DavidMcNab

Formula one race cars are the fastest regulated-road course racing cars in the world. These super car teams compete at several races each year, known as Grand Prix races, which occur all over the world. The cars reach 350km/h (215mph) and achieve a staggering 6.5 lateral G on the corners. A professional team runs an annual budget of a whopping 247 million dollars to compete. Sponsorship costs are astronomical and fan response is unparalleled. This lucky supercar fan was at the finish line in one of the best seats for the race as it occurred in Montreal, Canada. He recorded the excitement of the cars, the crowd, and the fighter jets that were seen that day. The roar of the engines as the cars whizzed by was incredible and the speeds reached on this straight stretch made the cars almost impossible to focus on as they hit impressive speeds. These races have been taking place since the first official world championship race in the United Kingdom in 1950. Ferrari, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, Bugatti, McLaren, Maserati and others have been competing for the glory and the title of the fastest race cars on the planet. This is a multi-billion dollar business and the hype and excitement are beyond description. The competition for technological advantage is also massive. With engineers constantly working to improve aerodynamic grip and technical grip. The addition of wings and changes in their construction affected the amount of turbulence created behind the cars, which actually changed the way other drivers were able to draft behind one another. Tactics and techniques changed. And advances made competition in the sport an even more costly endeavor. The history and the strategy behind the sport is as fascinating as the sleek machines themselves. An event like this is one that few fans present would ever forget.

Galapagos tortoises are majestic animals that grow to an enormous size. They can reach 417kg (915lbs) and they can live for nearly 200 years. But these gentle giants are famous for being one of the slowest moving animals on the planet. This tortoise has decided it is time to go to the pond and meet his girlfriend. What appears to be a very slow motion approach is actually the tortoise's top speed. He is in a full out tortoise run as he makes his way down the bank and into the water. The female tortoise in the water is eager to meet him and her approach is also nearing her top speed as she wades over in his direction. The male tortoise must be trying to impress her as he completely submerges his head in what is the equivalent of a head first dive into the pond. It is hard to know if all of this is his demonstration of athleticism for his love interest, or if he genuinely wants to make a splash. The two gaze adorably into the eyes of the other as they bring their faces close enough that they could actually kiss. After a sniff and a loving look, the two wander off together to the other end of the watering hole. It's hard to know if the tortoise has any desire to make an impression or if he is simply looking for roots and vegetation under the water. Either way, this meeting is reminiscent of two teenagers at the local swimming hole, with the male trying to show off for the one he cares for. These tortoises are residents of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The people here recognize the importance of these beautiful beasts and they do what they can to help with conservation and breeding programs. These tortoises were nearing extinction in recent years, but they are now making a comeback. It will take many years to bring the populations back to where they should be but a committed effort is being made, with encouraging results.

Sally Lightfoot crabs are possibly the most beautiful of all the crab species. Vividly colored in red and white with gold trim, these crabs are a sight to behold. Aptly named, they are incredibly quick and agile, making them almost impossible to catch. They inhabit almost all beaches and rocky surface in the Galapagos Islands, and other tropical areas, providing a janitorial service by ridding the beach of decaying vegetation and animal matter. This large Sally Lightfoot is patrolling his beach on San Cristobal Island, gobbling up algae and any other edible material that will overrun the beach if not removed. This is a crucial role that prevents rot, stench, and bacteria that would be a threat to other animals, and even people wishing to use the beach. In true crab fashion, this large fellow walks sideways on his eight legs, ready to make a quick dash for cover if danger appears. Birds and other crabs are the main predators of the Sally Lightfoot. Despite the vast numbers that appear along the intertidal areas of beaches, they are so hard to catch that few predators consider them a food source worth pursuing. These crabs are vulnerable to a very specialized and disturbing parasite, the Rhizocephalan barnacle that effectively takes over the entire crab. It extends veins throughout the crab, even throughout the legs, resembling a root system, robbing the host of nutrients in order to feed. It will also destroy the sexual organs of the host crab in the process. Sally Lightfoot crabs are a beautiful sight and a delight for tourists to photograph, as long as they remain still long enough to capture a well focused image. Their distinctive look has made them one of the more iconic animals of the Galapagos Islands.

