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Published: December 28th 2021
Newt and Quiche
The ecstasy of smells!Even in winter, the nature reserve “
Limerick Forest” delighted our eyes with endless vistas of tall and tumbled trees along a leaf-strewn path. Incidental sheets of thin ice crackled under-foot, some just deep enough to wet the toes of our shoes, but easily avoided. My niece and great-nieces brought me to this still woodland for exercise and fresh air.
Slightly frozen puddles drew their two dogs, Quiche and Newt, into the ecstasy of wet skin, further scrubbed by vigorous rolling in patches of thin snow. The animals’ unbridled joy burst into super-sonic races amongst the trees, terminating in playful, noisy tussles. Daunted only by being placed on leashes when their barking became hysterical, they forgave and forgot the moment freedom was restored.
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A boardwalk carried us over the delicate marsh-land by the lake. Winter blue reflected from the sky onto the surface. Straw-yellow clumps of grasses dotted the water and the shore-line. Beavers had built two lodges in the still water. Quiet fell on us from the motionless scene and our peaceful spirits.
Later, back at my sister’s house overlooking a placid stream, three otters swam into the depths and brought out fish for their lunch. Followed even
later by a flock of wild turkeys feasting on bugs and grubs in the faded lawn.
Joan Inwood
non-member comment
Haven't been there in ages
I grew up in Brockville and Limerick Forest was a weekend afternoon outing for us. It was always a magical place and it still appears to be so. Perhaps the next time I visit my sister in Smiths Falls we will take a stroll in Limerick Forest. Thanks, Judith.