Montreal Winter

While we have had a lot of up and down weather this winter, with snow, rain and plenty of ice, we recently had a good old-fashioned snow storm dropping about 40 cm (16") of snow on the city. It is lovely to see the pristine snow, and I was glad I now park my car indoors after many years of outdoor parking.




The snow fell from Tuesday into Wednesday and by Wednesday evening, when this photo was taken, most streets were drivable and some sidewalks had already been cleared. We were easily able to take the metro and walk get to a concert by Les Boréades with Alfredo Bernardini which was very enjoyable!

Another day - another concert, this time in Old Montreal - Pallade Musica with Michael Taylor (another wonderful evening) . The old part of the city was looking beautiful dressed in the freshly fallen snow.



Even the mountains of snow looked lovely in the glow of the lights.

I always love to walk along LeRoyer (no cars, silent...). While the path was cleared, the benches were barely visible. It is an oasis of peace in the middle of Old Montreal.

This is one of my favourite sculptures. It sits near the corner of St-Paul and Marie-Morin. These ladies don't seem to mind their snow bath. The gossiping continues despite the weather. 

Winter can be a magic time in Montreal. Today is perfect - blue skies, white snow - weather that gives energy!

Winter Takes Hold

Winter faltered in December, bringing warmer weather and rain. It has now taken hold again, with snow, and, now, frigid weather.



Some days bring glorious blue skies and a crispness to the air. The crunch of feet on snow is both a physical sensation and a sound. The cold, while bracing, is also energizing.

We know how to dress so we stay warm - at least until the temperature drops too low!

Benches sit unused. One has to keep moving - though I do stop to admire and take a few photos. Exposed hands on the phone or camera, feel the bite in the air. Mittens are quickly donned to warm up the fingers.



Today, at -23C (-9F) with a windchill of -34C (-28F) I have opted to stay in for a while, though I will venture forth for a short walk, dressing in a few layers to preserve the warmth and keeping as little skin as possible exposed - a crack for the eyes. From indoors, I watch the mist rise from the river as I sip my coffee.

New Fallen Snow

There is nothing quite like walking on a winter evening with a gentle snow falling.
Lamplight makes everything sparkle.
The snow dampens sound.
Everything is pristine.

Winter in Many Guises

Some days are absolutely glorious. The sun shines. The temperature is at the perfect spot of being cold enough to feel crisp but not so cold that you huddle into your coat. It invigorates and puts a smile on my face.




The sun sparkles on icy surfaces.  When I was a child we used to like to break off icicles and suck on the. Now, armed with more knowledge, I shudder at the idea - the pollutants we ingested, the dirt...



And then overnight the mood changes as the temperature rose above the freezing point. Rain fell and a mist rose. A temporary winter reprieve.



I like the mystery of mist - the silence that seems to descend and the feeling of the unknown as vistas shrink.



Even the dogs in the dog park seemed more subdued - sitting as if adjusting to this silent landscape.

Winter will be back in full force tonight. Here is the forecast (temperatures are in Celsius) :

Mother Nature plans a lot of activity for Montreal to transform, yet again, our city.

Winter Settles In

It is feeling like a good old-fashioned winter. Snow is on the ground and the temperature has remained cold. I wear layers as I go out and so far have not minded the cold. And when the sun shines in winter, the snow makes everything ultra bright.

The sky never seems quite as blue as a winter sky. 

Even shadows take on the blue of the sky.

The squirrels are still out in numbers, scavenging what they can. This "squirrel snack bar" made this fellow happy.

City workers were out preparing the ice - an outdoor rink. With frigid temperatures expected, this rink will have no trouble keeping its hard surface.

Temperatures are in celsius. As a reference point -18°C is 0°F. I'll be putting on an extra layer and going out to enjoy the sunshine.

Winter Has Arrived

It's here. After a small snowfall on Sunday, yesterday brought over 18 cm of snow (about 7"). As it was cold, it was light snow, not the heavy wet snow that falls when the temperature hovers nearer to 0°C (32 F). I quite enjoyed walking through white - so much brighter than the greyness that permeates cloudy days before the snow arrives.



While this "dog" sits motionless letting the snow accumulate on its shaggy fur, its living friends were cavorting in the dog park -  rolling in the snow, chasing each other, enjoying the novelty of the first real snowfall of the season.

Snow is silent - it falls without sound, unlike rain or sleet and it muffles the city sounds.

I did not stop to sit. I would not want to spoil the sculpted seats that nature had created. Snow brings its own kind of beauty.

