I’d have called this post A Walk in the Woods, but that title was already used. And, unlike the Appalachian Trail which is said book’s subject and locale, my walk was in a place where even I could not get lost: Chapman Mills Conservation Area. Moreover, although there were certainly trees, the place leans more to bog than to woods.
It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa. Come enjoy the… scenic lookouts along the trail, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll [Ed’s note: Each Way!] through some sensitive and beautiful habitats, and read the interpretive signs telling the environmental story at points along the path.
– Rideau Valley Conservation Authority website
Since most of you don’t live in Ottawa, come enjoy Chapman Mills Conservation Area with me. On the weekend I completed the 1.5 km stroll (Each Way!) on your behalf, albeit not at your behest. Although I saw a few dragonflies as I have before, I was unable to get any photos this time. It being autumn, their fancy has lightly turned to thoughts of love. Well, to actions of reproduction, at least. This seems to require constant motion: something about the aerobatics needed to keep two conjoined dragonflies airborne, perhaps.
But there were other things to photograph. Like a turtle happily posing for a shot, inviting me to overlook the general scumminess of the water.
Like a bullfrog below a footbridge and seemingly oblivious to me and to the general scumminess of the water.
Like altogether unscummy New England asters, providing a last splash of flower power before the frost.
And like hard-working bees on New England asters. No rest for the Apis.