This adorable penguin is living his life at the last place you would expect to find a penguin. His home is in the Galapagos Islands, almost exactly on the equator. Penguins are generally found in Antarctica and the southern tip of the African continent. But one smaller species of penguin has adapted for life in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos penguin thrives here because of the abundance of sardines and mullets, their primary food source. The fish are brought here by the convergence of three strong ocean currents that create a surprisingly cool climate, despite being situated so close to the equator. It is only because of these cooler waters that the penguin survives so easily in this location. This is the only species of penguin that can be found in the northern hemisphere. This penguin has climbed onto a rock to bask in the sunshine beside a colony of marine iguanas. He shakes his tail feathers in the most adorable way to help remove water. The penguin will warm up and dry his feathers in the sun until he becomes hungry enough to venture back into the water to feed again. Penguins are flightless birds that have adapted to life in the water instead of the air. Their short wings lack flight feathers but they function extremely well at propelling them through the water as they hunt. Penguins are incredibly agile under the surface and they are able to catch fish easily. The Galapagos penguin reaches a height of 50cm (20 inches) and a weight of 4.5kg (10lbs). With their distinctive black and white markings that resemble a tuxedo, they are beautiful birds to look at. This penguin happily posed for some Canadian tourists that had been following the shoreline in small, inflatable boat called a panga. The animals in the Galapagos are shown great respect and they have little reason to fear humans. It is often possible to observe them close up if a cautious and slow approach is employed. This penguin cast a curious glance at the visitors occasionally but he was content to close his eyes and relax as they captured pictures and videos. Seeing animals in their natural environment is a thrill beyond anything that can be experienced at a zoo.

Brent is an animal lover and nature enthusiast. He has travelled to the Galapagos Islands to experience some of the most diverse and fascinating life on the planet. An avid scuba diver, he explores the underwater world just as much as he explores the world on land. On the small Island of Cristobal, Brent went for a walk along a beach that is inhabited by a colony of sea lions. As the females lounged and nursed their young, the bull sea lion wallowed in the shallows. Brent stood back a respectful distance and watched the babies basking in the sunshine. But one of the babies was watching him with equal fascination. Young sea lions are playful, friendly, and very curious. As tempting as it would be to interact with the animals or even pet them, there are strict laws in place to keep people from doing so. The smell of a human on a baby sea lion will almost definitely cause the mother to abandon her baby. Brent knows this well and he maintains his distance, but the sea lion has other ideas. As Brent begins to walk away, the sea lion ambles after him, reluctant to see him go. Brent is delighted with the sea lion's reaction and he comments that the baby seems to like him. He watches the baby and smiles widely. Then he notices that other young sea lions have taken an interest and they are coming at him from all directions. Brent might as well open a sea lion daycare to look after his new friends. He is certainly a sea lion whisperer.

Electric cars have taken the world by storm. Rechargeable vehicles allow us to drive from one place to another without creating carbon emissions as we travel. No longer reliant on fossil fuels, owners can drive past the gas pumps without all the panic and frustration at the rising prices. Gone are the feelings of contributing to the complex politics of buying oil from other countries. But the debate over the benefits and disadvantages rages on. Each answer that we think we have found leads to more questions about the true environmental impact and the world's ability to produce energy needed to power these new vehicles. One thing is certain. Tesla has been at the forefront of this debate and they have been providing their owners with software upgrades to increase the features and the appeal of their brand of electric vehicles. Tesla came out with a downloadable software package just before Christmas. Provided free, it allowed the car owners to make their car play a Christmas melody while the lights and moveable features of the car adjusted in sync to the music. It delighted most people, and it drew criticism from those who thought it was needless and obnoxious because it served no practical purpose. In answer to the critics' response, Tesla has now come out with a software download that is far more functional and practical. Not only will it save the owners a lot of money because they can live in the car or use it for winter holidays, but it will also serve as a survival aid. Opponents of the electric car industry have been questioning all along what would happen to an electric car owner in the event that they were stranded due to weather or a highway closure. People have asked if the car occupants would perish without any ability to heat the interior of the car. Well none of that matters now since we have been provided with the perfect solution. It's the Igloo Survival Mode. At the push of a button, owners download the software that will turn the car into an igloo. Surrounded by snow, owners and passengers are insulated from the elements. There is even a virtual fireplace in the car that is synched with the heater, blowing warm air in a convincing manner to make you feel like you are cozy and warm in front of a winter fire. All of this comes just in time, following record breaking snowfalls in Canada. Haven't we all wanted an igloo that we could take wherever w go. It seems that, with this added feature, we now have even more reason to love these electric vehicles.

