Hiking a Carolinian Forest

The sky was blue, the sun brilliant and warm, so it was a good day to visit Backus Woods once again. Ever since I picked up a book from the library about this Norfolk County woods last Fall, we've been there 3 times!


Off we went last Sunday after lunch. By the time we arrived, the cumulus clouds rolled in and light snow sprinkled this winter wonderland. (This is not a good hike to take during the warm weather because it is grossly protected by the mosquitoes.)

This is one of the pictures we took last October. This tree is about 100 ft tall according to Bob's guesstimate. I believe it is a tulip tree.



We meandered by the creek trail where some of the snow had completely exposed the rich, dark, wet loam - otherwise known as mud. In the process, we were awarded with these water crystals hanging from plant debris in the creek. I felt like a kid discovering something new and exciting. The water crystals have strange formation; unlike the typical icicles, they are round or oblong. Click on the photos to maximize. They are simply beautiful!

Two and a half hours later, the soles of my feet were burning, my bladder needed to be relieved but thoroughly satisfied that we had witnessed another of Mother Nature's surprises.

Backyard Monsters

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) opened its first exhibit "Backyard Monsters" at the opening of the recently added atrium. As members, Bob & I (with Michael tagging along) were invited to the opening gala last Friday, February 6th.

Besides refreshments, goodies included wormy chocolate chip cookies and tempura-style crickets and scorpions. The line up for the latter was long so the three of us settled for the cricket tempura dipped in tempura sauce. We really wanted the scorpion as the chef convinced us that it was "meatier". Yum. The ant chocolate fudge lacked the crunch of the cricket but still , it was sweet.

These backyard monsters are robotic and truly gargantuan in proportions compared to the real creatures in our backyard. Fun for the kids and adults alike. Click on the link above for more details. If you live in Ontario, do visit these animatronics that came all the way from California.

Here's a tomato caterpillar picking on Bob or maybe it wants a sip of Bob's drink. Click on any of the picture to see the details.











That's Michael looking dwarfed by that huge caterpillar!


















This tarantula is a popular stop for the kids. The real ones in (locked) terrarium are just as furry.













Looking down from the main level to the atrium, one can see the back of this wasp.












There are 2 Atlas beetles fighting in this exhibit. They are the only bugs with eyelashes amongst the display.











These are just a few specimens on display. There are lots more "monsters" and real bugs on display but I don't want to spoil it for those who want to see the exhibit themselves. And if you're passing by Brantford, do stop by and visit us.

Getting creative

My third item in my New Year reflections was "getting creative". In the back of my mind, I was thinking of living simply in creative ways. I cited gardening as an example and I have been writing about gardening since I started this blog. Therefore, I'll write about hiking.

While some people had gone south for the warmer climate, some of us had stayed and took advantage of what winter has to offer. Bicycling is out for us (unlike my son-in-law Richard who bikes all year around). I've taken up winter hiking instead.

I now belong to the Happy Hikers group, a Hamilton-based group who goes hiking from Fall to Spring throughout Hamilton/Burlington/Dundas conservation areas. Once again, an informal group of mostly retired people (not a lot of early retirees out here). The leader offers 2 hikes each week, Tuesday and Wednesday with the latter offering the more challenging hikes which I prefer. I've gone to one Fall hike and about 4 Winter hikes so far. Bob even came with me a couple of times. Unfortunately, hiking in a -15 degree weather going up and down hills, through thorny bushes and thick snow did not make Bob a happy hiker.

Although this 1 1/2 hour winter adventure seem longer some days, seeing the beauty of the woods as they hibernate for the season still boggles my mind knowing that signs of new growth start appearing in the Spring. Not as colorful as a Summer or Fall hike but just as exhilarating. One thing I notice, however, is that my hips tell me that they do get a lot more of a workout tramping through the snow. I've done some hiking in challenging terrains before but I've never felt sore! Hmmm.

We still have other winter "toys". I have taken out my snow shoes once this year but too much snow means too much work! The cross country skis still need to be dusted. Alas, we had to toss out the inflated tube thingy and other tobogganing stuff when we downsized. Besides, I'd feel strange going tobogganing with no kids in tow. Perhaps I can borrow my nephew Jediah when he gets old enough.

So, to complain about this winter weather is not going to make it go away any sooner, one just have to be creative.