Nature has a way of making us feel better by reducing stress, anger and fear. In Summerside, we have a paradise for stress reduction in the community. On a particularly stressful day recently, I discovered first hand how good a refuge from stress our boardwalk really is.
It was a glorious winter day! The sun felt warm, the temperature, just above zero and the air was calm. The boardwalk called to us. There were many other seniors out too. People greeted each other, many were the regulars we see every time we go. Everyone spoke of the gorgeous day because there haven’t been too many such days this year. All were determined to enjoy this one.
The forest was alive with birds. My husband and I recognize their voices now. The crows,
blue jays, chickadees, mourning doves and woodpeckers
all spoke to each other, filling the woods with their happy voices, as they too enjoyed the respite from the bitter cold. The woods sounded and felt happy as we walked.
In the river by the bridge, three muskrats played in the water, not bothered by the admirers who stood above watching them.
Occasionally someone threw a peanut in its shell into the water. The furry rodents grabbed them quickly and disappeared under the river bank,
to emerge later in search of more. While the river has open water, an inlet to their den or push-up is still frozen.
The furry creatures manage well under ice as well as water.
Two American Black Ducks were in the water too.
They dabbled for food and preened themselves in the sun. Then the two tucked their heads under their wings, as they stood in the water. They didn’t mind the people standing a few meters away, watching them, talking among themselves, several with cameras.
The squirrels approached as people stood admiring the muskrats and the ducks. They too wanted peanuts and looked at each person, watching for food. They were brave as they observed humankind but were prepared to run at any sudden move.
The setting was perfect and though there is ice as far as the eye can see,
the heat of the sun, the sounds of the animals and their antics take one away from the worries of the world and life. The greetings of other travellers, the shared human experience and connection in nature’s living room were a refuge from the storm of life. Such an encounter helps one face the day! Time well spent!
32 comments:
Looks so cold, but your walk seems so charming with all those pretty birds and animals.
It is wonderful that people greet each other when you walk.In the last photo, the blue sky, the snow and the river...perfectly beautiful. have a nice weekend,Marie.
How nice that winter gave you that break. We are expecting ice in a few hours, so it's another school snow day here.
Such wonderful creatures, and great pictures to help to tell the story, along with such lovely prose. My day is richer because of your post, Marie. Thank you. :-)
Who doesn't love peanuts?
It just amazes the wildlife that is out in such cold, hurrying about living their lives. It's cold and sunny here in E Washington too.
Just simply marvelous. You make me look at myself and where I love....make me think about sitting outside and just looking.
Beautiful shots. Nature has that way of making us feel better.
That muskrat is pretty darn cute. Great pictures as usual. Hope that you felt some apricity while out there making memories.
Lovely to look at in the winter. Even better in the summer.
Those American Black ducks with that splash of colour is are so pretty! They look like one of those black and white photos with one spot of colour added! Great photos!!
Great shots, Marie. I love that wee squirrel looking at you. He's so cute. I love walking our coastal walk and talking to the regulars. It gives you a nice feeling and the sun is a big bonus as the months march toward spring.
I am always caught between wanting to feed the wild animals and worrying that it will affect their ability to live on their own. I confess to err on the part of feeding them. They are all my little loves.
I believe I am feeling some symptoms related to S.A.D.
I need to have a day like that. Every single day I say to myself: I have to go to Humber Bay Park or any park close to the lake. But it is either cold, or it is raining, or it is a grey day...
You helped me with these great pictures!! : ))
It is a great place to walk, Tomoko.
It’s been a strange winter, AC.
It is such a great place to immerse yourself in nature, Jan.
I know, hey, Debra?
The animals were enjoying the break in the cold weather too, Celia.
There is much to experience if we have a look around, Mage.
It really does, William.
I did indeed, Linda.
That’s for sure, Joanne.
Those ducks are residents along the banks of that stream, Jenn.
The people and animals make the cold bearable, Bill.
I feel the same, Barbara.
I am affected by SAD too, Catarina. The sun is returning though and the clocks change soon. This too will pass.
Lovely set of photos. It never ceases to amaze me how animals cope with winter, certainly much better than I do!!!!!! Take care Diane.
Nature is incredible, Diane.
You are so right about nature providing a calming influence. It must have been wonderful to observe all the wildlife. Hope things are now less stressful in your daily life too. Sarah x
Wonderful shots, as always. It's nice to have interesting things to look at when out and about this time of year. That's not always a given!
Walking there helps with the stress, Sarah.
Things can be drab this time of year for sure, Jenny.
Post a Comment