Tag Archives: Landscapes

December Light

It’s that time of year when we turn to the sky or to artificial light for the brightness that many of us often crave.

Although we had very overcast conditions, the sky recently cleared enough to allow a very pink sunset. Delightful!

Alternatively, there are candles with their warm glow and the way they can generate a cozy atmosphere.

There are also seasonal lights, bonfires and fireplaces, all of which create a cheery ambience while we await the solstice and the arrival of longer daylight hours.

These festive lights can alleviate some of the chill of a December night … or at least take your mind off it!

Wishing you warm December lights.

Happy Thursday.

I Think It’s Winter

Although we are still escaping the snow here at the valley floor, the mountains around us have lots.

This looks like it could be mist or fog but it’s actually rain that at higher elevations is snow.

Given the time of year we don’t have a lot of colour but there’s still a bit here and there.

This cotoneaster with its red berries is a welcome sight; a nice break in the grey.

Despite the low ceiling, it wasn’t particularly cold and there was no wind. We had about 10C (50F) so it was important to wear something waterproof with a good sweater or fleece underneath.

I also found some matador roses blooming in a protected area. Their bright red provided a lovely visual lift, too.

Although there are still a few colours round and about, it has definitely, definitely morphed into winter. I think it’s time for hot chocolate.

Happy Wednesday.

November Retrospective

We’ve passed through November (can you believe that?) so here’s a look back at some of the beauties I saw.

November began with some spectacular sugar maple colours …

… and some beautifully blue skies, too.

An abundance of Japanese garden autumn foliage …

… like lemony yellow gingko biloba leaves …

… and fire engine red lace leaf maples.

There were some lovely sunsets …

… and very dramatic clouds …

… while the barberries …

… assembled a stunning autumn wardrobe …

… and cotoneaster shrubs did the same.

An assortment of leaves covered the ground …

… in multi-hued abandon.

The lace leaf maples gradually turned the most glorious shade of red …

… but in the end it all passed too quickly.

If I could I would slow it down, savour it a bit more, but then again, I’m looking forward to spring.

Happy December.

Sunny Skaha Lake

After 25 cm (9.8 inches) of rain recently fell on us, we had a beautifully sunny day.

For a change of scene I had a ramble at Skaha Lake, which is at the south end of the city.

It was 10C (50F) and windless, so walking conditions were pretty nice.

I encountered a group a students with their teacher who were happily enjoying a weenie roast on the beach after they had completed a hike. They were having a great time.

It was wonderful to have a break from the rain and I enjoyed every second.

Happy Saturday.

Snowy Lake Louise

This very famous lake in Banff National Park also gives its name to the historic Chateau Lake Louise hotel as well as to the hamlet where many park and hotel employees live.

Lake Louise from the air showing the historic Chateau Lake Louise at the right of the picture.

Known for its milky green colour – caused by glacial run-off – and nearby hiking trails, Lake Louise is an example of iconic, must-see Canadiana.

And, to all our American family and friends, Happy Thanksgiving Day. However you choose to spend it, I hope you enjoy it.

Snow on the Mountains

First we had this …

… which gave us a very early start to evening darkness. With this sort of weather, it was good to be at home with a hot chocolate!

These very dark clouds dropped a terrific amount of rain which in the mountains fell as snow.

But then we got some of this …

… which lead to being able to see the snow on the mountains. And that’s exactly where it belongs. The skiers are happy but we’re equally happy with 10C (50F) and snowless environs!

Happy Tuesday.

Reblog: 22 Degree Solar Halo

We were out at Finn River Farm (in Chimacum, Washington, about 10 miles south of Port Townsend) getting some dinner and were waiting outside. It was …

22 Degree Solar Halo

A stunning solar halo photo from Allan at Allan J Jones Photo Blog. Please click the link above to see more of Allan’s beautiful nature photography.

November Prospects

We’re very definitely entering our grey, rainy season.

Sunny days are becoming rare; it’s more likely that we will only see glimpses or bits of pink or orange.

The bright and beautiful autumn colours helped alleviate the grey for a while, but there aren’t many of them left now.

They’re on footpaths and sidewalks, in parking lots and on benches, but soon they will be gone with the wind.

The ever hopeful ducks always gently approach looking for a little handout, and it’s always a treat to see them, whether it’s grey outside or not.

I used to give them quinoa which is a healthy choice for them, but the city has really made it very clear that they’re not to be fed unless there’s an unusual cold snap, and in that case they will do it. After all, they are sort of city pets.

Happy Monday.