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Monday 27 November 2017

Aspen memories

The trees were tall along the trail, at least twenty-five meters above us. In places, they swayed in the breeze, lacking the support of a thick forest.




We heard a creak on occasion, as wood scraped over wood high above us on both sides of the trail. As my husband and I walked along this trail, it became a walk down memory lane.


This location was the trail to the beach at the National Park at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. We’d had lunch at Cavendish Grove and decided to explore an area of the park we had yet to visit.


This trail goes through a mixed forest where the autumn colour was still present above us, 




but the accumulation below was well underway. To the left, through the trees, 




we saw a pond, probably once an inlet of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The sand dunes are high between the pond and the beach now.





At a viewing area along the trail, one can see through to the beach in one place, 




watch the cormorants to the left in the pond and the black ducks, on the right. My husband and I pause to take in the scene. The voices of the ducks are part of the symphony of this place.


But the best part was provided by the aspens, 





and their distinctive tremble in the wind, 




a sound I knew well from my childhood. Our walk continued with stories of my grandparents in Maddox Cove, Newfoundland, where I spent many summers as a child.


My grandparents’ home was surrounded by aspens on three sides. On summer nights, the open windows enabled the tremble of leaves to lull me to sleep. That sound is implanted in my brain and conjures up thoughts of safety, comfort, the carefree times filled with childhood innocence and fun.

 

That day we were 1500 kilometers, two ferry rides and more than fifty years away from Maddox Cove. However, as we walked that trail, my grandparents were with us. The experience was a reminder of how we carry our loved ones with us wherever we go.


Always!








38 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

They are beautiful trees. Strange how little sights and sounds can spark so many memories. Elm trees and the cooing of Wood Pigeons does it for me.

Linda d said...

Simply lovely! I could almost hear them.

DJan said...

So very lovely! I forget that our missing loved ones are still around us in so many ways. I loved this, Marie. Your writing fills me with delight. :-)

Anvilcloud said...

You observe, remember and describe your walks very well. I am unable to do any of these things.

Joanne Noragon said...

Cottonwood is a kind of aspen; it's leaves make the same whisper. I've had a cotton wood in my yards since childhood, until this last move.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The tall Aspen's are magnificent swaying in the wind Marie. Parents may pass on but they never leave, thankfully ✨

Elephant's Child said...

Sound and scent are incredible memory triggers aren't they? And, as a tree-hugger I loved walking with you yet again.

Bill said...

Great memories to have on a walk. Smells also bring back memories for me of my grandmother. Nice photos Marie!

Debbie said...

the aspens are beautiful.....i don't think i have ever seen or heard them!!! i love a good talk on a walk, especially one of a happy childhood memory!!!

Jenn said...

Lovely memories, I always loves the sound of the wind in the trees. I can't believe it still looks like fall there! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

A beautifully written post and lovely pictures.

Tabor said...

What a perfectly lovely day for you to tuck away.

Catarina said...

A good walk, nice memories and, of course, all in good company!

I remember rain falling on the roof...

I need so aspens to lull me to sleep.: )

Silver in AZ said...

just absolutely gorgeous!

Marie Smith said...

Those would be a wonderful sounds, John.

Marie Smith said...

Sounds from youth can be powerful, Linda.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Jan. Our loved ones are but a thought away!

Marie Smith said...

I attempt to soak up the setting and the experience when I am in it, AC.

Marie Smith said...

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen cottonwood trees, Joanne,

Marie Smith said...

We carry them with us, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

I’m glad you came along, EC.

Marie Smith said...

Baking bread reminds me of Nan, but I’ve never experienced it quite like hers cooked in the woodstove, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

So many triggers for good memories, Debbie. The sad ones can be triggered too however.

Marie Smith said...

It looks different here this morning, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Mildred.

Marie Smith said...

It was gorgeous, Tabor!

Marie Smith said...

Rain on the roof is a great sound to induce sleep too.

Marie Smith said...

It was, SW.

Down by the sea said...

A wonderful autumn walk! I always think it is wonderful that one of your senses can immediately take you back in time to relive wonderful memories! Sarah x

Barbara said...

Nice. I love to be surrounded by tall trees.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

It is so true that our memories of times gone by do nourish our hearts in the present. I loved seeing the gorgeous aspen trees lining the trail leading along the inlet of the St. Lawrence. Such a beautiful day it was! You always take such lovely pictures and your narrative always so thoughtful, informed, and inspiring. Many hugs today to you Marie :)

Marie Smith said...

Our senses are incredible gifts, Sarah.

Marie Smith said...

I love those tall forests too, Barbara.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you so much for your kind words, Marilyn. Your photos are incredible too and your words are inspiring.

The Happy Whisk said...

I love, love, love trees. We have black walnuts in our back. They are pretty but very, very, VERY messy and come with lots of critters who love to hide walnuts in our trailer.

Marie Smith said...

It’s great that the animals benefit, HW.

Barb said...

How lovely - both the photos and the memories they evoke. I'm reading backward on your blog...

Marie Smith said...

Thanks for visiting, Barb.