Walking the Red Brick Road

A photographer's journal and life in rural America

Posts Tagged canada

Sheepish

Jun 23

Posted by Roxie in alberta, animals, big game, canada, lakes, mountains, photos, scenery, travel | No Comments

Bighorn sheep

Sometimes a great photograph comes from simply being in the right place at the right time with the right gear. This is one of those times.

We were approaching Jasper National Park of Canada when we stopped to look at some bighorn lambs along a lake.

Bighorn lambs

We shot several pictures, then turned toward the van. The adult sheep had come down from the hills and were so close to the van that I could have touched them. I’ve never been this close to a bighorn and was thrilled. I hit the shutter button as fast as I could. I was afraid they’d leave before I could get good shots.

hungry bighorn

I needn’t have worried. They were uninterested in us. They seemed to be saying, “This is our dinner. Watch all you want, people!”

Bighorn on the rocks

When we finally left, this sheep turned to look at us as if to say farewell.

No wonder the zoo felt anticlimactic.

You may buy pictures from the photo album links at top left of this page. To subscribe to this blog, go here or click on the orange and white RSS logo on this page. To follow me from Facebook, click on “Follow This Blog” in the Networked Blogs box, also on this page. Or like my Facebook page. Or you can follow me on Twitter.

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Life lesson at a parade

May 28

Posted by Roxie in canada, life lessons, saskatchewan, travel, video | No Comments

Dad and I watched Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets march in Sergeant Major’s Parade in Regina, Sask., last Wednesday. The cadets wearing what we Americans call “Smoky Bear hats” are those about to graduate. Mounties call those hats “Stetsons”, which makes me think of a brand of cowboy hats.

After parade, we talked with a drill instructor. I wish I would have shot footage of that. What he said was very interesting.

Drill instructors are the ones carrying swagger sticks. The one we talked to is the tallest one on video.

I asked him swagger stick’s purpose. He said that one purpose is to make him look intimidating. Another is to bang out cadence when no drummer is available. A third is to show cadets where to stand and straighten out lines.

Then he discussed the purpose of drill and all that yelling we’ve seen DIs do in movies — or in real life if you are in or were in the military.

Drill builds obedience, teamwork and self-confidence. And all that yelling? It teaches cadets to deal with surface distractions while focusing on the main task.

He told a story about a cadet who “popped his jugular” during some field exercises. Fortunately for him, hospital was only blocks away. Emergency surgery left a long, vivid scar on his neck.

He said cadets need to be prepared for “drunks and others” to attack them in areas of perceived weakness. He told that cadet that he must invent a good scar story when people try to irritate/distract him by bringing up that feature. The same goes for any other feature others might pick on.

So he calls attention to those and any other defect, real or perceived, to teach cadets how to handle pressure “in a safe environment.” “Safe” means a place where no one will shoot at them using live ammunition.

I have never understood why DIs treated their charges with such seeming contempt. Now I see that it isn’t contempt. They are teaching skills that may be life-saving in a dangerous occupation.

Who knew I’d learn something valuable at a parade?

You may buy pictures from the photo album links at top left of this page. To subscribe to this blog, go here or click on the orange and white RSS logo on this page. To follow me from Facebook, click on “Follow This Blog” in the Networked Blogs box, also on this page. Or like my Facebook page. Or you can follow me on Twitter.

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Big house on the wide prairie

May 27

Posted by Roxie in animals, architecture, art, canada, Canadian history, history, painting, photos, saskatchewan, sculpture, travel | No Comments

Saskatchewan Legislative Building

Saskatchewan’s Legislative Building, Regina, is not a building. It’s an edifice. Saskatchewan is one of the smaller population provinces, but it has the largest Canadian provincial capitol building. Building is an example of the Beaux Arts style in vogue at the time it was built, 1908-1912. Tour guide said it was modeled on Versailles, but Legislative Building lacked Hall of Mirrors.

Legislative Building entrance

The building’s entrance is beautiful.

pillars

These green and cream pillars were made of marble from Cyprus and that quarry is now empty of that stone. They are spectacular.

dome and mural

This is the rotunda, where the Latin cross of the building’s design intersects. Mural is called “Before the White Man Came”. Its painter is a correctional officer.

