A Nature Walk - Summer Woods

While on the orienteering course, we inadvertently had a nature walk. It wasn't planned, but it happened none-the-less. Some of the amazing observations we had...

 

 

 

We also saw a dead vole, but I've opted to spare you that visual.

Looking for Loons

After our visit to the Loon Center, we took a walk around the grounds looking for loons. There were two trails available. We chose the longer one which led to multiple viewing areas including a loon nest lookout.

Perched on a rock outcrop, you can see one of the artificial nesting rafts afloat in the lake.

While we were there, it remained empty. Walking through the trail, we kept our eyes and ears alert, and separated into smaller groups. A few of us saw a loon in flight. {Sadly, I did not.}

Other finds along the trail included:

sweet, ripe wild blueberries

a tiny critter,

and a variety of mushrooms.

Easy Backyard Nature Observations

Do you love to take your children on nature walks? use nature journals? observe the details of creation?

We do as well. However, it isn't always easy to pack up the kids and head to a wild place, nor is there always ample time.

Inspired by a friend's post, this summer, we will focus a bit more on what happens to grow or visit our own backyard. After all, it takes but only a moment to ease open a door.

A few of the items we have been inspecting more closely...

flowers budding and blooming

the parts of a flower

pollination in action
{See a great hands on activity for learning about pollination here.}

flowers in the garden which will yield to tasty sweet peas

flowers in the trees

trees with leaves 'so big'

and a few herbs we happen to grow in containers near our back patio {lavender and mint}

A Nature Walk - The Seashore in Late Autumn

Traveling to the beach for another Thanksgiving holiday was a treat. Just the six of us stayed in a small cottage along the seashore. The morning of Thanksgiving, we walked along the beach. A few pictures from that walk, along with some interesting finds follow...

 

The next day, {heralded as Black Friday}, we skipped the stores in lieu of a much better deal: another walk further up the seashore.

All these amazing sights found within one deceptively-looking empty space.

A Nature Walk - Autumn Gardens

The other day I shared part of our recent nature walk, and now for the rest.
Truly, the cultivated gardens were spectacular.

Observing the intricate designs of the flower beds and the various textures of the plants,
we were amazed.

After spending a day out in the beauty of creation, we came home and enjoyed a family fall favorite: homemade pumpkin whoopee pies and hot apple cider.

A Nature Walk - Autumn Woods

Just last week, we took a day off. Everyone needs a break once in awhile, and we have been going strong for weeks. In fact, our last long weekend was Labor Day {early September}.

We ended up traveling to a public garden which has both cultivated gardens and more natural areas like these woods. Another time, I'll share the cultivated garden pictures, but for now these lovely autumn colors deserve a moment to shine.