Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Boardwalk https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 First Day Of Fall At Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Geometric Views https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/first-day-of-fall-at-nokiidaa-trail-link-boardwalk-geometric-views/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/first-day-of-fall-at-nokiidaa-trail-link-boardwalk-geometric-views/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:33:47 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8740 McKenzie Marsh is the pond on the other boardwalk along the St. John’s sideroad, North side. On the South side you will find Atkinson Park Wetland.

It was first day of fall and I went out around 5 pm to take some evening shots. To my surprise I wasn’t the only one. There were few other photographers along with people going for a walk or a bike ride. Speaking of bikes people continue to ignore the sign telling them to dismount the bike.

For today just enjoy the ride. It is really getting cold and it wasn’t warm either on the first day of fall.

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking East

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking East


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking West

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking West


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking South

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking South


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Approaching Biker

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Approaching Biker


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Almost Looking North

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Almost Looking North


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Runner

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Runner


Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Dead Tree

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Dead Tree

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/first-day-of-fall-at-nokiidaa-trail-link-boardwalk-geometric-views/feed/ 0 Northern Lights Public School, We Are Walking https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/northern-lights-public-school-we-are-walking/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/northern-lights-public-school-we-are-walking/#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2012 03:40:28 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8493 in his first year junior kindergarten.

Few days ago I decided to walk with him to school. He didn’t resist but it wasn’t his best walking day so it was good to time the worst case scenario. It took us about twenty five minutes to slow walk. Hopefully by next week Thursday Matthew will focus on walking to school and my pockets will not be filled with stones, flowers and tree branches.

Northern Lights Public School, Bridgenorth Drive, Aurora


We decided no school bus. Matthew will walk to school, of course, I will walk with him. We walk around Aurora a lot, so I know he can do it. It is only two days a week, and no worries if it is raining or really cold I will drive him to school. We are not exactly close but 1.6 km is manageable.

Northern Lights Public School, Bridgenorth Drive, Aurora


We are definitely ready for school – knapsack, big lunch box (Matthew used to call it a big box of food), clothes and stickers.

But really, are we really ready? Matthew says he is. I on the other hand getting nervous for him, and, and, and I am going to miss him. I am holding back and saving all my tears for the first day of school, but today I almost let them out when I was making pancakes.

Northern Lights Public School, Bridgenorth Drive, Aurora


It is hard to believe that he is going to school. Over four years there was first day at the Hamilton Park playground; first time at the McDonalds and Tim Horton’s; first time at the Aurora Public Library and getting first library card; first time walking Arboretum; first time walking McKenzie Marsh boardwalk and Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk – etc etc.

Next week there will be first time going to Northern Lights Public School. I know he will be fine but I will not be able to see that ‘fine‘. All four years every day I was always around, but this time I won’t be. I will be only 1.6 km away and it will feel like 1600 km away.

Northern Lights Public School, Bridgenorth Drive, Aurora


Now I will have all this free time. I think to adjust to recent change I will be rubbing and scrubbing the house, or may be not. May be I will venture out more on my photo journeys around Aurora.

Or better idea, why don’t I hang out around the Optimist playground and when Matthew goes on the recess I can see him via my zoom lens. May be just for the month of September I be a stalking mom.

Northern Lights Public School, Bridgenorth Drive, Aurora

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/northern-lights-public-school-we-are-walking/feed/ 0 McKenzie Marsh Aurora Ontario Great Blue Herons Moved In, Cormorants Moved Out? https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:16:43 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8209 We never make it as Matthew prefers the community Arboretum, entrance on the intersection of Industrial Parkway and St. John’s. I don’t blame him – on the way home we visit three playgrounds – at the Optimist Park, Northern Lights Public School and Thompson Park.

However, that one day when we did go to McKenzie Marsh we encountered many Great Blue Herons. Firstly, they were flying around as something was about to happen. It was close to the lunch – so may be it was their hunger flight. They were setting themselves up, at least five of them.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora


One heron flew very close to the boardwalk and stood on the dead tree roots, usually where the red-ear slider turtles are found. I took many pictures of the heron and he didn’t mind. I am assuming that with so many photographers now visiting the boardwalk and even the constant traffic noise from the road, herons are adapting.