The Legislative Assembly’s chamber makes it clear that this is a constitutional monarchy, not an American-style republic.

rostrum and mace

Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait is above the Speaker’s chair, showing where the highest authority lies. That authority is symbolized by the mace, carried in before sessions begin. Head of mace points toward party in power, showing who’s in charge.

beaver carving in Assembly chamber

Chamber woodwork is beautifully carved. Tour guide said a young man, I believe 17 years old, carved all of them. I was amazed that such a young carver could execute such sublime work.

Queen Elizabeth II's equestrian statue in front of Legislative Building

The people are devoted to their queen. A statue of her riding her favorite horse Burmese, a Canadian mare, stands in Wascana Park across street from Legislative Building. Queen unveiled it in 2005. Her son Edward, Earl of Wessex, broke ground for it in 2003. Plaques show where royal family members have been. A plaque on Legislative Building notes that “Their Majesties” King George VI and Queen Mary were there in 1939. I thought of the legendary “George Washington Slept Here” signs of the early American republic.

Rest of building was surprisingly plain. Most of the halls we saw were undecorated and the light fixtures were simple. This was in sharp contrast to Massachusetts’ statehouse.

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Rank has its privileges

May 27

Posted by Roxie in architecture, canada, Canadian history, decor, exterior, flowers, garden, history, house, interior, photos, plants, saskatchewan, scenery, travel, trees, urban | No Comments

Government House

Government House was the former residence of the Lieutenant (LEF-tenant) Governor, the British monarch’s direct representative. Each province has a Lieutenant Governor. The current Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor no longer resides in Government House, but retains an office there. I was surprised at the lack of security apparatus. Some uniformed officers were present, but I saw no firearms. We didn’t have to go through any metal detectors or run our belongings through a scanner. I was grateful not to remove all my gear. This is a great contrast to US governmental facilities.

Queen Elizabeth II portrait

When tourists enter, their first sight is this life-size portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, whom Canadians recognize as their monarch. She seems about ready to step out of the painting. I almost bowed reflexively until I remembered two things: 1) it’s only a portrait; and 2) Americans don’t bow to royalty.

Oranges in conservatory

Government House has been restored to the period when Lt. Gov. Amédée Forget (FOR-zhay) and his wife Henriette lived in the mansion.

The first two rooms visitors see are the ballroom and conservatory. Conservatory was originally much larger. At the time of its construction, Government House was a kilometer outside Regina (Re-JINA), with its only neighbors the local Mountie regiment. Government House grew much of its own food and traded with the Mounties for meat. When ballroom was added, conservatory was downsized.

salesman chair

Salesman chairs were placed in the ceremonial entrance. Turning salesmen away was considered to be rude. The butler would summon the man of the house to see the salesman. In order to get rid of them, they were asked to sit in these chairs. Back legs were longer than front ones so the chairs tilted uncomfortably. When salesman would try to adjust himself on the seat, the crack would pinch him. If he leaned against the back, a projection would stab him. Now, which is more rude? Telling him no at the door or wasting his time while making him very uncomfortable?

master bedroom bed detail

The master bedroom had very ornate furniture, which came as no surprise since the Victorians loved ornateness. The bed had high head and foot boards because Victorians believed that air on head and feet was dangerous to one’s health.

The children’s and governess’ rooms were definitely less elaborate. They were low down on the totem pole, even though the governess was highest ranking servant. Children were definitely expected to be seen and not heard. If they wanted to see their father, children had to make an appointment.

chess set in first guest bedroom

This chess set was in the bedroom reserved for the highest-ranking guest. Another bedroom was reserved for lesser-ranking guests. Even the wallpaper showed how important — or not– a person was. I thought, “What petty snobbery!”

bleeding heart bush

We had come at day’s end so staff hustled us out rather quicker than I wanted to leave. We stopped briefly in the garden. I hope my bleeding heart bush will look this beautiful someday.

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O Canada!

