Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to autumnal magic. Coming back from town after a Lifeline shift I noticed that the Manchurian Pears had exploded into colour. I thought about it, and decided that we would get the 'best' view from the water. So we took yet another lake cruise.
And were very, very lucky. I woke himself up much earlier than he likes. It was bright and sunny but while he had his breakfast coffee the clouds rolled in. He suggested postponing the trip (and going back to bed). I resisted, and with a lemon-lipped driver at the wheel we headed off.
The clouds got thicker and thicker as we drove across town. And miraculously cleared while we were on the water.
Settle in for my usual extravananza of photos.
Still quite cloudy, and the colours are dim.
Cormorants soaking up the almost non-existent (at that time) sun.
The clouds were starting to break up.
I was amazed at how 'low in the water' the cormorants swim. They look rather like sea monsters...
Some of the machurean magic.
The sculpture garden from a different perspective.
Don't the golden poplars look like candles?
That is the Chinese embassy in the background.
It was a delightful outing. I mentioned that we had a treat planned for the Thursday which has just gone. Signs up at the yatch club said that on Thursday mornings we could take a cruise in the opposite direction to the Governor General's residence and disembark and wander through the gardens. Sadly they lied. This is indeed a trip we can take - but it is very occasional. So a treat yet to come.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to autumnal magic. Coming back from town after a Lifeline shift I noticed that the Manchurian Pears had exploded into colour. I thought about it, and decided that we would get the 'best' view from the water. So we took yet another lake cruise.
And were very, very lucky. I woke himself up much earlier than he likes. It was bright and sunny but while he had his breakfast coffee the clouds rolled in. He suggested postponing the trip (and going back to bed). I resisted, and with a lemon-lipped driver at the wheel we headed off.
The clouds got thicker and thicker as we drove across town. And miraculously cleared while we were on the water.
Settle in for my usual extravananza of photos.
Still quite cloudy, and the colours are dim.
Cormorants soaking up the almost non-existent (at that time) sun.
The clouds were starting to break up.
I was amazed at how 'low in the water' the cormorants swim. They look rather like sea monsters...
Some of the machurean magic.
The sculpture garden from a different perspective.
Don't the golden poplars look like candles?
That is the Chinese embassy in the background.
It was a delightful outing. I mentioned that we had a treat planned for the Thursday which has just gone. Signs up at the yatch club said that on Thursday mornings we could take a cruise in the opposite direction to the Governor General's residence and disembark and wander through the gardens. Sadly they lied. This is indeed a trip we can take - but it is very occasional. So a treat yet to come.
Hi EC - what a delightful boat trip on the lake - amazing how views differ from different aspects. The trees are lovely to see gorgeous colours ... we had poplars at the bottom of our garden when we were growing up. Pity about your boat trip - still a treat in store ... lovely clouds too ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I suspect the boat cruises are designed with tourists in mind, but we quite often take them. And love them. There is a twilight tour which is on our list...
DeleteYour photos are grand, and those poplars do look as you say!
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: Thank you. The tree candles were lovely.
DeleteI admire your autumn the sky is fanttastic
ReplyDeleteGosia k: Thank you. My city does Autumn well.
DeleteI never get tired of your pictures. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteBirdie: I am glad.
DeleteGlad the skies cleared and gave you a beautiful day. So amazing to see fall when we are sliding hard and fast into summer. And yes, that cormorant looks odd swimming below the surface.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: I do not envy your rapid descent into the sweaty season. Not one little bit.
DeleteSo much color. I'm glad we're moving into summer; I'll wait until fall to see red again. Well, the Japanese maple sort of counts!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I hope your summer is kind to you. And Japanese maples definitely count.
DeleteWell EC, very much worth the early morning rise and the lemon-lipped driver :) I had to smile. Does that have the same meaning as we say here, "Looked like he/she had been sucking on lemons :))) I am happy you persisted and shared these glorious photos. All very enjoyable indeed. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: Lemon-lipped comes from the same stable as 'sucking on lemons'. He smiled more easily as the day wore on.
