Monday, September 28, 2015

Three Days, Three Hikes, and A Picnic








Harold Town Conservation Area, Peterborough






Long Sault Conservation Area, Bowmanville













Enniskillen Conservation Area, Enniskillen

Three glorious autumn days meant three days on the trails, and goodness we had a great time! Our weekends start on Friday around here, and we usually met up with friends for a little fun in the woods. On Friday we headed to Harold Town to wander, balance on logs, climb trees, and just hang out. My little man and I had a great time, and left the trail feeling very happy.

Saturday morning brought another beautiful autumn day, and with everything pretty much ready for the potluck we were hosting later in the day, I left Justin and Reece at home and hit the trails at Long Sault Conservation Area, by myself. I find so much peace when I wander on my own, and I always leave the trail more grounded and centered than when I began. Saturday was no different, and as I wandered the trail, I cleared my mind, and just let the trail guide me. I had no where to be, no destination in mind, I just followed, and it was exactly what I needed. I am feeling a need to pull inward during these early autumn days, to spend time alone, and close to home and nature. There is a call deep inside for quiet, and I am heeding that call, and finding the time and space to allow myself the quiet I need. Time on the trail, on my own, is one way I find that quiet, and I am pretty sure there will be more solo time on the trails in the coming weeks.

When we woke Sunday morning, the sun was shining yet again, bringing with it another beautiful autumn day. We packed a picnic and hit Enniskillen Conservation Area where we explored old, and new trails, played by the water, and collected leaves, pine needles, and cattails. Reece found a piece of birch bark that was formed in a complete circle, it made the perfect crown, and from the point on he was referred to as the Birch Prince. We all left the trail tired, and happy, ready to spend a quiet afternoon at home.

How was your weekend? Did you find yourself wandering any nature trails?
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36 comments:

  1. sustainablemumSeptember 28, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    What a wonderful way to spend the weekend. Your trails look like wonderful places to explore. We had a quiet weekend at home, tidying the house, playing, talking, sharing good food and I managed to fit in some sewing which made me a happy lady.

    Enjoy your week.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:33 PM

      It truly was, and we feel so blessed that we were gifted such a beautiful, autumn weekend. Yes, we are very lucky to have many great trails around here, and we love exploring them.

      Your weekend sounds lovely too, always nice when you can get some sewing in.

      Thanks, you too!

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  2. YanicSeptember 28, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Sounds like an amazing week-end to me. Like you, we had a glorious week-end. The temps were quite extreme from morning til afternoon, but that is what layers are for right? We started the week-end going back to one of our favorite spots (that had been taken over by so many uber mosquitoes during August that we had set it aside for a while) and discovered a new beach trail along the river later in the week-end.This is our biggest hiking season. The crips air, the crackle under our feet, the birds busy with getting ready for their travels... Oh how I love this time of year.

    Wishing you an equally wonderful week. xo

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:37 PM

      Oh it was! It is amazing how different the temps can be morning to afternoon. We really noticed it at the potluck, the temperature dropped quite quickly after 6pm.

      Glad you found a new trail, always nice to find a new place to explore. Enjoy!

      Thanks, same to you my friend. xo

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  3. AnkeSeptember 28, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    You live in such a beautiful area and are very lucky to have such wonderful trails nearby! Birch Prince looks very handsome with his crown. :-)

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:44 PM

      Aw, thanks Anke. He was pretty pleased when he found that crown :)

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  4. Tracey ~ CloverSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    My weekends start on Friday too, I think the whole world should follow suit.
    I love seeing your sun-filled photos and bits of your world, it really is so pretty.
    I think Reece's nature crown is perfect for him!

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:45 PM

      I think so too Tracey :)

      Thank you, Mother Nature is pretty amazing, and I am so happy we were able to enjoy time out in nature this weekend.

      He loves that crown :)

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  5. karenSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    three?! that is wonderful!! Usually your son looks so big and grown but the one where he's walking in the distance, well he looks little and precious :) I had a jammed packed weekend (still recovering). Lovely autumn photos Kim.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:47 PM

      Yup! We couldn't help it, it was just so beautiful! Yes, I think the big trees make him appear a little smaller than he is.

      I hope this week is slow and easy for you Karen.

      Thank you!

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  6. CocoSeptember 28, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    Love that missing tooth first grade smile ;) I hope we will get out of the city for some hikes before the weather is a bit too cold for the youngest in our family. In the meantime, thanks for the vicarious adventures of your beautiful world.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:48 PM

      It is pretty cute, eh?

      How are you my friend? I was thinking about you this weekend. I hope all is well in your world, and that you have settled into your fall rhythm.

      xo

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  7. UnknownSeptember 28, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    Our whole weekend was spent outside as well. We went camping with our friends again. This time I got to make the fire from scratch with a flint and really learned some great things about wood and how to build a fire. We watch the moon rise every night and get brighter and brighter. Beautiful!

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:49 PM

      It's great when you can do that, isn't it?

