature looks after the healthy and gives them the ability to care for themselves early in life. The birth of a calf is a wonderful part of nature and a true joy to watch. It's nice to see Daisy's friends gather to support her in this experience.

When Dave, a man from Canada asked his friend, Naomy how she gets water in her village, she recorded this video to tell the story. Kenya has a dry season and a rainy season. Both are extreme, but the dry season brings drought and hardship. Usually, the only source of water is a small drainage ditch near her family home. There is a pool that it is deep enough to dip a cup and fill a jug. But the water is not clean and it is 2km from her house. Still, it is all they have. During the rainy season, this reservoir fills up and the villagers can fill their jugs here. But the water is contaminated with animal feces and runoff from the farms around the reservoir. It will be short lived because this will dry up, but it's the best water source while it is full. This video highlights the extreme challenges of life in Africa. Naomy is a farmer, managing a small plot of rented land. It is how she feeds her family and how they survive. It is also the same farm plot that allows her to grow some extra vegetables for sale. In Kenya, the average wage across the country is approximately 100 schillings, or $88 U.S. This is not much to survive on and making ends meet requires hard work, commitment, and even ingenuity and imagination. The sales from Naomy's farm plot net her $3-5 on a very good day. She will use that money to pay for medical needs of the family, as well as necessities like kerosene, sugar, salt, and clothing. Naomy has an extra challenge. She adopted Emannuel, a boy who was abandoned by his parents when he was two years old. Naomy uses her meager savings to fund schooling for Emannuel so he can have a decent life. Naomy also makes videos, like this one, and Dave and Naomy use the videos to show the world what life is like for Naomy and the others in her village. The videos have helped provide a small income for Naomy and her family. As she faces some upcoming medical fees, she is using her phone camera to share her life with the world, and to try to meet the costs ahead. Please enjoy this video and share it. You can help Naomy by doing so and you can also help her with this link. https://gofund.me/39e4d22a Asante san. Thank you.

This rhinoceros mother and her baby are enjoying the sun on the plains in Kenya. Generally solitary, tight bonds are formed between a mother and her calf. They are wild and free, among a population of rhinos in Kenya that are protected by highly trained poaching enforcement officers. It is estimated that only 6,000 black rhinos remain in the wild, placing them dangerously close to extinction. Here, the rhinos roam through a vast conservation tract that is patrolled and monitored, allowing the rhinos to live as nature intended, while reducing the threat of poaching and predation. Black rhinos can reach a massive size, 180cm (71 inches) high, and weighng in at more than 1400kg (3100 lbs). In a few cases, weights have been reported at up to 2900kg (6385lbs). Generally gentle creatures, they can be prone to aggression, charging at anything that they perceive as a threat. It is best to keep a respectful distance at all times. They are vegetarian, feeding on branches and leaves. With their enormous horns, they look formidable, but the horns are used for defense, intimidation and for digging up roots while feeding. They are also protected by their thick skin which serves almost as armour to prevent injury from sticks and thorns while feeding. Black rhinoceros are aggressive in their behaviour toward each other, with nearly half of black rhinos dying from combat related injuries. They are prone to predation by lions and crocodiles when they are smaller. Predation of a full grown rhino is rare. Capable of reaching speeds of 55km/h (34mph), they are able to run from predators and they are exceptionally fast when charging at a perceived threat. A wild rhinocerous is a spectacular sight that few have the privilege of experiencing. It is crucial that we do all that we can so that we do not lose these majextic beasts forever.

This is a unique and unforgettable look at farm life through the lens of a high speed drone. Swooping in from high above, zipping under machinery, cruising through a herd of grazing cows, through vehicles, and weaving among hay bales, it's a look at farm life from a different perspective. A DJI Avata drone creates new possibilities for seeing the world. This drone operator sat near the farmhouse, watching the drone with virtual reality goggles, seeing exactly what the drone saw as it flew. The sensation is as close to flying as you can get without leaving the ground. With stunning clarity, objects whipped past as the drone navigated through tight spaces with only inches to spare. Crashes are inevitable with this sort of flying, but this drone is capable of flipping itself over and taking off again. Propeller guards and a tough plastic body make it a tough little unit. Conventional drones can't perform like these, and they can't maneuver through slots without the danger of their propellers being stopped by even the smallest twig or object. This drone operator is actually helping out his farmer buddy who wants to keep a close eye on the cows during calving season. The drone provides a quick look at the herd without having to trudge around the pasture so many times in a day. Of course, the up close and personal look at the herd is still required each day, but the drone provides a good peek in between pasture. foot patrol.

