In past years we've driven by the Rockwood Conservation Area, but never gone in. When our hiking buddies suggested going there, we leaped at the chance. We know from experience that any natural area that they like, we will like.
It's March 22 and looks like November 22 or December 22.
Thank goodness for people who wear red coats on wintery days.
We saw many glacial potholes along the way. Perfect sighting on a snowy day.
This conservation area is completely different from the surrounding area which consists of a lot of flat to slightly rolling farmland.
There was nothing flat about our pathway through the forest. Slipping on a tree root would not end well at our age.
Ruth got out the heavy artillery to help her up the hills: her retractable ice cleats. Now, to steady yourself as you pick them out. Hmmmm.... a steady man. I need a steady man.
Not only did we walk over natural history dating back to the ice ages, but we passed by man-made history, the ruins of the Harris Wooden Mill. Blankets and tweed fabric was milled here in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Soft limestone is no match for grinding ice.
All along our walk around the lake, we caught glimpses of what shapes the retreating ice carved out.
When our hiking buddy was here 3 days ago there was no ice to be found.
It's one of those place where the more you look, the more you see. Do you see Dave?
Downriver from a dam, the rising mist formed itself into icicles on the surrounding trees.
And, I'll end our hike around the lake with a tiny bit of colour. So nice to see on a gloomy day.
Our hiking buddies addressed more than one sense with their travel suggestions today. Sights around the conservation area, sounds of falling water, chickadees and Canada Geese and taste......
Oh my! Butter tarts from the Belwood Country Market. That might be the best butter tart I've ever tasted.
And to end, a further nod to the past: the burying ground of Dave's pioneer ancestors.
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