May 19

Posted by Roxie in canada, travel | No Comments

Canadian flag

Dad and I are going to Alberta, Canada, through the Dakotas and Saskatchewan, Canada, then returning through Montana. I can hardly wait to leave and am beginning to believe that I can actually finish all the essential tasks beforehand. Maybe.

I have never traveled internationally before. Spending an evening in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, doesn’t really count.

I knew traveling overseas was complicated, but I didn’t expect the rigamarole involved in crossing The World’s Longest Undefended Border.

I needed a passport.

I’m typing a list of my electronic toys’ serial numbers to ensure no one thinks I must pay duty on what’s already mine. I doubt if anyone would believe my laptop is anything but well used. The keys are very well-worn and it’s scratched in several places. I just want to be safe.

I had to ensure my health insurance would work in Canada or buy a travel health insurance policy. Thankfully, mine does. Then I had to check on my car insurance. It works but I had to get a special Canadian proof of insurance on special Canadian paper. Whatever.

I had to put an “international override” on my debit card so I could use it in Canada without triggering a fraud alert. But I couldn’t specify that I was only going into Canada. If I buy anything with my debit card in Canada, teller said I’d have to pay a fee of one percent on every international purchase. Groan. I haven’t checked whether my credit cards have the same requirements. One more item on my checklist.

Canadian cell phone plans are limited. I have unlimited texting, but I can’t get that up there. While in Canada, I must switch to a Canadian plan which will be prorated. If I have this figured correctly, I’ll have 33 minutes per day. Mobile-to-mobile counts in those minutes. I have unlimited mobile here, so long as that person uses the same provider. Strange. I’ll call provider when we figure out what days we’ll be there and they’ll switch me.

This all seems unnecessarily complicated.

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Fallin’, American Falls is free fallin’

Mar 11

Posted by Roxie in new york, niagara falls, photos, scenery, snow and ice, travel, video, waterfalls | No Comments

Seneca Casino (left) and Comfort Inn The Pointe (right)

Comfort Inn The Pointe in Niagara Falls, N.Y., advertises that it’s “ideally located at the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park.” This is no exaggeration. In the image above, I am standing in the gate to Niagara Reservation, the state park in which Niagara Falls lies. I arose early enough that the streetlights were still lit.

From the gate, it’s a short walk to the Falls.

Niagara River rapids

First you see the turbulent Niagara River. Its rapids are probably Class IV: Very difficult. “Demands expert boatman and excellent boat and good quality equipment.” In reality, they may as well be Class VI: Unrunnable; i.e., “You will die here.” Anyone trying to run those rapids will almost certainly go over the Falls. The Falls are most definitely unrunnable. Daredevils or would-be suicides face a $10,000 fine, plus rescue costs.

Seven-year-old Roger Woodward was swept over the Falls when his neighbor’s boat capsized and lived, but his miraculous escape is not an example to be followed.

footbridge to Goat Island

This footbridge crosses to Little Green Island, then to Goat Island. For some reason I cannot understand, I didn’t cross that bridge when I came to it. I stood on it, but didn’t cross to the other side. As a consequence, I missed out on Bridal Veil Falls and the view of Horseshoe Falls from the American side.

Disgusting, but life goes on. I guess that gives me something to look forward to should I ever visit Niagara Falls again.

in front of the Falls

Soon the skyline across the river comes into view. And, yes, Virginia, I did visit Niagara Falls!

The river disappears

Of course, I knew perfectly well that the Niagara River would vanish, but the actual sight was disconcerting. I thought of Enoch in the Bible:

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:24, King James Version)

This river WAS NOT.

Niagara Falls

Then, finally, the main attraction: The awesome spectacle of one of God’s wondrous works. Because of the early hour, no one was present when I first began shooting. I had that glorious sight all to myself and I reveled in the solitude amid the roar of Niagara.

Solitude didn’t last long.

tourists at American Falls railing

No one was using these viewing machines, but cameras and video cameras were everywhere.

tourist taking pictures with camera phone

I cannot imagine using only a camera phone for such glorious scenery. If that’s all you’ve got, I guess you have to live with it, but I’d croak if that’s all I had.

