tour la nuit & dusk

Tonight we went on the night bike tour organized by the city. It was amazing to have the roads closed and to see so many bikes out together (and so many inventive versions of bicycles) but I was most struck by that full-bodied scent that comes as dusk falls, the earth and grass and leaves and water all at once seemingly releasing their scents. The air was suddenly and warmly musky and alive with lush fragrance. This effect was intensified by all of the flowering trees in Ottawa: we passed through patches of lilacs and wild roses and various unidentified but powerful smelling blossoms. And so there was the smell of dusk interspersed with pockets of flowers. And then there was also the sliver of the moon and the deep blues and greens of the fields and trees in the Experimental Farm. But most of all: the almost intoxicating scent of dusk. I had forgotten how sudden and strong it is.