Lately, every time we go to Johnville Bog, it rains. This time, we try to be prepared.

Upon arrival, the children check the weather. We might be prepared.

 

 

 

Some might think a bog an odd location for viewing autumn foliage, but that is likely because they are looking up.

I love the bog in all seasons. In autumn, I hear my friend Sunshine’s voice in my head:

“In Fairbanks, autumn happens on the ground.”

The Johnville Bog & Forest Park is a little slice of boreal forest in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

 

 

 

I take some overcast portraits of my always adorable children—
#1

 

 

 

& #2

 

 

 

Then I head on, head down. Akiva is also head down.

Unlike his sister, he does not always enjoy walking.

 

 

 

But I take this opportunity of slowness to keep my eye between the cracks.

 

 

 

The light is low. My focus is off. I can’t get close enough. I wish I brought a tripod.

But I never bring a tripod: it is difficult to carry both a tripod and a 50 lb. child.

 

 

 

Cottongrass hovers in the spruce grove.

 

 

 

Pitcher plants nestle among mosses.

 

 

 

Mosses snuggle between the cracks of the decaying boardwalk.

 

 

 

In a boreal forest, autumn happens on the ground.