Dad at the railing

Dad (third from left) joined me after awhile. I was amazed how many tourists had appeared. What must this scene be like in the summer?

Maid of the Mist boats in drydock

Fewer attractions are open in the winter. The Maid of the Mist boats are unable to navigate the river because they are iced in. Yet still the Falls draw people.

American Falls and Niagara Falls, Ontario

Dad was getting anxious to leave. Boston was still many miles away. So I very reluctantly said good-bye to Niagara. We ate an excellent breakfast at the hotel and were on the road again.

I shot some video of Niagara River and Niagara Falls:

Here’s my slide show of Niagara Falls, New York:

Click on the link in the slide show to order any of them or go to the gallery on my website.

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Canadian ice and lights

Mar 9

Posted by Roxie in architecture, canada, niagara falls, photography, scenery, skyline, travel | No Comments

Table Rock Ice Castle

Behind Horseshoe Falls are other beautiful photographic opportunities. Table Rock Complex, located across Niagara River Parkway from Horseshoe Falls in Queen Victoria Park is continually sprayed with mist. It looked like something out of a fantasy — an ice castle.

frozen handrail

Anyone who would brave this slanted skating rink is crazy. It was a solid sheet of ice, stairs, handrail, posts and all.

Don't tread on me

The sign states the obvious: “Walkway is not maintained during the winter season.” If I’d been carrying a measuring tape, I would have loved to know how thick this ice was — both on the walk and the tree. The reflection of the lights above was beautiful and acted as a DANGER! sign.

Minolta Tower and Marriott Hotel

Fallsview Boulevard above Queen Victoria Falls is full of hotels and towers and Casino Niagara, all beautifully lit. Konica Minolta Tower started as the Seagram Tower, but has changed names six times. Supposedly Seagram built it to resemble one of their whiskey bottles.

Tower stands 525 feet above the falls and is said to offer spectacular views. The night was late, so we passed on a visit to the tower. Maybe someday…

After I’d shot about as much as my freezing fingers could stand, we turned toward the Rainbow Bridge and New York.

Crossing into Canada had been easy. The customs officer had only asked us whether we had firearms, which we didn’t.

Returning to the United States: Not so easy.

The Niagara Falls bridges together are the second-busiest crossings between the US and Canada. Thankfully, winter traffic is much less than during the rest of the year.

Homeland Security now requires a passport for travel between the US and countries in North America and the Caribbean.

Dad has a passport.

I don’t.

The prices for expedited passport services were outrageous, far more than I could afford. (Too bad I didn’t know a person can do that herself with the State Department — without extra fees.)

After much online research, I discovered that Niagara Falls seemed to have a loophole. A birth certificate and driver’s license would get me back into the USA. I obtained my birth certificate, then held my breath as we approached the Border Patrol station.

We received quite a grilling: Where were we from? How were we related? Why were we traveling? How long had we been in Canada? Yada, yada, yada.

The Border Patrol officer did not seem to be convinced by any of our answers.

Then he asked, “Were there any really cool things you saw on your way here?”

I went blank for a horrible moment.

Then inspiration came.

“There was this really cool rest area in Iowa…”

Suddenly the officer smiled and started giving us travel tips. Then he let us through. Whew!

Here’s my slide show from Niagara Falls, Canada:

To order, click on the gallery link in the slide show or go here.

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Freezing at Niagara Falls, Canada

Mar 8

Posted by Roxie in canada, ice, niagara falls, photography, photos, scenery, snow and ice, travel, waterfalls, weather | No Comments

Speed limit 25 mph

You know you are in Canada when you have to read the interior numbers on the speedometer. 40 kph seems like crawling, especially when 40 on our signs means 40 mph. 40 kph is just under 25 mph.

During the height of summer, I doubt that cars even reach that speed limit. When we were there, hardly anyone else was on the road. Parking lots were empty. What a deal!

Dad next to an ice-encrusted monument

Niagara Falls does a wonderful job of keeping the roads and walks clear. They spread ice melt frequently and every bit of it is necessary. At the time I snapped this picture, we could hardly stand upright. I felt as if I were learning to walk again. We had to cruise from one handhold to another instead of walking unaided.