Stillness

There is a stillness that happens when snow falls. Sound is muffled. I found myself driving slowly to take in the beauty. I wished I could stop more as each tree seemed to be more photogenic than the last, but there was nowhere to pull over.

All has turned to shades of grey - a monotone palette. So many grey days in a row.

For now the grime of a city is covered up with the clean new-fallen snow. The trees seem to embrace their winter whites.

A Bit Milder Weather

Photos: December 17, 2016

As temperatures rose, the snow began to fall, clinging to branches like popcorn. It was good to walk a little less encumbered - one layer less!

The squirrels were out cavorting - chasing each other up and down the trunks and along branches.



These bushes often sing with the sound of these birds. They are very skittish and fly off the moment someone is near. The drying leaves let me glance at them and the temptation of the food that had been left encouraged this one to reveal himself.

In the Late Afternoon

Walking on a winter afternoon. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows. I can barely feel its warmth as a cold, damp wind bites at my fingers as I take this photograph.



Our yo-yo winter weather has sent snow, freezing rain and rain followed by a quick drop in temperature. Yesterday's pooled water is now a series of mini skating rinks. I have to stop to look up. Walking, eyes down to watch for icy patches, I half walk, half shuffle, knees bent a little - the winter walk. I cut short my trajectory - it is just too slippery to enjoy it.

A Day of Light Snow

A gentle snow fell most of the day yesterday transforming the landscape. While the local winter carnival could not take place the way it was planned (no outdoor skating rinks), the day was salvaged by the once-again winter atmosphere.



The "sleigh" had wheels and had to stick to a paved path, but youngsters loved the idea anyway. I'm not sure about the horse - that was quite a load to pull!



New snow muffles sounds bringing a sense of tranquility.



Each branch, each long dead flower, each ornamental grass was decorated with pristine white. New delights to enjoy as I walk.

Etched on the Sky

My blog-friend, "Stardust" wrote a post where she compared each season to different art (etching, watercolour, oil painting). I loved that notion of winter as etching. The trees are exposed, revealing the finest details of their skeletons. The landscape is reduced to black and white and greys (though not on the bright, sunny days).



I walk through the park and admire this scene as though in an art gallery, astonished at the exquisite work and skill of the artist.

Thanks Diane Hammond for the info

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. 
— Stanley Horowitz 

An Odd Winter

It's been an odd winter, much warmer than usual. As you can see bits of grass have been uncovered by a mild day with rain. While our neighbours to the south deal with massive snowfall, here our winter sports equipment languishes for lack of enough snow. I love the sunny days (though there are many cloudy days forecast with light snow followed by more rain)  - crisp and bright. As I walk I see many smiles.

The Many Coats of Winter

Living in a cold climate has its complexities. One coat is never enough for winter. These belong to just two people and on certain days, there may even be others used. For the colder days and long walks, the green coat (Kanuk good to  -30°C) is perfect. It is longer and quite cozy and the hood stays in place without covering my eyes. The red coat is my spouse's equivalent.

When out in the car, the purple one is great. It is not as heavy and is shorter. It is also my choice for snowshoeing - with waterproof pants. My spouse wears the ski jacket.

For those rare occasions when I feel like being elegant, the black, cloth coat is the choice. It is not as warm and, as I wear it rarely, it will last for decades (it is already well over 10 years old). My spouse uses the beige coat as he can fit a sports jacket underneath.

Winter can be expensive, with garments for every kind of weather, but it is all about dressing for the weather, not style, so these coats are worn year after year.

Too Cold to Sit

I love sunny winter days - there is something energizing about the combination of cold and  sunshine. It was not a day to sit and sunbathe, but walking was a delight. With the right layering of clothing I was toasty warm. And the sun just lifts everyone's spirits.

And Then the Sun Came Out

The weather has been distinctly not winter-like. Rain fell most of the day and when there seemed to be a pause we went out for a walk.  As we were walking the sun came out for a brief period, casting its golden rays on this school. As I write this, it is raining again.

Snowshoeing is not in the near future!

Another Day Out Snowshoeing

Even early in the afternoon there are long shadows. My legs look like a pair of tree trunks!



Winter opens new horizons. As we snowshoed on the summit in Westmount we could look down on the city right to the river. No curtain of leaves to obstruct the view.



The snow outlines the branches, bringing the natural sculpture to one's attention. With temperatures just below freezing, it was a perfect day to be out.