These tourists in the Galapagos Islands were on a tour around the bay when they witnessed one of nature's spectacles close up. An orca was hunting in the bay where Pacific sea turtles had come to feed. The orca had no fear of the humans in the tiny, inflatable boat, passing very close to the tourists and even under the boat as it went on about it's business. Nature can be beautiful but it can also be harsh. The orca is a perfect example of this contrast. One of the most sophisticated and intelligent animals on earth, it is capable of hunting cooperatively with other orcas, communicating and planning as it does so. Although it is not the largest creature in the ocean, it is undeniably the most formidable. Even great white sharks avoid contact with these super predators. Orcas in the Galapagos Islands are known to eat sharks, sea lions, penguins, and even giant sea turtles. The seemingly impervious shell of the Pacific green turtle is no match for the frighteningly powerful jaws of the orca. With unbelievable crushing force, this orca cracked the shell of an enormous turtle with ease. A group of scuba divers from Canada had been exploring the undersea world from their liveaboard tour boat but they ventured out in two of the inflatable pangas to enjoy a close look at the creatures on the shore line, in between their dives. It was then that they saw this unbelievable sight. Thrilled to witness the dorsal fin of this giant and see it surfacing nearby, they eagerly shot video and pictures of the once in a lifetime display. It was only after a few minutes that they realized that the orca was hunting in the bay and that they were witnessing the results of an underwater battle for survival as the orca ate a magnificent turtle right in front of them. As the orca surfaced, the split shell could be seen hanging off the dorsal fin of the killer whale. The guides explained that an orca will crush the shell of a turtle and then lodge it between rocks to allow them to scrape out the meat with their jaws. These scuba divers have experienced conflicting emotions on many occasions as they have encountered animals fighting beneath the waves. For both the predator and the prey, these battles are about survival and it is not the place of humans to meddle in the struggles. Their guides have taught them that nature does not need our help. This is especially well understood in the Galapagos Islands where the balance of nature can be more precarious and interference from people can have unthinkable consequences. While it was difficult to witness the end of this beautiful turtle, it was a privilege to be present to witness the spectacle of such a powerful animal in its natural environment. These scuba divers entered the water here an hour later to swim with marine iguanas. While they are well aware that orcas have never killed a human in the wild, the image of the turtle and the immense power of the orca was on their minds as they dove, reminding them that humans are visitors in this unforgiving domain. When people enter the water, they are clumsy and awkward and always at the mercy of the animals who thrive in this world. We must respect those animals that call this home.

Hell's Gate lies at the bottom of a steep canyon carved out of the mountain by the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. It is the narrowest portion of the mighty Fraser River, originally known by other names. The Tsilhqot'in name for the river is ʔElhdaqox, meaning Sturgeon. The river is home to gigantic sturgeon that feed on the bottom in slower running sections, but the river is also Canada's greatest source of salmon and the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this nation first relied on the salmon for their survival. This strikingly beautiful section of the Fraser River has a fascinating history. At these narrows, the current rages through a steep canyon, making it impossible for boats to navigate the river. Indigenous people gathered here to harvest salmon as the fish rested in the eddies before continuing upriver. The rapids and steep banks made it a treacherous and dangerous area to fish, yet the opportunities to catch the salmon were plentiful. Rope and wooden structures helped the local fishermen make their way along the sheer rock faces to fish. In the middle and late 1800s, European settlers began to gather and fish here. The gold rush and fur trade brought even more settlers and people passing through. This area became a busy trade corridor. A railway was built and the area saw more traffic and people than ever before. In 1911, a second rail line was built along the south and east bank of the Fraser River. During construction of the second rail line, a catastrophic rockslide poured huge boulders into the river. This decreased the depth by 5m (15 feet), increasing water velocity by more than a third. Very few salmon made it through and they perished in the attempt, before spawning, or they found other rivers to spawn in. The salmon populations plummeted. Commercial fishing was already putting heavy pressure on the salmon and the Indigenous people faced famine. Fishing restrictions were put in place, but commercial fishing continued in the areas south of Hell's Gate. Intense debates raged over the causes and the solutions, with harsh criticism from many angles. From 1947 to 1951, two corridors were built along the banks of the river. These structures created tunnels with reduced current, allowing the fish to pass through and avoid the worst of the turbulence. Other conservation efforts were also put in place. As a result, salmon populations rebounded. In the 1970s, an airtram was built to allow people to traverse the river and view the fishways from both banks. The site hosts a restaurant, giftshop, along with educational films and plaques to explain the history of this canyon. The Fraser River is named after the explorer, Simon Fraser. He wrote in his journals that this passage was: "a place where no human should venture, for surely these are the gates of Hell." It was known thereafter as Hell's Gate. Without the benefit of roads or rail lines, explorers were forced to find a way through these treacherous and dangerous waters. What was once seen as a foreboding and treacherous place is now appreciated for its magnificent beauty and interesting history. It is also an undeniable demonstration of the potential consequences of human intervention in our attempt to battle or conquer nature.

