It’s been over a week since I’ve felt motivated to go outside, but yesterday I forced myself to get out and do another neighbourhood walk. The snow has melted, and it rained a couple of days ago, so I expected things to be a bit on the soggy side, so I didn’t spend much time walking the creek trail. This time I walked down one of the catwalks and then veered left to head into the schoolyard.
Berries
The catwalk had some interesting things to photograph, like these buckthorn berries, that have dried up over the last couple of months.
Shrivelled
And this shrivelled orange berry, which was sticking out from the fence. I liked how it seems to be reaching out to you.
Ice Dog
Before heading into the schoolyard, I noticed there were ice patches along the trail. One ice patch had a familiar shape to it. Do you see it?
Plethora of Funghi
While I was out for my walk, I decided to buy myself a chocolate bar at the local variety store. On the way there, I passed a house that had an old log fence. The fence had a lot of Funghi growing on it in intricate patterns. I may have to revisit this old log fence. There are so many little worlds to photograph here.
Back on the road again and this time we’re headed from Corner Brook to King’s Point. Before leaving the Corner Brook area we went to check out Lark Harbour, a small cove surrounded by mountains. A small overlook is part of a trail system called Cedar Cove.
Cedar Cove Trail
King’s Point is a town north of Springdale in the central part of the island. After checking into our rooms we decided drive up the peninsula before heading to dinner. Heading north we found a couple different rocky beaches before getting into the town of Harry’s Harbour. There we met a gentleman who told us to climb down a short path to a small beach where a sea stack stood with its lone tree.
Harry’s Harbour
We couldn’t believe our luck! After spending about an hour here exploring the beach we knew we had to get back to the hotel to get some dinner in us but as we pulled up we decided to explore the area before the beautiful light vanished for the day.
Fishing Pier
The late day sun was spectacular and during dinner a small rain shower appeared and we were shown a double rainbow. I think Newfoundland was tempting us to stay.
Sometimes when I’m out on the trails I notice peculiar things. They are peculiar mostly because I am always the one to “see” these things and others, when they are out with me, can’t figure out what I’m talking about.
Let me explain. Today I found a gnome. “A gnome?” you ask. “Yes, a gnome.” I say.
Look carefully at the photo below. Do you see anything peculiar?
Tree Gnome
In the tree to the right I see a face. A face with with a rather large nose. He is yawning and has beard.
I woke up this morning with inspiration to get my butt in my car and head north to Awenda Provinical Park to get another Autumn fix. It was overcast and pretty much stayed that way for my entire trip which was great. I was even hoping for a little rain. Yup I’m funny that way. You see, rain on the leaves makes them all bright and shiny for picture taking. Which is what you want – no really, it is – trust me.
On the drive up I stopped by the roadside to get a photograph of a little red barn. I’ve driven past here a number of times but this time the yellows of the ivy with the red barn needed a second look. Do you see how vibrant everything looks? It’s what happens when things get wet. See? This is what I mean, rain rocks!
The Red Barn
Awenda Provincial Park is closed at this time of year but its trails are still open for those adventurous enough to come in. I decided to check out the Kettle Lake Trail on the far side of the park and I was glad I did. It’s a fairly easy trail that circles Kettle Lake for a 5 kilometre loop. At this time of year it was full of colour. You have everything – green, yellow, orange and red. Who could ask for more?
Kettle Lake Boardwalk
On my hike I came across the funniest thing – a checkerboard leaf of yellow and red lying on the mossy green of a tree trunk. It’s interesting what you can find in nature sometimes. This, however, is more on the bizarre side but who am I to question nature, especially when it gives one unique things to photograph.
Checkerboard
As I neared the end of the trail the clouds finally let go and the deluge began. There I was sprawled out on the ground trying to get a good photo of a mushroom on a log (yes, I really do these things just to get a photograph) and the rain decided to start then, of course. *sigh* I guess I better get a move on and finish the trail.
Awenda’s Autumn Road
It was an amazing day on the trails today and to see so much yellow and orange – Wow! I love days like this.
Okay – so I’m guessing you want to see this mushroom photo, am I right? Well here it is.
Gem-Studded Puffball
What do you think? Was it worth getting drenched for?
Getting up a little earlier this morning we got ourselves over to Watkins Glen State Park by 8am anticipating another day of great shooting. And boy were we right on that account. Barely anyone was there and we were able to get up quickly to the places where we started having the crowds yesterday.
Over the Edge
My main goal this morning was to get a photograph of Rainbow Falls. Yesterday’s crowds made this spot very challenging and I was unhappy with the photos I made. Today with the early start time there was no one in sight and I was very happy to get the shot below.
Rainbow Falls
We spent about two hours here again today but during the last hour things started ramping up in the park. More and more people came in as we packed up our gear and headed out.
We had to start thinking about heading home so after some lunch we decided to drive straight up to the south coast of Lake Ontario and drive along there to see what we could see. But first we made a short pit stop at Taughannock Falls State Park. The short trail from the parking lot leads past some spectacular scenery finally ending with Taughannock Falls.
Taughannock Falls
It turned out to be an amazing weekend full of waterfalls and beautiful autumn colours. Too bad it went by so quickly but Watkins Glen will be on my list to visit again soon.
