Friday, April 19, 2024

Nokiidaa Trail Link, How Do You Know That You Are At The Newmarket Trail?

Firstly, when it is dark, I would never enter the property, especially when you see big footprints on the ground.

As far as I can tell, people are really enjoying the new Nokiidaa Trail Link in Aurora accessible from St. John’s Sideroad. The wildlife is thriving, as are the populations of both Aurora and Newmarket residents. All age groups are enjoying it so far.

Female Red-winged blackbird

Now, you have entered the trail, walked along a curvy gravel road, then reached the boardwalk, and ended up again on the curvy road before finally reaching the bridge. The bridge is actually the border between Aurora and Newmarket. But, how would you know that?

Newmarket light post

Well, when you have crossed the bridge, suddenly you stepped on the paved trail and when you looked up, you saw the typical Newmarket blue light post. What a difference! It almost feels like here in Aurora we don’t have any money. I felt like that for a few seconds, but then I looked back. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. The statement is so true.

Even paved trails and lights do not compare to what we have on our side. The wooden boardwalk is a treasure. The wetland, the water reservoir are more to add. The dead trees add so much character. Lastly, to mention the wildlife around us – animals, birds, and insects.

Juvenile Cedar waxwing calling out

Well, when you have crossed the bridge, suddenly you stepped on the paved trail and when you looked up, you saw the typical Newmarket blue light post. What a difference! It almost feels like here in Aurora we don’t have any money. I felt like that for a few seconds, but then I looked back. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. The statement is so true.

Even paved trail and lights do not compare to what we have on our side. The wooden boardwalk is a treasure. The wetland, the water reservoir are more to add. The dead trees add so much character. Lastly, to mention the wildlife around us – animals, birds, and insects.

Nesting Killdeer

Like every other bird, they are protective of their nests. I have experienced that with Canada goose and Red-winged blackbird because they built their nests closer to the walking path. As long as you respect their territory, they will respect yours.


Giant foot prints near water reservoir

I started with criticism of our side of the boardwalk, but now I have questions for the Newmarket side. Why would you want to put extra lights around the bridge on the Newmarket side?

Firstly, when it is dark, I would never enter the property, especially when you see big footprints on the ground. I just hope that someone owns a really big dog and has him on a leash. Lights encourage more people to hang out in those areas at night. For some, it is even good to sneak out to create graffiti. Lastly, I hope that the Newmarket lights are LED lights; otherwise, it is a waste of electricity.

Note that all the above images were taken around 8 p.m. that day.

COMMENTS

Barry Bridgeford said: September 15, 2011 at 20:34

Hi Anna. You sure were busy with your blog through the summer. I’ve just got back to mine after being distracted through the summer with canoe-tripping up north. I’ve just gotten around to catching-up on reading some of your blog entries. I found it humorous that we were both struck by those imposing blue lamp-posts alongside the Newmarket part of the trail. I wonder how bright they actually are? And I’m really envious of your bird photos!

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: September 20, 2011 at 00:50

Hi Barry, it is good to see you back blogging. Yes the summer kept me busy, so much to see and so much to write about. Images and our little adventures around the town always give me good ideas what to write next. Well, here or there, as long you had fun – canoe sounds like fun, but I would never do it (secret: cannot swim and rivers scare me). You know I never venture out there at night, LOL, may be you could be the first, LOL, to see those blue Newmarket lights shine? Thanks again for nice comment. Hey I thought that you had telescopic lens too, will you take them out? Now in the fall when leaves will be gone you probably can spot more birds.

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