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Monday 21 June 2021

Down on the farm

The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island travels mainly through the centre of the island, an area which is farmland. Industrial farms and remaining family farms come into view as we ride the Trail. Fields sometimes appear to go on forever as they stretch over the countryside. Now crops are beginning to emerge from the rich red soil.





Horses and cows/cattle are a common sight along the trail. I always stop to watch and admire the beauty of these animals. On a recent visit to the area of Grand Tracadie, these horses looked so peaceful as they grazed on the family farm. In the distance clover fills the field.





In and around Darlington, PEI, there are several farms with horses. Young foals in the fields were curious as we rode by. The older animals had more pressing needs.





Another day, before I saw cattle, I heard a flock of birds, starlings for sure. Then through a break in the trees, I noticed a herd walking through a field. I stopped to watch and listen to the birds and a young calf stopped to watch me.





The animals we encounter are often as curious about us as we are about them.


Further along, the main herd had settled in around their water source and frenzied starlings visited around them. 





In the pond, a female Mallard and her ducklings swam, unconcerned about the cattle nearby. It was an idyllic setting.





On the way back through the same area, what looked like a cattle trailer cut across the trail from a nearby field. 





Some of the cattle may have been headed to market. The reality of farm life for these animals is not idyllic though these cattle are not raised on a factory farm. They looked content in the pasture.


Country life is one of the reasons I love Prince Edward Island.


27 comments:

The Padre said...

What An Island - Had No Idea But Totally Appreciate It - Way Cool - Have A Fantastic Week

Cheers

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Oh, that red soil!

DJan said...

PEI seems very idyllic. I am really enjoying learning about it through your blog, Marie. Thank you so much.

Anvilcloud said...

I think you have a pretty good life there.

Gord and Cathie said...

Another lovely post. We have been to PEI many times, and cycled parts of the Confederation Trail, so your posts bring back pleasant memories. I'm sure we'll be out your way again from here in Ontario (Covid permitting!) as my wife has family on the Island. Gord.

Martha said...

It is so beautiful there Marie, thank you for always sharing your fantastic photos with us!

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Pastured cows have the best possible life.

Factory farms are horrible!!!!!!!!!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Beautiful views of your countryside! I always enjoy looking at the cows and horses. The foal is adorable. We are now seeing corn and various crops too. Take care, have a happy new week!

photowannabe said...

I sure love sharing your country life. It looks so peaceful and inviting.
the calf looking back at you is so cute, and I love all the cattle just lazing in the field.
Enjoy your week Marie.
Sue

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Great insights into the rural goings on of PEI. With our cameras, cars, bicycles and other paraphenalia we must be a source of constant amusement to animals - "what will they appear with next?". Whoever sowed the field in that first picture will no doubt come in for some criticism of their "straight lines".

Elephant's Child said...

I really, really enjoy the slices of Island life you share. Thank you.

Bill said...

The cows look so relaxed, kind of reflects life on the island. What a grand place to call home! Have a great week, Marie.

Hena Tayeb said...

Love seeing those cows just lazing about.

Ruth Hiebert said...

These are such peaceful scenes. I also love capturing the beauty of animals at rest.

The Furry Gnome said...

We always enjoy a drive in the country.

Red said...

Riding through the country takes on a whole other meaning when there are critters.

JudithK said...

Cows I am familiar with! Thank goodness. But crops...not so much.
What grows best there? What are the green things popping up?
I do love your posts.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Wonderful captures from your walk Marie. Love seeing the free-range cows, they always look so contented, not thinking any further than that 😉

Shammickite said...

I like your cow photographs, I have always liked cows. Such a nice shape! I know that sounds strange but I like the bone structure of a cow's body. I see the cows are lying down, that means it's going to rain!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Enchanting countryside, beautiful views, and so much sun!

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

No wonder you love Prince Edward Isle. From your pictures we can all join in and love it vicariously. THANKS

Margaret said...

Those farms look beautiful and peaceful, although I know that raising animals (and crops) is a LOT of work. My area used to be heavily agricultural but that has shifted over the years, sadly.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

If COVID permits we hope to make a visit in September. It's a lot of years since I was last on the island.

John's Island said...

Hi Marie, "Country life is one of the reasons I love Prince Edward Island." I hear you on that. I suppose a list of reasons for loving PEI could be quite long. :-) I enjoyed all your pictures. It is just great that you take us along on these walks. I especially like your 5th photo ... the cows resting along side the water. When I looked at that picture, I thought to myself ... that life might not be too bad. :-) Thanks, as always, for sharing. John

Tanza Erlambang said...

I stayed in farm for several months when I was student in Denmark....
love cattle and farming sceneries.....

# Thank you sharing beautiful photos to remind me...

Helen said...

Such a rich farming heritage.
I have always loved the straight lines of growing crops, against the red soil.

baili said...

i too adore country life as it keeps one connected strongly with nature and is soothing as i can see in these images :)

cattle idle sitting reminded me cattle sitting under trees and enjoying the naughty plays of birds riding on them :)