First — Thanks everyone, for the wonderful stories, and remembrances which so many of you shared in the post about the passing of my husband, Don. It was great being able to read through your comments to see how Don’s life touched each of you. I encourage anyone who wishes, to add to the comments, as I know that some of you are finding it hard to put your thoughts into words just yet. I will continue to read through new additions as they appear.
In spite of our great loss, Sabrina and I are doing okay as we attempt to carry on with our lives. I have a friend visiting from out west and we’ve been working on some odd jobs around the farm. In between tasks, we have managed to get out for a couple of walks in favourite places. Last week, we visited Murphys Point Provincial Park near Perth, and walked the section of trail that leads to the McParlan cabin. That was always a favourite rest spot for Don, Sabrina and I when hiking at Murphys Point.
On this day, while my friend explored and photographed the cabin, I sat on the grass watching for spiders and soon found a large wolf spider — I think probably a Forest Wolf Spider (Hogna frondicola) moving about. I invited her onto my hand and she sat calmly while I snapped off a few photos from various angles (click on all photos for larger views).
Nearby, I also found a Hickory Tussock Caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae) (see below). It was kind of neat to find the caterpillar on this day and at this place. On September 18, 2005, Don and I found the same species of caterpillar not far from the McParlan cabin. There are photos of the 2005 caterpillar here and here. This week, I was once again reminded that, in nature, we often find a continuity that is somehow reassuring when all else around us seems fragile and transient.
Tags: Murphys Point Provincial Park, McParlan House, Wolf Spider, Hogna, Hickory Tussock Caterpillar, Lophocampa caryae