Many other birds flew over the body of water, but that day the herons were definitely dominating the McKenzie Marsh. And I was glad. Sometimes it is nice to have one species around so I can observe them closely.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora


In the past, we used to have an interesting crowd of the cormorants, but looks like the population of them declined over the years. They mainly occupied the landmark tree on the East side of the boardwalk. They are still around. I saw two on the tree the other day, but this is nothing compare to seeing about fifteen of them.

The cormorants are interesting birds, not to mention they are also invasive. I am sure that now with less of them hanging around the Great Blue Herons are having a blast. They can now hang out on the landmark tree.

However, on this side of the McKenzie Marsh I have never seen a cluster of them. Herons always like to sit by themselves scattered in all directions. One somewhere on the back of the marsh, one sitting on the landmark tree, the other one on the stump, then one hiding on the willow tree across and of course this one on the pictures fishing very near to the boardwalk.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora


Beside Great Blue Herons as always there were Canada Geese and ducks. Seagulls were flying over. Mind you I miss the Caspian Terns. They usually fish on the South side of the St. John’s (Atkinson Wetland). They can be mistaken for seagulls. Look for the distinct red beak and interesting fishing technique.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/feed/ 2 No Motorized Vehicles On The Boardwalk, By Default https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/no-motorized-vehicles-on-the-boardwalk-by-default/ https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/no-motorized-vehicles-on-the-boardwalk-by-default/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:35:40 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8184

I think by now you may know that my biggest issue here in Aurora is the failure to obey the rules; but no worries I am not planning to move out.

We do have a sign for almost everything. ‘No Dumping‘ sign with a pile of dump is a classic. No idling cars sign must be new because I saw lady idling her car in front of the Aurora Public Library for over five minutes. Sometimes I wonder if she ever knew that she can play her music in the car and draw radio power from the battery only.

In the same area myself and Matthew once smelled a cigarette smoke. I still laugh at his innocent comment, ‘Mom who is BBQing the chicken?‘.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora


When Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk off St. John’s sideroad was first installed all kinds of things were permitted. Feeding ducks and biking were the two famous one. Then with time the ‘no feeding ducks‘ sign was placed on the railing which in a matter of small time faded due to the UV sunlight.

Walking with a Bike, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora


Recently, swinging gates were installed telling bicycle riders to dismount their bikes and walk on the boardwalk. One cannot miss the sign and yet everyone is still biking on the boardwalk. I just do not understand how can you not see a sign that is practically in front of the biker’s face?

But that one day, couple of weeks ago, I don’t know what happened. People were obeying the rules. Everyone that passed by me was pushing bicycle beside them. Now figure that out. Why suddenly such a change? I don’t know. May be because one of the gates on the north side of the boardwalk was missing.

Another explanation is that I had my DSLR camera with telephoto lens attached. A paranoia of being captured on photo is another theory.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora


I was happy to see that something worked and it was nice to see different age groups to follow the rules.

Until another day, this man had to ruin my hope, my excitement and my faith in the Aurora people – he decided to ride his motorcycle on the boardwalk. Or may be he is not from Aurora. Still it will not make me feel any better.

Motorized Vehicle on the Boardwalk, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Aurora


I went back to my older photographs and the sign said – oh no he is permitted to ride his motorcycle. The sign says nothing about motorized vehicles. But I think motorized vehicles are not permitted in the parks by default.

Notice to Trail Users Sign, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora


Well there are other things in Aurora that by default are not permitted. A pile of mulch or wood chips was placed on the parking lot near the Fleury Park. While watching Matthew having fun at the play-ball class Saturday morning I spotted this young boy climbing this pile of mulch.

I felt much better when I noticed that the whole action was supervised by the parent. This was quite an ironic site.

Parent Supervised Climb, Fleury Park, Aurora

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/no-motorized-vehicles-on-the-boardwalk-by-default/feed/ 6 Nature’s Snugly, Ugly & The Ant That Sucked Life Out Of Him https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/natures-snugly-ugly-the-ant-that-sucked-life-out-of-him/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/natures-snugly-ugly-the-ant-that-sucked-life-out-of-him/#comments Sun, 27 May 2012 03:37:06 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=7260 trail on the boardwalk. It is also hard to believe that just last year in March the boardwalk was still under construction. The adaptation process went very well for everyone.

