A11

Bill Robb

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Snow caught all of us unaware in mid-November, and in the week that followed, I sauntered with my camera down one of Riverview's main vehicle arteries, Findlay Boulevard. The wind was raw and moist, deceivingly cold despite an optimistic number on the Celsius scale. The snow had started to melt a bit, so there was a lot of splashing and slushing going on.

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Bill Robb/This Week

Findlay Boulevard offers some panoramic views of the Petitcodiac River.

It made me think of a line I once heard uttered by Bill Watterson, the creator of the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes. He said: "I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savour a bad mood."

Once the going gets a little tougher, it is a great temptation to abandon all efforts at being an outdoor sport and jump onto a treadmill instead, or even just read a book.

But there's no better antidote to a stressed spirit than a bit of fresh air, and as one walks along Findlay, the beauty of snow nestled in the trees is captivating and enchanting. You're smiling before you know it.

There is much to see on this busy road, and the shoulders are wide enough to walk quite safely. At the crest of the hill there is a magnificent view of the City of Moncton skyline behind the picturesque Petitcodiac river and lake.

Late autumn walks have much to recommend them, even though we know it will still be colder, snowier and darker before spring touches the air again. If you are walking the entire length of Findlay, remember there is a Tim Horton's at the corner of Findlay and Whitepine if you need a little rest.