October by the Boardman...............

It was such a warm and sunny day today so even though I got no sleep last night I had to go for a walk. I really didn't feel like leaving the house. I just wanted to sit and blah.....but we had to go to the store anyway so, after going to Aldi's we headed down Cass road to the Boardman River. We went on what was a new trail for us on the opposite side than normal. We wanted to see the other side of the river and see what they have done down there. After taking out the Dam the river was back on it's former course. That naturally upset everything because the dam has been in a long time. There was a lot of heavy equipment working down there for a long time disrupting wildlife I am sure.


Right now its scarred but they have done a great job of seeding and planting. I notice grass seeded spots as well as natural grasses growing on the banks. Loads of logs jamming the sides will make for great habitat soon. They have planted trees, natural to the area, small seedlings that should flourish. It will put it back to how the river should be in years to come. Right now it's all bare but I saw deer prints so they must be back. I hope we can go back when its cooler and the colours changed.


Right now there are fields of Black EYed Susans and yellow daisies as well as evergreens and mixed woodlands backing each side. As I said the river is in a valley with steep woodlands either side. Trails and steps lead down to the river itself, old trails many we have yet to explore.


Further back from the river itself are several wet areas, small offshoot streams feed small boggy ponds.



Dead tree roots make for natural artwork.

The road was made wider when the Dam was removed and that was an improvement but spoils the natural look of it all.

That is one of the busy roads leading to Keystone road, a nightmare of traffic is that one......but along the sides are several trails down to the river and we intend to explore every one barring any early snow. The weather man predicts snow flurries this weekend. Hard to believe looking at the bright blue sky and warm weather today.



Pretty sure next year will see the river full of Kayaks and tubers it's a swift flowing but not too deep river. It will be a shame to spoil the quiet. Holiday makers are what the area is all about so it's inevitable. It's nice that they put benches out to just sit and watch the river. Plus when done hiking it's nice to rest. Apparently there are also education areas along some of the spots and must fit in the the nature center up on the other side. A fun place to take little kids to see what wildlife and plants live there. As long as the sunny weather continues I think we will try to suss out another couple of trails. Got to get my walking in.