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Monday 14 November 2016

Breadalbane

Breadalbane, pronounced Bred AL ban, is a small community in central Prince Edward Island. It is a pastoral setting, with crop fields, now harvested. Several cattle farms line the road as well. 

 

On a glorious November day, my husband and I headed to the hiking trail in Breadalbane and brought lunch with us. We always take time for a picnic.

There are two entrances to the trail which parallels the Dunk River. We crossed Hal's Brook before we reached the main part of the trail along the Dunk. In various places along the river, the sound of the rushing water fills the air.

 

We followed the trail through the mixed forest which had some mature coniferous and deciduous trees. The trail wound its way through areas of thick undergrowth of fern 

 

and other places where little light reaches the forest floor. 

 

Overhead, there are snags throughout the forest, 

 

those old tress that have died but are still standing. One curious tree in its day had developed branches only on one side. Lateral roots of some trees crossed the trail in a few areas, 

 

which meant we had to be careful walking. A few trees appeared to be blown over, exposing a relatively shallow root system. 

 

The ground in different areas was covered with maple or birch leaves, 

 

pine needles from the lower branches of the pine trees 

 

or tamarack needles. Everywhere there was something new to see.

 

We stopped often to observe our surroundings as the trail followed a slight incline to an opening of a farmer's field. 

 

Then we crossed the Dunk River 

 

and onto The Confederation Trail which led to another opening of the hiking trail. Several of the trees in this area had burrs,

 

rounded growths on the trunks of the trees. Burrs, filled with knots, are formed when trees are stressed. They reminded us of the arthritic knobs on our fingers, but that's our age talking.

Before long we were back at the entrance to the trail. We had lunch across the road in a field, under a clear blue sky. Hiking through a forest on Prince Edward Island is not a common occurrence for us but we will do more of it.
Eleven degrees Celcius or fifty-two degrees Fahrenheit in early November was memorable in itself. The hike was a bonus feast for the senses.


22 comments:

DJan said...

Lovely indeed. We have plenty of trees with shallow roots that blow over in high winds, especially after a lot of rain. It sounds a lot like some of our lowland hikes. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking me on your walk. I needed that.

Celia said...

What a glorious place for a walk and picnic. And sun!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

No better way to spend a November day than in the glorious woods of PEI! Loved all your pictures, and that red dirt in the farm field makes me remember the red stains on our clothing growing up, lol! Thanks for sharing these delightful pictures of the island :)

Elephant's Child said...

It looks absolutely wonderful. Recently I came across the term 'forest bathing' and it seems that this is just what you did. And the Japanese (who coined the term) believe that it has huge psychological and health benefits. Which I wouldn't argue.

Barb said...

Beautiful trail. I like the light in your photos. The ferns are lovely!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
― Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam

Down by the sea said...

I am learning and seeing so much of Prince Edward Island, some of it reminds me of England and other parts look completely empty. Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

It is a beautiful area. We don't have mountains here, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Glad you came along, SS.

Marie Smith said...

It was a great day, Celia.

Marie Smith said...

SUI, the dirt stains everything. I've always thought that our sneakers rust!

Marie Smith said...

I think the Japanese are right about forest bathing, EC.

Marie Smith said...

It is a great trail with so much to absorb, Barb.

Marie Smith said...

How true, John. They are among my favourite poems.

Marie Smith said...

I see similarity with parts of England too, DbtS.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures, Marie! I love ferns. I also like to walk in pine forests during the winter...they smell so nice and the greenery is a welcome sight! Andrea

Jackie said...

What a beautiful trail! The weather looks gorgeous.
I saw the first photo of the cows laying down....and I thought of an old expression that Mama (and Grandmamma used to say, "The fish won't bite if the cows are laying down."
Made me smile.
Love to you,
Jackie

Marie Smith said...

We don't have pine forests as such but there is lots of pine on the island, Andrea. I love pine on the mantle at Christmas. It is beautiful and smells wonderful.

Marie Smith said...

I've never heard that particular saying, Jackie. Thank you for passing it on...

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

So nice to read we're both enjoying unseasonably warm temps - no coats and sunshine! Such a lovely place to walk and I find where there are exposed roots as you encountered a walking stick is helpful. There's usually lots to choose from in a forest. :-)

Marie Smith said...

Walking sticks are a great idea, Judith. The physiotherapist has mentioned them to me several times. If we continue hiking, I will get them. I am fine on the trails and boardwalks which we often frequent.