Backyard Trails - Serene Nature Walks

I am blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, just minutes from my doorstep. Every weekend, we use the excuse of needing to walk the dogs, and drive to one of the many Provincial parks in the area, where we spend the goodly part of two hours on our walking holiday, enjoying nature at it's best.

Since Autumn is one of the prettiest seasons of the year, I rarely go anywhere without my camera. Some of the shots I have included are for my personal enjoyment, and to let you meet some of my family members. That said, I hope you enjoy my little walking tour.

The immesity and majesty of this particular park never ceases to amaze me. In places, the trails are wide and peaceful, used by hikers, riders and bikers alike. When you explore the forest floor, off to the sides of the trails, the sound of your footsteps are muffled in the thick carpet of moss.

If you pause for a moment in the quiet, and look around, you can see how the different species of trees blend their colours together, adding a unique dimension to the surroundings.

I still feel awed every time I walk these paths. Huge trees tower over your head, filtering the sunlight, giving the forest a cool, shaded but not overly dark appearance.

When the sun does manage to break through the canopy, the results are stunning. Nature's spotlight illuminates the mossy stage in preparation for the performance of a lifetime.

Everywhere you look, you can see the remains of once regal giants, long-gone now. Imagine what this land must have looked like 100 years ago, when these behemoths walked the forests.

I managed to find the elusive and very dangerous man eating trees, the First Nations people warned us about. As you can see by the picture below, this one is still quite young, but none the less you can see the beginnings of teeth, and the obvious anticipation as it awaits its next meal!

Actually, I couldn't resist the beauty of this fungus with the dew still laden on the milk white sponge. (It does resemble a mouth though don't you think?)

I couldn't help feeling small as I leaned back and looked skyward for this shot.

The spanish moss flourishes in the northern forests, but this particular greenbeard is a magnificent example of the wardrobe nature provides her inhabitants.

At the end of this particular trail we were treated to one of natures most impressive spectacles. Only one week earlier, this creek bed was a tiny trickle that could be stepped over without fear of a soaking. Now, however, the crossing is impossible without a lifeline and wetsuit!

I almost feel as if I have cheated you. These pictures are only a few that were taken during the outing. We enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings for the better part of two hours, and I am only giving you a teeny taste of the serenity we had the pleasure to enjoy.

I do, however, hope that you have enjoyed your peek inside my 'backyard'. I hope to be able to share a few other jaunts with my family members for your pleasure. "Y'all come back now, ya hear?"