Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Sheppard’s Bush

Sheppard’s Bush After Last Night Windy Snow Storm, Looked Good

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:07:41 +0000

It is amazing how volatile our weather is. Last night we thought our roof will be blown away and next morning it was very quiet. Started to warm up as well. Snow melting away and it almost rained. And guess what – spring tomorrow.

Today I ventured out with Peter Cameron on photo walk around the Shappard’s Bush Conservation Area. It is interesting how little I always explored, always the same path or trail. This time I got 360 view of the Windfall Ecology Centre (former Sheppard’s House) and few other paths I never attempted to explore. All thanks to Peter.

When we arrived the wood was burning again near the Windfall Ecology Centre and when there is no wind – these fumes are much stronger. They do bother me, but then anything related to smoke bothers me. However, the fumes are not that bad as I initially thought. So behind the shed Peter showed me the gasification boiler. I am not going to explain in my words, just copy what was written on the plaque. That way the message will not be lost in translation.

Wood Gasification Boiler

“The Sheppard House is heated by a wood gasification boiler. The waste wood burned in the gasification boiler heats water in underground insulated tubes that run inside the house to a heat exchanger that connects to hydronic radiator system. The heating method is carbon neutral because the carbon that is emitted is equivalent to that which the waste trees sequester and would emit through decomposition. This wood gasification boiler has an average efficiency of 85.74%.“

Sounds great, but here is something to think about – this process is accelerated process, therefore, generates more fumes in the shorter period of time, and burns more trees in the shorter period of time.

Wood Gasification Boiler, Windfall Ecology Centre

You can view other photos of the regular stuff that can be found at the Sheppard’s Bush, whatever mother nature provided that day for photo shoot and the sheds all around.

Cartridge Recycling, Sheppard’s Bush, Town of Aurora

I saw blue recycling bin, but never ever I have seen the yellow bin. We discovered that it was for recycling ink cartridges. Well, I never anticipated to find that in the Sheppard’s Bush as well.

Today was also grand opening of the Target store in Aurora. I wasn’t going to miss it and miss the photo opportunity, however, only outside, and not inside the store.

Sunday Break, Changing Seasons, Happy New Year 2012 Aurorans

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:00:43 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Late Spring, Maple Syrup Shack at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

Winter, Maple Syrup Shack at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

‘We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.’ ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

White Breasted Nuthatch, Found At The Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:20:44 +0000

I saw this tiny White Breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis] for the first time many years ago, probably 5 years ago at the Roger’s Reservoir. The photo wasn’t the best as I was shooting across the river, but it made my birding list.

White-Breasted Nuthatch, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

While wondering at the Sheppard’s Bush couple of days ago I spotted couple of them at the entrance flying from tree to tree and then diving for few seeds. The nuthatch photo success is thanks to someone who spread seeds at the both information booths at the entrance to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.

There were chickadees and morning doves as well, but I already have complete photo collection of them. Chickadees were flying unusually fast and by the time I adjusted my camera I was taking pictures of seeds only. That was probably the squirrel effect.

The interesting part about the Nuthatch bird species was that they were actually climbing or bird walking on the side of the tree trunks, similar to the woodpeckers.

I am glad that I was able to get a very good close up photo this time. Small birds are so adorable.

Black Squirrels, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

Where there are seeds there will be squirrels. I know from experience having my own bird feeder on the back. The squirrels kept the birds away most of the time. Note on the photo how furry the squirrels are during the winter. They definitely need that kind of fur for cold winter days – and I could use some too.

White Winter-y Town Of Aurora, The Beautiful Sheppard’s Bush Stills

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:19:18 +0000

The snow arrived just in time for the ‘after Christmas‘ holiday. We have been blessed with unusual warmer weather this season that was extended all the way to Christmas Day.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

I am kind of glad that there was no snow before and for Christmas. The winter snowstorm driving conditions can add to the holiday shopping stress. It is also nice to have nice comfortable drive when visiting loved ones for Christmas.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

When snow arrived all I wanted is run to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. I never been there during the winter season. When we arrived there yesterday I was really surprised how beautiful the trails were, especially when under sparkling white blanket of snow. The picnic pavilion and the maple syrup evaporator shack were exceptionally magical when surrounded by the snow.

Maple Syrup Evaporator Shack

I also noticed that the Sheppard House was not under construction anymore. It is possible that the heritage retrofit is now completed.

Sheppard House, Windfall Ecology Centre, Aurora

We probably walked for about 1/2 hour. It was nice to see that the trail is used regularly. It was only two days of snow and the trails were completely padded. They were very comfortable to walk on.

I was hoping for some animals like deer or even a rabbit, but all we found was black squirrels. I shot some photos of the birds but that will be my future post.