A reef shark in Belize was observed with what appears to be an isopod, or gill parasite attached to the outer part of its gill flap. It cruised around and seemed unaffected by the parasite, but scuba divers who witnessed the attached pest were horrified, with very good reason. Isopods are a parasitic creature that attach to bony fish, usually the smaller species such as yellow striped grunts. The isopod, also known as the tongue-eating louse is the only known organism that actually replaces an organ its host. Using its specially designed front claws, the female isopod attaches to the fish's tongue and severs the blood vessels, causing the tongue to fall off. The isopod then attaches to the stub and replaces the tongue. Some of these creatures feed on blood from the host and others consume fish mucous. The males attach to the gills behind the females. When two males are present in a host fish, one of the isopods changes into a female. It will then work it's way to the host's mouth and sever the tongue. As expected, this new female will then replace the tongue. Although it does not appear that the presence of an isopod has serious effect on the host fish, they are often found to be underweight when two or more of the isopods are present. This is the only known case of a parasite functionally replacing the organ in a host fish. It is a fascinating, yet disturbing behaviour. The ocean is full of mysteries that we are only starting to discover. It is a fascinating world that often leaves us in awe and wonder.

The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are among the oldest living animals on earth. When we think of ancient creatures, this gentle giant is usually what comes to mind. But surprisingly, there are more than ten species of animals that outlive the estimated 200 year lifespan of a giant tortoise. Among them are jellyfish, sponges corals, clams, and even a few species of whale. The giant tortoise may hold the record as the longest living land animal. This giant tortoise lives on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He roams freely and munches happily on almost any vegetation that he finds. Slow moving, these animals do not have much hope of evading or outrunning any predator. They are not capable of fighting off any animal determined enough to attack it. Their defence is their heavy armour and their ability to outwait any threat. They are able to retreat into their shell and pull their legs in tight. The heavy scales and thick skin are almost impenetrable. Weighing as much as 400kg (880lbs) when full grown, few animals could overturn them or get at their vulnerable areas. The tortoise can wait in its shell until the predator grows tired and leaves. In fact, almost any carnivore would die of starvation long before the tortoise needed to come out of its shell. They can last as long as one year without food or water. The longevity of the tortoise is another reason that they are still on the planet. Living over 200 years allows them to last through many breeding seasons, with the females laying thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the eggs and the small tortoises are not safe from predators such as rats, dogs, and birds. This tortoise may be old enough to have been alive when Charles Darwin made his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836, bringing him to these islands where he found the data and inspiration for his theories of evolution. The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are beautiful and fascinating. A trip to the islands would not be complete without spending some time watching these great beasts in their natural habitat.

Sea lions are immensely loveable and comical characters that charm the visitors who travel to the Galapagos Islands. Although the males can be grumpy and territorial, much of their behaviour resembles that of our canine friends, the family dogs. Their faces and antics are much like curious and playful pups. In fact, sea lions are often called sea dogs or the pups of the ocean. This is a bull male and he is the undisputed king of the sea lion colony at the main beach on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He spends his day lounging on the sand or in the shallows, venturing out to the open ocean to hunt for fish, eels, or octopus several times throughout the day. He will claim his mating rights with the females in the colony and he will watch over the young protectively. This funny sea lion entertains the tourists at the town pier by barking as if he is laughing. He cruises through the shallows and rolls on his back, enjoying the sunshine and the refreshing water. The young sea lions in the tide pool give him a respectful distance, knowing that he is the boss. Sea lions inhabit almost all of the beaches and rocky shores in the Galapagos Islands. Once full grown, they have few predators, except large sharks. Agile and capable hunters, they keep the populations of other animals in check, preying on the weak and the injured. Residents of the Galapagos Islands have a firm understanding of the need to avoid interfering with the animals that share their home. They are careful to not intentionally touch or feed the sea lions, as tempting as it may be. They will also gently remind visitors of the need to adhere to the laws on this. For most people, a highlight of a visit to the Galapagos Islands is the time spent watching these loveable and hilarious clowns of the ocean.

