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.
Happy Thursday.
Victoria Ferry
Tag Archives: nature
Winter Garden
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.
Sunny Mountaintops
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.
Reblog: Fylingdales Mist
I love early, misty mornings. Last year, I was driving through Fylingdales Moor in North Yorkshire, and as I went by, the early morning mist lay on …
Fylingdales Mist
Please click the link above to view this full set of beautiful misty morning photos from James Elkington. If you’re interested in photography, browsing through James’s site is time well spent.
Clearing Skies
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!
I also found these dianthus (also known as sweet william) blooming prettily in a protected spot. Even their lovely scent was still noticeable.
We are supposed to get freezing rain tomorrow, but we’ll see what materialises: nothing, I hope!
Happy Sunday.
Ornamental Grasses
Autumn is soon ending and winter is officially starting on December 21, so there aren’t many of those lovely fall colours left, but they’re not completely gone.
There are lots of grasses still and some of them are beautiful. I find that this one almost looks like a weaving.
On second thought, it’s not so much the colour as the texture of these grasses that I find so appealing. We are suddenly getting some very cold winds, so seeing these lovely plants is somehow very comforting.
Happy weekend.
Tree Lights
Many of the parks are showing off some pretty seasonal decorations.
A very lovely and effective response to our short daylight days!
Happy Thursday.
Reblog: A Week of Flowers | Day Five
Cathy of Words and Herbs is inviting everyone to join in with her annual “Week of Flowers” to spread colour and cheer just when we need it most as …
A Week of Flowers | Day Five
Another of Hey Jude’s lovely photos for the Week of Flowers project. To join in, please click the link above. It’s wonderful to see these summer flowers at this time of year.
Early December
Happy Wednesday.
Winter Sunset Part 1
We recently had a beautiful winter sunset.
The very air around us was enveloped in the loveliest pink hue.
The weather conditions were perfect: a calm lake, snow in the mountains and a beautiful gloaming light …
… bathing a lone duck in a flawlessly rosy reflection.
Happy Tuesday.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 