Another incredible day in the city that favours blue skies over rain. At least, since the beginning of Spring (other than a few hail and snow storms). Had an early morning appointment at the university, so after it was finished around 10:00, I slid over to downtown via the train, and then walked a route I haven’t walked for more than a year. Maybe two years.

After descending from the Convention Centre, I walked across the footbridge, and then up the trail that runs adjacent to 98th Avenue on the south side, and the river on the north. This is a trail I love, especially in mid to late May when the procession of fruit trees is in full pink bloom. It’s like paradise this time of year. There is a main paved trail, currently blossom-strewn, and a monkey trail just above the shore of the river. Either is great, but for most of the walk, I chose the paved trail because right now, and for the next few days, it is canopied by green and pink. Also, in June the worms will arrive, so it’s a small window between the apple blossoms and those god-awful green caterpillars that hang from the trees. I seem to have picked the perfect day. Blue sky, and a slight breeze wafting pink petals across my path.

At the top of 98th, I followed the trail that loops around the hill toward McNally High School, with my usual stop to enjoy the spectacular, unobstructed view of the river valley and downtown, and then along the Riverside Golf Club sidewalk into Riverdale. Riverdale is a beautiful, retro community, very much like my beloved Mill Creek but with wider streets and fewer amenities (although it now has a coffee shop, The Little Brick). It always seems so peaceful and neighbourly down there. Lots of new construction. The old houses are being torn down or rebuilt, but it still has a kind of 1950’s feel about it.

By the time I was back in Louise McKinney Park, I once again marveled at how deep emerald green the river has turned, and then realized how tired, hungry, hot and thirsty I’d become. A perfect walk.

10:30 to noonish/23C

This is one of two posts today. In my other blog 32 Pages, I just reviewed a book called Sidewalk Flowers, and because of the subject matter, I am inspired to take photos of dandelions, that much maligned but beautiful (and useful) weed that is everywhere at the moment. Like the kid in the book, I think of them as flowers, and I don’t quite understand the hostility they incur, especially among the generously lawned. I think its best if we learn to embrace the dandelion, since it is virtually impossible to eradicate. Also, they feed the bees before the rest of the slack-ass flowers bloom in spring, so for that alone, we should be appreciative. Here’s a few photos from today. More to come.

Yeah, we walked along this beautiful boardwalk/nature reserve in St Albert on Saturday (May 9), but I always end up with so many photos it’s a bit daunting to think about putting them up on the ol’ blog. This time, however, it was not quite as productive, bird-wise. Too late? Too early? Last year we were there in mid-June, and there were many more types of birds about. It wasn’t fruitless, however. The challenge is in taking clear, in focus, visually interesting photos, not so much in capturing new varieties of bird. In fact, I am just as happy shooting chipmunks. Can’t say that I took any outstanding photographs, but a few are worth posting.

We went early evening. Gorgeous light and the ever present cackle of Red-Winged Blackbirds. I saw a few ducks, but they were too far away for good photos. A lone goose followed us around the boardwalk. It was mightily impressive to watch her glide effortlessly along the water like a perfect objet d’art. Where was her mate? Once again, we saw the stunning Yellow-Headed Blackbird. Why is it we get varieties of blackbird but no actual blackbirds in this city?

I told myself I wasn’t going to fall prey to the mighty muscrat, so tempting to photograph and also ubiquitous in Big Lake, but I couldn’t help myself. As per usual, none of the photos were in focus, so I’m not going to post them here.

It was a very pleasant walk. A few nice birds, and not much by way of buggery.

A pleasant, unremarkable walk. Things are greening up, warming up, and the water is a bright copper brown. I was attracting all sorts of bee action this afternoon. With few flowers in bloom, I am probably quite attractive to the bees at the moment thanks to scented hand lotion and hair products. Also, my big white forehead which at times has been mistaken for a giant blooming flower. And yet, I wasn’t dive-bombed (which is common), just encircled.

Found a bog I didn’t know existed just past the first bridge (in Whitemud). It will be entirely grass and bushed over in a couple of weeks, but from the trail, it has always looked like the kind of place a moose would like. And now I know for sure it is.

2:15 to 3:30PM/14C

I’ve been walking in Edmonton’s river valley and ravines for over 20 years – taking photos, writing stories, and generally bubbling over with appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature with every step I take into the woods. I’ve seen a moose, deer, coyotes, a bobcat, and every kind of bird, rodent, and even one or two snakes in my travels. Most I’ve been able to capture on film, but some (like the moose), I saw when I was without my camera. (After that travesty, I never leave home without it.) There is one creature, however, ubiquitous in the woods, who should be on a film roll somewhere but isn’t. In 20 years, this tiny creature is so shy and so fast, I haven’t a single shot of a single hair on its tiny, striped head.

Until today.

Yes, it’s the chipmunk. My white whale.

Not only did I get a bunch of photographs, I had three different opportunities to snap them. What up, chipmunk? Why now? Anyway, it was a critter-filled afternoon in Whitemud Ravine. People-filled too, with plenty of gorgeous birdsong, some of it familiar, some tantalizingly unfamiliar, in the greening canopy. I tried to capture the birds on film, but was unsuccessful. But that’s OK. I got a chipmunk today. My god, first the NDP win and now this. What have I done to deserve this happiness?

Yeah, the chipmunk may not be on any life lists for nature enjoyists, but it was definitely on mine.

Check.

1:00 to 3:00/16C

It came! Our annual May snowfall. More than 10cm of heavy, wet snow Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday. The words that come to mind: beautiful, tragic, funny, BETRAYAL, resignation, depression, ennui, wonder, DEATH, life – an entire Shakespearean library in one day. It will be gone by this afternoon, so really, whatevs.

Instead I will talk about the day the storm began, Tuesday May 5th, Cinco de Shitto, which was overcast and cool. I walked from the University to downtown, via the Walterdale Bridge followed by an upwards trek along 105th Street. I haven’t walked over the Walterdale since I moved out of my ‘hood to southwest Edmonton in 2011. Only the west side of the bridge is open. As I descended from the University, it was funny how familiar the route seemed. I mean, it should be familiar. I’ve walked it hundreds of times, but it was like I had just walked it. My brain is so imprinted with the sounds and sights of trail routes, no wonder my short term memory sucks.

The area around the bridge has been transformed by cranes and construction vehicles and accessories. And giant holes. Kinda cool. I miss the trail that leads to Skunk Hollow on the south side and the one that leads to Rossdale along the river on the north, but I am looking forward to the new bridge. Hopefully I am back in my old neighbourhood by the time it’s finished.

Tuesday (14C), Wednesday (3C), Thursday (6C, so far)