Most Popular Post

Monday 28 February 2022

Winter and nature

We have stayed close to home this winter and the occasional day when we’ve ventured forth are days without much wind, a rarity to be sure. Dressing for the cold is easy, the wind is another issue entirely. However, the days we are out and about, we have enjoyed the time immensely. The glory of nature is evident everywhere we look and we take in as much as we can every time.


On an 8 degree Celsius day, the ice in the harbour looked like spring break-up had started. 





There was a delicate line between sea and sky, just visible on the horizon as white and blue co-mingled. Closer to shore, the sun highlighted the lighthouse almost enough to create a reflection amid the blue glow. 





The animals along the boardwalk enjoy the hint of spring as well. We heard a small flock of American Black Ducks as we exited the car. More than a dozen hang out around the flowing water of the salt marsh. I tried unsuccessfully to take video of this orange-legged beauty which was quacking up a storm. 





She looks quite pleased with herself and the day.


Another spring-like day we drove north to Cavendish. We were the only people in the area as we walked to the beach. The sea ice had moved off-shore and was barely visible on the horizon. Looking west along the coast, one can almost conjure memories of this beach in the other seasons.  





As we move away from the shore, a hardy evergreen, looking more black than green this time of year, reveals the direction of the prevailing wind. In its effort to survive, the tree leans rather than breaks.





Further along the coast, at MacKenzies Brook, the sea continues to carve the coastline as the sea arch is closer to collapse with each season. 



                                                                                      November 2021

Sandstone is no match for the reach of salty hands from stormy waves. We are witnesses to the beauty of her work however. 



                                                                                    February 2022


We enjoy every minute.


P. S.


Time in nature provides respite from the news these days. We appreciate the peacefulness around us when the images of war and people fleeing their homeland fill the screens. We support the Red Cross and our country’s effort to accept refugees. 


I can better understand how our parents and grandparents felt in 1939 in a world on the brink of war.



40 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Nature and the Earth continue despite all the madness and trauma in the world. There's a certain comfort in that.

DJan said...

Your pictures are wonderful. And I too am feeling the stress of the war and its implications for a wider conflict. :-(

Debbie said...

wonderful to hear from you today marie, i am so happy you were able to get out, it is especially cold by you!! your images and the joy it brought you was well worth it!! the second picture is gorgeous, thank you for braving the cold to capture it!!

your beach looks so pretty covered in snow. in an effort to survive, "we" have all learned to bend also...so we do not break!!

i see the changes in the sea arch, it does appear to be closer to collapse!!

i'm so happy you got out for a drive and a walk!!

Boud said...

So many lessons here as well as beauty. The tree that leans in the wind, and survives. That's a great one to live by.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

The views are beautiful, it looks so cold. I believe nature relieves stress, always nice to be outdoors. I am sure you are dressed warmly. I love the sea arch, I hope it doesn't disappear. Take care, enjoy your day. Have a happy new week!

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

There's that Black Duck again ... I can't believe I've never heard of one here in the States.

Hena Tayeb said...

Such gorgeous scenery.
Have to really count our blessings.. praying for peace in Ukraine.

photowannabe said...

I needed the peace of nature today..It is balm for the soul.
I can't even begin to imagine how those in crisis feel.
My prayers are with them.
Sue

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Such beauty, to immerse yourself in. Wise of you, to do so.

We can't have all the true facts, so to be depressed ourselves, does no good for anyone.

Weird that I was born in 1937, so was alive before/during WWII. Now at nearly 85, similar worry has come round again.

I am glad I am old! Our Countries and the whole world, are in a state of chaos.

Courage! 💛

Bill said...

It looks so cold but the beauty of the ocean warms me up. I wonder how much longer that arch will stand. It's already taken lots of storms and waves to wear it down but still there is stands. Let's hope this Ukrainian-Russian war can be settled soon. It's sad watching the people and their children leaving their homeland because some lunatic wants to grab some more power. Enjoy the new week, Marie.

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Son bellas las imágenes que has conseguido, de esta grandiosa Naturaleza. Ella nos ofrece sus belleza desinteresadamente, para que podamos disfrutar de ella.

Que tengas una buena semana.

margi said...

Wonderful pictures! The snowy beach is beautiful and so calm, although it looks cold. Exactly the opposite of the pictures we are watching on TV screens these days.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful scenes. Yes, being out in nature is calming and so refreshing .

Sandy said...

Wonderful pictures of your days out and about. I managed to get out today for a walk through the neighborhood, not much to see compared to your walk. I did bundle up, was still quite cold even with the sun out. Yes many of us relate to the feelings of impending war. It's very uncomfortable and so difficult after 2 years of the pandemic we all need a break. Putin is a monster, how will he be stopped.

