All Around These Northern Towns

It's easy to forget Toronto is a northern town. We do all we can to ignore the changing seasons. We shuffle across slippery sidewalks on sneakers and hang out on patios almost until the snow flies. When bad weather does hit we have to admit that it's nothing like they get up north or out west or face the ridicule of all those people who live in the 'real' north.

But the fact remains that Toronto is a northern town. I was reminded of this yesterday when I took the following pictures:






Not bad for 4:30 in the afternoon.

Wandering the Islands

My sisters Charity and Nikki came down to the city for the night last week. It was a great time. They used hotwire and got a great rate on a really nice hotel that just happened to be next to the ferry docks. On Friday, we took the ferry across to the islands, rented some bikes and explored. It was their first time over there. Truly one of the Toronto's (not so) hidden gems.

(My sisters have final approval on all shots I took of them so no pics of them until (and if) they approve)



It sure is a lot quieter in the first week after Labour Day. I kind of like it that way.


My trusty rented steed. It's been so long since I had a bike with coaster brakes. Has me seriously thinking of getting a new bike by spring.


My sister Charity took this one. You do get a great view of the city from the islands.




No idea who these people are but it made for a nice shot.


The view from my sisters' hotel room. If they faced the other way, it would be endless condos for as far as the eye can see. Well, maybe not that far but you get the picture.

5 Bucks

I went to the CNE on Tuesday night. After 5 in the evening it is only 5 bucks to get in. Which worked perfectly for me because I really just wanted to photograph the midway in the evening.

I wasn't the only one with that idea. There was a photography club out with a bunch of really big expensive cameras and tripods. It was kind of interesting watching them set up for their perfect shots. Me, I just wandered and shot. No tripod (though I may bring one next year) but I was able to find enough fences and garbage cans to provide stability when I needed it.

Nothing says summer is ending like a midway on a clear evening:

My Weekend in Sarnia - music, friends and chess

I spent a great but far too short weekend in Sarnia. Lots of visiting, some chess and some great music. Next time, I need to stay longer.

Ezio, one of my oldest friends and one of the most talented musicians / painters / artists I know.

My friend Adam got some local students to paint the wall out back of his music studio.

Ezio's cat will only drink out of a mug.

Did I mention that I love my new camera?