On Walking and Photographing

Photos: October 11, 2016

Daily photographs can be quite a challenge. When on vacation it is easy to find things to photograph; everything is new and exciting. When at home, it is harder, particularly when also looking for something that inspires writing.

I love to walk, especially when I have a destination. Walking with a camera in hand brings another level to walking. There are certain routes I walk frequently and it is not always easy to find subjects for my photographs. The camera focuses me to look, to be aware of all the possibilities and to notice. To notice the way the light hit the dogs, making them glow.



To notice a fallen leaf and totally be in the moment with it as I photograph. A walk becomes a sort of meditation; a search for beauty and for details.



Flowers become a reason to stop a moment and admire. And while my destination is the reason for the walk, the way there no longer feels like the same old route.

Architectural details catch my eye - the beautiful wood door, the decoration surrounding the windows and the filigreed wrought iron balcony.

Each time I walk this route I find something new to catch my eye, things I would never see in a vehicle. And with the chaos of all the road repairs, I know when I walk I will get to my destination both relaxed and invigorated.

Walk With Me

Photos: September 20, 2016

I try more and more to use my feet to get me where I want to go. Some days they are just more efficient, but they also allow me to slow down and notice. I often pass this church; I have been to many concerts here, including one on Monday evening, but I never noticed the checkerboard pattern at the top nor saw the light hit it just this way.

These beautiful doors lead into decor created by Guido Nincheri. You can view the inside of the church on their site. The information is all in French.



Right now our city is a bit like a game of Snakes and Ladders, especially for drivers. You can climb up, but then you hit a snake and a detour leads you in another direction. A number of streets are closed in order to repair or replace aging infrastructure. As I pedestrian I found myself having to cross back and forth as sidewalks, too, were closed in places.



In a car I would not have spotted this profusion of potted plants. Intent on traffic, cyclists and pedestrians, my eyes would not have been able to wander to enjoy this scene and I certainly would not have been able to take time to stop and enjoy.



Each time I walk this route I notice new things. I love the wrought iron and these bright-coloured geraniums.



Another "snake" waiting to send motorists slithering into another detour.  There is often a way around these closures that don't take me out of my way. My feet do not have to respect one way streets. While I am a fairly brisk walker, walking lets me go whatever pace I wish, to stop and start, to linger or hustle past. There is always something new to see.

Back to Walking

Photos: September 2, 2016

Today the temperature was closer to 20C, starting the day lower and edging up just past it by mid afternoon. That is perfect weather for me and it meant I was happy to be out walking. September feels to me like the beginning of a year. Students are back at school This looked like a class with everyone following a leader to do exercises.



The flowers seem to be enjoying the cooler temperature. There was an abundance of colour as I passed gardens in full bloom.

Gardens were not the only place where colour called for attention. This stairway was certainly making a statement. Walking lets me notice all the quirks of our city. While I like to keep moving, I do allow myself to stop and enjoy, and then back on my way.

At the Summit

Photos: June 13, 2015

My walk yesterday took me to the top of Westmount Mountain (mountain being somewhat of a misnomer - according to this site it is 201 m or 659 ft high). Still it was a good climb. I've been wearing a fitbit for some time and find it does motivate me to walk more. The climb from where I live gave me about 50 flights of stairs.



I love all the things I notice when I walk. This section used to be a road for cars. It will slowly become part of the woods under a three year plan.



Reflections and shadows- things that are not there and yet we see them. Lots to muse about as I walk...

Along the Path

Along the Path, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

At last a perfect winter day with the temperature up around -8 C with sun and a vibrant blue sky. I felt myself grow as I could walk without hunching into my coat. I walked with a friend, enjoying conversation, but also the silence. It was broken by the sound of a chickadee (you can hear a sample sound here). My friend's eagle eyes spotted it - I took a bit longer.



I think, it too, was enjoying the warmer weather. And soon it was joined by another little bird. So nice to stop and hear them call.



We walked along the marina, the slips for the boats just visible under the snow. Across the water we had views of Lachine. Walking on a winter day is a delight in weather like this.

Winter Walk

Canadian Passtime, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: January 27, 2013

A city walk takes me through a park. Ice skaters, oblivious to the cold, enjoy the outdoor rink. Once these rinks were found in many parks. We had one near my former house. The neighbourhood had an arrangement with the city with those living nearby shovelling to clear it after a snow storm. But the city stopped putting up the boards to enclose the rink, and it was no more.

Our walk took us past the towers of Fort de la Montagne, all that remains of a fort that was built in the 1600s in the early days of Montreal. This was part of a mission founded by the Sulpicians to convert the native peoples. You can learn more here.



I was dressed in layers to keep out the cold. This couple, bathed in the light from the low sun, their feet in the snow, were oblivious to the frigid air.  I like to walk with a destination in mind.



Stopping for tea made the walk even more delightful.

Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park

I like exploring Montreal's big parks. This time it was Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation. We started out on snowshoes, but no off the path snowshoeing was allowed, so we switched to just walking. The park hugs the shore of Rivière des Prairies on the north side of the island of Montreal. I love the city parks that make you feel far from the city.



The sun was low on the horizon, casting its golden light. The snow crunched beneath our feet. It felt good to be out in the winter air.

It's so easy in winter to hibernate. But when I get out walking, the sun puts a smile on my face and the wintry air refreshes.