Ho Ho Our Town, Our Aurora, Our Big Town

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:10:41 +0000

Looking through my blog you will know just how beautiful Aurora is. I couldn’t recommend that everyone visits enough. And if you already live here, it is important that we take pride in our environment and enjoy it for the wonderful place, full of opportunity it can be.

In case you live far away though, or you get your thrills from party poker, or living vicariously through old acquaintance Facebook pages, today I am going to take some time to talk about some of the facts and history that surround the town and display few photos from 2011. We as the community should be proud of the heritage.

Sheppard House, Sheppard's Bush Trail

Where is Aurora? Aurora can be found roughly 20 km north of the city of Toronto and is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Moraine, which covers a geographical area of 1,900 km between Caledon and Rice Lake, is a geological land-form that is thought to have been formed during the Late Wisconsonian glacial period. The word ‘beautiful’ doesn’t cover the splendor of the area, and it’s a wonderful place for Aurora to be.

Sheppard's Bush, Maple Sugar Shack

In terms of the town, I would say I’m not the only person to love it, considering in 2010 the population rose to 53,892. This makes us the 97th largest population in Canada. Compare this to 113th in 2001, and I believe there are many people like me who moved into the area and just fell in love. A lot of this love comes from the fact that a large part of Aurora is under the Ontario Government’s Greenbelt legislation, which enforces limits on growth in designated areas. There is a lot of build up to the north of the town, but the southern eastern areas, in particular are largely protected.

Rail Track Crossing, St. John's Sideroad

So what is there to do in Aurora? Our community theatre for example, Theatre Aurora has been around since 1958. At the time it was called the Aurora Drama Workshop. Then 1973 came around and they banded together with the Aurora Musical Society to form Theatre Aurora. The following year they moved into the Factory Theatre on Henderson Drive, where they, to this day perform show after show, generation after generation. Their shows are always worth a watch.

Barn, Leslie Street, Aurora

So there you have it. Just a few little facts and as always photography of our big town. Ho Ho Ho …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

Barefoot Running, Nordic Walking, Something I Never Tried

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:44:03 +0000

Few months ago while walking on the Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk 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.

A Spoon Appearing In Parks, Timbers Park, Then Sheppard’s Bush

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:01:56 +0000

If I find another spoon in our town in the park I will declare that there is some kind of spoon trend evolving. Last month I found a spoon on the bench at the Timbers Park. Hey why not. I took some photos. Never removed it from the original spot. I just left it there in case someone forgot.

A Spoon, Timbers Park

Last weekend we were at the Sheppard’s Bush. When we got to the eating area near the Sheppard’s house and no, not again. The spoon was sitting in the window frame. No, not the same spoon. That will be a spoon hunting me through the town trend. I took some pictures again for the record.

So last night I have decided to do some blogging rounds. It was very late at night and one of them was Michael’s blog. I always read his urbanspoon restaurant reviews. He is always so detailed and honest with his reviews. The only problem is that when I read late at night and it is a food related post, I get so hungry. It is not funny. I have not put myself to search the fridge yet at night but I know it is coming.

Now back to the spoon story.

After reading Michael’s food reviews, I remembered I had all these spoon photos. Hey why not make a post. Then when I looked at the photo of the spoon from the Sheppard’s bush I saw strange arrangement.

A Spoon, Sheppard's Bush

Hope you can see it too. I see a face. Was it done deliberately? Who knows?

Only The Unleashed Wildlife Allowed In Sheppard’s Bush, Unless Dogs Are

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:02:47 +0000

I just wish that Town of Aurora posted fines on their signs throughout the town and enforced them for walking with unleashed dogs and for dogs pooping and owners not scooping after their dogs.

Please please learn from your neighbors and visit the Fairy Lake or Tim Taylor Trail in Newmarket. They got something right.

Dogs Must Be Leashed

We were on our way out from the Sheppard’s Bush on Sunday afternoon. A man with a very nice big white dog walked by. The dog sniffed and walked away. The dog was not on the leash.

Few minutes later as we were exiting the Sheppard’s Bush, another man was just walking in with a dog. I will not describe but I will leave series of pictures here to your interpretation.

A Man With Unleashed Dog, Sheppard's Bush Parking Lot

A Man With Still Unleashed Dog, Entered Sheppard's Bush Trail

Man Is Minding His Business, Dog Is Minding His Business

Unleashed Dog All The Way, Sheppard's Bush

Obviously lot of dog owners do not know how to interpret the signs. May be we should all change them to ‘Only Unleashed Wildlife Is Allowed‘ and ‘Do Not Scoop After Wildlife‘.

Kidding aside, do you think this is right?