I wish I knew what this monument commemorated. I thought I’d be able to discern that from the photo, but I can’t read it. Usually, I can find anything on Google, but this answer eludes me. If anyone can tell me, I’d appreciate it.

Just after I snapped the above picture, someone drove by and spread ice melt.

The walk shortly became passable and we were free to enjoy.

our first view of Horseshoe Falls

This is the first view we had of the Falls. It was more beautiful than I had remembered. I had visited in November 1985, but those memories had faded.

Niagara Parks trains spotlights on the Falls at night. Every so often, they change colors.

purple falls

Here the Falls are in purple.

green spotlight

They changed the lights to green. Skywheel is toward the left of picture. Rainbow Bridge that connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Niagara Falls, Ontario, is toward the right.

Niagara Falls in green spotlight

Here are the Falls with that green spotlight.

And now in white.

I like the simplicity of the white best, but the colors are fun too.

Niagara Falls with rainbow section

The mist covers everything and light shining on it produces wonderful prismatic effects like this one. I wasn’t lucky enough to see a full rainbow.

I feel blessed to have gotten these pictures. I have rarely — if ever — shot in such adverse conditions. Dad was carrying my tripod and we got separated somehow. I had to shoot all these low-light pictures with my elbows on the fence. Amazingly, that steadied my hands enough for clear pictures. Because of the constant rain of mist, I wrapped my camera in gallon storage bags held on by rubber bands. Only the lens was exposed. I wore my down parka, Gore-Tex Thinsulate pants and hiking boots with several layers underneath. That was comfortable. My fingers were anything but. I was wearing Thinsulate convertible gloves, but I had to expose my fingers to shoot.

Brrrrr! This was worse than night football in the rain, but, oh, was it FUN! I’d do it again tomorrow. Can we go? Can we? Huh? Huh?

Here’s my slide show from Niagara Falls, Canada:

To order, click on the gallery link in the slide show or go here.

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Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Canada

Mar 5

Posted by Roxie in canada, niagara falls, photos, scenery, travel | No Comments

Yogi Berra was famous for his redundant statements, including “This is deja vu all over again.”

I could sympathize with Berra when we arrived at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Once we got through Canadian customs, I felt as if I’d gone back to Branson, Mo. The same tourist trap chains that populated Branson populated Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls’ entertainment district.

Dinosaur Rampage

I laughed out loud at the Dinosaur Rampage Theater. The toothy predator’s head was too funny, especially with the cheesy growling noises emanating from the theater.

passer-by poses for a picture

I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I imagine this was a pale imitation of the Nevada city. I considered it preparation for the greatest light show of all, the one in Times Square. I set up tripod in an out-of-the-way corner and shot some pictures. Dad stood by to ensure no one came up behind me and knocked over my camera. A group came by, saw what I was doing, and one struck up a pose. He didn’t think I’d actually shoot, but I caught him. Too bad I don’t know who he is.

Note all the attractions behind him.

Skywheel and Rock N Bowl

The Skywheel was interesting.

Dad in front of Skywheel entrance

Skywheel spans 175 feet, high enough for a wonderful view of the Falls.

Skywheel gondolas

The gondolas are enclosed and completely climate-controlled, which was a good thing. Temperatures at that time were in the 20s. Gondolas seat up to six. The car’s motion prevented me from shooting pictures of the beautiful view. I cannot understand now why I didn’t video instead. Perhaps the dirty windows put me off? If I ever return, I’ll definitely video the ride. Even so, the ride was definitely worth taking, if only to orient ourselves.

view from Clifton Hill

This is the view from the exit side of the Skywheel. Unfortunately, the Falls are not visible from this angle; the trees obscure them.

Some of the attractions are deja vu, but the main attraction at Niagara Falls, are — naturally — the Falls themselves. After riding the Skywheel, I could hardly wait for the main event.

If you have more time to spend at the Falls than we did, the advice at USATourist.com and BootsnAll.com are worth reading.

Here’s my slide show from Niagara Falls, Canada:

To order, click on the gallery link in the slide show or go here.

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