Yesterday Terry and I headed out for a walk - in spite of cool, rainy weather.
We weren’t alone...
Photographers were trying to get good shots of birds...
This heron, looking for food, was a popular subject.
I also noticed ducks - and a few Canada geese.
As beautiful as birds are to photograph...
... my favourite nature subject is the sky.
Clouds are always so awesome! And constantly changing!
With winter approaching, we realize our outdoor walking days are numbered!
A few evenings ago, we headed to our favorite river walk just as the sun was going down...
Geese were gathering in the ponds.
There was a chill in the air... Yet I wanted to linger...
The pink sky made everything look so beautiful!
Others, taking pictures like we were, stood shivering. The world around us was so lovely, it was hard to turn and leave!
I am always looking for new walking adventures - so I was delighted when, last week, Terry and I discovered a new path by the Ottawa River that we had never taken.
We drove to Andrew Haydon Park, as we often do, but this time, instead of walking around in that park, we took a path in the opposite direction towards a neighbourhood called Britannia.
I’d be interested in knowing the history of that name!
As we walked next to the river, we could see places where snow boarders had skimmed across the ice last winter, kite boarding on the river.
It had been such fun to watch them!
We also noticed that a river wall had been built - recently, I’d guess - to prevent flooding in spring.
Interesting to see so many walkers and cyclists on the path.
It evidently is a popular place to come.
When we reached the arena at Britannia park, we turned around and walked back.
I wonder where we would have ended up had we walked to the path’s end.
It’s always so beautiful there - in any season, any weather.
The sun was just beginning to set when we arrived.
The leaves were so beautiful with sunlight shining on them!
They turned into silhouettes when the sun went down.
The shoreline, on the Quebec side of the river was also full of colour - reminding me that we should really take a drive over there before all the leaves fall!
We stayed long enough to see the sky turn pink and purple...
But once mosquitoes came out, I suggested we head home!
A few mornings ago, through the open window, Terry heard the whooshing sound of a hot air balloon going higher.
We don’t see as many hot air balloons in the sky over our house as we used to, so I went out to check.
It was over the soccer field next door.
On occasion a balloon used to land in the college parking lot.
I wonder if this one is looking for a place to land.
Hot air balloons are carried by the wind but the current blows in different directions at different elevations, so there is some direction control. Pilots do, however, try to stay near parks and fields - places where they can land.
Once my youngest son and I saw one land on a flat shopping centre roof. I’m sure that wasn’t the pilot’s first choice!
I’ve been up in a hot air balloon three times... Twice with Terry and once with my daughter. Then I sort of lost my nerve...
It’s magical - floating slowly above quiet streets and fields in the early morning or late afternoon: A beautiful aerial view one rarely sees otherwise.
There were always five people in the basket when we had a ride: the pilot and four passengers. I can’t see how many are in this basket.
I wonder if they’re looking for a place to come down. A small truck follows them, with helpers to fold and pick up the deflated balloon and basket once they’re down. The ideal spot is a field - with no power lines - where a truck can easily drive up close to pick up the balloon and basket.
A hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating way to start one’s day!
Sailboats, geese and ducks were heading home for the night.
Suddenly the sound of music filled the air… a five-piece brass band playing Beatles tunes was practicing in the band shell… What a treat!
I had come to walk - so I kept walking, enjoying the evening skies!
But we did head over to Andrew Hayden Park recently in the early evening when the sun’s rays weren’t quite so strong.
We were surprised to see a lot of families there.
Children were playing near picnic tables laden with food.
A perfect place to enjoy the end of summer - and the peaceful end of a summer’s day.
It has been a hot summer many parts of Canada - Ottawa included.
To make matters worse, Terry and I are both supposed to avoid UV rays because of medications we are taking.
Trying to avoid both heat and sunlight has made it difficult to go for walks. We’ve gone mall walking indoors a few times.
One day recently, however, I decided to take a walk at Andrew Haydon Park again - while Terry sat in the shade and read.
There were lots of sail boats near the marina... I wondered if it was a sailing class. There were also a few toy boats in one of the park’s ponds (two photos above).
Walking along the path, I noticed Canada geese here and there...
The only shady spot I could find was near this secluded waterfall.
It probably would have been wise to go walking later in the day.
