Thursday, March 15, 2012

Kersplash!

So here we are, halfway through March and we're still wondering if we're going to be dumped upon by the winter that never was.

Last week, Frank and I were at his place. We decided to take a drive down to the lakefront (Lake Ontario is just a few minutes from his home) to watch the waves roll in. It was a warmer day than usual for March (par for the course, this winter) and the winds were coming from the south. Since we're on the northern shore of the lake, this meant that spring would be blowing in from our American neighbours across the pond.

It was mild enough in town, but when we got closer to the water, the temperatures dropped considerably. Our winter jackets were still most welcomed.

trumpeter
Just offshore, we saw this beautiful Trumpeter swan bearing yellow identification tag C15. A quick Google search gave me a bit of information about this lovely creature. The Trumpeter Swan Society of Ontario has interesting details about our local swans on their blog. Reading through the comments which reference C15, I learned that this particular swan is relaxed, friendly, has been known to wander along the roadside and is comfortable enough around humans to eat out of their hands. She displayed none of this when we saw her. She was just floating around and grazing on goodies in the water.





tree down
We wandered along the shoreline for a bit but understandably stopped short of this fallen tree.





rolling waves
Another quick ride in the car brought us to a different part of the shoreline where the waves were crashing quite enthusiastically.




goosewave
This Canada goose seemed rather unperturbed about the incoming waves.





kersplash4
I had fun watching the water come crashing and kersplashing in. I wasn't close to this activity so my camera stayed nice and dry.




kersplash3
Gotta love a zoom lens.


So those south winds brought us some pleasant, spring weather. The week was warming up nicely with the promise of winter's end.




magnolia snow
And then this happened.


Not to worry. It didn't last long. Hours later, there was no sign of winter's blast, and today, as I type this, there are tiny leaf buds beginning to appear everywhere. It was a warm 17C (63F) and I walked around snapping photos. I'll have some of those for you in a few days.

Thanks always for joining me.

54 comments:

Brian Miller said...

smiles...love the zoom and the sea spray and those fallen trees....it has been in the 70s and 80s here all week...def feeling like spring here....

Tabor said...

Well, spring has morphed into summer here and it is mid-March! Windows open day and night and weather almost too warm to sit out in the afternoons. Hoping that summer is not three months of over 100F. It thus, we might send some your way as well.

Anonymous said...

Wild...

DJan said...

Isn't it amazing that you can learn so much about that swan? We have wind and rain today but it's been a stormy and mild winter here, too. Today will get close to 50 F. 63 in March? In Canada?

As usual, your pictures inspire me to keep on trying to get shots like these!

Hilary said...

Incredible how big 'Lake' Ontario is......and beautiful, too.

Shammickite said...

You're so right, the is the winter than never was. I don't think my snow tires had to drive on a snowy road more than once or twice all winter so far. Of course, there's still time for the "big one". There are a pair of swans on our local reservoir pond every year, probably trumpeters. I'll have to see if they are tagged..... unfortunately they are usually at the far end of the water and I don't have one of those magical zoom lenses.

NitWit1 said...

I love the zoom lens effect; took me a minute to absorb how you did it, but I did. I spend some time playing with zoomin in and out and playing with exposure speed and f stops but became busy which interupted my play study. Another feature I like to play with, is panning, to show speed. Have only one old good shot of that.

i love the sudden change of weather. Sounds like Arkansas. All our native plants are out early, which makes me dread summer, but I remind myself we did not have a severe winter. Small blessings count to.

Kerri Farley said...

WOW - I LOVE those splashes! And how cool to learn about that Swan :) Great post!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

It reached 78 degrees Fahrenheit here yesterday, Hilary. It's just weird. I loved the photos of the waves. There's just something about waves, isn't there? I could sit and watch and listen to them for hours...with a good book at hand, of course.

Daryl said...

it was over 60 here yesterday at 7 a.m. and today at 7 a.m. it was in the 40s .. skitzo weather ... i am so envious of those waves breaking and the splash you got .. i love water shots and am learning to do them better .. like your's!

Sueann said...

I enjoyed my walk along the beach with the two of you. Loved the crashing waves. Beautiful photos!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Elizabeth Grimes said...

Well, you've got more snow than us so far! So strange, the lack of winter. That swan sighting is a real treasure, and your water droplets caught in mid-air, makes such a neat photo!

Anvilcloud said...

Nice looking swan on a less than spectacular day. Still, it's been a great week here in Eastern Ontario. Early last week, there was plenty of snow on the ground. Now, there is hardly any -- just a bit where it's been banked.

Anonymous said...

Those are some really nice wave action shots!

Yes, winter is gone in our part of the country... glad to hear it's leaving you alone too!

ellen abbott said...

great pics as usual. waves on a lake. that surprises me.

messymimi said...

You make it look like fun to be a drop of water.

Red said...

A good variety of photos from the lake shore with a good story as always. No Ice? It''ll be a couple of months before we lose the ice.

CiCi said...

Trouble leaving a comment here.
That is a good way of saying it: the winter that never was. Normally there is snow piled high here in March, not so this year. We are wearing shorts!