Great horned owls are the largest owl species in North America. Although the snowy owl is taller, the great horned owl is the heaviest of the family. It is the most powerful in terms of talon grip strength and ability to carry off larger prey. It feeds primarily on rabbits, voles, and other rodents, but it also takes down birds, including other owls. This mother owl has found a clump of trees in a remote spot on the edge of an Ontario forest. she laid her eggs in February, during an extremely cold time of year in Canada. But she is large enough and insulated well enough to keep her eggs warm for the 37 days that it takes for her babies to hatch. She and her mate will spend 42 days caring for and feeding the young until they are developed enough to fly from the nest. These two babies are as fluffy and soft looking as a plush toy, but they will soon have flight feathers and wings strong enough to carry them. The parents bring them rabbit or other meals several times per day. The owlets will make a clumsy descent to the ground very soon and the parents will continue to feed them and to encourage them to fly. Within a day or two, they will be capable of lifting off the ground and finding a safer perch where they will watch and learn from the parents' hunting behaviour. Owls are protective of their young and any predators will have a hard time if they try to eat the babies while the parents are nearby. Even mid-sized mammals would not be a match for an angry great horned owl's talons or razor sharp beak. As with most owls, they are capable of near soundless flight. Their feathers are specially designed to make no noise, enabling them to attack without warning. These owls are one of the most iconic and beautiful of all the owl family. Their characteristic hoot and yellow eyes make them one of the most popular owls among nature lovers.

Horses are beautiful animals that could teach us all about enjoying the moment and living in happiness. These incredible animals are Jasper and Banner and they have a lot of reason to be happy. They live on a gorgeous farm in Southern Ontario where they have paddocks and meadows to graze and a cozy barn for shelter. There are miles of trails through long grass and wooded areas. The horse are taken for walks or rides daily and it's hard to tell whether it's them or their humans that love the adventures more. Banner and Jasper had just finished a morning trot through the fields and around the property and they were showing their happiness at their freedom. They spend their days chasing each other or grazing together on the lush, green grass. Watching horses as contented as these two warms the heart!

It is a beautiful thing to see two dogs working together in a cooperative fashion. These two dogs are determined to both bring back one stick. When their owner, Tom throws it out into the frozen lake, they race each other to get it. They are Dia and Jaxx, a pair of Labradoodle sisters who are living the good life in Sault St. Marie in Northern Ontario, Canada. They love the water and they love the snow. They any of the games that give them an excuse to go in it or on it. Jaxx and Dia both run to get the stick when Tom throws it. Although she is slightly smaller, Dia is the dominant of the two and she won't let Jaxx win easily. This is a game that these two dogs love, and they will literally play it all day long. They happily bring the stick to Tom and hand it right to him. They wait eagerly for him to throw it out on the ice to replay the whole thing again and again. This age old game of fetch is one of the things that we love so much about dogs. It is an endearing game that helps people and dogs bond, although we usually end up asking ourselves what it is about this game that amuses dogs so much. Do we have them trained, or is it the other way around. Tom is an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. These two dogs probably know that he is about the best owner in the world for taking them on adventures in the wilderness almost every day.

