Nature's Peace

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

~ John Muir

So as usual, I'm at least a half season behind with my posts. I'm guessing that you won't mind too much if we revisit the golden hues of autumn as she appeared just a few weeks ago. These few hours were spent around Little Lake - just a twenty minute walk from my place.


This vivid contrast of yellow and blue greeted me just outside of the Peterborough Art Gallery, one sunny afternoon.






This is one of its leaves back lit by the sun. I bumped up the contrast a bit.





Many but not most of the leaves had fallen by then. They're all gone now that it's a few weeks later. But this was then.






Across Little Lake, the trees were lit with gold as the afternoon sunlight breathed its fire on them.






In a matching coloured kayak, this boater paddled into their brilliant reflection.






Just one week after, most of the leaves had fallen but there were a few holdouts who were keeping their picnic tables available for a hopeful outdoor lunch.






This is the same tree you saw in the first image. One week and strong winds made all the difference.






The clouds above the dock reminded me of white birds taking off in flight.






And then this happened.






This wispy stem was gently blown about in the breeze, challenging me to freeze it for just a second.






The evening proudly wore her autumn best in the eastern sky, promising another day to enjoy with camera in hand.

I'll see you with those images soon.

Cherished to the Full

Each golden day was cherished to the full, for one had the feeling that each must be the last. Tomorrow it would be winter.

~ Elizabeth Enright

November 3rd was an amazingly warm day in Peterborough. Sweatshirts and jackets remained hung in the closet since nothing more than a t-shirt was required for a walk in the park. Well yeah, I did wear jeans too.


Brilliant sunshine illuminated the last of autumn's intense colours, set off by the bright blue waters of Little Lake and the Otonabee River.





Occasionally, a Canada goose or two would feel mildly threatened by my approach, causing them to take wing and land in the safety of the water.





Soon all of them were frantically making their way into the lake. They were never all that concerned with my presence before. What's that all about?






Ah, there's the proud little culprit.





The harbour was empty of boats which are all packed away for the winter.





Don't these mooring posts look like they've all been caught robbing a bank? Come out with your hands up!






This is The Union Sculpture which was commissioned by the Peterborough District Labour Council to honour the history of the local labour movement.




The fluffy white plumes of ornamental grass sway like a June bride's veil flowing in the breeze. I could easily believe it was a balmy day, five months earlier.





The temperature rose to 24C (75F) which is practically unheard of for November around here. It was as if summer had lost her way and needed a place to stay for a day or two. And Ontario was happy to accommodate her.






And this man, dressed for this gift of warmth, was happy to oblige the ducks by tossing out crackers and bread for them to enjoy.





It wasn't long before the gulls caught on to the offered treats. They swarmed the area making it difficult for the mallards to feast.





Crossing from one shore to the other was a slow-moving Canadian Pacific Railway train.





One of a few mini islands off the shores of Peterborough. I wonder if the driftwood happened naturally or if it was placed there.





It would seem that not all of us are happy with the return of the warm weather. This guy appears to be waiting patiently for a patch of ice on which to play his hockey game. He might have his wish soon. Today, I saw a few snow flurries.

Till next year, Summer. I'll be happy to greet you, once again.