She was right.
When I walked into the Woodlot entrance across from the southside football field near the Grant-Harvey Centre around 1:30 pm, there was no trace of the snowy trails I had used the day before.
Instead, glistening ice covered the main trails while we are back to walking on fallen leaves and pine needles on the secondary trails deep inside the forest. The numerous tracks left in the snow by the wildlife are also gone, but their presence is still nearby. Although sightings of deer and other large mammals are rare, squirrels abound, nattering at you from the trees as you pass. Shavings around the base of trees, likely created by industrious woodpeckers, are also clear to see. Domestic wildlife also patrol along the trails accompanying their two-legged companions; one large, black dog of indeterminate breed wearing a colourful neckerchief approached me from behind, barked loudly, then raced back to his friend to continue along another trail.
For hikers, the thaw has returned the trails to Fall-like conditions complete with brilliant green carpets of moss, and the Woodlot’s watercourses, especially Corbett Brook, cascade noisily over rocks and ledges, sweeping away most of the ice that had formed across their surfaces.
These rapid transitions are nothing new. A friend of mine who has been trekking through the almost 4,000-acre woodlot for years told me that “you can walk the trails in your bedroom slippers within days of a major storm.” Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will have to wait a while yet before they can start their season.
Nevertheless, hikers still need to exercise caution, especially on the main trails that reflect the low sunshine off their glistening surfaces. Near the end of my hike, I came onto the main trail heading back to the entrance. Ahead of me, a walker who had cleared the icy section paused to remove his ice-cleats from his boots. I thought to myself: what a great idea, I need to get some of those. The next thing I knew, I was stretched out on my back, watching my walking stick slide across the ice. My first thought was that I would probably be sore in the morning.
After quickly looking around to make sure no one had seen my ignominious spill, I headed back to the safety of the secondary trails and completed by trek, an hour and three-quarters after beginning.
The UNB Woodlot is a great all-season resource for area residents. One of Fredericton’s largely unknown treasures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Written by
Brent Wilson
Brent Wilson has worked at the University of New Brunswick as a book and journal editor for more than 30 years. He recently retired from teaching in the history department.