Tonga is a beautiful area of the world, and one of the few places where people can get into the water with humpback whales. These gentle giants travel here in July from all around the world so that they can breed and bear their young in waters where there are no orcas or large sharks. Humpbacks have few predators when they are full grown, but the calves are vulnerable to these predators when they are small. Swimmers were filming this incredible animal near the island of Vava'u, enjoying a spectacular display as the humpback rolled at the surface. But a blur of motion caught the eye of the swimmer with the camera as she they finished watching the whale. Too fast to be seen clearly, the swimmer was only aware of the fact that something large and incredibly fast had passed close by. Watching the footage later and slowing it down revealed that a large sailfish had passed between the whale and the swimmer. Sailfish are the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Their top speed is the topic of debate, with some sources citing that they can reach 125km/h (68mph), while others say that 35km/h is the highest recorded speed. They use this great speed to spear and injure fish with their long and sharp bill. Impaling or slashing fish causes them to swim much slower, allowing the sailfish to capture them. This is a particularly effective means of attack when more than one sailfish attacks a school of smaller fish, such as sardines. This swimmer was not in any serious danger, but the thought of such a large fish coming past like a torpedo with a harpoon on the front was intimidating. It is rare for a swimmer to catch sight of a sailfish as they will avoid humans, and it is even more rare for a person to capture an event like this on video.

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where people can get into the water with Humpback whales. To swim in the presence of such magnificent animals is beyond awe inspiring. This mother humpback has come to these peaceful waters to have her baby, safe from predators such as orcas and large sharks. A newborn calf would be easy prey for such animals. The humpback cow will nurse her calf for several months before he is big enough and strong enough to follow her north to colder waters where they will feed of small fish, krill, and shrimp. He will eat enormous amounts in this time to put on as much weight as possible. A large male, also known as a bull, can be seen with the mother and her baby. These males are known as escorts. They will often wait patiently, protecting the young family in the hope that it will secure him breeding rights when the time comes for the female to mate again. Humpback whales are enormous and majestic animals, growing to a length of 17m (56 feet) and weighing as much as 44 metric tons. Humpbacks migrate almost 16,000km (10,000 miles) each year between the polar waters where they feed and the tropical waters where they breed and give birth. Humpbacks use sophisticated vocalizations, known as singing to communicate with other whales. These songs can be heard as far as 10km (6 miles) away. The purpose of these complex songs has been the topic of debate. Once hunted to near extinction, the humpback populations are making a slow comeback. Pollution, net entanglement, and collisions with ships are still serious threats to these beautiful animals.

Jerry is a teppanyaki chef with extreme skills. He combines comedy and cooking skills in a presentation that involves juggling, samurai type spatula maneuvers, and flames. As he prepares the food, Jerry throws in a few jokes and one liners. Jerry reads the room well as he flings a shrimp onto the plate of one of the amused diners at the table. As Jerry mixes eggs, rice, seafood and vegetables, he converses with patrons and asks what has brought them to the restaurant. Dave and Kristy explained that it is their 25th wedding anniversary and that they are visiting this Benihana restaurant for the first time. Jerry quietly started working on an artistic presentation, arranging the main course in a heart shape and he added a message spelled out with salt on the grill. Jerry has some impressive moves as he spins the spatula and fork, mesmerizing the guests at the table. When he drops the spatula, he recovers quickly with a joke and a grin. He manages to fling an egg in the air and catch it on his chef's hat. When this brings laughter from the small crowd, he repeats this with the salt shaker and the shrimp tails. Jerry arranges the onion rings in a tower and drizzles oil into the centre, lighting it with a match that erupts like a flaming volcano. Gasps of delight can be heard as the guests remark that they had been hoping to see some flames during the performance. The experience was truly entertaining from start to finish, but the food was an experience in itself. Steak, vegetables, seafood, and rice combine to provide impressive portions and fantastic flavours. Part showman, part chef, part samurai, and part ninja, Jerry delivered more than the guests had bargained for on this memorable anniversary.

These Guineafowl eggs have been placed in an incubator to allow the chicks to remain warm as they get ready to hatch. After 26 to 28 days they emerge from their shells and greet the world. Strikingly beautiful birds, they are endemic to Africa. They eat seeds and insects, making them beneficial to farmers. They will feed on ticks, flies, scorpions, and maggots on carcasses and in manure. Guineafowl follow herds of larger animals in order to pick through manure and benefit from the abundance of flies that herd animals attract. Guineafowl also follow monkey troops, benefitting from food that is dropped from the canopy. Strong fliers, guineafowl are able to fly for relatively long distances if required. Grass fires pose a serious threat to these birds and the ability to fly will serve them well as it is often the only means of escape. Monogamous birds, these fowl do better when there is a cock for each hen, as opposed to one rooster for a flock of chickens. As a food source, guineafowl meat is slightly higher in protein and lower in fat than regular chickens. The eggs are richer and can be more desirable. As a means of pest control, guineafowl are a low maintenance and high benefit addition to any farm. When full grown, these birds have a striking appearance with ornate feather patterns.