Hello There! Lady Wood Duck With Brood


The population of the lady Wood duck is booming and the ducklings look so snugly and adorable. As a matter of fact this one looking in my direction is reminding me Mumble from the Happy Feet movie.

Hello There Again!


The Lady Bugs found are the real ones, not the Asian one which were released few years ago to get the aphids under control. I still remember when they used to crawl into our house, or seeing a cloud of them flying on our backyard. They were biting as well and had this orange juice coming out of them – yikes.

Beautiful Lady Bug


Who likes spiders? Not me, but they are nice little creatures great to photograph. This one is less than 10 mm in length, including the limbs. Not very big, but good light does help to get nice sharp image, okay, and a good macro lens as well. If you like spiders no worries many many different species crawl everywhere.

Ouch A Spider


I don’t know what kind of insect on the photo below that is but I had to do lot of body bending around to get him to look at my camera.

Used To Be Beautiful


The sad part is that the red ant was sucking life out of him. I didn’t notice at first, but I did notice that he didn’t look too good. For some reason an ant was attached to him and probably trying to kill him, while he was crawling around and anticipating that it will eventually get lost.

Ant Sucking Life Out Of Him


But what I did not notice was that little creature on the stone when I was processing my images. I could be wrong but I think I photographed a tick (bottom left corner photo below), that means I was so close.

Perhaps not all ticks cause Lyme disease. Perhaps the one bit me many moons ago was not the blacklegged tick. I was five or six years old when I was bitten and my mom took out fat tick from my wrist. I did not get any reaction and lost some blood thrown away with the dead tick.

Only forty five minute spent on the boardwalk today yet so much we discovered and only partial journey shared. I will share more stay tuned.

Presumably A Tic

‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known’. ~ Carl Sagan
]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/natures-snugly-ugly-the-ant-that-sucked-life-out-of-him/feed/ 6 Wacky Weather TALK, I Am Leaving Its Too Cold Here https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/wacky-weather-talk-i-am-leaving-its-too-cold-here/ https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/wacky-weather-talk-i-am-leaving-its-too-cold-here/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:18:38 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6248

What a change from last week’s temperatures? Not spring but hot summer like temperatures. My almost four year old Matthew had a blast, but for love of me I couldn’t make him wear shorts. He told me: ‘Mommy they are too short and other children will laugh at me‘.

So today on the boardwalk during this cold windy day he was happy to wear his winter jacket, a scarf and the gloves, and sitting on the bench we overheard the Canada Goose talking.


‘I told you it was too early too come to Aurora‘ – one goose yelling on the other one.


‘How I am supposed to know that, beside stop yelling at me my head is frozen‘ – the partner goose replied.


‘And what are you looking at. You are not helping shooting at us‘ – the yelling goose looked in our direction.

‘I think you are darn funny yelling‘ – I replied.


‘Oh I had it enough. I am leaving. Coming back to Florida with me my darling?‘ – yelling goose took off.

‘Yes, yes, but we have to be back in Aurora next year. There is always a lot going on here and we shouldn’t be missing it.‘ – the partner goose replied.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/wacky-weather-talk-i-am-leaving-its-too-cold-here/feed/ 2 Thinking About Safety, An Accident On St. John’s Sideroad, Not First Probably Not Last https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/thinking-about-safety-an-accident-on-st-johns-sideroad-not-first-probably-not-last/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/thinking-about-safety-an-accident-on-st-johns-sideroad-not-first-probably-not-last/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:56:37 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5823

St. John's sideroad, Boardwalk


Over 15 years living in the area St. John’s sideroad undergone major transformation – residential development along, schools, addition of major supermarket, water treatment facility, road widening, Community Arboretum and addition of the boardwalk.

Not to mention, all this happened between Yonge Street and Bayview. The transformation was definitely to accommodate increased population and preferably the drivers.

GO Train, St. John's sideroad


Going down the memory lane, I remember this small dead end street right across the St. Andrew’s golf course where we used to go and watch the Canada Day fireworks. Many used that area as dumping ground as well. It was the bare land then.

