The Naked Trees

One of my obsessions in photography is capturing the beauty of a tree's bare limbs against the dramatic colors of the sky. Unmindful of the cold and damp wind last weekend, hubby and I went to Lynde Shores Conservation area just before dusk. 

And there they are - the trees in their naked glories - intricate, delicate and simply amazing!

The beauty of creation knows no boundaries!

Shared with : Weekly Top Shot

Where in the World : Cheltenham Badlands, Ontario

Hubby and I went to this spontaneous hiking trip as soon as I dropped my luggage coming from a 4 day-trip in Vancouver. With barely 2 hours of sleep in the plane (I promise I will never take the red eye flight again!) and a quick shower, we drove to Caledon not expecting anything like  this. I know how beautiful the badlands in pictures but standing on it was quite an experience - A true geographical spectacle!

The blue skies, the mild breeze, and the vibrant hues of autumn leaves from trees surrounding the badlands complemented the already dramatic soil formation. I couldn't wish for a better day to  climb and walk on top of these bizarre but lovely landscape.

Standing on one of the peaks, I would never thought that this marvelous piece of land in Caledon hills Ontario was a result of "poor farming practices in the 1930’s which caused overgrazing of this land and the resultant exposure of the Queenston shale that supports little or no vegetation." My research (a.k.a. "googling") revealed that "the reddish hue of the Queenston Shale is caused by iron oxide, while narrow greenish bands show where groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide."

While looking, touching and feeling the grainy soil from "mistakes" of the past, James Joyce's (Irish poet) words come to mind...

"A man's errors are his portals of discovery".

So true!


Linking with : Weekly Top Shot

Our Feathered Guests

For 3 years in a row, every spring, we find birds nesting in one of our trees in the backyard or the pine trees on the front porch of the house. Every year, we look forward to hosting them. We feel like having guests staying for a short period of time. They don't ask much - just a safe place to build their "home" and some peace and quiet time while "mom" and "dad" tend to their eggs (and eventually, chicklets).

May 8 - Hubby and I noticed a robin flying in and out from one of the pine trees on the front porch. We knew right then that our guests have arrived. We named them - The ROBINsons.

May 9 - Armed with a camera, we waited for Mrs. ROBINson to fly from the pine tree. Hubby and I took a peek. Voila - there on a sturdy but soft nest are The ROBINson's four gorgeous eggs!

May 18 - Hatched! the 4 chicklets looked so fragile and "raw" with faces that only their mama and papa could love ;-).

Week of May 18 - the feeding frenzy begun. The devotion of Mr. and Mrs. ROBINson was a sight to behold. Days and nights, rain or shine, they came bearing live worms to feed the chicklets. At one point my hubby wanted to dig some worms too so he can help with the feeding. The chicklets have insatiable appetite!

May 25 - All of a sudden they seemed so big for their nest. They begun to recognized movements and were curious. Not fully covered with feathers but starting to show characters.

May 29 - They were just simply gorgeous! Still hungy all the time and were starting to spread their tiny wings. They were always posing for me and my camera every time I visit!

June 1 - I checked the nest first thing in the morning because I knew it won't be long until they can spread their wings and fly. True enough, the nest was already empty! I wasn't expecting all of them to be gone at the same time.

Hubby said : "They won't leave without saying goodbye. Let's look around and find them."

And then we found them, one by one ..... all of them in the backyard .... minding their own business .... with Mr. and Mrs. ROBINson observing their chicklets nearby .... as if telling us not to worry, they will be OK!

As I post this, there's a new nest in the backyard. We saw 2 eggs this morning - our next feathered guests just checked in!

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We {heart} nature : Lynde Shores Conservation Area

We don't mind waking up at 6AM on a weekend just to be a part of this "community"  at the Lynde Shores conservation area wetlands.

This is our piece of heaven on earth!


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We {heart} nature : Niagara Falls State Park (USA}

Taking photos of the majestic Niagara Falls  is one of my favorite things to do - every season is different. The view of the falls is always perfect any time of the year from the Canadian side of the boarder. That said,  I wonder what is there to see on the US side.

Last week, hubby and I went hiking at Niagara Falls State Park in New York and finally I saw what I have been missing all these years!

The view from the observation deck is impressive and I was able to really get closer to the falls. The powerful sound of cascading water is amazing . What impressed me more is the totality of park. I have to admit that the park is much better than the Canadian side simply because there are more trees, hiking trails and benches where one can really appreciate nature. No tourist traps too {if I may add}.

We hiked along the rapids - oh, the sweet smell of soil fresh from winter hibernation and the mist in the air - spring has truly sprung!

There are more to see like the the Rock of Ages and Cave of the Winds that are closed for winter. We will be back in late spring for another nature adventure!

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we {HEART} nature : Purple Woods Conservation Area

There was (still) ice on the grounds and the temperature was {still!} below zero but we headed out for the annual maple syrup festival at Purple Woods. I guess we were not the only one ....

.... who decided to brave the bitter wind to taste the fresh "liquid gold" on hot pancakes!

The steaming hot apple cider managed to put the smile back on everyone ... yes including ours!

Have a blessed Easter everyone!