DeleteWow! Those reds are simply incredible, and I'm so glad you were able to get some pictures with sunshine. I am impressed with your beautiful fall colors. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am enjoying Spring on your side of the world. We are so lucky to get two seasons at once aren't we?
DeleteGorgeous colour! Thank you
ReplyDeletedinahmow: My pleasure.
DeleteDim is good; colour is good; being alive to appreciate all the colours of a day and season is great! :)
ReplyDeleteTruly an extravaganza of colour.
I hope you have a happy week, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: It was a lovely day to savour. I hope you and your furry friends have a wonderful week.
DeleteI think it was worth rising early to capture these wonderful photos. I had to smile at the cormorant swimming, it does look a bit like a sea monster. The trees look very vibrant. Everything is finally green here and it is warming up after a cool spring filled with much rain.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: I am glad to hear that you are finally getting some spring vibrancy. Early rising is relative. Given his druthers my partner springs out of bed at the crack of noon.
DeleteLemon-lipped... Love it!
ReplyDeleteThey do look a bit like skinny loch ness monsters floating in the water. :)
Gorgeous colors, the gold and red together. Stunning!
I hope you get to take the lied-about cruise before too long.
River Fairchild: Lemon-lipped is the polite version. I could also have said that he had a mouth like a cat's bum. He recovered. Weren't those colours lovely? And yes, we will watch for a more truthful announcement of the trip.
DeleteWhat a great treat to see your selections today, EC (and every Sunday!) The boat trip looked perfect, so I hope the lemon-lips were replaced with a smile! Lovely to see many of my favourite things - birds, water, trees, skies... and the colour of those trees is amazing.
ReplyDeleteAlexia: The lemon-lips were replaced with smiles. Broad smiles. We share some of our favourite things, and I never ever tire of birds, water, trees, sky, clouds... And hope I never do.
DeleteThe late evening is one of my favorite times of the day. I also enjoy daybreak.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are lovely, I do love the tree's colors. That would be a pity to miss. Thanks for the tour.
Ann Bennett: I am a big fan of dawn and dusk (and have folder after folder of photographs of them). Despite being wrenched from bed far too early, himself enjoyed the outing as well.
Deletewhat a wonderful way to travel along the lake, so relaxing, ommm, the cormorant looks like he is drowning. ha.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: It is relaxing. Very, very relaxing.
DeleteI assume the red leafed tree is the pear tree. What a clever planting of them with the golden poplars behind. The cormorant looks like a snake in the water. The sculpture seems to be a copy of Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North. I wonder if he made this miniature copy. http://highriser.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/day-20-around-newcastle-and-night-out.html
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Anthony Gormley did indeed make this Angel of the North. While you were away I took a walk in our Sculpture Gardens and this was one of the featured works.
DeleteThe planting of the pears (yes, they are the red ones) is brilliant. They look amazing in spring covered in blossom too.
Gorgeous trip on the water and then through the sculpture garden. I hope the cormorant got some dinner. Where I was born we called them shags.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: I have heard and read about shags - and never connected them with cormorants. Thank you. There are a number of them on the lake, so I can only assume that pickings are good.
DeleteWonderful pictures. So mice of you to share them with us.
ReplyDeleteMartin Kloess: I am glad you liked them.
DeleteI do love the autumn tones in trees. Really pretty.
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: It really is an explosion of colour isn't it?
DeleteSuch fabulous trees. The Golden Poplars do indeed look like candles, like Roman Candle fireworks. I really like the lake lined with the red Manchurian Pears in front and the Golden Poplars behind. Enjoyed seeing the cormorants soaking up some sun too.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I think it was an inspired planting. The Machurian Pears look great in every season, but really excel in Spring and Autumn.
DeleteOne or two trees in autumn colour are beautiful, but so many massed together make for a stunning display. And enjoying them from the water would be wonderful. I'm glad the skies cleared. I'm surprised to see the cormorant so low in the water, too. I wonder what the mechanics of that are! Thanks for sharing your outing with us, and I hope you get to go on the other one soon.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: When I saw how low in the water the cormorants swim I better understood them sunning themselves with both wings spread. It must get cold.