      Oh, how wonderful! You are becoming a regular fire keeper :) The moon was spectacular this weekend, so glad you got to enjoy it too.

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  8. alexaSeptember 28, 2015 at 2:42 PM

    Sounds like you are really enjoying autumn the way it should be! There is just something in nature that calls to us during the Fall - from our porch, from the woods, through the window from a cozy armchair. Wishing you all these this season and more time for inner quiet.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:50 PM

      Oh, we certainly are :) Nature calls to me all the time, but I think there is a slight difference in her call at this time of the year. That might have to do with the journey inward, and the darkness that she wraps us in this time of year.

      Thank you, my friend.

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  9. This little lifeSeptember 28, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    what beautiful pictures, it looks so much like fall - and so pretty. i love your thoughts about autumn, i'm just starting to feel that peaceful pull inwards - and feeling so grateful for the end of summer. i love both pictures of Reece, especially the last one. :)

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:52 PM

      Thanks Carlin. We are definitely into the fall season, and we are loving it!

      It is a nice pull, isn't it? For me it feels like a little reminder each year, to just stop, listen and dig a little deeper to find my true authentic self. It always feels so good.

      Thank you :)

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  10. ericaSeptember 28, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    what a wonderful weekend Kim...I can see the fall colours coming into your woods. Ontario is proving to have a very lovely autumn!!! Enjoy.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:53 PM

      It is so far, only time will tell how vibrant the colours get. Fingers crossed they are amazing!

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  11. Carie @ Space for the ButterfliesSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    Oh what a beautiful way to spend the weekend, and what a treat to hike by yourself. I know what you mean about the freedom it gives you, we felt the same way travelling this summer and knowing that there was nowhere we had to be by any certain time, we could just go where the wind blew us - it was so relaxing! And also I love your Peterborough - I went to school near the UK original and I promise you yours is a lot lot prettier!

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:55 PM

      Thank Carie. And yes big treat, although I do try and get out by myself regularly. It is part of my self care routine, and is a huge gift to myself.

      It is nice, to just go with the flow that way isn't it? I can just imagine how great it felt to travel like that. You guys had the most wonderful trip.

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  12. AppleshoeSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    What a lovely weekend. I've missed the trails this summer and hope to be back out there soon. Our weekend was spent putting together last minute things for the baby. We are all ready to go now. Take care.

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 4:55 PM

      Thank you, my friend.

      I hope you get back there soon too. Yay for being ready for the baby, so exciting. Not long to go now. Thinking of you.

      xo

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  13. Place Under The PineSeptember 28, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    We didn't hit any trails this weekend, but, we managed to go apple picking. Love the pic of the leaves on the trail - love walking through leaves in the fall.
    It's funny, there is a Long Sault near us to - http://www.stlawrenceparks.com/maps/long-sault-parkway-map/ - it's a stretch of islands in the St. Lawrence. We have been meaning to go camping there and explore that area (there are remains of villages nearby that were flooded over when they build the St Lawrence seaway).

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    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 7:12 PM

      Well, apple picking is pretty darn good :) Thanks, I love walking through the leaves too. There is something about leaves underfoot, crunching as you walk on them, that always brings a smile to my face.

      Yes, I knew that. I have heard about it, but never been. I bet it would be a pretty awesome place to explore. We might have to check it out one day too.

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  14. AimeeSeptember 28, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    what an awesome 3 days!! And a perfect way to enjoy Autumn :-)

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  15. fjord girlSeptember 29, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    Looks like you all had a wonderful time Kim...boy your Reece is so cute- I love his long hair and his missing tooth :)

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  16. Jennifer HaysSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    It looks wonderful, Kim. I especially love that you took a walk by yourself, it must have been very peaceful and restorative. I haven't done much hiking lately but now that it's getting a little cooler outside, I'd like to do more soon. Hope you're having a good week so far.

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    1. Kim September 29, 2015 at 4:22 PM

      Thanks Jennifer. Yes, peaceful and restorative. It is something I used to do all the time, but this summer it slipped away from me. Glad to be back at it :)

      Hope you can get out for some hiking and soak up some of that autumn goodness soon. Wishing you a lovely week too. xo

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  17. Mama Gone GreenOctober 3, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    3 days of hikes sounds exactly what I need. I have also been feeling a pull to turn inwards and to be quiet and alone a bit more than usual. I love this time of year for that--- for giving me the urge to slow down after the business of summer, to stop and appreciate the changes around me, and to reconnect with myself a wee bit! Looks like you found a few gorgeous places to hike!

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    1. Kim October 4, 2015 at 5:08 PM

      It was so what I needed Taryn, and felt so good. Yes, totally how I feel. I hope you are finding those moments of quiet and peace :)

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  18. Wonky PatchworkOctober 21, 2015 at 4:38 PM

    What a great crown and some beautiful trails, you really do live in a gorgeous part of the world.

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    1. Kim October 21, 2015 at 4:50 PM

      Thanks Sally, I feel very lucky to live where we do :)

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