Birch tree

I think the birch is my favourite tree. I love the light, airy foliage which lets the sun shine through and which sussurates in the breeze (good word, that). I love the pale, grainy wood (in one of my alternate realities I'm a carpenter). Most of all, though, I love the beautiful, papery, white bark.

This young birch tree is on a little meadow at the base of the cliff below the Canadian Parliament. There's a wonderful walk along the Ottawa River where office workers can escape the city for ten minutes or half an hour. The cliffs are wooded and there are secluded staircases winding their way up to the Hill from the river, one can almost imagine oneself miles away in the forest. It's a magical place associated with wonderful memories.

I'm obviously not the only person who feels that way. I love the lovers' inscription on this tree trunk. Normally I'd let myself get cross with a piece of vandalism like this, but somehow this really made me smile. Using biro rather than a penknife, for starters. And the way the ink runs dry just as they get to "always stay alive"... This photo was taken just over a year ago, about six weeks after the lovers' inscription. I wonder if it's still there? Must go and look.

Details: Nikon D70, 50mm prime, f/1.8, 1/5000 (I was testing a new lens), ISO 200. 23 June 2005. Placemark (there under the clouds).