Five Things
Five Things by the River
An everyday photo essay
When you live in a valley defined by a river, it’s hard not to spend time by the water. Most days at some point in my valley bottom wanderings, I walk along the Bow River (in Canada’s section of the Rocky Mountains). Sometimes, I call up far-flung family members and chat while I stroll. Occasionally, I listen to a podcast or audiobook. But most days, I just walk and take time to deeply appreciate this stunning place I’m lucky enough to call home.
For me, part of the process of being appreciative is to stop and take a photograph of something that catches my eye. Sometimes that’s a grand landscape of mountains and towering clouds — and sometimes it’s the delicate whiskers of grasses gone to seed.
Here are five things that captured my attention during my recent walks.
1. Reflections
When the wind dies down and the water stills, there’s a multiplier effect of gorgeousness. Whether you look up, down, or sideways — it’s hard not to be impressed by the display nature provides as the day comes to a close.
2. Clouds
Technically, this mass of clouds wasn’t by the river, it was just outside my house after I returned from a walk by the river. But, we live a block from the water, so if you were to find my house on Google maps you’d say I lived right by the Bow River. Close enough.
The colour was stunning, but it was tainted. The wildest colours in the skies are often caused by smoke and sun in combination. The smoke from the awful fires in Oregon and California did eventually reach us here in Canmore, though I tried not to think too hard about them when I snapped this photo.
I chose to focus on the clouds because, well, I have this thing for clouds… here’s proof:
3. Rosehips
A friend once gave me a jar of rosehip jelly. It was the perfect blend of tart and sweet — it tasted like the end of summer. I think of that simple gift each year when the rosehips plump up and turn bright red.
With all the berries and rosehips weighing down the shrubbery at this time of year, walking alone can be a little nerve-wracking. Bears are gorging themselves, heads down, oblivious to walkers and cyclists as they fatten up in anticipation of a long winter ahead.
Some people attach bells to their packs or bicycles — but I sing and whistle and call out, “Yo, Bear!!” whenever I’m one of the trails that wind around the valley. So far, I’ve managed to avoid any unpleasant encounters…
4. Pebbles and Stones
During my walks, I don’t stop and sit for long. I fall into a steady rhythm and keep moving. One afternoon not that long ago, it was hot and I wasn’t in any particular rush. So, I found a place along the river bank where erosion had cut away the bank and created a seat the perfect height above the water. The soles of my shoes hovered just above the water which was crystal clear and gurgling past in that ever-changing, yet predictable, way of rivers.
5. Magpies
Considering how often the magpies accompany on my walks, I have very few photos of these guys. Bright, curious, and handsome, magpies are corvids — as are crows and ravens. When I make noises I think they’d like (soft clucks, clicks, and low whistles) they stand still, cock their heads, and listen.
If it’s true that crows and their ilk recognized faces, I like to think that the magpies along my regular walking routes know who I am. I wish I was better at identifying individuals — it feels a bit disprespectful to say, ‘hi, Maggie’ to every magpie who chooses to spend time in my company.
I’d love to see a glimpse of your neighbourhood. Is there a park you visit regularly? A favourite street? A creek, river, or beach? Post your Five Things photo essay and tag me — these virtual visits are a great way to get to know each other better…
Kallie Allen Zoe Day Aimée Gramblin Carol Thornton Zulie Rane Ronald Matins Terry Barr Tanya Storey Mary Gallagher Kathi Appelt Kim Cheel
