This afternoon, I had the pleasure of spending a few quiet hours walking through Victoria Park in Truro. The air was crisp, the sunlight golden as it filtered through the trees, and the sound of birdsong mixed with the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. It’s the kind of day that reminds you to slow down and appreciate the beauty around you.

Victoria Park has always been a cherished spot for me—a sanctuary of tall trees, winding trails, and cascading waterfalls that feels like stepping into another world. Today, as I wandered along its familiar paths, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. The aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, which swept through the region this past fall, is still starkly visible. Many of the park’s towering trees, which once formed a protective canopy, now lie shattered and broken, their roots exposed as reminders of nature’s raw power.

Walking through the park, I found myself reflecting on the resilience of both the landscape and the community. While the loss of so many trees is heartbreaking, signs of renewal are everywhere. Saplings are beginning to grow in places where sunlight now reaches the forest floor for the first time in decades. The scent of fresh earth mingles with the crisp autumn air, promising regrowth and renewal.

It’s bittersweet to see how the park has changed. The trails feel more open now, and without the dense cover of branches, you notice things you might not have before—the intricate details of the rock formations, the way the light dances on the surface of Waddell Falls, and even the scurrying of squirrels adjusting to their new surroundings.

Though Victoria Park bears the scars of the storm, it remains a place of peace and reflection. As I sat on a bench overlooking the brook, I was struck by how nature, much like life, is constantly evolving. There’s loss, yes, but also renewal—a reminder to embrace the changes that come our way and find beauty even in the unexpected.

I left the park feeling both humbled and hopeful. Nature has a way of healing itself, and I have no doubt that Victoria Park will continue to thrive, its trails and spaces offering comfort and joy to everyone who visits. Today was a reminder to cherish what we have, to respect the power of nature, and to find solace in its ability to heal and adapt.

If you find yourself in Truro, I encourage you to take a walk through Victoria Park. It’s a place of beauty, reflection, and resilience—a testament to the enduring power of nature and community.