Limerick Forest

At long last, conditions permitted a return outing to Limerick Forest. My last visit was in March, just before Canada started locking down due to COVID-19. Like the outing in March, this was a visit with friends. But unlike that previous outing, we were socially distancing now. We travelled separately and meandered individually in the forest. We socialized at a distance at an agreed time, just before heading home. Limerick Forest comprises several tracts of land about an hour's drive from Ottawa. Our destination was the "Chalet Loop" trails near Oxford Station. I've visited these trails many times over the years. It was a beautiful fall day. Cool and cloudy when I arrived about 10 am, but it warmed and became sunnier into the afternoon. There were only two other vehicles in the parking lot when I arrived. But about 2 pm when I gathered with my friends, the parking lot was full. While I saw other people enjoying the trails, everyone was respectful of others. For me, returning to the forest was like visiting a old and dear friend after a long absence. I thoroughly enjoyed the day!

Close-up of a fallen tree. I was attracted to the bold colours and pattern in the bark. The pine needles add a point of interest.

I saw this leaf as I was walking along a creek. I chose an angle to emphasize the textures and the contrast with the reflected sky.

I invariably end up on my knees on nature outings, and that was the case here.

Mushrooms and tree fungi are a favourite subject. This specimen was at chest height.

A trail in the forest near the boardwalk. This pretty much sums up the beauty of a lovely fall day.

I love this tree! I've shot it on almost every visit, in every season. On this visit, I had the chance to frame it with dramatic clouds in the background.

There is a Ducks Unlimited protected pond in the forest. As I walked past, I noticed the beautiful soft light and couldn't resist this shot.

I loved the way the bark on this tree seemed like it was braided.

I noticed this tree fungus as I was heading back to the parking lot to meet up with my friends.

This is a close up shot of the fungus of the previous photo. I wanted to show the detail of the edge and the interesting surface pattern.

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