I saw this dramatic-looking spider on a large leaf in the garden. This spider is also known as funnel web spider. What I thought was a stinger at the back of the abdomen is actually its spinnerets, the silk-spinning organ.

At Hecla Island.

On Hecla Island last week.

We were fortunate to spend a few days on Hecla Island, about a three and a half hours’ drive north of us. We have been having the most amazing mosquito-free summer here in Manitoba, and we were happy to experience only a very few mosquitoes on the island as well.

What a beautiful, peaceful, and quiet place. There was absolutely no traffic noise at night, because of the relatively isolated location.