THE MOSSY green dress on an old tree enthralled my husband who wore his “little boy blue” outfit to Elgin Park. The tree and he seemed have a heart-to-heart moment. Woodchips covered the muddy earth floor where we stood.
Large mossy stones hugged the ground. We heard busy rustling sounds of animals scurrying in the shrubbery. The plethora of birds chattering and singing made it seem like early spring, despite the chill.
A heron blended in with the scenery. There is nothing this bird could not hear or see and it likely took note of the excited school children on a field trip.
The children brought razzle dazzle to the silvery-beige and brown shades of the terrain with their colourful warm jackets and enthusiasm. They oohed and awed when wildlife appeared, not in the least blasé about the environment.
They stopped to gaze at bulrushes ever-transforming in the marshland.
We joined their little parade for a while and noticed that many children came with binoculars. Everything needed a closer look. Barely a ripple appeared on the horizon where sailboats lounged on the glassy edge of the Nicomekl River.
Aside from the mountains, the southwest coastal area has been snowless this January. But flakes could fall in February as they sometimes have in the past.
There were ponds in the park, creating both clear and murky reflections.
Broad cloud strokes dipped in the water as if by an artist's hand.
The forest was serene from a distance but drama was beneath the surface.
Furry and feathered creatures were on the hunt for their next meal.
Some flew in from distant shores and rested like fluttering leaves on twigs. The nearby green bench (below), draped in willow branches, looked restful.
Although we came to the park for exercise and to ooh and aw like children at the wonderful sights, the bench enticed us to pause a while and quietly listen.
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I am coming away from your wonderful post with oohs and aahs, lovely post and images. The flow of your words felt like I was reading a chapter in a book. :-)) Nice to see your husband is out and about.
ReplyDeleteOoo - aaah! Gorgeous shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat sequence of shots. I love moss so enjoyed that and great shot of the heron and other birds. Beautiful skies and I love seeing the children in the colorful coats and packs.
ReplyDeleteLove the blues in this lovely green landscape. It hardly looks like winter to me at all. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say it was spring.
ReplyDeleteoh and ah for sure. How fun to experience the excitement of children in this beautiful space.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore the bird photos
Yes indeed, lots of oohs and aahs here. Great photos! Thanks for stopping by and yes, that was a camera in my hand. I wondered if anyone would spot that :)
ReplyDeleteHow delightful for the children and magnificent photography of very inviting place!
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
the colour of the moss is such a vibrant green against the more subdued colours. Very much a place for the ohs and ahs.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much beauty in this post, Maria! Your close-ups of wildlife are showing more and more detail, lately, and your scenery shots inspire oohs and aws for sure! I've been thinking of you a lot lately (though I realize my slow commenting style doesn't reflect that). I've got a feeling music is more important to your life (and your B's) than you may fully realize. Such a wonderful movie playing today (5:30) and tomorrow (8:30 p.m.) at Vancity Theatre (Seymour Street). Thinking I should "push" just a little to get you to think about realizing a dream you once mentioned in a comment. And to get back to your post, we (adults and kids) really do respond to nature, as you showed so poignantly.
ReplyDeleteOoh how nice all these photos are! Moss is very favored in Japanese gardens and, Penelope, you showed why by your photos: it grows on stones, trees, and covers large area. Moss green color is the most beautiful in May or June but in winter when most of colors get muted, it's color stands out. You also showed winter is not bad at all or is not dull colors: the birds and children’s clothes and backpacks spice up the wintry colors. I also would like to sit on that green bench to eavesdrop the whispering of something happening underground if I have magical ears.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Heart to hearts with trees are essential! I hope the kids learned that while on their field trip. What a lovely park ... And I will take this kind of winter scenes over snow any time.
ReplyDelete