Impressions of the Winter Wood

   On a cold and dreary day the Ontario boreal forest can be a drab to travel through. The dominant colours are the brown and grey of the woods hue and the dark green of the spruce and pines needles. It's a hard prospect to come upon something vibrant, and if you do its usually due to human littering or is just another person walking along. This point in the season people are yearning for the snow to start to melt away and the sun to shine bright along their skin. Going outside is a chore for most in the middle of february up here, and sometimes I admit it can be if your mind is not in the right place, like thinking of the future warmth.

   Try not to though.

   Every walk in the woods is a difference experience if you just turn off your music and focus your attention to your surroundings. The forest you think to be boring and lifeless is dying to be heard from wanting senses. The squirrels in the tree's are seeking an audience to show themselves gracefully soaring from branch to branch, tree to tree. The bird's patiently wait for someone to hear their songs, and the river churns impatiently for you to stop and listen to its voice roar or whisper. Even your own footsteps make a rhythmic tone through the tree's, which all the forest stops to hear.

   To clear your mind of wasteful thoughts and to pin your attention down to the task at hand will bring much enjoyment to your walks in the woods. Remember that each day is unique, and tomorrow the forest you be changed. So revere in her today! With eyes open you will unlock her secrets. Today I found Highbush Cranberries as red as the ripest cherries. They seemed to be giving off their own light!

Close up of a cluster of Highbush Cranberries

Highbush Cranberries

   Slowing down to the pace of the forest also puts all this winter into prospective. Remember, winter is only a season, it comes then it goes. If you look at the tree's closely you will see this fact of life. The buds of all the deciduous trees are starting to open up. They are reminding you not to worry about the cold so much because nothing is forever.

Budding Branch

   My words of wisdom is to dawn a jacket and a pack and get lost in the woods, no matter the excuse you have on the tip of your tongue. 

Good day.