Every sunday we have a meeting of the minds. This time we decided to go and see what nature has to offer.

(Acer spicatum) or mountain maple. The flowers are emerging now, ready to be pollinated.

It's important to spend time away from the office to keep balance in your life. What better place to visit than the local forest? We went out for a few hours before starting our work tonight and it was just what we needed to get rejuvenated, creative and active.

Mount Nemo is one of the local attractions due to its geology and vegetation. The limestone cliffs are weathered away by rain and wind and the hardy eastern white cedars hold steady on the rocks.

Some of Ontario's oldest trees can be found here, with specimens approaching 1000 years old. East of the rockies, this species is one of the longest lived of all.

The cliff is surprisingly tall. For our local geography, it's an exciting part of the Niagara escarpment to visit. For most people in Toronto, this is only an hour's drive away, or half an hour drive from Hamilton.

There are all sorts of trees on this cliffside. Oaks, maples, pines, elm, and walnut all make an appearance here. A spruce plantation nearby offers lots of shade. In the drier areas you can find apple and hawthorn trees in flower. !

Sometimes you just have to get out into nature and explore to find something new. In the summer months you can see the forest in action, so we couldn't stay indoors. In Canada, with several months of winter each year, it's an opportunity that can't be missed.

All photos are original and taken by us in our summer tree documentation hike.