Parallel Worlds in the Monomad Challenge

I was on a hike a few days ago, as detailed in this colourful post, when I decided to compare and contrast colour and monochrome photography for the #monomad challenge. This consisted of taking two or more images of the same subject in colour and B&W. I find it interesting comparing and contrasting the changes not only in colour but other subtle aspects of the image such as mood and composition.

I do not identify the exact locations of my hikes like I used to because they are sensitive ecological areas, and there have been incidences due to social media attention, so I will write in broad terms about this particular place, though I'm sure a spirited person can easily find it 😉

It is within city limits and contains parts of an old growth forest. I say parts because much of it is secondary forest after an era of harvesting in the early twentieth century that saw much of the old forest disappear. A new forest grew there, and although they wanted to cut it down to make way for more housing at some point, the plan was not carried out when people objected, and the forest became an ecological reserve.

The network of trails cuts through a biologically diverse rainforest wonderland with trees like Douglas-fir, alders, wetland plants, moss, ferns, and a great variety of bird and mammal species.

It’s possible to hike, bike, and even ride horses along these trails. Dogs do not have to be on a leash, so if you’re not a dog person, this wouldn’t be so much fun because pooches are kings there.

The terrain can swing up and down on the sections that I hiked, but for the most part, it is an “easy” terrain, and though the chances of getting flattened by a branch or tree are not zero, it's a well managed park that is relatively safe, as far as I know.

Nature puts on a spectacle there. Trees tower above you and prehistoric looking plants like ferns, moss, and lichen cover the ground where sunlight bathes in radiant beams, while other younger parts are devoid of low-level plant life because the lack of sunlight does not permit growth, imbuing the woods with an ethereal atmosphere.

There were a number of people on the trail, including their dogs, but it was not too busy that day.

How grand it seems. Being in a forest, I tend to grasp the wholeness of nature, not consisting of separate parts like a city grid, but an intricate web of lifeforms exchanging bio-bits as a single organism.

Look at the earth crowded with growth, new and old bursting from their strong roots hidden in the silent, live ground, each seed according to its own kind...each one knowing what to do, each one demanding its own rights on the earth. So artist, you too from the depths of your soul...let your roots creep forth, gaining strength.
Emily Carr

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