The First Colours of Spring at Great Falls

After a long and cold winter, Spring was  enthusiastically welcomed in Waterdown Ontario last night with the lighting up of Great Falls. Thanks to Chris Ecklund and his group of volunteers from the City of Waterfalls initiative http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca, this beautiful waterfall was seen by the many who came out, in colourful splendour.

For the first 15 minutes, the falls were lit up in red, in tribute to Sergeant Joseph Doiron, a Canadian soldier who was killed in Iraq 2 weeks ago.

After that, the colours changed to the hues of Spring.

The spring colours mixed with the significant water flow of Great Falls created a brilliant effect, very much appreciated by the many photographers and lovers of the outdoors who attended.

A job well done to the volunteers and a great way to kickstart the Spring season in this beautiful area that we call home.

Winter in Lasalle Park

“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless prospect of magic and wonder.” - Ansel Adams

Walking the quiet trails of Lasalle Park in Burlington this morning, I was struck by the simple beauty of the woods and of the waterfront area. A layer of fresh snow blanketed everything in white and the air felt crisp and clean.

Approaching the shoreline, the call of waterfowl became increasingly louder. Like a squadron of jet fighters returning from a mission, scores of swans and geese glide in precise formation into the area, joining their noisy comrades on the frozen lake.

It was neat to get off the trail and walk on the lake, a rare and unfamiliar perspective of the shoreline making my visit to a familiar destination new again.

The waterfowl called out warnings as I approached them but with patience, I was able to get very close. I stayed and enjoyed their company but eventually retreated when a large swan decided that I had overstayed my welcome.

A beautiful park made that much more striking with the impact of a fresh snowfall, I look forward to returning again soon to enjoy more magic and wonder.

It's a New Year and the Trails are Calling

January 1, 2015. A new year, just full of promise and new possibilities, a fresh page as they say.

Like many, my thoughts turn to resolutions, goals and plans and one of mine certainly, is to devote more time to the things I love, with hiking being very near the top of that list.

With that on mind, I ventured out this morning with my always willing and eager canine companion and headed to a favourite stretch of the Bruce Trail. The trail that runs between Sherman Falls and Canterbury Falls is beautiful; rocky, hilly and picturesque with a couple of beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.

The look of the water covered in ice, surrounded by rock and the remaining fall leaves is particularly nice and I enjoyed the workout of traversing the hilly trail under grey skies and a cool wind.

The trail as it approaches Canterbury Falls provides great views of the valley below, particularly now with the trees void of their leaves.

A great trail and a fitting way to kick off 2015. Thank you for your readership and comments through this past year. Please accept my very best wishes to you for a happy and healthy new year filled with  outdoor adventures.

Cam

Enjoying Fall by Kayak

I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that this years paddling season was over. That is until my friend and fellow explorer James Kempf messaged me with an offer to hit the waterways one more time.

An overcast Saturday morning and favourable temperatures made the offer irresistible and so it was that I found myself enjoying the fall colours from the comfort of my kayak.

This area is blessed with numerous locations of which to explore by water and the added benefit of the waters reflection just makes it that much more spectacular.

We enjoyed the sight of geese and other birds, the quiet and the brilliant colours and crisp clean air that makes Autumn my favourite of the seasons.

Don't miss out. Before we know it winter will have arrived so be sure that you get out and explore. Whether by mountain bike, on foot or by water it is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the amazing scenery that surrounds us.

Fall in the Valley

As we say goodbye to summer we are treated to the spectacular beauty that is fall in the valley. If you haven't yet been out to walk the fall trails, now is the time. The colours are not at their absolute peak yet, but they are getting awfully close.

Walking the trail to the Dundas Peak yesterday, I met many walkers along the way, all out enjoying the views and the clean crisp air. 

I never tire of the view from the peak. With the town I love down below and the Spencer Valley on display, it is a beautiful sight at any time of year, but particularly right now.

If you haven't yet gone out I would encourage you to. You can thank me later. 😄

Exploring Carroll's Bay

I spent time this weekend paddling through sleepy little coves. I saw dozens of turtles sunning themselves on logs and watched countless fish jumping in the calm water.

Regal looking Osprey watched me from their lofty perches and on a couple of occasions, flew past me with fish wriggling in their razor sharp talons.

Great Blue Herons stood as silent sentries along the shoreline or flew lazily overhead while everywhere around me, ducks, geese and swans went about their business seemingly oblivious to my intrusion.

 

What may be surprising to some is that in spite of being surrounded by all of this natural wonder, I hadn't even left the city and in fact was only minutes away from downtown Hamilton.

 

Carroll's Bay is located on the northwest side of Hamilton Harbour at the mouth of Grindstone Creek. The protection and oversight of this area is provided by the Royal Botanical Gardens. Their restorative efforts have been ambitious and have had an immensely positive impact on the return of Bald Eagles to this area as well as on the protection and sustainment of many other endangered and at risk species.

There is something magical about silently paddling into a protected cove on a calm foggy morning and discovering a couple of sailboats anchored there. Somehow it evokes a simpler time, a time of slower travel and lazier summers.

 

Pushing through, a large group of cormorants glared disapprovingly at me, vulture-like from atop their treetop perch. I left the water, tired and happy from a great work out and with the feeling that I had discovered yet another great local destination in the Hamilton area.

A special thank you to photographer Bryon O'Neill, who I had the privilege of meeting at Carroll's Bay. Please see more of his work at www.flickr.com/bryononeill
His photos shown above are used with permission.

Lights, Camera, Action!!

What is it about the combination of coloured lights and waterfalls that is so appealing? People flock from around the world to be awed by the sight of Niagara Falls lit up in colour each night, while here in the Hamilton area a similar phenomenon periodically takes place.

The City of Waterfalls initiative under the leadership of Chris Ecklund does an amazing job of promoting the many waterfalls of the area and the night time illuminations of these various falls is always worthwhile.

Perhaps more of an adventure than Niagara Falls in that getting there involves navigating the trails in the semi-darkness while hearing the sounds of rushing water increasing in intensity, a worthwhile experience in itself. When you eventually reach the falls the view is amazing as the light typically picks up nuances in the stone and water that may have gone unnoticed under regular daylight conditions.

I have had the opportunity to join Chris at many of these illuminations and last nights lighting up of Sherman Falls was like all those before it, a fantastic experience.

A good sized group of photographers, families and nature enthusiasts made it out and by all accounts, enjoyed every minute of it.

Keep an eye on the City of Waterfalls Facebook page to find out when the next illuminations are taking place. A worthwhile evening out, I promise you won't be disappointed.