Atkinson Park, St. John's sideroad, Boardwalk


The nice thing about my neighborhood is that parks, playgrounds, schools and shopping can be accessed via non-motorized means. When weather permits I take Matthew for long walks to the nearby playgrounds, boardwalk, the Arboretum and shopping to the Superstore.

I also have noticed that I am not the only one, especially the increased number of caregivers in our neighborhood taking children to playgrounds or schools in the strollers or just walking with them (they can’t drive, probably not allowed). There is really no point to drive where everything is under your nose.

So I went off on a tangent. Yes, yes, the ‘it’ continuation. St. John’s sideroad has history of accidents. We don’t have to see the accident, but we can see the aftermath results – damaged curbs, damaged guardrails, damaged speed signs, damaged posts, damaged grass, or broken car body parts. Over the few years I have seen it all.

Walking along the busy St. John’s sideroad do I watch my back? Of course. How can you not, knowing that accidents happened there. This confirms my fear.

Knocked Guards, Boardwalk, St. John's sideroad


Last weekend there was accident on the St. John’s sideroad.

A Honda car drove towards the boardwalk knocking couple of guarding posts. Probably a combination of black ice, slopped road and speeding car. To be exact the accident happened near the entrance of the Nokiida Trail boardwalk, a second observation deck on the North side of the road.

Knocked Guards, Boardwalk, St. John's sideroad


So I said above to ‘accommodate increased population and preferably the drivers’. Well when Superstore rose from the ground the driving customers definitely were given the preferential treatment.

I wrote about my request to the town to install a sidewalk on the side of the Earl Stewart Drive so parents pushing strollers will not use the road to access or leave the property. Many months passed and I have not seen any activity from the town. I would have thought that if there is a safety concern then such item would have been flagged immediately – I guess not. I will check with them in the spring.

Perhaps I will talk my five cents on safety. Drivers need to be more responsible and obey the rules. We got to stop designing roads and considering safety last. Pedestrians and moving vehicles should be as far as possible from each other.

Cost effective band-aid solution such as more safety signs don’t work anymore. I prefer more law enforcement people. But then even with police traps drivers do speed along St. John’s sideroad. It all boils down to the driver’s responsibility behind the wheel – Be Responsible Be Aware Around You.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/thinking-about-safety-an-accident-on-st-johns-sideroad-not-first-probably-not-last/feed/ 4 Winter Skating Not Recommended On Natural Ponds Or Storm Water Management Ponds https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/winter-skating-not-recommended-on-natural-ponds-or-storm-water-management-ponds/ https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/winter-skating-not-recommended-on-natural-ponds-or-storm-water-management-ponds/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:51:20 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5693

I kind of enjoy this snow melting game because less dirty snow on the side roads. Nothing like a blanket of fresh white snow every time making everything look like winter wonderland.

Just recent cold temperatures allowed formation of ice on our local natural ponds or storm water management ponds, but the ice may not be too thick for skating. Warmer temperatures do add to potential hazardous conditions.

Atkinson Park Wetland


Due to mild winter conditions and not having outdoor skating rings, lot of kids manage to get out and skate on the local ponds despite all the warnings. Some ponds may not be even deep to be hazardous, but this is only an assumption.

When I moved to Aurora in 1997 the McKenzie Marsh always been a very popular place for public skating. The two lane St. John’s side used to be packed with parked cars on both sides when families came to skate.

When the boardwalk came along there is no more skating on the North side of St. John’s sideroad (McKenzie Marsh), but kids get away with skating on the South side (Atkinson Park Wetland). Now it is only a small group of boys playing hockey. Every time they manage to bring the hockey net which sometimes is half sunk in the pond.

Atkinson Park Wetland


Atkinson Park Wetland


According to the website, ‘The Town of Aurora strongly recommends that these bodies of water not be used for recreational purposes of any kind, including winter skating, as ice conditions on these ponds are extremely unpredictable and potentially hazardous.‘

Unfortunately, recommendations are not taken so seriously here in Aurora.

