Gatineau Park Colours - This Week

I went to the Gats four times this week and feel so privileged to be able to do that. Especially at this time of year. This week the colours seemed to explode after their lazy appearance last week. I loved the variation in colours in different locations: Burma trail (#3) was mostly yellows and orange except for the reds that tended to surround the edges of the wetlands; the south facing ridges in the central part of the park were vibrant with reds; and red was plentiful as well on the ridges in Meech Creek Valley. Yet many other places remain green, such as Penguin Picnic Field. I’m inspired to pull out my thirty-year-old book by David Andrews on the Gatineau Park. I’m sure he explains the factors that influence the locations of various types of forests such as mixed forests, maple, or beech forests. Perhaps I should invite a biologist to accompany me on my photo outings.

Here are some photos from these various locations this week. The colours are outstanding this week (and will be next week as well) so if you can get out soon do. You won’t regret it. Today we noticed signage that said the parkways will now open to vehicles at 9:00 am on weekends and holidays so an early start might avoid the crowds.

Note: if you want to see detail in the photos click on them to enlarge.

Meech Creek Valley