Tag Archives: Landscapes

nature, Photography

It’s Unquestionably November

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We don’t get a lot of snow here; it’s more likely to be rain, especially in November and December, and today I really feel that November has arrived. We are socked in by rain and the very low late autumn/early winter cloud has settled into the valley.

When I talk of rain, I mean here at the valley floor, but in the surrounding mountains it’s snow; all the ski operators must be keeping their fingers crossed for good conditions!

Despite the conditions we did have a bit of clearing for an hour or so …

… but the clouds quickly returned to enclose us once more.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Japanese Garden Tour

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Not far from my home is a lovely Japanese friendship garden; Penticton has been a sister city with Ikeda, Japan – located in the Nakagawa District of Tokachi in Hokkaido – since 1977 and this garden is in honour of that relationship. I frequently walk through it as I like to see ongoing seasonal changes and it’s also a very comforting, peaceful place.

There are tranquil paths …

… a koi pond with a fountain …

… and best of all, it was painstakingly and artistically planned to ensure that it would be visually appealing all through the seasons.

Spring petals decorating the pond’s surface …

… and autumn leaves doing the same.

The garden abuts Okanagan Lake which even in summer can be seen through the trees and contributes further to the soothing atmosphere.

In winter, this garden is still serene and relaxing. If it’s warm enough, a little time on one of the benches can be a lovely way to decompress.

Right now however it’s displaying the best of autumn, including the fiery red lace leaf maple bushes that are at their most beautiful.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

After the Storm

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A very windy, very rainy storm passed through the valley and brought a heavy, dark, moisture-laden overcast. After storming all day, it started to clear toward late afternoon.

Those heavy clouds broke up, the wind dropped off and the sun shone.

Orphan clouds hung about for a bit, but they didn’t last long …

… and there was enough of the day left to give us a pretty sunset.

Here it is from one angle …

… and from another.

Happy Sunday.

Reblogs

Reblog: Backlit Fall Colors

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Backlit Fall Colors 1 More images from the fall colors along the Dosewallips River trail in the Olympic National Forest. The maples here usually are …

Backlit Fall Colors

Allan at Allan J Jones Photo Blog posted these stunningly beautiful autumn images from the Dosewallips River Trail in the Olympic National Forest, Washington. Please click the link above to see more of his gorgeous nature photography.

nature, Photography

Picture Jumble

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These are October pictures that I like but haven’t posted before as I chose to publish others from the same sets in more cohesive ways.

Petunias from a large pot on my deck; they’ve been beautiful all summer and are actually still blooming.

Yellowing ginkgo biloba leaves – I love the shape of them. Ginkgo biloba trees are ancient; they’re part of the fossil record.

A path through the Japanese Garden; I walk there probably two or three times a week. It’s peaceful, calming and beautiful.

The stages of autumn change are shown through a colourful ash tree, some dried ornamental grasses and in the foreground, grape vines.

This clump of dahlias looked particularly pretty against the blue sky.

Autumn is beautiful and can be beautifully surprising with its colours, skies, and often, lovely temperatures. There’s probably nothing better than sitting outside in comfortable, glorious autumn temperatures, the season settling and relaxing into a luminous winter.

Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile. ~ William Cullen Bryant 

nature, Photography

October Perspectives

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We had a very hazy sunset that was followed by another wind and rain storm. At times the wind reached 80 km (50 miles).

It seems that this autumn, we have to enjoy its beauties while peering around or avoiding the storms.

I hope this means that the weather is blowing itself out and we will have a gentle little winter!

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

Marvellous Maples

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The Canadian red maple trees are turning.

Ranging in autumn colour from light orange to fire engine red, these trees are very hardy and thrive in a wide variety of climate and soil conditions.

Although they look lovely throughout the year, they absolutely shine during autumn. There are groves, thickets and entire forests of red maples throughout this country which is one reason why they are our national symbol.

The other reason? They’re tough, hardy and resilient. 🇨🇦

Happy Thursday.