In these somber times, there is a lot of solace to be found in the great outdoors. It is easy to be by yourself and the reduction of traffic and lower gas prices make it very attractive.

So it was that I found myself winging eastward toward Bowmanville this morning in very light traffic. Then a turn to the north and I arrived at Long Sault CA. The journey took less than an hour.

“Sault” means “rapids” in French but I did not see a river.

I did see a lot of lingering snow and was happy to have my “grippers” on the icy trail.

There are 18 kms of trail here and I walked on 3 of the trails.

At one point there was a view of a farm:

I walked at my usual glacial pace and was happy to find this bench about half way through. A perfect spot to enjoy my lunch.

The temperature was 0 degrees and the sun occasionally peaked out from behind the clouds.

There were very few birds as there is little for them to eat here at this time of year. I heard Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Crow and briefly saw 2 Common Ravens.

Some Botany:

Evidence of Pileated Woodpeckers

We’d never know how high we are, till we are called to rise;
and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the sky.   – Emily Dickinson (1830–86)

Miles Hearn