The life of a captive elephant is forced labour, cruel conditions, poor nutrition, and severe beatings. They are one of the most intelligent and beautiful animals on the planet. Tragically, they are also among the most abused of all animals. There is hope for them though, because of an increase in awareness and the rise of more sanctuaries like this one, WildlifeSOS in Agra, India. This is Maya. Her story was a sad one. She is nearly 50 years old and most of her life had been spent as a broken animal with no hope and no joy. The statistics on these beautiful souls tell a tragic story. The elephants that are forced to walk on hot pavement suffer blisters and infections, yet they continue out of fear. They are managed by cruel handlers with hooks and sticks, reminding them that lack of submission is met with immediate pain. Some suffer from back stain and injury due to the heavy loads as tourists climb upon them for rides and pictures. Every captive elephant in Jaipur, India suffers from a foot malady of one sort or another. Some elephants are blind. Many suffer from malnutrition or obesity as they are fed unnatural foods like cheeseburgers or other fast food. WildlifeSOS has brought Maya to their peaceful sanctuary where she will live the rest of her days in a much different environment. Maya could never be released back to the wild. She will need ongoing care. She has responded well to the gentle touch of her caregivers and the positive reinforcement that allows treatments to take place. Treats and a kind voice have replaced the yells and prodding with sharp hooks. Maya has leisure time now and she can roll in soft dirt, wander by a river, or bathe in pools. She can socialize with other elephants which is crucial to their wellbeing. To watch Maya and the other elephants experiencing joy for the first time in decades is a heart warming experience. Please visit WildlifeSOS.org and see what can be done to help these gentle animals.

This octopus hunting on the reef shows an incredible ability to change texture and colour at will. But this ability is not the only reason that these animals are true super predators. They are the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet, capable of observational learning and problem solving. They have short term and long term memory. They are incredibly strong and more flexible than any other carnivore. They can shape shift to squeeze into impossibly tiny spaces to hide or to seek prey. They can extend their arms into the smallest crevice, using their suction cups to taste and smell as they forage on the reef. But what most people do not realize is that they are highly specialized hunters that can prey on creatures with seemingly impenetrable shells and exoskeletons. The octopus has a tooth on its tongue that helps it drill a tiny hole in the shells of mollusks and crabs. It can dissolve calcium carbonate, the substance that mollusk shells are made of, using its saliva. It can then inject a toxin or deliver a highly venomous bite, paralyzing and killing the animal in the shell. This makes it easy for the octopus to open the shell and eat the creature inside. Octopuses have sophisticated brains, but the nerve bundles in their arms are complex enough that they can control the movement of all 8 limbs without the need for input from the brain. Using the arms to reach into crevices and hiding spots and the hundreds of suction cups on each arm, it can detect prey without needing to see it. Pound for pound, there are few animals in the ocean that are such efficient and capable predators.

India is one of the most beautiful and complex countries in the world. It is the seventh largest geographically, home to the second largest population, and it is the largest democracy. The country contains 4 of the world's 34 hotspots of biodiversity. It has 22 recognized languages. India is a cultural wonder. But it can be described as a land of contrast. Immense beauty lies directly beside poverty and hardship and the line separating the two can be extremely thin. These Canadian tourists had the privilege of attending a large Indian wedding and being welcomed like family. The festivities continued for days with food, dancing, and celebrating carrying on without end. The couple and their family opened their doors and their hearts to these visitors from afar, showing them a breath taking view of their culture. While in India, Dave and Kristy visited markets and forts that were rich with cultural and historical significance. The colours, music, animal life, and food left these two in complete awe. A highlight of the visit was a trip to Wildlife SOS, an incredible elephant and sloth bear sanctuary that has been instrumental in freeing these beautiful animals from a life of abuse and slavery. These gentle souls have found the life they deserve. The streets of India are a fascinating place to see people selling merchandise of all kinds and food of every description. People peddle their crafts and offer their produce. Innovative and hard working, the people of India even sell sculpted chunks of cow dung that are burned for cooking and heat. The Taj Mahal is a monument that cannot be missed. Impressive in its precise construction as well as the story that inspired it, it is a magnificent and beautiful place. The inner market of Old Delhi with its narrow streets is a hustling and bustling centre for commerce and trade. The buildings are impossibly close together and navigating around requires skill and an impressive sense of direction. Affordable rickshaw rides are the best way to see this area without getting lost. A trip to India has something for everyone. It's beauty has to be seen to be believed.

