Horne Lake - March 23-25, 2018

We headed out to our cabin on the weekend, somewhat reluctantly, as going out in the off-season is more work and the weather forecast wasn't promising. The weather turned out to be better than expected, but it was still cool - down to three degrees at night with highs of about 7 during the day.
We arrived Friday afternoon about three, got the fireplace, heater, and oven (all propane) going, and went for a walk while the cabin warmed up. Soon, it was time for dinner, and then I went out at dusk to a bluff a short walk from our cabin. No sunset, but beautiful twilight!





This second photo was taken a little after the first, and the lights across the bay are more visible; it was also a slower shutter speed (50 sec.); hence, the smooth water. (Susann likes the composition of the first one better though.)



Saturday morning I went to the Big Qualicum River mouth and was thrilled by all the bird action. Various kinds of ducks, geese, gulls, and a big flock of little sandpipers (at least that's what I think they were - maybe one of are birders can verify if I'm right).





The sandpiper flock was amazing - all turning en masse! How do they do that!




After an hour or so for this, my dog said, "This is for the birds," so off we went for a walk along the Big Q from the hatchery. Not much action here - a few mergansers and some songbirds was all. Still a beautiful walk, but it will be nicer when spring has sprung.



My clump of maples still danced for me, as usual.

And Chica posed nicely, as usual, too.

I didn't arise until after 7 today, and almost missed the glorious early morning light, but captured it just in time from our deck. 

Then I went for a walk along the upper Big Qualicum River, close to Horne Lake. I wanted to try some long exposures, and thought the flowing water would make good images. 

It is a beautiful walk along the hatchery road, with moss adorned maples.

And stretches of quickly flowing water followed by tranquil pools.

In this last photo, the water appears to be flowing to the bottom right, when actually it's flowing the other way. (50 sec. exposure)

And after I packed up and started walking back to the truck, it began raining. I'm glad it didn't rain on my parade!

Saskatoon - March, 2018

I went to Saskatoon from March 5-14 and did get out for a few photo excursions. I recently bought a Neutral Density Filter and experimented with that a few times.

Here's the first one, taken on March 6 at 7:15 p.m. (25 minutes after sunset) on  McKercher Drive.



This one I took on March 7 at 7:20 p.m.



Before I took the above photo, I took this one of some cat tails at 6:25 p.m.



On March 10 I went for a walk in the afternoon through one of the wonderful parks near my sister's house. More cat tails.



On March 10 we were at my nephew's house on an acreage just outside of Saskatoon and I slipped out to capture the sunset.



On March 11, I went for a walk along the Meewasin Trail near the U of S. I arrived about 1/2 an hour before sunset and started shooting the setting sun, framing it between buildings on the opposite bank of the river. I kept having to tromp through the snow to keep the sun framed as it was moving to my right. Luckily, it was a beautiful night, with temperatures just below freezing.







After the sunset, I walked quickly to the railroad bridge and started shooting as I walked along the pedestrian walkway. I was surprised at the number of people out for a stroll.
I took this one at 7:30, about 1/2 hour after sunset.



Then I continued ambling across the bridge, stopping along the way to capture the scene.













After I walked down to the trail, I headed towards my car, and shot this one at 7:52.







And my last shot was at 8:10 p.m. A much longer twilight here than there was in Nicaragua last month, that's for sure!
I zoomed in a little closer on this last shot, positioning the boat at an intersection of the rule of thirds.


The next night, March 12, I went back to the riverbank, but this time across from the Bessborough Hotel, (aka "The Castle on the River"). I wasn't too happy with my photos of the setting sun, though, as I didn't get in a good position in time (scouting the site ahead of time would have been a good idea). But I did get some nice ones after sun set.

The "Castle on the River."

My last day in Saskatoon, the 13th, I got some shots of nice hoarfrost.



Saskatoon has wonderful parks and the city even clears the sidewalks in the winter!



I returned home on the 14th and admired the view as the plane gained altitude. I like the patterns in the snow.



And that's it for now!