Several weeks ago, Stef was in town for a short visit. She didn’t have much time to spare, but she did manage to find a few hours to go on a hike. We decided to try a new trail in the Mer Bleue Conservation Area, and decided on Trail 51.
Trail 51 is not situated through a sphagnum bog like the Boardwalk Trail (Trail 53). Instead, it’s a protected area of the Ottawa Greenbelt that covers both grassland and forest habitat. The mosquitoes were fierce in some of the forested areas that ran through drainage basins, but otherwise it was an excellent hike.
While walking through a field, I spotted a red milkweed beetle in some clover. I love macro photography of insects, so I started taking photos. I couldn’t help but find the little beetle adorable and charismatic. Looking back on the photos, it almost seems like the little guy was posing. (You can click the following two photos for a higher resolution version.)
Of course, a hike with Stef wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of adventure. We had been trekking along a forested area called The Nut Tree Trail when we came to the end of the woods. Instead of the trail continuing on through a field, we found ourselves in an area cleared of all grasses and trees. The area was filled with only sand and there were tread marks throughout the clearing.
Unfortunately, while the Greenbelt is protected from urban development, some areas lie under hydro towers that require maintenance. This means that fields must be cleared to allow for machine access. It was a little dramatic to see such a barren landscape compared to the lush environment we had been surrounded by. It’s a sad reality, but inevitably these field are cleared on occasion to prevent trees from growing under the towers.
After wandering out into the clearing, Stef and I had a hard time reconnecting with the trail. We had to scour the forest’s edge looking for a clear path. Fortunately, we spotted another hiker in the distance who seemed to know where to go, so we followed her direction and eventually found another segment of Trail 51.
Stef and I continued on to the last part of our route, which ran through a drainage basin. This area was lush, green, and well hydrated, but also overrun with mosquitoes. We even came across a couple of hikers wearing full mosquito nets. Clearly, they knew the trail better than we did. As usual, I endured several bites but came out with some worthwhile photos of the area.
Despite the construction and mosquitoes, it was definitely a great new trail for Stef and I. Besides, it just wouldn’t be a normal hike for us if something didn’t go awry. There are many more trails to the Mer Bleue Conservation Area, and this experience made me realize I probably should start exploring more of them.
Unfortunately, I’m beginning to realize just how little time I have left in Ottawa. I only hope I can explore a little more and take everything in before I pack up and move over 4000 kilometers away.
I do trust all of the concepts you’ve offered on your post.
They are very convincing and can definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a bit from
subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
Thanks for the valuable insights. More at https://taplink.cc/olafipnc
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your
weblog and in accession capital to assert that
I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article
is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos.
I would like to see more posts like this .
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but
great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
It’s not my first time to visit this site, i am visiting this
site dailly and take good data from here all the time.
You really make it appear really easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very wide for me. I am looking ahead to your
next submit, I will try to get the hold of it!
Thanks for another wonderful post. The place else may just anybody get that kind of info
in such a perfect method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such info.
If you would like to get a great deal from this article then you have to apply these techniques to your won website.
Hi there, I think your website could be having internet browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it’s
got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you
with a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful website!
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you
actually understand what you are talking about! Bookmarked.
Kindly also discuss with my web site =). We could have
a hyperlink trade arrangement between us
You made some good points there. I looked on the
web to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go
along with your views on this website.
Because the admin of this web site is working, no hesitation very rapidly it will be well-known, due to its
feature contents.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that
automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I
truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new
updates.
Heya superb website! Does running a blog similar
to this require a great deal of work? I’ve no expertise in coding however I had been hoping
to start my own blog in the near future. Anyway,
should you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners
please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply needed to ask.
Thanks a lot!