My daughter sent me some photos from a recent run she did downtown...
It's nice to have running trails near the river.
Two main differences for her these days are:
One, that she now tries to run early in the day - preferably before she starts work at 9 - to avoid running in the dark.
And two, she now tracks her distances more carefully - she's part of a team raising money to donate to "Movember."
There's a lovely wooded area not too far away. It's near the studio where I do pottery.
My daughter and I used to go walking there often when she was in high school..., but I haven't been there in years.
Is it still the same? she asked recently.
Let's go see...
So we headed over.
A lot of large trees were lying on the ground - brought down by last May's destructive wind storm.
But the paths had been cleared and we encountered others walking on the trails. It's still a popular place to walk.
But I did wonder if anyone had been walking here that Saturday in May when the storm struck and trees came down, snapped in half or uprooted.
That would have been a terrifying experience!
Further along, I saw that some of the brown reeds were beginning to open up - revealing fluffy seed pods…
I had no idea that they broke apart like that, or that seeds were in there!
Amazing! Live and learn!
My favourite park in autumn is Andrew Haydon Park, in Ottawa’s west end.
A perfect mix of walking paths, trees, and water…
Every angle provides a stunning view.
We often see Canada geese here - but this time we noticed herons…
And egrets… (A few ducks as well.)
I was walking through the nearby college grounds - photographing colourful trees…
Suddenly I heard the Canadian national anthem. A college soccer game was in progress…
I stopped to listen - thankful I was born here in Canada - not in the Ukraine, where my mother was born…
Her family escaped when the Russian government, under Stalin, took their farmland. The situation there these days, unfortunately seems no better than it was when my mother's family left in 1928.
Colourful leaves surround us these cool fall days...
A simple event like a drive down neighbourhood streets fills me with awe!
It's a wonderful way to end a beautiful summer!
My daughter, who lives downtown, is an avid runner.
So she did.
It's lovely running next to the river, she commented.
Even cyclists - who could use the road - often ride on the paths to be closer to the river.
It must be relaxing to run, walk or cycle near the river... at the end of a day.
Last summer my granddaughter spent several weeks here at day camps. There are fun play areas for children. Theres a zip line.
But in October, the evening theme changes from "fun" to "haunted."
There are "haunted" wagon rides for those who like to be scared...
Not me!
But I wouldn't mind coming for the food...
Apple cider... pizza and more.
We all enjoy different things!
It's one I've never spent much time in....
She snd I walked south, in search of a nice outdoor space for coffee...
We lucked out at the Drip House Cafe...
Toast with ricotta cheese, fig jam and walnuts... It was delicious!
I look forward to more walks - and more discoveries - in different directions.
