My day started later than previous days thanks to my exhaustion on Friday, which meant I was able to actually sleep a whole note through. It was a frosty morning in Winnipeg, following several days of rain and flurries, so it was no surprise that the temperature finally dropped below freezing. However chilly it was (actually, it was cold), it’s always nice to see the change in the seasons, especially in the fall.
I went out for a walk along my usual route and ended up in Munson Park on Wellington Crescent. It’s a money-ed neighbourhood so the park is kept in good condition. It’s on the river and you’ll often see runners and dog walkers making their way through it. In the summer months, yoga and reading are also added to the park’s hosting responsibilities. I don’t really know much about the park other than what I read on the sign posted at its entrance:
The area used to have a house that belonged to J.H. Munson who passed away and the estate was later purchased by James A. Richardson and was used until 1976 when the area was donated to the city so they could make a public park. Oh, and the entire site used to be used by natives and early pioneers who were travelling West from Upper Fort Garry.
You can see the original explanation below:
What’s particularly attractive about this park is that it only has two paths, one paved and the other made of dirt and carved out by years of foot steps. The paved path swirls through the middle of the park while the dirt path tracks along the river bank (which is kept from the river by trees and bushes).
The path ways are closed in enough that you are able to walk through several overarching trees. It was still early and the sun had most likely moved above the horizon but it wasn’t visible to me just yet as it was tucked behind some apartment buildings in the distance. I was by myself in the park and didn’t see anyone sketchy so I figured I may as well stay to see the sunrise. And I did what most people would do: take pictures.
I did see a beaver. I thought it was a family of ducks at first but as it got closer I saw that it was a little bit big for a duck:
Probably the most interesting aspect of the morning was hearing the leaves fall from the trees. I’d hear a TICK! sound and then see a yellow leaf flutter its way to the ground. It’s something I don’t think I’ve ever watched before. Here’s a video of one in particular:
And then the sun finally poked out from behind the buildings. Just as this was happening, a dog decided it was a good time to make his presence known by barking. I heard it trample forward but it kept its distance while still making a lot of noise:
Once the sun was visible, its rays hit the branches and warmed them up. With their exposure to the sunlight, the TICK! TICK! TICK! of the leaves separating themselves from their parent trees increased and they spiralled to the ground not just one by one, but often in groups or three or four.
I leave you with this video of leaves from their trees in Munson Park along the river in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
Finally, my toes were getting cold and so I left. I mean, how long does one watch the run rise and leaves fall? Most people probably don’t. I stayed because I don’t get to come here very often any more so I like to take my time when I can.
I did return to the park later in the day to get a photo of the sunset, or, at least, a picture of the same place while the sunset was happening in the opposite direction (the west). So here’s both:
