Tag Archives: Glovewood

Of Pavement, Ice and Glovewoods

A shy woodpecker
A shy woodpecker

Vigorous walk from the south end of Whitemud to Rainbow Valley Road, and then back via Aspen Gardens. Last day ‘off’ so I thought I would take advantage of the warm weather and blue skies. It was as to be expected – pretty, empty (I left late morning) and tinkly with the sound of melting ice and flowing water.

Outer Whitemud Creek Ravine
Outer Whitemud Creek Ravine
Trees in snow
Inner Whitemud Creek Ravine

I wore hiking boots until I reached the lower, unpaved paths which are still covered in ice, and then I pulled on my micro-spikes. The spikes are OK, but walking on dry pavement with my boots is hard

The rare Glovewood Tree in bloom
The rare Glovewood Tree in bloom

on my knees and feet. It happens every year when the snow is gone everywhere except the trails. Can’t wait to get back into my running shoes.

Nothing remarkable, other than the usual remarkable stuff, although I did spot a Glovewood Tree in full bloom!

About two hours/11C

A Rare Sight

a single bloom

Waited until the late afternoon before I stepped outside in my shorts. It was a slow graduation. Started out this morning in my jammies. Then capris for a lunch date in South Side Common. Finally, the shorts. It was 16C when I started my walk around 4:00 pm, and about 18C when I finished, about an hour and a half later. It just felt colder today, even though it was warmer than yesterday. I think I need to lay myself out on a rock slab like a reptile and let the sun warm my blood.

Maybe tomorrow.

A late winter bloom

About 45 minutes into my walk I stumbled across the rare Glovewood Tree in full bloom. I was tempted to pick the fragile flower but I remembered reading somewhere that Glovewoods are quite unique to these parts, and can only be found along the sides of trails in the days following the last snowfall. Almost all Glovewoods have just one bloom (which flower in a huge variety of colours, sizes, and weaves), and disappear shortly after their distinctive, glove-like flower blooms, usually within a week or two. I feel very lucky indeed!

5:45 PM/17C