Tag Archives: nature

nature, Photography

The Clear Waters of Cameron Lake

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One of the wonderful things about visiting a Rocky Mountain National Park is that you get to see the most crystal clear waters.

We were captivated by the stunningly clean water of Cameron Lake, one the many mountain lakes in Waterton National Park.

It’s a magnificently beautiful lake and on the day we visited, we had blue skies and warm but not hot temperatures.

We hiked a short (3 km/1.9 mi) section of the lake and were surprised to learn that three borders converge at the lake’s southern end: Alberta’s, British Columbia’s and Montana’s.

The chances of seeing a grizzly are fairly high in this area and precautions must always be taken when hiking here; we were keen to stay out of their way!

We were in complete awe of the beauty surrounding us and enjoyed every second we were there.

nature, Photography

Waterton National Park

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Waterton National Park is in the southwest corner of Alberta between the Rocky Mountains and the prairies. Named after conservationist Charles Waterton, it borders Glacier National Park in the United States and is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The blue dot marks the park; the grey line just to the south of it delineates the Canada-U.S. border.

Often overshadowed by its more famous sibling parks Banff and Jasper, it contains 505 square kilometres (195 sq. miles) of wilderness and mountains with stunning scenery and fantastic hiking trails among its many mountain lakes.

Upper Waterton Lake

The lakes frequently display the intense blue, green or greenish-blue colours of glacial run-off that is often found in the Rocky Mountains.

We had beautiful weather for our first day of hikes and although it was quite windy at times we didn’t mind.

Nevertheless we’re not used to hiking at 1800 metres (6000 ft) or pushing in windy conditions and by mid-afternoon we were ready to return to our hotel to recuperate before dinner!

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

First Day of Autumn

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Today is the first day of autumn so unfortunately, summer is officially over. It’s also a Monday though and because of that I hope these late summer scenes ease you through yet another weekly start.

A warm beach …

… a pretty tea rose …

… a transitioning hydrangea …

… and a sunny lake.

I hope your day goes well – happy autumn!

nature, Photography

Grasses

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Although in the northern hemisphere many of the flowers are beginning to fade, there are so many interesting grasses now coming into their own.

There is a multitude of them …

… in so many shapes and sizes …

… and colours, too …

… so varied and pretty …

… as they go to seed in all their frondy, wispy glory.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

September 19’s Friday Fleurday

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Today’s fleurday has a visitor.

I saw this lovely dragonfly – technically, a blue-eyed darner – resting on one of the impatiens flowers hanging above our deck. I was very happy to see it because we have had a huge crop of spiders this year and dragonflies love to invite them for lunch!

This one seemed to be drowsing in the warmth of the sun; it rested there for about an hour before flying away on those transparently beautiful, gossamer wings; they’re so delicate looking but extremely strong.

I love the impatiens flowers but I love even more the fact that the dragonfly stopped for a little rest in my deck garden.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

September Beach

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We are still experiencing relatively high temperatures of 30-35C (86-95F) and as a result the beaches remain very busy as people try to cool off or just enjoy the last bits of summer before it drifts gently into autumn.

The evenings are very pleasant and the beaches still inviting as people continue to enjoy them after dark and even swimming in the summer-warm lake.

Happy mid-week.

nature, Photography

September

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We’re half-way through September and only a week away from the official start of autumn. Time certainly flies and next we will be entering winter! But before we go there, we have lovely September and especially those couple of shoulder weeks between summer and autumn that can be so glorious and enjoyable. Here are some recent September scenes that epitomise that magnificent, almost perfect, couple of weeks.

The counterpoint of deep green ginkgo biloba leaves against a clear blue sky is a beautiful sight.
A sign of autumn: red leaves are appearing on the azalea shrubs.
Another sure sign of autumn: the goldenrain trees are getting ready to drop their rust-coloured seed pods; they are edible after roasting.
Autumn stillness and calm is reflected in a pond’s surface.

Happy Tuesday.