Beside the Canal

Beside the Canal, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Nature is displaying its last hurrah before the gloom of November really sets in.



There is still a fiery display, though many of the reds are gone. This swath of red dazzled in the sunshine.



Autumn has lingered longer this year. Even with the winds of Friday, there is still green to be seen. But we are moving to the greys of November.

The Peace Tower on the Canadian parliament buildings is peeking over this scene. As we approach Remembrance Day, it would be nice to think that all those soldiers did not die in vain - that this world can learn to live in peace.

Walking in Ottawa

Looking down the Canal, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: November 1, 2013

We spent a few days in Ottawa. The weather co-operated enough that we were able to walk (though there were moments went the winds made me feel I would fly). The Rideau Canal cuts through the city; it was once an important link between Ottawa and Kingston, with barges plying the waters. Now it is pleasure craft that use the waterway in summer and skaters in winter.



On the pedestrian bridge there were many locks - the tradition of love locks has reached Canada. Some had names written on them in markers; others were engraved. There were strings of locks attached together, combination locks, key locks, bicycle locks - each representing relationships.



And then there were the other locks - the ones that raise and lower the height of the water so boats can pass between the Ottawa River and the canal.



After a stroll along the canal it was time to climb up to the city streets.

Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A couple of very mild days have passed and winter has taken hold again. Not much snow for snowshoeing, but the Rideau Canal in Ottawa is full of skaters. Young and old enjoy the rink which stretches almost 8km through Ottawa. You can stop and buy refreshments, warm up by a fire and just enjoy the fresh air.



I'm not a skater, but a walk near the canal was most enjoyable. I was working on action shots - for my photography class homework. Using various shutter speeds to try and capture motion. Not as easy as it sounds to get all the camera settings right. Here's one of my better attempts.