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Taking in a Nature Walk, so you can Clear Your Head.

Updated on September 3, 2013

Throughout our busy day, it’s easy to get wound up and stressed out over any number of things.  Deadlines, demands, breakdowns in technology and personal communication, etc.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just get away from it all?

Walking path - Photo by timorous
Walking path - Photo by timorous

A few years ago, I was fortunate to have lived in a house across from a large forest and ravine in the middle of the city (Toronto in this case). I frequently loved to take a nature walk in this natural sanctuary. These pictures are both a reminder of what I saw, but more importantly, what I felt. There’s something very relaxing and peaceful about a natural setting that always brings me back to what it is to be a part of this natural world. Where the stresses and frustrations of the modern world can be set aside for as long as you like, or whatever time you have to spare.

If you're not fortunate enough to have your very own forest, just jump into these pictures for a while, and relax..clear your head.

I don’t have any special photographic equipment, just a simple, but good Fuji 2.0 mega pixel digital camera. Not enough to capture fast moving birds and animals, though good enough to capture the essential beauty of nature. Besides, it’s not the tools, it’s how you use them.



A year in the life of nature’s realm

Depending on where you live, you may or may not experience much change in the climate over the course of the year. In the northern U.S. and Canada, however, there's quite a variation in vegetation and weather throughout the various seasons. This makes for some interesting photographic opportunities. A nature walk through a local forest can be very rewarding almost any time of the year, and in many different ways, as you'll soon see.

Spring

Spring trees - Photo by timorous
Spring trees - Photo by timorous

In the spring, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s not unusual to count as many as 50 different species in a single morning. Robins, Baltimore orioles, blue jays, cardinals, black-capped chickadees, scarlet tanagers, just to name a few. Some are just stopping over, on their way further north after their winter retreat in the warmer southern climes. Others are quite content to stay the rest of the summer.

Summer

Ravine in summer - Photo by timorous
Ravine in summer - Photo by timorous

Come summer, the variety of greenery is almost overwhelming. It almost takes your breath away. The tall canopy of arching foliage overhead is very comforting, and a very relaxing place to be. Take a deep breath… Sit beneath a 40-foot high maple tree… Close your eyes… Try to think of nothing… Ahhhh... That’ll clear your head.

A clearing in the forest - Photo by timorous
A clearing in the forest - Photo by timorous

Fall

Glorious fall foliage - Photo by timorous
Glorious fall foliage - Photo by timorous

The fall season is easily the most spectacular.  The cool nights start to draw the chlorophyll out of the leaves, allowing them to show their true colours.  Every shade of brown, red, orange and yellow.  All in a spectacular over-saturated brilliance against a powder blue sky.

Winter

Fallen tree in winter - Photo by timorous
Fallen tree in winter - Photo by timorous

Winter can be just as beautiful, just a bit less colourful. You have to look for textures in the way the snow naturally drapes itself over the branches. You also have to be adequately dressed for a nature walk in the bitter cold. I’ve taken some pictures when it was –25 F.


Although the forest becomes outwardly familiar and similar from year to year, if you look closely you’ll always find some interesting details.

Sweet Pea & Dandelion - Photos by timorous
Sweet Pea & Dandelion - Photos by timorous

I hope you enjoyed your little escape. Anytime you need to relax, and clear your head, come on back and jump right in.

Better still, get outside and enjoy your own nature walk, and the sunshine and beauty of nature wherever you can find it. And stop staring at this bloody computer!


Note: If you wish to use any of these pictures, please be kind enough to credit me and this hub page source. If your intent is of a commercial nature, send me an e-mail first. Thank you.


This article ©2010 by timorous+


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