September 2022 (Weeks 131-134)

 08 September 2022 - the end of an era.  Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth.

Throughout Canada (and the Commonwealth) flags were lowered to half mast.

And now to think there’s a whole generation, or more, that will grow up knowing nothing but a King.

I started the month of September in Toronto, then went to Bayfield for a little while, back to TO, and even had a couple of day in Niagara Falls at the end of the month.  No big adventures to talk about, simply living life, usually with my camera (or phone) nearby, so I just take pictures of what catches my eye.  On the days when I don’t have any plans I always try and get out for a walk, sometimes returning to trails I’ve done before and enjoy, and also looking for new places.

One of Toronto’s Fire Rescue boats.

This was an art exhibit entitled “Flipping the Canoe” which consisted of three sculptures on the grounds of Todmorden Mills (one of Toronto’s historical sites).  Repurposed canoes have been manipulated into alternative configurations that disrupt common idealistic associations with this beloved boat.  These canoes have been cut, twisted and re-assembled into anthropomorphized creatures that crawl and tunnel across the landscape.  Meshing the traditional elements of the canoe’s bow, yoke, keel and gunnels with elements reminiscent of heavy excavating equipment, these hybrid beasts appear to dredge, gouge and burrow the soil.  Each serves as a metaphor for the historical legacy of settler intervention on the land. 

The first weekend in September is always the air show here in Toronto.  I took myself to a spot where I knew I’d be able to see some / most of the show…for free!  Above is a CC-130 Hercules, and below the Northern Stars and an F-35!!

A signet - looking more like an adult swan with each passing month.

Adults and signets (babies) together.

Once school goes back, Toronto beaches are the perfect place to be on gorgeous September days … you have them almost all to yourself!!

After the heat of the summer most of the beautiful, colourful flowers are gone, so those that remain are always such a welcome sight!

What’s this??? No - it’s only 13 September, too early for the leaves to be changing!!  I’m not ready to give up on summer yet!!

Phew - back to the autumn flowers!

And yes, back to Lake Huron sunsets too.

The signs of fall are everywhere though…

Although these closely resemble true crocuses, these autumn crocuses (also known as ‘naked ladies’ because the flowers appear from the ground long before the leaves do) are a completely different flower family.

Just down the beach, one of my neighbours is having some reinforcement work done to help with erosion. It always strikes me as odd to see heavy machinery down on the beach.  Must admit, it’s fun to watch though!

Sun rises can be pretty spectacular too!

Didn’t think there was going to be any sunset at all tonight - but all it takes is a small gap in the clouds!

Although my reason for being in Niagara Falls wasn’t good (funeral of a dear friend’s father), I did have the opportunity to do a little bit of sightseeing while I was there.

This cable car goes from Canada to Canada, but also crosses the international boundary with the United States on the way.  It crosses in and then out of the United States because of the bend in the river.

The Niagara River

The floral clock, mid-way between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Being here gave me the opportunity to see the fall - both American and Canadian - lit up at night.

American Falls

Canadian Falls

The Welland Canal, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.  It contains 8 locks and enables ships to ascend and descend the Niagara Escarpment and bypass Niagara Falls.  It forms a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes Waterway.

Not quite the same as being at the lake, but occasionally there’s a sunset in Toronto that’s photo worthy.