Atkinson Park Wetland


]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/complaints/winter-skating-not-recommended-on-natural-ponds-or-storm-water-management-ponds/feed/ 0 Wildlife Park In Aurora, Yes, Yes, We Must Have One https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-park-in-aurora-yes-yes-we-must-have-one/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-park-in-aurora-yes-yes-we-must-have-one/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:46:55 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5621

After scanning and finally reading something interesting ‘Town seeks plan for wildlife park‘ by Jeremy Grimaldi, I thought what a wonderful great amazing thoughtful idea and we are one step closer after council approved spending over $200,000 to create the master plan for the wildlife site.

Downy Woodpecker, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk


A wildlife park site in Aurora. Just another reason for me not to move, however, I never had any intentions to move in the first place and what would just happened to my blog – so no.

Praying Mantis, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk


Provided the location of the proposed wildlife site, north of Wellington Street, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, I looked up the Google map to see where would the block of 100 acres be. It is a stretch of land that looking from the top view it has a nice mix of wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. According to David Tomlinson this combination is a great mix to create an urban nature reserve.

Grass Species, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk


The Google map is probably outdated by now (it was at the time Longo’s plaza was constructed) so I must one day see the site for myself. The trees are probably much bigger and probably more overgrown.

While reading, I am also impressed with Mr. Tomlinson’s work in that area – logging the species. Witnessing 150 bird species at the site, and 75 nesting. However, I recall him writing before in the Auroran that we have 100 bird species in Aurora. Well they come and go, like that Pelican that flew over Aurora many moons ago.

My birding list would really improve if I was able to witness this number too. My list is over 110 bird species, but I cheated a bid because I added many birds in captivity I saw at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Someone told me that it doesn’t count and this someone is probably right.

Mushrooms or Fungi, Case Woodlot


So what is in the master plan that excite me? ‘The master plan will include a proposal for bird watching towers, an educational centre (aha may be Petch house?) and trails through parts of the site.’ – The Banner reported.

Can we ask for more here in Aurora? I don’t think so, but may be few more wildlife parks after that. We just have to get one going.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-park-in-aurora-yes-yes-we-must-have-one/feed/ 6 Barefoot Running, Nordic Walking, Something I Never Tried https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/barefoot-running-nordic-walking-something-i-never-tried/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/barefoot-running-nordic-walking-something-i-never-tried/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:44:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=4901 a barefoot runner ran by. That was kind of odd to see someone running barefoot. Not new to me. I grew up running all day barefoot. We never liked wearing shoes and we probably were more religious washing our feet before bed rather than hands.

Now days walking streets of the Aurora, not sure if I would ever want to run barefoot. That day the runner was lucky not to get any splinter, step into goose, duck or dog poop, bubble gum, glass or run over some spilled spoiled juice. Or may be he did?

While there are benefits to the barefoot running I don’t find it to be a very hygienic run. I am talking the true barefoot running because apparently there are shoes for barefoot runners, and they look more like gloves for the feet.

Nordic Walk, Sheppard's Bush Trail, Aurora


So while you deliberating if you should start the barefoot running next spring or summer (not sure if winter is suitable) you may consider the Nordic walking or pole walking. I spotted this sport couple of years ago when walkers were getting ready at the St. Andrew’s Golf Course parking lot. Regularly I see a group walking in the Arboretum or Sheppard’s Bush Trail during my adventures around Aurora.

Nordic walking is growing as an alternative to ordinary fitness walking because it can easily be mastered and can be performed year-round in any climate anywhere by a person of any age or ability who might otherwise walk without poles. It combines simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning and significantly enhanced aerobic effects quite similar to those of Nordic skiing. The result is a full-body walking workout that expends significantly more calories without a change in perceived exertion or having to walk faster, due to the incorporation of many large core, and other upper-body muscles which comprise more than 90% of the body’s total muscle mass and do work against resistance with each stride. ‘Normal walking’ utilizes only 70% of muscle mass with full impact on the joints of the legs and feet. Source: Wiki

Personally, I think this is one of the best sports someone would like to get involved. While getting exercise, you are also getting fresh air and exposure to daylight. Also it looks like a nice getting together event if you don’t want to walk alone.

For me? I don’t know. It would be hard because if I supposedly saw a bird on the tree, my Nordic walking would become Nordic chase-a-bird exercise. I guess we all got our preferences, and you already know where my preference is.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/barefoot-running-nordic-walking-something-i-never-tried/feed/ 0