The Furry Gnome said...

Great pictures! Get out there and enjoy it when you can - keep your mental health!

William Kendall said...

Beautiful winter views.

Joanne Noragon said...

All so lovely to look at.

Shammickite said...

As the weather gets a little milder, I'll be going out for more walks. I'm afraid I have been hibernating a bit too much during the really cold weather.

Red said...

I enjoyed the sea when I lived on the beach for 2 1/2 years. Tides were fascinating. One year the ice went out of the bay on July 22. Some of the hunters were caught on the ice as it went out but they were picked up by boat. There was always something exciting.

Lorrie said...

Gorgeous wintry views of the sea and shore. The erosion on PEI is quite serious, but results in lovely sandstone sculptures. Nature is very healing and its peace is needed during these tense days.

Sherry's Pickings said...

It’s so good to get out and about in nature tho this weekend we have had massive flooding in brisbane so we’ve been stuck at home. The waters are receding tho we are due another storm or two. And then there is ukraine 🇺🇦. Oh my such hard times we are living in.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Sandstone is quite interesting.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Catarina said...

Is not easy to see where the ocean ends and the sky begins... but it gives me a sense of calmness looking at it through your lenses.

The pictures are beautiful as usual.

Let's embrace the newcomers... when we say Welcome! we really mean it.

Helen said...

Heart warming images of your chilly landscape, Marie.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It looks like you have your own Percé Rock on PEI, Marie. You will have to let us know where to locate this feature so that we can take pictures in May. As for welcoming refugees I endorse your thoughts. Let us reach out with arms spread wide to welcome those who have suffered so much. I don't know of anything quite so obscene of late (other than the invasion itself) as to witness the former President of the United States, and many of his sycophantic pack of rogue Republican senators and congressmen, voicing support for the Russian madman. And more than 70 million voted for him? And may again?

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

The beauty of nature, no matter what the season, is always beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring and your photos capture it so beautifully. thanks for sharing your photos and your thoughts.

Retired Knitter said...

Thank you for this peaceful post and a look at nature in your area. I think the world needs a break - but I don’t think we will get one.

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

Rose said...

I need some time in nature...forever I have said i.am so thankful indontvlive in fear of a bomb being dropped on me ir hitting all around me. I cannot imagine living with that.

Barwitzki said...

Thank you for your beautiful photos... beautiful nature to live in. I wish you a lot of relaxation on your tours.
Spring Hug by Viola

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Documenting the arch is beautiful. The wrinkles of age in the stone growing deeper is sad, and fascinating. Great pictures.

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

These pictures are so lovely. I really have the travel bug, and PEI is on my list. That sandstone is fascinating.

Anvilcloud said...

You have such fine subjects from lighthouse, to bent trees and, on to sea arches. Not to mention ducks, of course.

Pam said...

WOW....those pics look COLD! Burr.....Love the pic of the rock with the whole in it. Nice. I have never been to a lighthouse. Always wanted to take my camera and head out to one. There is one in San Diego Calif that I hope to go to in July.

Liz Hinds said...

THe sea ice is amazing. It must be fascinating to watch its progress.

And the wind, brrr. No wonder they call it lazy when it goes right through you.

Mage said...

Yes, I so agree.

Black Knight said...

Everything there is beautiful: the landscapes,the animals, the sea, the ice, the lighthouse!
Nothing is better than a walk into the nature.
Have a nice day.

baili said...

nature has certain comfort for us no matter what season i agree dear Marie and i am truly happy that you found opportunity to wander in your exquisite surroundings ,
loved the Duck ,she looks happy and interested in posing :)

despite of all the snow view seems to give idea that spring is not so far .

i am sorry i think i missed post but i will read it soon in which you have mentioned about recovery from backache dear friend ,i am pleased to see you in action
hugs and blessings!

John's Island said...

Hello Marie, One thing I love about your blog is the size of the photos. For example, that 4th picture, looking west along the coast … I can zoom in and fill up my entire screen (about 27 inches) and it really looks like I’m there. It’s just great and, as I did that, I noticed some lucky person has a home right there by the beach. Wow, I would never get much done if I had that beautiful beach to gaze at all day! :-) I love your Post Script. Excellent! Thanks, as always, for sharing. John

Marie Smith said...

Hi John, thank you for visiting my blog. The size of the photos is totally accidental. I use a Blogger app on my IPad to do my blog and I get this size photos.

In the fourth photo, the beach is in the national park and the building you see is a Parks Canada structure not a house. There are areas of the island with houses along the beaches but not in the park however.