Last week was a busy one but my husband and I managed to a visit to the Dunk River Trail and Scales Pond where we enjoyed a picnic.
Otherwise we walked the boardwalk during a week when temperatures fluctuated, the wind blew and we walked between the raindrops.
The Dunk River Trail is one of our favourites on the island and the trail is well groomed and ready for the season. Soon, as the trees erupt with leaves for another short growing season, the beauty of this trail will surround hikers. Meanwhile we enjoyed the sound of the river and everything around us.
There are dozens of fallen trees along the river and some show evidence of the Spruce Bark Beetle, which left a worm-like track in the wood.
Butterfly season has begun and this Mourning Cloak was flitting about as we followed along,
attempting to capture it digitally.
The tapping of Woodpeckers accompanies the sound of the river. One Hairy Woodpecker appears to be accustomed to people on the trail and starts lower down on this favourite tree.
This time of year, male Mallards are on their own as females are nesting.
In Scales Pond, Double-crested Cormorants float by or dive for food. One jumped on some wood in the pond and spread its wings to dry.
A Canada Goose nearby doesn’t need to spread its wings however.
Meanwhile, on the boardwalk, a Snowshoe Hare hopped towards my husband one day.
The Hare stopped and stared for a few minutes before moving along. We hope it avoided the Bald Eagles which hunt in the area.
The male Red-winged Blackbirds are in fine voice again as they overlook their domain.
On Mother’s Day every year, we enjoy the first lobsters of the season. Yesterday was no exception. They were so good!
Finally this week, I want to thank all the dance teachers who work so diligently and do such great work teaching our children the movement and joy of dance.
Last weekend we watched Ballet Jörgen perform in Summerside. Our eldest granddaughter was part of the production of Sleeping Beauty which included local dance students. The music, costumes and movement take one on a beautiful journey for a few hours.
Our granddaughter was a two year old watching a video of the Nutcracker Ballet, exposed to it by her mother who always loved the story and watched the ballet too. However, her daughter wanted to dance and has taken lessons since she was three. At fourteen, she hopes to do point this year. Dance is in this young woman’s soul. A great dance teacher has trained and nurtured her love of dance. We thank her and all dance teachers for their great work.