The Chi-Cheemaun in Ontario, Canada is a very unique ferry. The bow is designed to lift up, allowing the vehicles to drive inside to be ferried between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. The 40km (24 mile) trip takes one hour, forty seven minutes. Powered by twin 3500 hp engines, the ship reaches an impressive speed of 23km/h (14mph). At 111m long (364 feet) and 19m wide (62 feet), the Chi-Cheemaun has enough space for almost 600 passengers and 150 vehicles. The name was carefully chosen as a tribute to the Ojibwe people, the largest community of Indigenous people in North America. The name means "Big Canoe". A trip on the Chi-Cheemaun is a memorable experience and a fitting way to see a truly beautiful area of North America. The crystal clear waters of Tobermory are home to dozens of wooden shipwrecks that lay on the bottom as a haunting memory of more difficult times. Lake Huron was a hub of merchant trade and cargo shipping between Canada and the United States. But, without steel construction and the benefit of weather tracking technology, many of the wooden freighters ran aground during treacherous storms. Their beams are strewn about the rocky shoals. Scuba divers come here from all over the world to explore the mysterious and beautiful underwater ship graveyard. The stories and the physical evidence of the wrecks are as real now as they were more than 100 years ago when the ships sank to the bottom. The Chi-Cheemaun has been serving the needs of travelers since 1974. Ironically, the ship suffered a catastrophic equipment fire on March 16th, 2020, as this video was under production. The fate of the ship has yet to be determined.

Millie is a devoted mother who has given birth to a few calves in the past 6 or 7 years. A seasoned mother, she knows the routine now and she also knows how to care for her babies well. Millie has been grazing all day and her udders are producing more than enough milk for Jessie, her calf. She is growing uncomfortable with the heavy load and she encourages Jessie with a loving shower of licks and gentle nudges. This tells Jessie that rest time is over and that it's time for her to get to her feet and get some milk. Jessie obeys her mother after trying to sleep some more. She reluctantly gets up and nurses happily. This will go on every few hours until Jessie is about 4 months old. She will then start to rely more on grazing and finding her own food in the pasture. This is an ethical beef farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows here live a wonderful life, roaming many acres of lush, green meadow and exploring forested areas where they have ample shade. They even have ponds full of fresh water to drink from. It's life as close to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. Jessie is a spring calf who is just a few days old. She has been exposed to nothing but kindness from the farmers who run this small operation. As with the other cows, this has created trust and she seeks affection from anyone who visits. Millie is an especially friendly cow and her baby will learn that the people here will not harm them. Millie grazes contentedly as Jessie nurses away. Millie has enjoyed a good life here and she will stay here much longer, well into her golden years.

When a group of Canadian tourists ventured to Ecuador to spend a week in the Amazon rainforest, they were prepared to meet some of the world's most feared creatures, including caimans, snakes, and giant spiders like this tarantula. But what they didn't expect was to find one of them casually hitching a ride on their head. Tammy, Kristy, and a few other women in the group went into a bathroom at the location where they were meeting the tour bus. They had just gotten off the motor canoe and it was time to move on to the next leg of their journey. As Tammy finished up in the bathroom and went to the sink to wash her hands, Kristy told her that there was a gigantic spider on her hat, right above her face. Tammy looked in the mirror and saw the beast looking back at her. Although spiders like this one don't attack people, the shock of finding one so close to her face sent Tammy into shrieks of terror. Seeing the big spider, the rest of the bathroom erupted as Tammy flung the hat off and jumped back to escape. The poor spider was probably ready to scream as well because it was probably more scared than all of them. The guides quickly entered the bathroom, picked up the hat and the spider and brought it out to the foliage in the garden area. This is a bird eating tarantula, one of the largest spiders in the Amazon, and they can deliver a nasty bite if handled improperly. These guides have handled the situation very well, reminding everyone that these fearsome beasts deserve to be left in peace. Although it was best to remove the spider from the bathroom, it serves an important function in nature and it was sensible for many reasons to carefully and gently set it free. For Tammy, the experience is one that will never be forgotten.

