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We set out on the trail today and I realized I hadn't walked it in several months since the flooding had been particularly bad this spring. It had gotten to the point where, well, in all honesty, I was walking a section of the trail that had been closed and probably for that reason. On top of that were a series of unusual wind and thunderstorms. I had forgotten about those.

This is probably the time of year when we see the most wildflowers.

These are wild grape vines.

There is just a stunning variety of them.

They were most noticeable here where the trail crosses through open meadow.

I was walking along, madly snapping photos while trying to keep up with my companion.

So pretty.

Trees and plants that had flowered earlier in the year were now producing fruit.

We left the meadow and entered the bush by the beaver pond.

It's not unusual to see signs of work on the trail. The work crews had been clearing fallen trees up ahead.

A daisy by the beaver pond.

We had just passed the sign that said the trail was closed and we were crossing the bridge. This part of the trail has been closed since last autumn and the bridge is becoming overgrown.

This is what someone my height sees!

We crossed the bridge and were just climbing the slight hill. There is a bend in the trail with a really pretty clump of old cedar trees here that I like to photograph.

Oh, no!

The entire clump had been taken down in the derecho (a series of thunderstorms and high winds that can reach tornado force).

See the flat rocks that were under the trees' roots? There isn't much topsoil on the Canadian Shield so trees don't always have much to cling to. This is very sad.

This view is from what was the topside. The roots clung to whatever they could but it wasn't enough during the storm.

This is the other side. What an amazing sight.

It didn't end there. Look what's ahead.

Our walk has become an obstacle course!

Time for the hurdles!

Some of us are a little short in the leg, and I dangled them while carefully making sure my pants weren't hooked to something before I jumped down.

Now this should have been the first hurdle! lol

This clump of cedars is smaller than the one that fell. Hi there!

I had walked this part of the trail several times in the spring. With the grass and weeds so high, you can't see the trail of logs that is quite passable, only you must walk slowly. And you must walk slowly on them while surrounded by the mosquitos that have just found us! We decided to retrace our path.

The trail is pretty good except for those few spots.

A Monarch butterfly briefly landed on the milkweed, now in full bloom.

We were on a path between the meadow and the beaver pond, heading in the other direction.

More big trees down from the wind. We pieced together how one of the falling trees launched the huge boulder that rolled down the hill in the middle of the photo.

It was more obvious from the other side but the photo wasn't so clear.

Have some wild raspberries.

A whole patch of raspberries.

Surrounded by nature's bounty.

We were following a less travelled path that eventually led back to the main path.

Back at the lovely pine forest.

Three months ago, I posted photos of a porcupine sleeping in this oak tree. Today, I almost didn't recognize the tree with everything so lush and green.

There were quite a few more trees down.

It's difficult to believe that wind can do this.

Count the rings to determine the tree's age. We think it was at least 40 years old.

It's sad to see the trees damaged so badly and then to see this wood going to waste.

Another side of the beautiful meadow.

Thistles that are almost as tall as me.

Last photo. This is the tamarack tree that overlooks the parking lot.

Thank you @tattoodjay for the wonderful #WednesdayWalk that gets us walking outdoors and then gives us glimpses into everyone else's walks worldwide.

Images

Photos from my Canon SX620 HS on the Old Quarry trail in the Ottawa greenbelt.

Enjoy!
@kansuze