Category Archives: nature

Are They Monochromatic?

Dec 18, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 31 Comments

We recently had a very wet snowfall that lasted only a couple of hours before melting. During this snowfall, though, the overcast that settled into the valley was extremely thick and low to the ground.

We were seemingly enveloped in grey. But then again, I have a question for you: has the above photo (and those that follow) been photoshopped to appear monochromatic or is it a “colour” picture of a monochromatic environment?

A group of Canada geese near a deteriorating old dock in the lake.

So, what do you think? Have I been playing with Photoshop to produce these monochromatic photos or was Penticton’s environment just rather grey?

The answer will be revealed in the comments.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Cascade Mountains

Dec 17, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 34 Comments

We are back home now after a lovely mini-break holiday in Victoria. On the way home we drove through the Cascade Mountains which encompass an incredibly large area from Kamloops in British Columbia all the way down the Pacific coast to northern California.

In Canada, there are a number of subranges of the Cascades, including those on the west side of our home in the Okanagan Valley, the Okanagan Range.

Although some snow had fallen, the trees and shrubs were covered in a layer of frost caused by the cloud and mist which treated us to some very beautiful seasonal scenes.

We arrived home to 5C (41F) and were happy to be back after our little break.

nature, Photography

Richmond

Dec 16, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 35 Comments

On our way back home from Victoria, we stopped in Richmond which is just south of Vancouver. M grew up there and we took a little tour around to his old teenage haunts.

The seafront has an eclectic mix of fishing vessels, sail boats, restaurants, coffee shops and townhomes.

After the wind storm that walloped Victoria and Vancouver had died off, the weather was gorgeous with a flat ocean calm and clear, sunny skies.

The weather was so good, in fact, that I spotted someone paddling an ocean kayak (the small red vessel toward the mid-right of the photo).

Sunny December days are a gift and we certainly enjoyed this one, especially after the weekend’s storm.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Windy Victoria

Dec 15, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 32 Comments

We awoke to a very windy day. The ocean was extremely churned up and lots of surf was being flung about.

With the gale gusting to about 80 km (50 mi) we definitely needed raincoats against the wind-whipped spray.

Although it was windy the temperature was about 9C (48F) and it wasn’t raining, so in a good windbreaker/raincoat, I was comfortable.

I found a group of periwinkle flowers growing in a rock garden next to the ocean, but despite being soaked by seawater they seemed completely unperturbed.

I very much enjoyed watching the surf and listening to its pounding roar – the heart of all life on earth.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Emerald City

Dec 14, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 28 Comments

During the winter in particular, the city of Victoria experiences near rain forest conditions. As you can imagine, that means lots of green.

Because of all the moisture, the moss is particularly well developed.

It ranges from these little yellow bits …

… to these long, luxurious strands …

… and can even envelop whole tree limbs to such an extent that other plants decide to grow in the moss. The thick layer of moss on this tree branch is now providing a home to a fern family.

So not only is the grass still green and many of the plants and shrubs are still vibrant, there is the added and ubiquitous presence of moss and its lovely hue, a distinct counterpoint to the overcast and rain of the season.

Happy weekend.

nature, Photography

December 13’s Friday Fleurday

Dec 13, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 23 Comments

Because we’re in Victoria’s very temperate climate right now, we’re seeing lots of late-flowering plants and shrubs that are absolute December delights.

Lots of very pretty, dark pink bell heather flowers everywhere …

Aren’t these pretty? I think they are a type of hesperantha, a plant that doesn’t bloom until December – if it’s in the right climate.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Victoria Ferry

Dec 12, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 35 Comments

We are taking a mini-break holiday to Victoria which is on Vancouver Island, an hour-and-half by ferry from Vancouver. We had the most beautiful day for the drive through the mountains and then for the ferry trip.

Heading west toward the Gulf Islands and Victoria.

Passing the Gulf Islands as the sun sinks.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Winter Garden

Dec 11, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 26 Comments

Even though winter isn’t officially here yet, our local Japanese garden has entered its seasonal hiatus.

Despite that, or maybe because of that, it’s still a calming, contemplative place to walk or even to sit for a while.

The carp in the pond have disappeared into various spots to await spring, so the only activity is from a couple of duck pairs who quickly paddle toward anyone who comes by in hope of a handout.

The colours have all softened into their muted winter hues; everything is breathing slowly and restfully.

Happy Wednesday; I hope it’s a good one.

nature, Photography

Sunny Mountaintops

Dec 10, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 22 Comments

For this time of year, we had a rare, beautifully sunny day and later on, the snowy mountaintops were lit by the afternoon sun.

We also had windless conditions with a high of 4C (39F) so it really was lovely. A crisp December day without being too crisp!

Naturally, a sunny day came with a lovely sunset which was much appreciated by all of us damp people!

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Clearing Skies

Dec 8, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 26 Comments

Yesterday I awoke to an intense wind storm that was later accompanied by buckets of pelting rain. Later in the day though, it had cleared sufficiently for a walk.

I expected it to still be quite windy but as my walk progressed, the wind calmed and the clouds began to dissipate.

We even had a minor rise in temperature of 0.5C (that’s a 1° rise in F) for a high of 3.5C (38F). Not fantastic but seriously much better than freezing and without a doubt better than the -15C (-9F) that Yellowknife is experiencing!