Page 7 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q3

Top; 13 x 24 x 16 inches.
those that were protected underwater slowly dissolved Untitled, A highly finned stone
into these unusual shapes. cantilevered to highlight the
This area has also profoundly influenced Canadian horizontal turn at the tip of the
culture. The mining and lumber industries have flour- bottom fin. Base; Cherry.
ished on the abundant natural resources. Lake Huron,
the second largest lake, is a “holiday” retreat for count- Left; A view of open water from
less Canadians who spend time on and around this a smooth flattened bedrock
island.
area for the elemental beauty of water, wind, and scen-
ery. This same landscape has also been the inspiration
for several early 20th century artists, famously called
the “Group of Seven,” who distinctively captured this
primeval aesthetic on canvas.
However, there is a harsher side to this environment.
The vast wilderness had historically been a challenge
for the early settlers, being described by one 17th cen- the numerous types of biting flies remain an acquired
tury Jesuit priest as a green desert. Not only is the veg- tolerance.
etation a thin green veneer over this ancient bedrock, From my earliest years, I vacationed with the family
but the prevailing northwesterly winds, seasonally in this area and grew to appreciate the unique wonders
at their worst and predictively called, “Gales of No- of this environment. It became an integral part of my
vember,” have historically taken their toll on ship and psyche. Even though I had been swimming, diving,
sailor alike. This constant wind blowing off the lakes and snorkeling in the waters of Lake Huron for years,
also creates striking wind swept pines that cling stub- it wasn’t until mid-life that I discovered, quite by acci-
bornly to rock crevices on the thousands of islands. It dent, a layered “reef” looking sculpted stone sitting on
is a spectacular area but one that can be unforgiving top of a smooth shoal approximately eight feet under-
and definitely requiring mindful respect. Even today, water. The unusual nature of this find, as compared to
despite modern protective efforts and conveniences, all the other found curiosities, initiated this adventure.

July/August/September 2014 | BCI | 5