ELGIN HERITAGE PARK edges a fringe of the Nicomekl River in South Surrey. Short walks there in recent weeks provided relaxation and exercise during a difficult time. My husband was diagnosed with a focal dystonia that causes involuntary muscle spasms. This baffling neurological disorder seemingly came out of nowhere a few months ago.
Mirroring our highs and lows when promising solutions fail ... on some days the river is a muddy gray-brown floor ...
and at other times it is a serene ripple of water reflecting blue skies.
The area is a habitat rich with wildlife. The treed park and marshland is a haven for eagles and hawks as well as small birds, waterfowl and fish.
Influenced by the tidal sea and fluctuating rainfall, the river on some days reveals two posts stuck in the mud at low tide.
Sometimes there is nothing one CAN do but stand still and wait for nourishing waters to flow back in.
In the late 1800s, the waterway had practical purposes. Steamships loaded up with the various goods that were being farmed in and around the Elgin community. This included hay harvested by John Stewart, a pioneer who built a Victorian home (now a museum) on his substantial property along the river. (I took the picture above in September of last year.)
The few recreational vessels harbored there today have no choice but to wait for the water level to rise before setting off. And they must be equally mindful of when it is time to sail back.
For land lovers there are many ground paths to enjoy at the heritage park.
And there are constantly changing skies over the marshlands.
Tall tangled grasses and withered bulrushes ...
have been waiting all winter to be reborn.
Wildlife preparing for spring rustle through the foliage beneath the bridge.
Chatty birds flutter from branch to branch chirping their tunes.
There is a healing aspect to the bustling sounds and breezy touches of nature.
Hope for good resolutions lifts a little higher whenever we visit the park.To enjoy more sights from around the globe visit Our World.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
Oh Penelope, I am hoping that, just as the "tangled grasses and withered bulrushes" will soon team with vibrant life, so will the mystery-solving skills of the doctors be reborn, and your husband's health take a turn for the better, right along with the quickly approaching Spring season.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have noticed and admired in so many of your wonderful posts is your ability to connect the dots between our personal lives and life all about us.
I don't think my Bill and I have seen Elgin Heritage Park. Thanks for this fascinating tour. I hope we may visit in in the near future.
I'm sending out good thoughts that your husband will be diagnosed and treated successfully. I know how frustrating this process can be and also find nature walks helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis sequence of shots is very beautiful and your words weave their own poetry into the landscapes.
I do hope your husband finds out what's bothering him soon! Meanwhile, I'm glad the short walks are lifting his and your spirits a little. Elgin Park is a great place to be close to nature!
ReplyDeleteI have to add that the new version of word verification is a real pain. I find it very hard to read. I am now on my third try!
I hope your husband can find a resolution for his eye. I ditto to what everyone has said in finding a relief to his problem.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos as always.
Great sequence!! Hope your husband finds a better solution for his affliction soon. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI sense this healing place works for both of you. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteKeep picturing that serene beauty as you search for the best solution! It's hard searching and waiting to learn what's the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts your way!
I'm holding good thoughts for your husband and hope he will be properly diagnosed and treated! It is a very frustrating process! Your captures for the day are beautiful and, like Carver, I feel your words do indeed weave their own poetry into the landscape. Not an easy time for either of you, but nature's beauty is one of the best medicines!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Such great reflections -hope you're also gonna post them for skywatch and weekend reflections?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your hubby -hope a solution is found soon!
What a lovely place, and a great place to see birds and wildlife. I hope your hubby gets help with his eyes soon and I wish him well. Thanks for sharing your world. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI love the paths in the grounds and the bridge photos. I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he is able to get some lasting relief.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear about your husband having problems with his eyes, it must be so frustrating for both of you. I have never heard of that condition before. I hope that a successful treatment is found soon.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of the park are great. I have probably driven past this when visiting my Mum so I'll have to keep a closer watch in the future.
The word verification has gotten to be really difficult to use, would you consider taking it off?
Oh gosh - I'm hoping your husband will get treated soon!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots - hope you always find solace in nature.
Perhaps you could just go with comment moderation as it's so hard to read the words in the new word verification...)
Thank you all for sending good thoughts this way about the health challenge we are confronting! About the word verification … I will try doing without it for a bit and see what happens. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for removing the word verification, my eyes thank you.
ReplyDelete