Refuge faunique Marguerite-D-Youville

Wispy, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

A splendid fall day and another drive out of the city - this time to the south of Montreal. The sun heightened the brilliant autumn colours.




After lunch is a country restaurant and a visit to a goat cheese producer (my spouse is a goat cheese aficionado) we went to Refuge faunique Marguerite-D'Youville. It is located on Île-Bernard just off Chateauguay. Aside from a quick visit in the spring, I had not been there in over 10 years. Then it belonged to the Catholic Church with a large convent being the main building. Now it is a nature preserve. What a delightful place to walk. There are paths that you around the island.



We walked first on the side that faces Lac St-Louis - a wide part of the St. Lawrence River. The water was perfectly still. There is a lot of wildlife on the island as, in that small space there is a variety of ecosystems. We walked through meadow, forest, shoreline and past wetlands. We spotted chickadees (two young women were feeding them by holding out bird seed in their hands), nuthatches, woodpeckers, egrets, a few kinds of ducks and many birds I could not identify.




We spotted a number of deer. They ambled across our path not quite afraid, but always keeping a wary eye out to check our behaviour.

Next visit we will remember binoculars, put on the telephoto lens and once again take time to be in the moment.

Octoberfest at Atwater Market

Octoberfest at Atwater Market, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

You never know what you will find at Atwater Market. These large-nosed musicians were rousing the crowds with oom-pah music and a little bluegrass. A tent had been set up where for a minimal amount you could taste beer from many of the local brewers. Ah well... I'm not a beer drinker.

Laurentian Lake

Laurentian Lake, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: September 25, 2013

It doesn't matter how many years I witness the change of seasons, each time it astonishes me with its beauty. We took a day to drive out to the Laurentians to enjoy the leaves. To me this is the height with the bold reds contrasted with the remaining greens.



It was a day of taking time. Time to sit and take in the view.



Time to meander along country roads and stop to enjoy nature's gifts.



Time to walk and talk.



Time to enjoy the fading evening light before a lovely dinner. And then back on the road to home.

Thirsty Lion

Thirsty Lion, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 15, 2013

This lion sits at the gates of Chinatown in Montreal. Its bottle was deposited by one of the homeless people that congregate in the area. It is sad that so many take to the streets - many due to drug addiction and/or mental illness. While the lion represents power and wealth, these downtrodden are at the opposite end of society.

There are more than 20,000 homeless in Montreal. While there are services, many don't know how to access them or don't feel comfortable accessing them. This photograph was taken on a warm evening. Winter will set in and their plight will take on a more desperate outlook. There is far too much disparity in our society.

Cabbage

Cabbage, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I've been remiss - not as many photos lately, and taking far longer to blog about them. I could make many excuses, but sometimes I think we just need time away from certain activities.




This time of year I love to visit the market. The fall flowers fill parts of the parking area - a splash of colour fending off thoughts of cooler weather. I love the energy this weather gives and the flowers on my balcony are signalling their appreciation of this fresh feeling by rewarding me with blooms. 

Splash

Splash, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: September 1, 2013

A walk in Parc-de-l'Ile-Bizard is always a delight. You never know what you will see, but there is always a variety of wildlife. The ducks were splashing around.



Perhaps it was the heat of the day that had them splashing and preening.



It is always the herons that take my breath away. They are so long and lean - their shape changing as their position changes.  There were two hanging around.



One of them landed on the boardwalk which stretches over the marsh and strutted along. Then he hopped up onto the railing to survey the terrain.



The wingspan is large. This one flew over the water. At one point they both took off and flew over the boardwalk. I just stood and watched. It was so majestic. Sometimes you just have to look without a camera!





Cooler days are coming. Changes are starting to be more evident. But on this walk, the sun had not lost its summer warmth. Some of the wildlife is a little less obvious. Camouflage keeps predators at bay.

Almost Gone

Almost Gone, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: August 31, 2013

August is petering out and soon the rush of September will be here. The cooler temperatures will bring new energy and the new school year brings a resumption of activities, concerts and other delights.

But for now, a slow glass of wine and a good dinner in a Greek restaurant. Dreams of travel and life at a quiet pace - as the Greek music wafts over me. Feeling mellow