Bowman Hike

 January 24, 2021

 

To have a COVID-19 safe outing our Bowman family chose a nature hike at Crazy Horse Trail, west of Kanata on Sunday, January 24.  Respecting COVID restrictions we were not having inside gatherings and had been using ZOOM for “getting together” over Christmas and New Year’s.  Sam’s 11^th birthday was on January 26^th, just two days away.  Grandpa made some chocolate chip cookies for everyone and off we went.  It was our first walk with Molly, K&K family’s new puppy. 

There were interconnecting trail loops and lots of fresh snow.  Everyone was full of energy and enjoyed having a couple of hours together.  Hiking, sliding, climbing, exploring… and Grandpa was very happy to spot some rare White-winged Crossbills – birds which eat the seeds of pine and spruce trees. He and Barbara were able to get some good shots of the birds high in the trees with a beautiful sky-blue background. 

Overall it was a fun and refreshing family hike together.

 

Celebrating Uncle Grant’s Birthday

 Tuesday, January 5, 2021

 

Because of COVID 19 restrictions, the boys would not be returning to school (online learning) until Thursday. Maman decided it would be safe for Grandpa, Barbara and Uncle Grant (wearing masks) to come to their place for an outdoor hike to celebrate Grant’s birthday on Tuesday.  They were greeted by the family rooster.   The boys said goodbye to their next-door friends.  Then, a surprise!  A Purolator truck arrived (backing up their driveway) and delivered a new hockey stick with a package of tape for Samuel.  Papa had ordered this for him. Much excitement! Sam went inside for some scissors and soon had his package opened with some help from David. A big smile from Sam. Maman showed us a new warm hat she had knitted for Papa.

 

Then we were off on our hike.  We walked along the highway with the boys taking a few jumps into the snow.  The hike was quite hilly and there was a creek to cross.  David enjoyed running ahead and hiding so we had to find him along the way. The boys were in high spirits.

 

 

After about 1 km the trail came out near a house.  Grandpa admired the bird feeders.  It also had a unique “fox”   made of railway spikes .  Then we went back into the forest and hiked over to Chemin Dunmor.  David had more fun hiding.

 

 

We walked back home where we celebrated Grant’s birthday with Dairy Queen Buster Bars and some apple cider.