DeleteAnd I am so glad a) that I thought of viewing the trees from the water, and b) that the sky cleared for us. A week later we had torrential wind and rain and I wouldn't be surprised if they trees are nearly bare.
What a pretty cruise! I think the birds liked the almost non existence sun. The popular do look like candles.
ReplyDeleteKim Standard: It is a pretty trip, and I am pretty certain that the birds did like the faint rays of the sun. And probably liked it even more when it came out more fully.
DeleteYour pictures are gorgeous and the fall is beautiful. I love all of your photos but especially your birds. It looks like your cormorants are much larger than ours. Next weekend I hope to take the boat out and shoot a few pics of our local water birds.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Thank you. I am really looking forward to seeing your water birds.
DeleteGorgeous autumn colours and reflections are always beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: Reflections are magic aren't they?
DeleteThank you for another wonderful photo journey. The autumn colors are lovely and I really enjoy seeing those cormorants. They do swim rather interestingly.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: We saw a few cormorants 'submarining' through the water, so it wasn't just one bird. I will have to investigate.
DeleteThe Cormorents are lovely, and the trees are superb, thanks EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I have a soft spot for cormorants. And trees.
Deletewhat marvellous colours... I didn't know the name of the Manchurian Pear tree before so thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnna: Aren't they dramatic trees? They are special in spring too.
DeleteHow beautiful views are in this journey. There are wonderful colors in the trees and the lake is lovely. The cormorants are really big birds. You have beautiful autumn time there.
ReplyDeleteWish you very happy next week.
orvokki: Thank you. I hope your Spring is treating you kindly.
DeleteLovely, E.C. I really enjoyed taking in the view vicariously through you. Glad you got to do it!
ReplyDeletePaper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): I am always happy to take you along with me. Hugs.
DeleteI especially like the third photo with all the clouds...though I also love trees and when I was little, had a book about a Chinese fisherman who used cormorants as divers to catch fish...I wonder if they really do that...Have a good week. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteUsing cormorants to catch fish was very common, they would put a ring around the bird's throat to stop it swallowing the fish
DeleteThanks. I think I remember that from the book as well now that you mention it. Have a good week and thanks again.
Deletee: I recently saw a documentary which suggests in some parts of the world cormorant fishing is still practised...
DeleteI am a dedicated cloud watcher, and love trees and am happy that you enjoyed them too.
I am glad you persisted and went on your trip. The bird's neck and head sticking out of the water made me smile.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes -Maybe: I am glad I persisted - and so was he. It took a while, but when the clouds blew away he enjoyed it as much as I did.
DeleteThe sculpture garden looks really good from the greater distance, with more context those huge sculptures fit nicely into the surrounds
ReplyDeletekylie: I was surprised at how unobtrusive the giant sculptures seemed from the water. A part of the landscape even. We weren't very far away either.
DeleteI am betting "himself" was happy about the trip after.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: He was. And even admitted it.
DeleteI love how views are vastly different from the water, no matter where one lives. The cormorants were pretty interesting, they do look like water monsters while swimming don't they!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos as always!
Carolyn McBride: If ever I win the lottery (which won't happen because I don't buy tickets) I would love to live on the water's edge.
DeleteI am pleased that other people can also see the water monsters...
Another week homebound for me...I'm glad you got treated with a pleasant outing!
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Home bound? I hope it isn't your health. And feel sure you will be out and about again soon.
DeleteBeautiful pictures! So glad you got up earlier and enjoyed the views. Love the cloud pictures. I had no idea the cormorants swam that low in the water. Definitely look like sea monsters. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
~Jess
DMS ~ Jess: I hadn't realised how low the cormorants swim either. We quite often see them, but I realise that we see them in the air, or perched.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThere were some beautiful cloud formations and autumn colours to be seen. I wonder if it was a cormorant that was seen in Loch Ness and started all the monster hunting?!
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Now there is a thought. Loch Ness Cormorant doesn't have quite the same ring to it does it?
DeleteAutumn spectacular, EC. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour cormorants look bigger than those we have here.