Harrison is a small town in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. This province is home to mountains, waterfalls, and the legendary Sasquatch, or Bigfoot. It is also the home of an incredible natural hot spring beside the picturesque Harrison Lake. Tourists from the Toronto area were out for a walk and an explore when they came across a family of tourists from China who had brought a dozen eggs with them for their visit. Considered a delicacy in their home, eggs boiled in a natural hot spring are highly prized and quite expensive. As a novelty, this lady was boiling her eggs in the hottest area of the spring. She told the Canadians that the eggs would be fully cooked in about an hour. She used chopsticks to turn the eggs as they cooked, so that she would not burn her fingers by dipping them in the water.

Bridal Veil Falls are tucked away in the hills near Hope, British Columbia. They are picturesque and beautiful beyond description.

Pacific green turtles are huge sea turtles with a gentle and mildly curious disposition. When a swimmer moves slowly and keeps a respectful distance, they will treat them with mild curiosity and allow them to drift with them and observe their feeding behaviour. These turtles were feeding in the shallows in a quiet bay on Floriana Island in the Galapagos. They come to the bay to feeb on sea weed and algae that grows on the rocks. The turtles can be seen in great numbers as they drift and munch contentedly. At this size, very few predators are able to harm them. They fear orcas and large sharks, but even those animals are generally discouraged by the nearly impervious shells of the turtles. These are gentle creatures, having no means of attacking other animals, or humans. Their defense to an attack would be to simply swim away. Graceful and powerful swimmers, they propel themselves by flapping their powerful fins. They stay near the surface or in the relative shallows, needing to breath air to survive. They can dive deep, when they wish to and hold their breath for up to thirty minutes but they prefer to be in areas where the light allows the most lush vegetation to grow. This lucky swimmer drifted on the waves and the current, recording dozens of these magnificent and peaceful animals as they went about their business. Occasionally, the waves and the surge would push the turtles within inches of him, which the turtles did not react to. It is never allowed to intentionally touch, harass, or swim too close to turtles of other animals. These turtles seem to understand the difference and they will swim away rapidly if they are uncomfortable. Swimming with such gigantic, gentle beasts is a memory that will not soon be forgotten.

These cows live a wonderful life on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. They have lush, green pasture to graze, rolling hills, treed forest, and ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They have sunshine when they want and shade when they choose. It's life on a free range farm and it's as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. They even have a post with brushes at different angles to allow the cows to satisfy an itch if they have one. Here, we see Mildred using the brush, having a good old time, until she sees Colleen approaching. Colleen is a year or two older and enjoys a higher place in the pecking order among the girls here. Colleen asserts her seniority and Mildred moves away respectfully. Colleen then takes over the brush and scratches contentedly. It almost appears that Colleen is smiling as she has her turn at the scratching post.

