Photo of the Week 2013-01-21

New locations stimulate my photographic vision. There is nothing like something fresh, something new to explore, to spark creative energies.

Recent conversations with another photographer in our group led to a discussion about Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve and after an initial reconnaissance last weekend, I returned on Saturday morning with a couple of companions. Here, a leisurely walk of more than 2 kilometers each way on the main trail leads you through Savannah-like open areas, swamps, cedar and hardwood forests adjacent to a rehabilitated limestone quarry.

Roughly half way along the trail from the parking area, a small stream, cold and crystal clear exits from a wetland fed by springs just a short distance north. As my companions explored the other side of the trail, I was drawn to the sound of fresh running water and the cool glow of the jewel like ice formations in the shade at the edge of the forest.
 

the beginning

From quiet beginnings this stream forms the headwaters of Spencer Creek which flows south to join Cootes Paradise and eventually Lake Ontario. There will be more visits to Fletcher Creek, may the "newness" fade slowly ... very slowly.

DJE