A Day in Val David

I love pottery, so a visit to 1001 Pots is always a treat. I managed to resist most of the creations, though I did leave with one new mug.

Then off for a walk. There is a long park  (le parc linéaire: le petit train du nord)- it was once a railway line, connecting the villages of the Laurentians. Now walkers and cyclists use it in the mild months. In the winter is is used by cross-country skiers. I was finally out with my DSLR camera and stopped frequently to admire the flora.




Raspberries hung from the low bushes. I left them for someone else to pick. I have been enjoying my fill from the market. Such a great time of year for local produce!




I'm not sure what kind of flower this is, but it grew in abundance. Nearby were many milkweed - good to know the monarchs will have places to lay their eggs.



Another unidentified flower grew low to the ground near the edge of the gravel road. Its delicacy spoke to me.



I changed my gaze from looking close to looking wide. We have had enough rain this summer to keep everything lush and green.



Green on green. The sunlight danced on the leaves, calling attention to the beauty around me.

Day 283: Orange Leaves

Day 283: Orange Leaves, originally uploaded by susanvg.

We took a drive out to the country to see the last of the autumn leaves. Higher up and further north, the nighttime chill speeds up the change of seasons. The fiery reds have given way to oranges, yellows and browns. It was good to leave behind the frenzy of the city. Walking along le Parc Régional Dufresne - on what used to be a railway line we were intoxicated by the smell of fresh air, dry leaves, cedar and pine. Birds chirped and the occasional cricket could still be heard along with the sound of water in the nearby river.

Along with the bright leaves there were the beiges and browns of the fallen leaves and the dried up grasses and flowers.

Milkweed dries on the stalk, its seeds scattered ready to begin again in spring. The monarchs which feed here have long gone to warmer climates.




By evening we could see our breath in the crisp air. It's a time for soups and fires in the fireplace thoughts of hibernation as nature shuts down for a rest.