TexWisGirl said...

love the splash photos. :)

Liz Mays said...

That fallen tree was really beautiful, and it's neat that you were able to investigate the swan a little bit more!

LadyFi said...

Love the falling snow in that last shot! And oh, that tree - fallen but not defeated!

Gillian Olson said...

The weather this time of year is so changable, we have had blue skies, wind, snow and rain in the past week too. Love those crashing waves, make me feel very cozy sitting here in front of the screen.

Frank Baron said...

Jeepers, I'm still drying off from the spray and you've already got a blog post done! And a good one! Well done, dear. :)

stephen Hayes said...

I've never seen the Great Lakes but they look awesome. I understand a seventh of all the world's fresh water is contained in them. Great pictures as usual.

Dianne said...

I love to watch the waves roll and crash against rocks, you really captured what's so wonderful about that
it is 40 degrees cooler today than it was yesterday
I'm so confused

Rob-bear said...

Ah, spring in Ontario. On the prairies, we're very dry, and at 15°C, a bit too warm for this time of year.

However, the Canada Geese are back on the river. They're very chatty, and getting very territorial.

Thanks for sharing your delightful (as always) pictures.

Anyes said...

Those waves sure packed a punch, beautiful photographs, Hilary.

We are having the same crazy weather here well, except the warmer temperatures I guess.

Suldog said...

I've always been of two minds concerning tagging animals. I know the good that can come of it, but my first thought, upon seeing your photo, was that humans had taken a lovely creature and destroyed the symmetry. Just my two cents (worth less with inflation.)

laveta'splace said...

Love that swan. I wonder who followed him around enough to gage his personality. If I saw that tag and didn't think to look up information on him, I would have just thought he was tagged as a trouble maker the way they do bears.

Pearl said...

I love watching the waves come crashing in. So threatening, and yet so confined. My kind of danger. :-)

Pearl

Anonymous said...

Ah, spring is so fickle!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Great water action. Yes,you definitely want a zoom lens here,to protect the camera.

beth said...

wow...those were some serious waves....kind of scary and still very cold looking !!

Anita said...

How can anyone NOT be mesmerized by water - from the tinest creek to the big ocean. Nice photos as always. I hope you and Frank are enjoying your outings as much as your photos depict.

Practically summer in Virginia. Go figure. :)

Bob Bushell said...

Wow, I bet that you will get wet, but, no snow. The Trumpeter Swan is fantastic, a beautiful photo.

Indrani said...

Interesting how the swan carries its identification marks.
Fantastic focus in your shots Hilary.

ds said...

Well that is one glorious swan : ) I don't believe the trumpeters come this far south--every one I have seen has had an orange beak/bill...Always amazed that the Great Lakes have waves. Like the vast inland seas of their past that they haven't quite let go of. Gorgeous photos, Hilary. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

How cool to find out about the swan!

Mental P Mama said...

Always a treat! Since we had our October blizzard and nothing else, I'm wondering what Easter will bring...:)

Dawning Inspiration said...

I'm stuck on that swan... so graceful.
I still think we'll get a bit more snow... we'll see though!

Cheryl Kohan said...

What fun to see that swan and learn about it! The photos are all beautiful, as usual. I could almost feel the chill in that spray!

lime said...

aw, the picture of the swan made me think of my favorite EB White story. i always loved Trumpet of the Swan. have you ever read it?

Joanna Jenkins said...

Tagging and tracking swans on a blog-- How cool is THAT!!!
xo jj

Unknown said...

I admit to preferring the crazy weather over the long drawn out winter though...
And I am in agreement with a previous commenter- the tagging thing you know? I get it , but it's so ugly .

Enjoy your weekend Hilary!

Russell said...

I really enjoyed this little get away - thanks!!

I am sitting here this morning correcting papers for a college class I teach and this was the perfect break! I can hear and smell that water as it crashes up on the beach. Love the downed tree - always fun to explore such things.

And then you got some winter, heh?! Whoa ...!!

You do live in one of God's special places. The combination of the lake and trees and all that goes with it is quite nice.

Take care.

Betty Manousos said...

love the snow photo. dreamy and magical!
absolutely love seeing that tumpeter swan too.

what a beautiful post!thanks for taking me along.

xo

Rita said...

Love your shots! We are spending March in Victoria with rain and cold and windstorms. At home in northern Ontario; it is 15-18*. ...Should have stayed home.
Rita

Sarah Knight said...

Looks like it was a beautiful trip, weather or not!
: )

SandyCarlson said...

What a beautiful presentation. I love the way the light and moisture become the snow by the last frame.

Glo said...

Looks like you live by the ocean! ~ of course a very large lake can seem so, especially with those crashing waves. Really enjoyed your splashing/smashing photos.

Barb said...

From friendly swan, to splashing waves, to snow - I enjoyed all the photos. My favorite is the third where the tree looks like it's reaching toward the water.

Hilary said...

Thanks everyone for your visits and always-kind words. They're so appreciated. :)

Lisa said...

Amazing photos you take on walks or rides. Loved your view Hilary. Fantastic and refreshing. Stunning.

Ruby said...

I love the swan and the splashing waves. Beautiful photos as usual!