Hiking in Drynan Forest

Nigel and I found a new favourite hike, and it’s in Wellington County. The Drynan Forest trail is located on the west side of Cambridge. This 5-kilometre trail is a loop trail that passes some small lakes with some spectacular views.

Lake in Drynan Forest

Lake in Drynan Forest

The first lake we came across had a couple of lookouts, where we were able to get some shots of the autumn colours. With the stormy-looking clouds, we had some great reflections and soft light. 

Orange Jelly Spot

Orange Jelly Mushroom

Of course, I can’t forget about the little things. This Orange Jelly mushroom also called Witches Butter, can be found year-round, even in very cold temperatures. Apparently, it is edible and also has some medicinal properties. I can’t say I would rush out to try it, but maybe one day, If an experienced forager told me it wouldn’t poison me, I might taste it.

Drynan Trail

The great thing about the Drynan trail is it’s varied. You definitely don’t get bored on this walk, there is always something to see even when there are only trees around you. This particular tree in the distance stood out among its neighbours. I wanted to highlight it when I processed my image, so I darkened the edges and brightened up the tree. 

Coloured Reflections

Coloured Reflections

The final lake we passed at the end of the trail caught my eye. There were lots of colours here, and although the water wasn’t absolutely still, I liked how the reflections blurred slightly.

I was a little sad when the trail brought us back to the car. We will definitely be coming back to hike this one again.

Glen Cross Side Trail

The day started on the gloomy side as I drove with my friend Nigel to Hockley Valley Provincial Park. On the way up we stopped on the side of the road to photograph this barn. 

Barn

Barn

There are times when I try to stop for photos, if its safe to do so, while I’m driving to and from my destinations. Occasionally, I’ll get something I really like or and sometimes not. If you don’t stop to take these photos (as I sometimes don’t) there’s a chance you might regret it. So, if you can, stop and take that roadside photo when it catches your eye,

Nigel and I decided to hike the Glen Cross Side Trail, a 4 kilometre hike inside Hockley Valley Provincial Park. Our hike was mostly though forest but we did find a large opening overlooking the valley below. It was here that we came across some purple flowers just about to bloom. I guess it’s not too late in the season to find little pops of colour.

Late Bloomers

Late Bloomers

This late bloomer is the New England Aster.

I also found some mushrooms. ‘Tis the season as they say…lol  One of my favourite mushrooms is the crown-tipped coral mushroom. It is one of the more uniquely shaped mushrooms since it looks like something that came from the ocean.

Crown-Tipped Coral

Crown-Tipped Coral

And then there is the yellow-orange fly agaric mushroom. Or as I like to call it the fairy mushroom, 

Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric

Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric

This reddish-orange mushroom reminds me of the mushrooms you see in stories about fairies or even something from Alice in Wonderland. It was the perfect mushroom to end our hike with. From here it was back to the car to head home.

On Home Turf

I’ve been back home for over a week, my jet lag is gone and I’m ready to get my hike on. Today that hike is at Bognor Marsh.

Bognor Marsh Sign Bognor Marsh Sign

It was a bright day and not really that great for photography but hey, there is always something you can find to photograph, just not this sign in the middle of the bright marsh. So deeper into the woods we go to find something a little less glaring.

Bognor Marsh Boardwalk Bognor Marsh Boardwalk

This boardwalk had some beautiful light coming through the trees so I gave that a go. And you know what? It’s one of my favourites from the day.

Bolete Bolete

And then there were the mushrooms. It was, after all, the season to find mushrooms. Although they appear all year autumn is when you find so many different kinds no matter where you look.

More of Spring

Because I sometimes can’t get away from the house or I just don’t want to, I end up doing lot of neighbourhood photo walks. Which I’m sure you have noticed.

Pheasant's Back mushroom

Pheasant’s Back mushroom

When I’m feeling uninspired I try to get myself out of the house and out into the parks around my home in search of that elusive inspiration or just to clear my head.

Red Tulips

Red Tulips

The parks in my area are essentially wild areas that they’ve decided to call parks with, of course, the occasional playground-type park sprinkled here and there. As you might guess my favourites are these wild areas.

Flower buds

Flower buds

These wild areas are where I find all sorts of things to photograph. Be it the flowers and mushrooms or sometimes people’s cast offs (which you’ve seen in previous posts). There is always something to spark the imagination.

The Garden Gate

The Garden Gate

Even if its not in colour.

Forget Me Nots

Forget Me Nots

What inspires you and helps you get out of a creativity funk?

Cyprus Lake and the Grotto

It was a drizzly day in the park today but that didn’t deter me from getting out to explore the park.

Wet mushroom

Wet mushroom

From my campground its a short hike over to the Grotto trail and on the way I took a short break to enjoy the view – overcast as it was, it was still a pretty nice view.

Quiet Rest

Quiet Rest

Once you reach the Grotto trail it’s only 1 kilometre before you reach an overlook onto Georgian Bay and the Grotto.

Grotto

Grotto

Things started to get a little wetter as I hiked back to the campsite. That meant I could get in the tent and do some reading. It was a vacation after all.