Hello November

Last week was wild, weather-wise at least, with several windy wet days, some of which kept us in the house. The annual Hallowe’en celebration was delayed for a day but even then, the wind was howling. At least it didn’t rain on the children that evening.

My husband and I enjoyed the local Rotary Trail early last week, where exposed areas had already lost most of their leaves.

Yet, in more protected areas, some leaves held on and were stunning.

It rained so hard another day, we walked the track at the recreation facility/conference centre in Summerside known as Credit Union Place. It is a beautiful facility with a walking track, 

two ice surfaces, a bowling alley and gym, conference rooms and more. We walk the track on occasion but prefer walking outdoors when at all possible. 

The last several weeks, my husband and I have walked at least one day per week on a trail with some elevation to help improve our cardio health. 

Last week we returned to Tyne Valley to a trail we did last spring. We both saw an improvement in our performance on that trail so our efforts appear to be paying off. 

That day at Tyne Valley was sunny and our walk along the river trail was a beautiful combination of October leaves and November branches as seen in this photo.

The presence of the evergreens lining the river bank and the water reflecting the bare deciduous trees feel like nature’s way of easing us into the reality of November.

The leaf-covered trail was crunchy under foot and as we walked, some of the last leafy hold-outs fell around us. It was a treat for the senses as sight, sound and smell of the autumn forest all came together.

We shared the trail with rodents, several squirrels busy collecting food and chipmunks disappearing under the leaves to avoid the human intruders.

Closer to the ground, in areas less affected by the wind, there were locations where some leaves, especially maples still clung to young trees. 

Last week, we also enjoyed the activity of a Bald Eagle several times, as it hunted along the shoreline of Bedeque Bay in Summerside. 

Yesterday the bird sat atop a tree in a place we hadn’t seen it before.

However, humans frequent this whole area and obviously the eagle tolerates us. 

Along that shoreline, the rose bushes and other shrubs are colourful for another week or two,

beautiful against the autumn sky.

We spotted a Gadwall in the Trout River last week 

and locally, a hybrid duck, part Mallard, part Black Duck, enjoyed the salt marsh. 

The marsh is flooded enough now to support over forty ducks.

Finally this week, a shout-out to the Blue Jays. Thanks for a spectacular season!

Have a great week!