A Winter Stroll in a Chilly Afternoon at Harmony Valley Park, Oshawa, Canada
And taken some random snapshots in the process
Winter is hovering around in Canada these days.
I find winter an excellent opportunity to explore the unique winter trails. But, of course, the sites look completely different in winter and summer, so winter walk in the conservation area or parks provide an opportunity to see the seasonal beauties.
I went to Harmony Valley Park yesterday to explore new conservation areas and parks as part of my walking ritual. Based in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, the park is excellent for dogwalkers mostly. However, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy if you want to stroll around.
I had a 1.5-hour walk around the place and could capture some of the corners in my mobile lens. The temperature was -14 degrees celsius (real feel -27), but it felt great.
The fresh (chilly) breathing, clear sun on the sky, and the weekend, a beautiful combination it presented, I would say!
I somehow came across a dog running towards me on every route I took. The owners/companions were just beside them, walking.
I love dogs, so it was no discomfort to have a close encounter with this lovely species. I guess we had eye-to-eye moments of understanding in those encounters.
The ground was not fully covered with snow, as you can see. However, any water line that crossed the park was frozen entirely (right side image).
Apart from dogwalkers, I saw families come together to have a winter walk in the park. As the trail was not fully covered in snow, walking was a comfort.
However, I saw black ice in some spots, which was difficult to cross. Fortunately, it was not present in so many places.
It felt like someone gathered the woods deliberately to ignite a campfire in the above spot. So many dried, fallen trees in one place, centered around one tree!
Even though there was an extreme cold warning, I took appropriate measures to safeguard myself from winter chills. In fact, at one point, I felt like sweating, as the layers seemed too much! However, those layers ensured that I had a safe, wonderful walk around the park.
It was refreshing to get in touch with nature once again.
The last two winter walk trails are now encouraging me to explore more of the wilderness and trails in wintertime. This means I will continue exploring more of these winter trails in the coming days.