Grenadier Pond, High Park, Toronto

September 12, 2014 by Created by RCW

As the last days of summer plummet into autumn in Toronto, I decided to make a pilgrimage across town to High Park, a vast wooded acreage (hectarage?) in the city’s West end. Where I expected to wander the woods, however, I ended up spending almost all of my time along the shores of Grenadier Pond.

: A tranquil oasis in the city

: There’s fishing and catching…this was fishing

: A gull catches a breeze

: Two ducks come to check on the photographer

: Rumours of a Toronto croc abound

: Safe on the dark water, a duck slowly winds its way through the underbrush

: The ducks were more apt to approach than depart

: Two swans search for food

: Keeping literally one eye on me

: One duck stands sentinel over its sleeping compatriots

: Two streams take their time mixing

: Through a break in the trees, the old man surveys my activities

For a little of the mythology of Grenadier Pond (and those pesky invading Americans), there’s a nice piece in the Toronto Standard.

Truth (an observation)

September 10, 2014 by Created by RCW

Only in my second half-century of existence am I beginning to understand the scale of this truth.

No life guard on duty

Winding woods

August 30, 2014 by Created by RCW

Taking a mini-vacation and so started with a slow wander through a wooded ravine near home.

: The manicured trail parallels a small creek

: Two small moths align on a leaf

: A collection of berries peek through the fence grating

: A group of sparrows flock around a small eddy in a creek

: The spider waits patiently in his fence post lair

: Yellow was the colour of the week, it seems

: Wasn’t expecting the flock to take off so suddenly

: A wasp gathers mud, for a nest, no doubt

: Stretching its legs between rests

: Quite willing to have his photo taken

: Some of the bees struggled to fly they were so laden with pollen

: The wasp picks at the goldenrod flowers

: I was his lunchtime entertainment

: Birds are blurry, but I was after the ripple effect

Park near home – Part Two

August 12, 2014 by Created by RCW

And the further adventures of a man with a camera…and a supermoon-lit night.

: I like the contrast with the yellow flowers behind

: The blue background was a perfect contrast for the flower

: Don’t strain your eyes…just liked the noise of the underbrush

: The afternoon sun had these guys quite active

: The reds seem to hide in the tall grass

: This bee wastes little time on individual flowers

: Stopping for a quick nosh, the yellow moth rarely rested

: The supermoon is extra bright tonight

: People dot the beach trying to get a photo of the moon

Park near home – Part One

August 11, 2014 by Created by RCW

That is, a park near home…not a request that you park your car near your home.

No special reason for these photos (and the next batch) other than I needed some exercise.

: Red-winged blackbird munches on a beetle

: A largely unused gazebo centres the park

: These flowers almost seem candied the colours are so rich

: Could never get the male to stay with the female cardinal

: Simple fountain spews up in the middle of the park

: Didn’t see the fly until I worked on the image

: This little wasp almost appears to be two creatures she thins so

: This one followed me for some time to make sure I left the area

: This is a new bee species for me…seems related to bumble

: I had wondered if I would see any amphibious activity

Gone buggy

August 2, 2014 by Created by RCW

Another beautiful Friday afternoon in my neighbourhood means another day to haul the camera out .

A few exo-skeletoned flappers from Toronto’s The Beaches district.

: These lollipop-like flowers were all the rage today

: The bee would flit from ball to ball

: Could watch these guys harvest all day

: These butterflies just refuse to rest

: Must be the only one who walks toward bees, wasps and hornets

: Only ladybug of the day

: A wrestling match of sorts

: Until one of the bees let go and fell away

: Finally, he stopped to display his lovely colours

: Between bright sun and yellow plastic, this spider was aglow

: The bumble almost fit completely within these flowers

: Hard to get good contrast on this image but liked the combination

: Goofing with my b/w-colour game

Beaches Jazz Festival – Toronto

July 27, 2014 by Created by RCW

This weekend is the 26th Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival in the east end of Toronto, an oddly named celebration of eclectic music of all origins and stripes…not just jazz. In fact, in two years that I have visited this festival, I have yet to hear jazz more than 10% of the time.

Nonetheless, it is a very well attended party that keeps me largely locked in my home for three nights as it takes up 20+ blocks of street closures.

After being coerced into the melee by a couple of friends today, I offer the following images.

: The day was sunny and so was the eager crowd

: Sales were apparently starting to pick up for this cherub

: The shorter guitarist struggled to keep up

: This young guitarist seemed unimpressed

: For a guy entertaining kids, he looks pretty serious

: This Greek band definitely gave the street a Mediterranean feel

: As if one neck wasn’t more than enough

: The percussionist was a man of many talents

: The hat was everywhere on the strip

: People of all races joined into the festivities

: He didn’t specify what year he was awarded his prize

: Man could definitely rock the accordion

: They just showed up to have their picture taken

: High energy, high tempo, high spirits

: The young singer wanted the world to know her feelings

: Keyboardist never flinched a muscle

: Love the dog’s look of “What the…?”

: Although not actually playing blues

: She croons lovingly into the mics ear

: Guitarist has a great evening

: The festival gives you a 360 degree view of things

: A group at the waffle cart crowd in for a selfie

Sleeping With The Teacher sketch

July 18, 2014 by Created by RCW

A little something from my days at Toronto’s Second City Training Centre.

Thanks to the lovely acting talents of Nicholas Lemon and Connor Thompson.

Day at the Beach – Not Feathers

July 15, 2014 by Created by RCW

Birds seemed to be my primary focus on Sunday while I wandered the boardwalk in the east end of Toronto.

Today, it is the grand compilation of everybody else.

: I wanted the boat to be clear, but I now think I prefer it this way

: Every year I see new and wonderful insects in the area…going to have to look this guy up

: These roses have become like wildflowers around the city

: For the clink of coin, this guy will probably play Jailhouse Rock

: Squirrels are like pigeons with fur in Toronto…but cuter

: This pup gamely went out time after time when his owner couldn’t manage to hold onto the ball

: The flies were out in force today, but can you fault anyone who likes roses?

: The wind was high and so was the kite, which threatened to pull him off his feet

: A couple ants were tending their flower bed

: The island airport (Billy Bishop) is not far from my home

: This was my first wild rabbit in the city…almost missed him, he was so small

: It would seem snails believe nutrition remains in other’s leavings.

: My beloved city skyline framed

Day at the Beach – Feathers

July 14, 2014 by Created by RCW

So, despite some early morning rain, Sunday ended up being a beautiful hot day in Toronto. And where better to spend such a day than wandering the boardwalk along Lake Ontario in the east end of the city.

At first, I wondered where the hell everyone was…the beach was almost deserted. Had traffic and construction finally gotten the better of everyone? And then it dawned on me: World Cup!

The day got that much more beautiful.

I’ll have another set of photos tomorrow, but here are some images of the birds that came out to play. Not all are technically wonderful photos…mostly a sign of how bright it was, how far off the birds were and/or how much I still have to learn about using my camera.

Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy.