Old Autumn

I saw old Autumn in the misty morn

Stand, shadowless like Silence, listening

To Silence.

~ Thomas Hood

Most of these photos were taken during a walk or two back in October and September.


Colours were still pretty much in full display along the shores of Little Lake in Peterborough.






This couple was enjoying the day's warmth.






As were these two.






This little cutie's colours shone in the late day sunlight.






All dressed up and nowhere to go.






This Liftlock cruise boat was sailing right into the rainbow.






I guess this was its turnaround point for the tour.






That boat sailed alone but this honking flotilla numbered thirty.






And our sweet little mallard friend is waving them through.






There is a rather large community of boaters who stay moored to the harbour throughout summer and early autumn.






The setting sun makes the building across the lake appear as if it's all ablaze.






Good to know that the fire department is always ready – just in case.

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.