Since moving to Ottawa this summer, I have been itching for autumn to arrive so I could see the spectacular colours in Gatineau Park. I think I had visited the park at this time of year, once, many years ago, but I don’t think I have any pictures from that visit. And besides, I wasn’t that into taking pictures back then anyway.
So, since the weather has been perfect here this past week, I was really looking forward to making the trip out there this weekend… but it didn’t happen. Instead, our friends talked us into visiting Mer Bleue Bog. The disappointment of not seeing Gatineau Park almost made me want to skip this trip and do some work around the house.
THANK GOD I DIDN’T!!!
Mer Bleue is easily the most stunning bit of scenery I’ve seen since moving to Ottawa. Mer Bleue is a 7,700 year old bog (yes, that is not a typo) located about twenty minutes east of Ottawa that possesses an eco-system that more closely resembles that of the Arctic than the Ottawa Valley. It is home to a vast array of plant life and wildlife, and is one of the most studied bogs in the world due to its characteristics.
There are apparently more than twenty kilometres of hiking trails, but we chose to walk the 1km boardwalk that leads visitors directly through the bog and surrounding forest.
My friends told me to bring my camera, so I simply brought my trusty 18-55, but I think this place is deserving of a wide angle and a macro lens combo, as well as several hours of free time.
Here are some of the sights that caught my eye on this initial visit…
And then I was surprised to find out that there was a spot where we could feed chickadees. Who knew that this little exercise could have such a calming effect on a band of highly energetic kids…
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Beautiful!!! The fall colors and the shots with the reeds are beautiful. And I see you have Ottawa eating out of your hand!
Ha! Thanks Laura. This really is the time when our country shines, and I’m just lucky that I now live in a place that hasn’t chopped all of its trees down.
It would be nice if you were right. I’d love to do some work for the city.
Well…I meant the bird eating out of your hand….but anything else too!!
Ha, good one! If I wasn’t sleep deprived I would have caught that one.
LOL
No fair! I want a bog!!! 🙂 Lovely.
Ha! Thanks Hannah. I barely know what a bog is at the moment, but I’m sure glad I have one nearby to learn from.
Nice scene.
Thank you!
Nice place. Glad you brought your camera. There is always something to photograph.
Seems that way, eh? If your eyes are open you can always find something that most people overlook.
I agree. I always have a camera with me. Plus you are right most people overlook stuff
Oh boy what a place! I’m glad you went too 🙂
Oh Julie, I bet you’d love it around here.
I know I would Shane!
Such skill keeping both your feeding hand and “clicking” hand still for those bird photos. Looks like a beautiful place to explore. I love it when I find places like that! Enjoy the fall colors!
Even more skillful when my feeding hand IS my clicking hand… just kidding. Thanks Carrie, it’s almost too beautiful for words are one here. Hope things are well on your end.
Ahh yes, now that would really be a skill! Things here are good. We are settling in to the school year routine. I got a job at my older sons school 3 hrs a day. I am loving the work, just enough hours to not get tired of it, and that I am on the same schedule as my boys for holidays and such. We are still awaiting someone to buy our house where we used to live, when that day comes ALL will be well and I can’t hardly image the amount of freedom we will feel! Enjoy those fall colors, I thought there would be more of them here, instead the weather is holding on and I am in awe of my surroundings everyday we are here.
Surecdoes look beautiful….nice shots too!
Thanks so much!
Okay. That’s now on my list. Gorgeous shots.
Thanks Elen, and you really must let me know when you’re in Ottawa next.
Best laid plans gone awry often lead to big treasure. That should be in a fortune cookie, I think 🙂 Thanks for sharing these lovely photos from your unexpectedly wonderful day, Shane!
That would be an amazing fortune cookie saying. Thanks, and I’m looking forward to making many more visits to this Bog.