Walking through Bunchberry to get away from the current news cycle, I realized that the trees in the forest are of much better character than many narcissists, who masquerade as world leaders. No need to say more, the definition and the photos say it all so much better.
Definition of character (as per Merriam Webster online dictionary)
1a: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual.
b(1): a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories
(2): the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type
(3): the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes
c: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation
d: main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish
Starting off
Decision time – we had come 1.12 km and the choice was to go another 5.55 km on Tamarack and Aspen Parkland Trails or just 2.88 km. on Aspen Parkland TrailWe opted for the shorter route and I concentrated on the tree trunk character that stood out – like this paper birch
Walking through the grove
We so seldom come this way, it was like being on the hike for the first time as we passed more character trunks
bathing in the quiet of the woodstree adornmentAnother shortcut option – we chose the Blueberry Connector
Going the opposite direction, we almost did not recognize we were approaching our regular walking trail
Coming out of the forest into the meadow, we spotted a few more lichen adornments
completing the last part of the Blueberry Connectorwild rose bush struggling to surviveon the last leg looking back along Blueberry Connector
Colour and texture
on the home stretch
Variations
we were the only ones on the trail
except for the invisible deer, bunnies, coyotes, mice and such – there was plenty of evidence, but no sightings
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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Birch trees are among some of my favourites. Lovely pictures of all the different textures, patterns and colours on their bark. They definitely have character.
Thanks Linda. The birch and aspen groves in our little forest are interesting to watch throughout the year. Home to birds, food for deer and beaver. Trees are amazing. Thanks for reading. Happy week. Allan
PHOTO DROP 
That first image of the “character” tree with peeling bark is superb. Well captured and presented Allan.
Glen
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Thanks Glen. Hard to believe what you will see on these walks. Always something different. Thanks for reading. Allan
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The names are great – Blueberry Connector – fabulous!
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Now if we could only find some blueberries out there. Thanks for reading Lynette. Happy Sunday. Allan
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Your pics are always fascinating
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Thanks Luisa. Hope you had a good Sunday. Allan
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Lovely, thank you: I went for a walk in the woods 🌳🌳🌳
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🌳🌲🚶😀
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🥰
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Birch trees are among some of my favourites. Lovely pictures of all the different textures, patterns and colours on their bark. They definitely have character.
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Thanks Linda. The birch and aspen groves in our little forest are interesting to watch throughout the year. Home to birds, food for deer and beaver. Trees are amazing. Thanks for reading. Happy week. Allan
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