As state-at-home orders and lockdowns are being lifted across Canada, more and more people are increasingly looking forward to escaping their domiciles and finally going out. Health experts also agreed that spending time outdoors during the pandemic is even safer than staying inside, assuming, of course, that proper social distancing is maintained. Turns out, nature is a great healing power, so exposure to the outdoors will help you improve your physical and mental health. But don't get too excited, at least not yet, as travelling in Canada is largely limited to the province of your residence. But who said that exploring your own backyard is a bad idea? Especially, if your backyard is a beautiful wilderness within the city limits. 

Such a backyard for me is the Crazy Horse Trail located in the Carp Hills, just 15 minutes from my home in Ottawa. Thanks to my friends, I learned about this cool place last week. 

Nestled in the stunning Canadian Shield, the place seems a world away. No traffic noise, no hustle and bustle of a big city - only you, occasional fellow hikers and the sounds of wind, running streams, birds, squirrels and chipmunks. 

The trail takes you through a delicate boreal forest (also known as taiga) with different kinds of mosses and lichens. 

Ever wondered why it's called a dam? Take a closer look at the picture below. Branches carefully stuck with mud make a very strong dyke that holds a large body of water like this pond.