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.

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.

Spring Temperatures

Spring Temperatures, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It was the first day of real spring temperatures. The "mountain" was buzzing with people enjoying the bright sunshine. People walked, with coats thrown open, feeling the warmth. While some hardy souls jogged in shorts, others donned their cross-country skis to enjoy going off the main trails.



The sound of melting was everywhere accompanied by the songs of birds as they too relished the weather. The fast-motion changes of spring are starting. There will be cold days and nights ahead, but spring is on its way!




Though this bench was empty, others had people stopping to watch the birds, read a book or just sit and feel the joy.

Enjoying the Sun

Enjoying the Sun, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

The temperature rose above 0C (32F). My friend and I weren't the only ones enjoying the warmth of the sun. This little guy chattered at us until we found where he was located. Then he kept an eye on me as I took his photo.

The squirrels were taking advantage of the weather to forage for food. It has not been a winter for long hibernation. While Eastern Europe freezes, we have had a warm and weird winter.

1920s Apartment

1920s Apartment, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

As I continue my hunt for an apartment to buy, I keep this building in mind. This venerable apartment building was aging and no one seemed to notice. Suddenly the board realized that extensive repairs were needed and the contingency fund had been under funded for years resulting in large assessments for all the owners. You can read about it here.

We'll be checking out the financials of any building in which we choose to buy. I don't want surprises like that.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

A walk on Mount Royal always brings delight. The bird feeders have been filled, bringing chickadees to peck at the seeds, while underneath the squirrels gorge on the seeds that fall.

This downy woodpecker, visible without the foliage was flitting from branch to branch, foraging. He was pecking at the smaller branches so the rap-tapping was quiet.

The air was nippy, with most walkers bundled in winter jackets, hats and gloves. The occasional jogger trotted past in shorts. I admire their fortitude and think back to my youth when I had to wear a tunic to school.  It was not chic to wear long pants under your tunic (even though you had to take them off at school) and knee socks were in, so I foolishly shivered while waiting for buses, with my bare legs under my just over the knee-length tunic. That was about the last time I have given in to fashion over warmth!

I love the way the bare branches open up the view, making buildings and the river visible. It's an ever-changing place with our many seasons.

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.

Burl

IMG_9043, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Another walk on the mountain. While my bother and i strolled, we were passed by joggers and cyclists who seem to ignore the heat and humidity. This large burl caught my eye. Mount Royal is a real gift to Montrealers. Right in the middle of the city it provides forested areas to walk through. By 10:00 am on Saturday, people were staking out their territory in the grassy areas, finding picnic tables in the shade. Bothers go to bake in the sun on the grassy slope. There is really something for everyone.

Summer Skiing

Summer Skiing, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Like much of North America, Montreal is under a blanket of heat and humidity. Temperatures are in the 30s (celcius). A walk on the mountain was somewhat refreshing, at 9:30 in the morning, staying in the shade as much as possible. I don't know how the runners and cyclists manage. This man had his "summer skis" strapped on and he was making good time along the path.

A nice breeze has kept the worst of the smog away.

Looking out from the doors to the chalet you can see to the river and beyond. No matter the season, I love the view.

From Mount Royal

From Mount Royal, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I never tire of the views from Mount Royal. This is looking south-east (I think - Montreal directions are odd), A nice walk on a summer day.

The Cross on Mount Royal

The Cross on Mount Royal, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Photo: February 26

A landmark in Montreal is the cross on Mount Royal. At night it is lit up. It commemorates the cross the Jacques Cartier was said to have erected when he first came to Montreal Island. Here it just seems to be part of the forest.

As I have written before, Montreal was once a very Catholic city and churches and religious symbols were everywhere. The province is now quite secular and Montreal, in particular is quite pluralistic. These religious remnants of the past remain entrenched. I don't like to erase history, so I don't mind this structure. I am more uncomfortable with crosses that remain in public buildings including the National Assembly as well as in many non-denominational schools.

