river

You can't really know a river properly over a short time.  It takes years, maybe even decades, for it to reveal all of its faces, and all of its possibilities.

Because of our recent snowfalls and thaws and freezings, the river, which is across the road from us, and which we are lucky enough to drive along daily,  got very very high, and overflowed onto the river flats.  It really asserted itself this winter.  It was wonderful to see. 

There were even people skating on the river flats.  You see, our river isn't a virile rushing water source.  It's lazy.  It laughs, and purrs, and gurgles.  So it was lovely to see it expand its boundaries....

That's the beauty of a river, the fact that it's always changing, flowing, moving.  And at the risk of sounding overly fruit loopy, it's really a metaphor for life itself.   And the passage of time.   It's beautiful.  (And you also get to see amazing wildlife- you can spot geese, ducks, swans, herons, even a bald eagle nesting).  So you see what I mean when I say there's never a dull moment here in the country.  Especially if you have a river.

warm weather walk

November is the month of greys and browns.  It's usually quite cold, and so if you're out on a walk, you hurry along, thinking all the while about that hot cup of coffee, of tea or steaming bowl of soup (at least I do, but I think about food all day) that will be waiting for you at home.  

I had a few stolen moments yesterday, so I walked the little trail along the river in the neighbouring town.  And because it was so warm, I was able to just enjoy all the beauty November provides, instead of fixating on a hot drink.

On a colder day, I wouldn't have noticed this little seed pod.

Or this fuzzy guy.

When your camera lens is dirty, you can get some neat light effects.

I think I enjoyed this excursion that much more, because I hear we're in for some soup weather just around the corner.

It was nice while it lasted.

come for a walk

A lazy river winds its way through our county, before it spills out into lake Erie.  In our little area, it is quite shallow and muddy, before you hit the bridge in town, where it deepens again.  Between our place and the river there is a two lane road, and river flats which are farmed, so to get close up, you have to jump in your car (like for most other things in the country) and drive a few minutes to this river-side trail.  Follow me (but only if you enjoy bucolic scenery-and who doesn't?).  Here we are-told you it was pretty.

The sunflowers are putting on quite a good show this year

And look, pretty yellowy flower thingies-loads of them.

Lots of wild grapes,

Getting a little tired?  Have a seat on the handy bench.  Take in the view.  Breathe.

Oh, this is one of my favourite parts, a lovely alley of trees

The trail goes on, but I have to be getting home....

I'll be back, though.  Did you enjoy the walk?