I’m back at the Humber River Recreational Trail today and I’m hoping to find something a little more interesting than I did last week.
Mallard
I was greeted again by the mallard as I came onto the trail. Maybe I should give him a name so I can greet him next time?
Canada Goose
Canada Goose was not to be outdone, so he ambled up to say “hi” as well.
Cooper’s Hawk
I had a surprise visitor when I headed up the trail on the Humber campus grounds. This gorgeous Cooper’s Hawk was a little too far away for a great photo but I was more than happy to get some shots before he flew away.
I ventured out a little further today to the streets of Bairro Alto and Estrela. I set off just after breakfast to see as much as I could before the heat became too hot to bear. Walking uphill into Chiado and then back down towards Bairro Alto and Estrela I found myself at the Basilica da Estrela. Venturing into the church I snapped a shot of the interior before quickly exiting as it seems that mass was about to begin and I didn’t want to disturb those in attendance.
Basilica da Estrela Interior
Across the street from the Basilica is the Jardim da Estrela. This park provides a haven from the sounds of the bustling city just outside its walls. The central point of Jardim da Estrela is the green wrought-iron bandstand decorated with elegant filigree and where, I hear, musicians play during the summer months. Seems I’m a little late to the party (or possibly just too early) as no bands were playing today.
Bandstand in Jardim da Estrela
The park has numerous exotic plants and trees, ponds and various sculptures for visitors to enjoy. My favourite part of this park was a small pond where a statue of a girl sits in the water. I’m not sure if she is feeding the ducks or just gazing into the water to see her reflection.
Statue in Duck Pond
Exiting the park on the opposite side from where I had entered, I headed back downhill (didn’t I already do that?) and continued to explore the streets of Bairro Alto and Estrela. As usual, I find the funniest things when I explore. Today I discovered a door with dog door handles (or possibly wolf?). Where does one get door handles like these?
Door Knocker
Walking back uphill (does it ever end?) I came across another park, Praça do Principe Real which sits at another high point in the city where you can look out over the rooftops of the city below. In Praça do Principe Real there is a large cedar tree whose branches rest on a trestle and casts its shade on the benches below it. A nice break from the heat the sun beating down on you.
Praça do Principe Real
There are so many treasures here in Lisbon and just not enough time to see them all. I could spend weeks and months here just exploring. Luckily I still have a few days left to try to see more. Tomorrow I go back to Alfama and explore Castelo Sao Jorge.
I’m so excited. I’m back on my bike and hitting the trails today. Strapped on the pack and grabbed my Nikon in the hopes of finding some photographic treasures out on the Humber Recreational Trail.
Wood Duck
Ducks are always a given when travelling along the Humber River but sometimes you find a little oddball that doesn’t quite mix with the group. This little guy is a Wood Duck. All alone but hanging around the edge of the mallard duck crowd.
Wood Duck 2
Hoping I catch him next week when I’m back this way.
My friend Nigel and I headed up to Owen Sound to check out the Bruce Trail. The trail has some great views from the top of the Centennial Tower located not too far from the parking lot.
Centennial Tower
We didn’t last very long on this scorcher of a day on the trail. I think we barely got through a kilometre before we decided we were too hot and just not up for the hike. So instead we did the next best thing. We headed over to the main street in Owen Sound to find a big duck. It wasn’t long before we found it. I mean, it was bigger than a boat.
Bigger than a Boat
We had some fun taking photos of this large duck that is making its way around Ontario. (You may have seen it if you visited or lived in Toronto, its first stop).
Reflections on the Big Duck
Even though we didn’t make it far along the trail we had some fun photographing the duck before we headed home. Sometimes you have to go with the flow of the day.
My regular day job at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club gives me the opportunity to do some different types of photography. One of them being food. I love food – eating it and photographing it. I just wish I could cook so I could spend more time doing both.
Today I’m relying on the chefs to bring out a couple of their new menu items. First up was a duck dish that I must say was quite yummy (I got a chance to taste test after the shoot was over).
Duck
Second was a Shrimp Po’boy served with a side salad.
Shrimp Roll
I think the members here at the club will definitely enjoy both these dishes. I know I did. 😉
