Family Nature Walk & Pottery Glaze Painting--Success!

It is a bright and chilly day as we set out for our nature walk. The kids are bundled and snowshoes are strapped on, in order to navigate through the still-thick snow. Our crew, three adults and seven kids, begin at the KAN centre on Simms road. Alder trees grow by the side of the road and Tegan shows us all how to identify Alder catkins, a sometimes-shelter for insects in winter. We turn down South Knowlesville Road and into the woods across from Fallsbrook centre. We are all thrilled to see a dark shape bouncing around in a thicket of trees...and no less thrilled to discover that this is in fact Curly, beside herself with joy to be included in the fun--as always. Within only a few feet of the edge of the beginning of the path, Tegan discovers a beautiful, delicate and tiny bird's nest. "A bird's nest held together with poo." Horus repeats after her, awestruck. We will ask Sal what kind of bird. Tegan pockets the nest, and it will be added to the nature table at the KAN centre. Horus has already lost his snowshoes about eighty seven times, and has relented to being pulled by Leland in the sled. We learn now to identify Fir trees, with their flat needles and smooth yet bubbly bark which contains a naturally healing sap. Leona and Sammi roam ahead. We cross the brook, and then up a steep and rather narrow path over rock, then come through to Simms Road again, past the rec hall. At this point, the boys have had enough. Horus abandons his mittens altogether. The risk of frostbite is real. The girls have disappeared. Tegan goes back, and we hurry ahead to the KAN centre to put the hot apple cider on the woodstove. Back at the centre, Lee and Linda have arrived, so we hang out, until the Wong-Daughertys return--safe and sound. Several porcelain dishes are then beautifully painted with bright glaze colours, and everyone will have their bowl or mug in a few days. A good time was had by all.

The Family Art & Nature day will be a regular event, held on the last Sunday of each month, and will include a potluck gathering and family art project.

See you on Sunday, February 27th. at 3pm, for a walk, followed by an early potluck.