McCarthy Woods

The Nature Group of the RA Photo Club organized an outing to McCarthy Woods. About 20 members participated and I went with a friend. The woods are located in South-Central Ottawa, a short distance north of Ottawa International Airport. The area is crisscrossed by many short trails. None of these trails are marked but there is little chance of getting lost. The forest is small and bounded by city streets and a railway line. A hydro corridor also crosses the forest. Apparently, at one time, the woods were the largest and most natural example of a mature maple forest in Ottawa. Unfortunately, wind storms over the last few years have brought many trees down, so I don't know if the woods still enjoy that distinction. The day that we went was cloudy and rain began after a couple of hours. Some Spring buds were out, but for the most part, the forest was still mainly brown. Tree fungus could be found in abundance. My friend and I concentrated on looking for small details as we explored. By the time the rain set in in earnest, it was about time to make our way to a local pub to join some of the other club members for lunch. It was a great way to spend a morning and explore an area of the city that I had not been to before.