I saw smiley trees on my walk today :–) Cloudy day, -1°C, some accumulated snow from yesterday.

I'm loving these longer winter walks. Taking the time to observe the surroundings, breath in the cold air, watch squirrels and birds doing their thing.

It's not something I did a lot before the pandemic, because I would spent a lot of time inside a gym, resulting in not much time left for the outdoors. Also, the cold. This year has not been too cold so it's easier to get out. But I want to keep doing it, even when it gets colder (as it surely will!).

#noisymusings #outdoors #hiking #winter

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By Noisy Deadlines Minimalist in progress, nerdy, introvert, skeptic. I don't leave without my e-reader.

Mud Lake

Andrew Haydon Park

We saw people skating in the lake, playing hockey, skiing and doing this thing where you have a snowboard or skis and let a kite move you through the ice. It's exactly like kite surfing in water but in snow. I don't know if there is a specif name for this winter sport. It's the first time I saw people doing it. The only version I knew was the one in the summer (in the water). Sounds fun!

Ottawa River – People “Kite Surfing” in snow

We spotted squirrels and birds. It was a sunny day, there wasn't too much snow which made walking super easy, no need for snowshoes.

#outdoors #hiking #winter

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By Noisy Deadlines Minimalist in progress, nerdy, introvert, skeptic. I don't leave without my e-reader.

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I’ve had ups and downs regarding my spinal health this year. The pandemic totally changed my exercise routine, and I had a few months of intermittent back/sciatica pain. Yoga became inaccessible to my body, running was out the question, body weight was challenging, so I just walked during the worst of it.

I’m better. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor regularly, I’m back to yoga a few times a week, I learned a few strengthening body weight exercises that I do in the morning every day to remain pain free.

🍁 This fall season inspired me to try hiking. I have hiked a few times in the last couple of years. Now I felt ready to explore nearby trails every week. My husband was my intrepid companion on all these adventures. We focused on easy trails around the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

Below is a compilation of wonderful images from the trails we explored from the end of September to early November 2020 😎.

1. Mer Bleu – Ottawa, ON
2. Mud Lake Trail – Ottawa, ON
3. King Mountain Trail – Gatineau Park – Gatineau, QC
4. Chapman Mills Conservation Area – Ottawa, ON
5. Old Quarry Trail – Ottawa, ON
6. P4 Trail Stony Swamp Sector – Ottawa, ON
7. Beaver Trail, Chipmunk Trail, Lime Kiln Trail – Ottawa, ON
8. Sheila McKee Park – Ottawa, ON

Mer Bleu Trail – Ottawa, ON

This trail has a boardwalk section over this bog area. It's gorgeous in fall and easily accessible. There is also a longer loop trail that connects to the boardwalk and we checked that out as well. We spotted Asters and mushrooms!

Mud Lake Trail – Ottawa, ON

Super friendly trail and easily accessible. It surrounds the Mud Lake and we saw squirrels, ducks, geese, lots of birds and even a raccoon!

King Mountain Trail – Gatineau Park – Gatineau, QC

This trail goes to the highest point in Gatineau Park. We have a wonderful view of the city of Ottawa from the lookout. Simply gorgeous!

Chapman Mills Conservation Area – Ottawa, ON

A very urban trail by the Rideau River shoreline . It passes under the Vimy Memorial Bridge. The day we went the water level was low and we faced a chilly wind!

Old Quarry Trail – Ottawa, ON

Located in the Greenbelt area that surrounds Ottawa core. It's in the middle of a residential area so it's quiet and accessible. The tree's leaves have all fallen by October 25th!

P4 Trail Stony Swamp – Ottawa, ON

Another trail in the Greenbelt area close the Old Quarry Trail. It's the same Stony Swamp Sector. No more leaves on the trees (except for the ever greens pines).

Beaver Trail, Chipmunk Trail, Lime Kiln Trail – Ottawa, ON

A continuation of our exploration of the Greenbelt in the Stony Swamp Sector. We started at the Beaver Trail and went down to the Lime Kiln ruin: one of the few remaining examples of a 19th century industrial lime kiln in Canada. The trail to the ruin passes through an area of the forest that caught fire in early 2000's and is still recovering.

Sheila McKee Park – Dunrobin, ON

Short trails by the Ottawa River that is also used for cross country skiing in the winter. The nice part is the descent to the river shore with a nice view!

#noisymusings #Hiking #Outdoors #Fall #Images

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By Noisy Deadlines Minimalist in progress, nerdy, introvert, skeptic. I don't leave without my e-reader.