Autumn Magic

My husband and I spent some time this past week enjoying leaf-covered trails and roads around our area of Prince Edward Island. A street in Summerside which is lined with numerous maple trees, is a great place for a walk any time of year, but especially in October. Now as you walk along, leaves are falling all around. Sunlight through the trees shines a spotlight on various shots of colour. The result feels almost magical.

We had two picnics during our travels, one of which was at Cavendish Grove, one of our favourite places on the island. The picnic tables are placed throughout the Grove for another few weeks 

and bikers and walkers passed nearby as we enjoyed our picnic in the afternoon sun.

While there, I checked out the area of the glade nearby which was beautiful prior to post tropical storm Fiona but was devastated by that storm. I was pleasantly surprised to see that park personnel had worked on the glade so that one could enjoy part of the area again. While not returned to its original glory, the autumn setting was a wonder with its ceiling of leaves

and its maple flooring. 

Walls of colour appeared to dance in the sunlight and complete the decor. 

A Chipmunk enjoyed its lunch as I admired its home.

Another day, we had a picnic at Scales Pond after a walk along the Dunk River. It was cool that day, just 12 degrees C but without any wind, we enjoyed the stillness of the pond. The picnic table overlooked the water where fishers paddled in the quiet scene below. 

Three weeks previously we had walked along the Dunk River during the early autumn colour. Last week, the trail was understandably busy with hikers enjoying the day and the leafy offerings at every turn. 

This time, the forest floor was covered as many of the trees along the river trail had already shed their colours. Meanwhile, across the river, many of the trees were yet to shed, creating scenes which required photos. 

It was slow going but a spirit-lifting walk with oohs and aahs at every turn.

Another day, we visited the Millman Road, a Heritage red country road through farmland. The red soil is leaf covered now in many places, leaves blending with the soil in nature’s partnership. 

This tunnel of light and shadows draws us onward through the crunch of leaves underfoot. At the top of the hill another scene mesmerizes and as my husband walks ahead, I attempt to take it in. 

We walked the length of road and headed back to the car as a neighbourhood cat watched and listened in a field for lunch.

On the way home, we passed French River and the countryside looked peaceful, fields resting after their summer’s work is done.

Closer to home, we found a field where a huge flock Canada Geese spend afternoons. The sounds of these birds, especially at take-off is a natural wonder.

We also walked the boardwalk this past week, where over forty ducks in the marsh can be observed chasing one another or “standing” as if to show off.

Finally, these Blue Jays are prepared, like the baseball team. 

Have a great week.