We seem to be marooned in a spate of quite hot temperatures. In the low 30s, with lots of humidity which is usual for the Ottawa Valley, though we're still waiting for the rain events we're informed every day are likely to occur, but fail to. And as long as the temperature remains so steamy-hot we'll be resigned to early morning walks in place of our usual afternoon forays into the ravine, through the forest trails.

We do on occasion -- not often -- see others whose presence we've long been familiar with -- who like us find daily rambles through the forest irresistible -- these early mornings. But it's also occurred to us that we've been coming across a different set of people who don't normally venture out in the afternoon hours, preferring their treks to take place at some point in the morning.

Similarly, Jackie and Jillie, our two little dogs who simply cannot refrain from barking furiously at any dog they haven't had previous acquaintance with, are now recognizing a different set of dogs companioning the people we've been coming across. Mostly, they're large-breed dogs who tend to ignore the commotion our two raise on sight of others. They could, if they'd a mind to, simply take a swipe at the irritating little yappers, but none do, preferring to simply side-step them.

The intense outpouring of -- we don't quite know what it is -- insecurity of small breeds perhaps? gets tucked away into the bad-behaviour file, thank heavens, once J & J become accustomed to the presence of the other dogs and they're no longer unfamiliar, and perhaps in their opinion, potentially threatening figures. And thank heavens for that. It's not a good combination, extreme heat, uncomfortable large dogs encountering irritating little dogs; some have been known to exhibit their annoyance aggressively resulting from even less provocation from small dogs.

As much as we call them to obey, to stop barking, to walk directly beside us, their agreeableness to heeding us is iffy; if they obey, they soon set off again repeating the same uncivil actions, needing to be recalled and scolded. Jillie is the more serious offender and the most likely to repeat her offences, not the least bit fazed by our displeasure unless we really emphasize it.

A quiet, restful stroll through the trails can be guaranteed only when we don't come across anyone else -- or those we come across are well known to all of us as familiar figures whose presence will not elicit suspicion or trepidation from Jackie and Jillie. And that's when we can give our full attention to simply enjoying ourselves as we look around, and see burdock growing to a truly impressive size, and beginning its bloom.

When we pass the area where wild apple trees grow, it's evident that the fruit is beginning to mature as time gets on into later summer. Under the trees there are always small, green castoffs that will never mature and that serve as little provocations when thrown for Jackie and Jillie to race after; when only Jackie responds. Surprisingly, though the apples are still quite small, some have begun to blush a distinct shade of red.

The staghorn sumacs are now proudly sending aloft their flaming torches, and that makes quite a colourful statement of colour, texture and architecture, as the candles have reached their optimum colour. The pearly-white of yarrow here and there in the general melee of vegetation provide their colour contrast to the brighter shades evident in plants like chicory whose bright blue flowers catch the eye, though very few of the plants have arisen from the forest floor.

Similar to the presence of the Himalayan orchid, confined to a select area only, though it's a vigorous and intrusive plant whose bright and dainty-pink blossoms are now achieving their maximum flowering stage.