Marie Smith: Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. I am intrigued that 'our' cormorants are larger than yours. Our pelicans are different too. And our magpies come from a different species to the North American and European ones. A sad lack of imaginatin in the naming stakes.
DeleteSchöne Farben der Bäume und der blaue
ReplyDeleteHimmel mit den Wolken ist klasse.
Noke
Noke: Thank you very much.
DeleteDear Elephant's Child, The cormorant photo did remain me of ones I've seen of the Loch Ness monster! All the beauty you saw. It must soothe your soul. Yesterday my sister-in-law drove me to a family baby shower and I felt bemused by all the colors of green in the trees. Your yellow "candles" are lovely too. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: I do indeed get heart balm from Nature. On a daily basis. Green (and perhaps) blue are the most incredibly varied shades aren't they?
DeleteI love the expression: "Lemon-lipped"! the poplar trees are spectacular and reflect so well in the water. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJo: As I said to someone else, lemon-lipped was the polite description of his expression. He got over it though, and also enjoyed the trip.
DeleteCormorants are fascinating swimmers. I love you lake shore and skies. I think you have convinced me to make a (SF) Bay Cruise for my birthday next month!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I hope you can take a birthday cruise. And would really love to see the photos.
DeleteHappy Sunday to you, and I'm so happy you went on the outing, it's truly a treat for us here. I'm excited to see what that tour of the gardens will be, I'm sure quite delightful. The series of buildings in your second photo are quite interesting, what are they? I always enjoy your statues and these are unique too!
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: The buildings in the second photo are part of our National Museum. It is an incredible place. Some like it, some loathe it. And the interior is amazing too. Some day I will put up a post about it.
DeleteIt looks like you had a beautiful day! I hope the grumpy "himself" warmed up while you were out there.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: It was a lovely outing, and himself did indeed warm up to it. Which was wonderful.
DeleteHello! Came directly from Orvokki’s blog. : )
ReplyDeleteThe pictures really represent your autumnal magic.
Regards
Caterina: Welcome and thank you. Autumn is a lovely season and my city does it well.
DeleteLove the red pear leaves and the lemon lips turning sweet
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Isn't that avenue of red spectacular? Captain lemon-lips retains some astrinency - but I like him that way.
DeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: It was.
DeleteClouds are a crown for the day.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: And frequently a jewelled crown.
DeleteLove the various colors. Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you.
DeleteThank you. Thank you. I am so spoiled by your gifts of delight. You are a great photographer and I envy you for having such subjects at your disposal. They are beautiful in spite of the sun's hiding.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you. I am so happy to share the myriad things which delight me.
DeleteI'm glad you got this trip!!! It is always so amazing to see your autumn as we are knee deep in Spring! So much rain here, the trees and shrubs are lush. But a boat ride like yours would be so nice to do too!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Our autumn has some decidedly springlike moments (particularly in the things which are coming into flower). And the boat trip was indeed nice to do. We will go again in Spring too.
DeleteWell I am glad you got him self out of bed even though he was lemon lipped at the wheel but it was all worthwhile in the end because the views from the water of the autumn colours were stunning. I also loved seeing the bird sunning themselves and drying off.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: It was indeed all worth while. For both of us.
DeleteNice outing, glad you went and were not persuaded to go back to bed. I like the red leaf trees lining the water, very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I was never going back to bed. He thought/hoped he was. He did enjoy it too though.
DeleteI’m guessing lemon lipped must mean the same thing as sour faced. I’ve not heard that particular expression before, but it’s brilliant! I loved all your photographs and really enjoyed watching the clouds roll away, and the sun come up.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Fisher: Lemon lipped is indeed sour faced. And his face could have curdled milk. Thank you - I am a very happy snapper and take lots and lots of photos.
DeleteBeautiful beyond words. I love cloudy skies and diffuse light generally.
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed. Thank you for an amazing start to my week here.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you so much. I hope your week continues its amazing path.
DeleteLemon-lips. Ha ha. I'm going to have to remember that one.
ReplyDeleteA treat yet to come: Great attitude.
And the pics as always were wondrous.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Thank you. I always worry that I put up toooo many photos. And then I do it again.
