A Late Autumn Afternoon

Photos: December 4, 2016

There is something beautiful about a walk in the afternoon in the late autumn. The air in December has a bit of a bite as temperatures hover around freezing. Bits of ice cover this bit of water which pools in a depression.



By 3:30 the sun sits low, casting long shadows and tinges everything with golden tones. Many were out enjoying a walk on Mont Royal.



The birds, too were enjoying the sunshine, swooping down to the feeders and back up to a safe branch to enjoy the seeds.



Mont-Royal is a place to escape the city but also to enjoy the city. The views from the promenade at the chalet are expansive, from the buildings of downtown, to the river and even to the mountains in the distance. It reminds us that we live on an island, so easy to forget as we see only the street scenes as we walk.

Autumn in the City

Photos: October 12, 2016

A walk on Mont-Royal always restores the soul. We are so fortunate to have access to nature in the middle of our city. This is not just manicured parkland, but natural forest, as well.



I think this is sumac. The bright red leaves wave in the breeze like flames.



It does not matter how many years I have seen autumn changes, each year brings moments of amazing beauty.



Oranges, reds, yellows - the trees seem to be on fire.



Each tree in its time, depending on species, exposure, altitude... takes its turn to change out of its summer greens. And we get to enjoy the whole spectacle.

The Squirrel Restaurants

We went for a walk up on Mount Royal. The squirrels were feasting at the Squirrel Restaurants - areas under the bird feeders. While above, chickadees and nuthatches flitted back and forth from nearby trees to the feeder, underneath the squirrels gathered in numbers. I had not seen an albino squirrel before.



There were a number of these "restaurants", each with a very satisfied clientele.

Changes

Leaves lie scattered on the ground.
Slow decay



First frost touches ground
soon to be burned off by the warming sun.



Autumn vistas change from red to golds



As the colour drains out of the landscape

We walked enjoying the autumn chill.
November is coming.

View from Mount Royal I

View from Mount Royal I, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I love to walk on Mont-Royal. Each section has different charms. No matter how often I go, I am drawn to the belvedere to see the view of the city and beyond. The air was clear and everything had a fresh-washed look.






An artificial pond, Beaver Lake, is another icon of the park. Last summer it was completely dug up. The water had become choked with weeds. We stopped to admire the newly created "lake". The pristine water sparkled in the sunlight. I think one of the things I love about the park is that there is something for everyone. We walked through the woods feeling as if we were in the country, while in the middle of our city. Other people enjoyed sitting in the sun on the hillside, picnicking at one of many available picnic tables. Children played on the park equipment. Walking you here many languages spoken as all take advantage of this Montreal treasure.

Woodpecker

Woodpecker, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: February 9, 2013

It was a perfect day for a walk on the mountain - sun shining and brilliant blue skies. The air was cold, but the walking kept us warm.

All winter the bird feeders are filled to keep the feathered population well-fed all winter. It's odd how some feeders were deserted and others attracted a crowd. This one was very busy.



Chickadees flitted back and forth from the nearby trees oblivious to the people watching or passing by. The constant movement spilled seeds onto the ground.




A resourceful chickadee feasted below along with a plump squirrel. What a delight to watch these creatures.

And then we were off continuing our walk around the summit. The lives of so many Montrealers are intertwined with memories of time spent on the mountain. It's our oasis in the middle of the city.

Walking on Mount Royal

The colours are starting. They are never as vibrant in the city as in the countryside. This year, in particular, I find them mainly muted, with leaves drying up before they really show their usual flashy fall foliage.

A walk around the mountain is never complete without a stop at the lookout to see the view. When the distant mountains are visible, I know we are breathing fairly clean air!




Facing west, you can see out to the silver ribbon of a river. As we go about our daily routines, it is easy to forget that Montreal is on an island. It is not everywhere that we get views of the river. Yet that is such an important part of why the city was established here in the days when ship travel was the most important form of transportation.

Near Beaver Lake

Near Beaver Lake, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

With early sunset, the end of the day has turned into night. I went walking with a friend near Beaver Lake - an artificial pond on Mount Royal. This building serves as an equipment rental place, a cafeteria, a bistro, a warming up place on a cold winter day.

It sparkles at night. There is something special about walking at night. We could hear sounds - the ducks quacking, the swoosh of their wings as they took flight, but could only see shadows.

Our "mountain" offers something for everyone - even the solitude of an evening stroll.

On a Clear Day: Montreal

On a Clear Day: Montreal, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: August 29, 2011

The remnants of Irene washed the sky clean of pollution. I have rarely seen such clear skies over Montreal. The views to the mountains in the distance were crisp and the buildings sparkled with their newly washed facades.

There is nothing like a walk on the mountain, but a stop to take in the view is essential.

Dreary Day

Dreary Day, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Not a great day for walking, light rain changing to sleet changing to snow. As I started walking the temperature hovered above freezing and a mist was in the air as the snow started to evaporate. The squirrels were out, scavenging food that had fallen from the bird feeders. Cardinals sang in the trees.

        

The cold, wet precipitation was not conducive to photography. So with one last shot, I headed home.

Winter Fun

Winter Fun, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I went to Mount Royal in pursuit of photographic opportunities to complete my photo course assignments. These involve changing settings (aperture and shutter speed) on the camera to see the results. I did manage to take some photos, but fiddling with the controls with bare hands in the frigid air was not an enjoyable activity. So recommendation number one - in future, take photo courses in warmer months.

Snacking

Snacking, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A crisp day with many people out enjoying the winter possibilities. I went up to Mount Royal. Skaters, toboganners, walkers were all out enjoying winter. This horse was taking a snack while waiting for customers who wanted to tour the mountain in a less aerobic fashion. In summer the horses pull caleches (buggies) around Old Montreal. Some of them spend time on the mountain in winter, pulling these sleighs.

He's off with some customers

The camera pushes me to walk more, to search out interesting spots to share. Photography can be a challenge in this weather with fingers feeling frosty after a few photos without gloves. I spend time alternating between snapping photos and thawing my finger tips. But the air is invigorating, the festive spirit and sense of fun is contagious. Walking on the mountain always brings me peace.