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.

Cleaning the Rink

Cleaning the Rink, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A few years ago, the city installed refrigeration equipment under the plaza near the chalet at Beaver Lake. This means even when the weather goes a bit above 0°C the ice stays hard. The rink is well maintained with plows and zambonis along with shovellers and sweepers so it is a popular spot for skaters. The nearby chalet provides rental skates and more importantly a cafeteria where you can get hot drinks.



One part of the rink is reserved for beginners, with cones and metal devices which can be pushed while those less steady on their feet learn how to skate. I've never been comfortable on skates, but love to watch as others glide around.

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.

June 23/10: Stairway

June 23/10: Stairway, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A respite from city noise, our mountain park provides an oasis. A walk on Mount Royal always brings a sense of peace as I breathe the fresh air under the trees. Paths lead around the summit and through the woods. Staircases wind up the hills.

A stop at the lookout at the chalet brings views of the downtown and beyond to the river, the suburbs and then the hills in the distance.

There's a sculpture garden on the grassy slopes leading to Beaver Lake (a man-made pond). The mountain is one of Montreal's favourite playgrounds.

Feb 11/10: Mont Royal

Feb 11/10: Mont Royal, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It was the golden hour, that point when the sun is near the horizon. I drove a bit to find a spot for my photo. I stopped at a Montreal landmark, parking near the chalet at Beaver Lake. Shadows were deep and the sun's setting rays shone on whatever they could reach. Beaver Lake is a man-made pond on the mountain. It is not deep and is now off limits in the winter. Just above the lake is a slope where people go toboganning. Now there are lanes carved out.

When I was a child it was a free-for-all. I first learned to ski on the "mountain". The local sports store gave lessons there in the evening. We climbed herringbone style up the hill and skied down. Those who were more adept took the rope tow that pulled you to the top. I remember one lesson, after my share of falling and hoisting myself up again I was finally skiing down the hill when I found myself knocked from behind by a wooden toboggan. I slid part way down the hill sitting on the curved front. Imagine my surprise when we reached the bottom and, once back on my feet, I saw the tobogganers were clowns. It was the start of a winter festival.

This beginning to my attempts at skiing was a clear indication of what was to come. I have crawled up a mountain when I couldn't get back on a T-bar, felt the excruciating pain of feet thawing after a morning on the local hill at our country place (no chalet to warm up in) and my last attempt at skiing was foiled by high winds. The chairlifts couldn't operate, though I seem to remember the hot chocolate was very tasty. Some forty years ago I abandonned downhill skiing and have stuck to winter sports where I did not have to rely on machinery or share a hill with people who valued speed.

Day 298: Golden Carpet

Day 298: Golden Carpet, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The reds have given way to the yellows. A golden carpet of leaves covers the path in transition to the drying and browning that will come. A last hurrah before the grey days of November. Walking in October is accompanied by the smells of autumn - the slight decaying odor of the leaves that have fallen. Our feet crunched on the already dry leaves and swished through the more recently fallen. Time of change.

Day 250: Music on the Mountain

Day 250: Music on the Mountain, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A walk on the mountain on a gorgeous day. We lingered near the chalet at the top just people watching. A parade of people of all ages and dogs of all sizes provided smiles. Music wafted down from the top of the stairs - mainly jazz and a few traditional melodies, strummed on first one then two guitars. It added a delightful soundtrack to the scene.

Some of the buskers in Montreal are predictable. There is an older gentleman who sits in the same spot on the mountain, playing tunes on a plastic recorder. In the metro station near my house there is variety from the accordion-playing Hare Krishna beggar to the cellist who plays only a few notes and then shouts angrily. Last week I heard a man playing a South American flute - a lovely lilting melody. Some accomplished students earn a little money through their gifts.

I was fascinated to read a story about Joshua Bell, the virtuoso violinist who busked in Washington DC at the behest of the Washington Post, just to see what would happen. Would people recognize beauty? Read this. How would you have reacted?