DeleteOH MY!! I love your photos and the trip looks like it was awesome.
ReplyDeleteT.Powell Coltrin: It is a delightful interlude. We have done it several times and will do it again.
DeleteOne visual delight after another! Those red trees were spectacular. I'm such a fan of reflective gardens, so those images were ones I savored.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: Water makes the beautiful even more so doesn't it?
DeleteThat really is an extravaganza of photos.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: I know. I really don't do minimalism well. Sorry.
DeleteWhy sorry? I love your extravaganza of photos.
DeleteSuper fun to see.
The Happy Whisk: My mistake. I thought you were commenting on the number of photos. Glad you liked them.
DeleteLemon-lipped - so descriptive! So glad it turned out to be a delightful excursion. Beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteLynn: Thank you. It was lovely for both of us, which is always good.
DeleteGreat post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSHON: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteYes, I saw the candle flames before reading your words.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your usual peace-inducing extravaganza.
Rawknrobyn: We all need more peace, and I am happy to share.
DeleteVery interesting post! 👌👌👌
ReplyDeletecarolina g. ticala: Welcome and thank you too.
DeleteThe trees look great at this of the year with the birds enjoying the sun, fresh air and water but thats mother nature for you.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: She is really, really good at what she does isn't she?
DeletePredictably I usually comment on the birds in your posts :-) But! This time I just love those cloud pictures. Have you heard of the Cloud Appreciation Society? I am a member :-)
ReplyDeleteAngela: I hadn't heard of the Cloud Appreciation Society - but have been a member all my life.
Deletelemon-lipped driver:)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you string words together to make pictures so clear and engaging:)
And the images you've shared - inviting me into that sun-dipped wonder of Autumn. Thanks for that.
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: This, from a woman whose words dance and sing. Megathanks. I hope that Spring is exciting you and glowing with and for you.
Deletethe cormorants are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI've not seen one before!
xx
My Inner Chick: Aren't they lovely? I really, really like to watch them sunning/drying themselves. And having seen how low in the water they swim they would need a LOT of drying.
DeleteHugs.
Oh, fabulous shots, love those clouds!
ReplyDeleteKaren: Clouds are wonderful aren't they?
DeleteWow - what amazing scenery and such gorgeous foliage on the leaves!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. I am very fond of my city.
DeleteI see you found the Loch Ness monster. :)
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: Several Loch Ness monsters. Nessy bred, and travelled it seems.
DeleteAutumn! How strange as we head into summer over here. Beautiful colours in the trees and how I love that sky too. Esme Cloud and her cloudiness showing there I think *laughs*. Great photos dear x
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: Definitely autumn. With winter just around the corner. Esme Cloud is a looker isn't she?
DeleteI love the water reflection shots:)
ReplyDeleteHope your day matches these photos.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Thank you. Still dark, but I am hoping for colour.
DeleteI am just so pleased you did this trip.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are lovely to look at.
A thoroughly enjoyable post.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~ Jan: Thank you. I was a thoroughly enjoyable outing.
DeleteThose autumn colours are brilliant. Years ago someone suggested we planted Manchurian pear trees here, now I wish we had. As a bit of a bird-nerd the 'cormorants' are actually a pair of Australasian Darters, with the female on the left. Their swimming style has given them the nickname 'snakebird'.
ReplyDeleteKim: Thank you so much. I am happy to be educated - and snakebird is an accurate description.
DeleteLove the trees.
ReplyDeleteA couple of weeks ago I found out that some fishermen use cormorants to catch fish. Did you know that?
Blue Grumpster: I did know that about cormorants. It was in a book I read as a child and I recently saw a documentary that says it still happens. Amazing isn't it? And I too love the trees.
DeleteA true explosion in color! I'm glad that you persisted and you could witness this beautiful display of nature. The lake cruise sounds lovely - it was great to see the sculptures from a different angle. The warm colors are stunning. Thank you for taking us on this trip.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Thank you for backtracking through my posts. It really was a lovely outing, and we took it in the nick of time. Less than a week later most of those trees are bare. Still beautiful - but a very different kind of beauty.
Delete