When Farmer Dave badly injured his foot in a farming accident, he needed to check his cows and calves several times each day. But walking was difficult while he was on the mend. A large piece of machinery had shattered the bones in his foot and he needed several surgeries to put things back in place. He could see the pasture and the cows from his porch, but walking around and giving them the proper attention took more walking than he was able to do. But Farmer Dave has a drone and he started using it to watch his cows while they were in calving season. He could fly around and look at each heifer and each calf and he could make sure that none of them were in distress as they gave birth. He could tell when a new calf was born and he would know exactly where to find it without making laps around the meadow. Farmer Dave was able to recuperate and rest while still giving the cows the proper care. The drone camera resolution is shockingly clear and he can even read the ear tags from his seat on the porch. But in the name of fun, a little editing turned the regular video into a little spoof of something you might see in a science fiction movie. Special effects create the illusion that Farmer Dave is scanning the udders with a sensor to detect milk content and match full cows with thirsty calves. Although this is all in jest in this case, that technology won't be too far in the future as we see the advances in tech and everyday work saving devices.

Yellow spotted salamanders are a rare sight. Although there are great numbers of them in the area surrounding vernal pools in many forests throughout North America, they spend most of their lives burrowed underground. It is rare to catch a glimpse of one out in the open. But each year, shortly after the ice melts on ponds like this one, the salamanders migrate here in droves, ready to mate and lay eggs underwater. The males arrive first, dropping their spermatophores on the submerged leaves. The females come next, picking up the clusters and taking them into their bodies where the eggs will be fertilized. She then selects a stalk of vegetation or a stick to attach the eggs to. This videographer went to the local pond each night to watch the salamander migration, the mating frenzy, and the egg laying. It takes place each spring over the course of several days. This female gripped a plant stalk and lay her eggs over the course of 2-3 hours. The eggs emerged and clung to the stalk where they will remain for 6-8 weeks until they hatch. After the mating is all over, the salamanders leave the pond as abruptly as they arrived. They go back to their refuge under the leaves or the soil, living a solitary life, feeding on worms and insects, until it is time to gather again next spring. Spotted salamander eggs hatch in 4-8 weeks. The eggs are incredibly unique. The female lays two specific types. In one cluster, the gelatinous mass is a water soluble protein that allows oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange as the embryos develop. The other part of her cluster is surrounded by a gelatinous mass that is made up of a crystalline hydrophobic protein. It inhibits oxygen exchange but these eggs share a symbiotic relationship with an algae that grows within the eggs. The algae produces energy and oxygen through photosynthesis that the embryos use. The carbon dioxide produced by the embryos is consumed by the algae, as is the ammonia produced within the egg. This is the waste product that would harm the eggs. This is the only known true symbiotic relationship between an algae and a vertebrate animal. It is believed that the two types of egg masses will ensure survival in the presence of predators such as wood frogs. The wood frogs will not consume both types of eggs. Spotted salamanders play an important role in the food chain as they are a major source of food for foxes, raccoons and other forest dwellers.

Most people will go their whole lives without actually sighting a flying squirrel. They are nocturnal animals, rarely coming out on the open during the light of day. They are stealthy and quiet, moving quickly among the canopy where they feed on fruit, seeds, insects, and even bird eggs. They are capable of gliding an incredible 90m (300 feet) due to their skin flaps that stretch from wrist to ankle. Flying squirrels are not capable of true flight like birds or bats. Instead, they leap into the air and spread out their limbs. They have a membrane, called a patagium, that stretches and acts like a wing, allowing them to glide and even achieve some lift. Having longer limb bones that regular squirrels assists the squirrels because they are able to stretch their patagium membranes farther out from their bodies, effectively creating more "wing surface" area. The unique ability of flying squirrels assists in foraging by allowing them to cover more distance and area that their non-flying counterparts. They are also more able to escape predators by moving from one tree to another more easily, and over greater distance. Their ability to slow their descent and lessen impact with target trees prevents injury when landing. A beautiful animal to look at when perched, they are even more beautiful in flight. Quick and graceful, beautifully colored, and equipped with large eyes to assist in night vision, the squirrels are a delight to encounter. This cute little fellow was one of several that were sighted making their way across a small island in remote cottage country of Ontario, Canada. The cottage owners were thrilled to be sharing their space with a family of flying squirrels.

Camels at the zoo engage in affectionate behavior, as these camels show. How cute is that?