Hummingbirds are beautiful, but tiny creatures. They are among the smallest of the bird species. Their miniature bodies are fragile. And yet, these gorgeous little birds trustingly perch on the hand of this gigantic human to sip nectar from a tiny cup in his outstretched palm. Such a wonderful interaction with these birds is heart warming. Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, they are also very fascinating. They have the highest metabolic rate of any warm blooded animal. They are able to enter a hibernation-like state during food scarcity or periods of rest to compensate for their lower caloric intake. During these times, their metabolism may be reduced to 1/15th its normal rate. There are 360 species of hummingbird found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. All species eat insects, although their primary source of food is nectar which they sip from flowers with their specialized beaks and tongues. Aptly named, hummingbirds make an audible humming sound as they hover, due to their rapid wingbeats. Some species flap their wings as many as 90 times per second. Swift flyers, they are also capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h (50mph) during steep dives. Interacting with nature and observing animals on their own terms is an unforgettable experience. Having such a tiny animal perch contentedly on your hand is something that warms the heart.

These baby sea lions have a great time playing in the surf while their mothers are out hunting in the ocean. As newborns, they are among the cutest animals on the planet. Small and clumsy, they spend their days on the sand, playing and exploring tide pools. They patiently wait as their mothers go out into the ocean to hunt for octopus, eels, and fish. Sea lions this size don't dare venture out into the deep water because they would be easy prey for sharks and orcas. Even the larger sea lions must be wary of large predators. Occasionally, the mothers don't return from hunting and the orphaned sea lions almost always perish due to starvation and dehydration. The sea lion colonies are protected by a dominant male, known as a bull. Few animals will try to take a baby sea lion off the beach when the mother or the bull are present. These two happy pups are enjoying the warm sun and some playtime. They eagerly wait for the call of their mother as she comes out of the water. She will return with a full belly and a need for some rest. She will find a spot high on the dry sand where she will roll onto her side and sleep while her baby nurses happily. This will continue for 1-2 years before the sea lion babies become old enough to go hunting themselves. These youngsters have also taken an interest in the GoPro that has been left in the sand. They check it out curiously as they frolic in the sun. In the Galapagos Islands, sea lions inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore. As tempting as it would be to pet one, there are strict laws about coming close to wildlife. Beaches are patrolled by wildlife officials who keep a watchful eye on those who seem unable to resist the adorable babies. They are given a clear reprimand for approaching the pups. Even brief contact will almost certainly result in the mother abandoning her pup if she smells a human. Watching these little tykes from a respectful distance is a heart warming and memorable experience.

Scuba diving in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands is an incredible experience. Adventurers who slip into the water are likely to meet some of the world's most unique and fascinating marine animals. This scuba diver has captured video of a rare and fascinating sight. An adult peacock flounder can be seen swimming in the open. Flounder are bizarre fish that begin life looking and swimming like typical fish. As they mature, the right eye migrates around the head and situates itself on the left side of the flounder. Both eyes become elevated like tiny periscopes. The flounder swims on its side, flat on the bottom, rarely leaving the cover of the sand and rubble on which it hides. Flounder can change their pigmentation to mimic the surface they are on, requiring as little as 8 seconds to complete a dramatic change. They are masters of camouflage. In studies with flounders, they have even been able to mimic a checkerboard pattern. Flounders are mainly nocturnal, hunting for small fish and crabs that make their home along the bottom of the ocean. To see one like this in broad daylight, especially so far from cover is an incredible sight.