Waiting For Two Storms To Collide

The Skyline - Wolfe Island Ferry Dock 5 pm

By 5 pm this afternoon the winds were picking up.  As I waited for the ferry the east coast waited for Sandy and Western Ontario waited for two storms to collide. Folks are/were predicting "Frankenstorm."

The east coast of the United States is just now being battered by Sandy, stripped of her category 2 hurricane status, now a post tropical cyclone - the effects of her rage will be felt inland as far as Western Ontario. Sandy's fate, a duel with another storm. Right now she's reeking havoc, dropping snow on Virgina, pounding NYC with storm surge waves ... who knows what her furry will bring... 

A seagull stalled in the headwinds

1.5 million people in the eastern US are already without power...my pots, pans and pails have been filled with water, my flashlights received new batteries. OK, I've been thinking, my car may be less than intelligently parked under an old Maple tree, but I'm ready. I think I'll be lucky. I won't feel the worst of it but hope you all keep safe!

... She'll Miss Me

I had a window of opportunity … and what a window it was. For one last time this season I stepped into the familiar Rocket gear and headed out to ride my Star. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day with dazzling sunshine and almost summer heat.

The Star and I stopped for a farewell portrait by the lake. A flawless end to a stellar year, my only regret – it was the ride to her winter home. I think she’ll miss me but I know she’ll be well taken care of.

We said our goodbyes; she looked straight ahead awaiting her fate …’til spring dear Star, ‘til spring!

(PS I’m convinced those are tears you can see on her windscreen - not bird doo doo!)

More Tales From The Trails

It's been fun exploring the beautiful spots near home ... here are today's scenic tales from the trail. Today included Chaffey's Locks, the Iron Bridge, along the trail and then on to a scenic stop - the Rideau Canal lift locks at Jones Falls. (The section of trail walked today went from the trail access point on Indian Lake Road, I km west of Chaffey's Locks east about 5 k). Lunch, the last one being served for the season, was at The Opinicon Resort.)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

And then the blackberry died, damn I wish I hadn't forgotten my camera today - the scenery was spectacular!

So ... I Made The Best Of It

Yesterday was positively beautiful, sunshine and 18 degrees and I'm at work, (I've heard from someone there were more bikes on the road than cars). Then again today, another stellar afternoon but my bike was at home and ... I was at work. So I made the best of it by snapping a few photos of a stunning waterfront on the way home.

The Cataraqui Trail ...

Perth Road Village ... west 5k and back.

Beaver's work ...

 Beaver's work, assisted by wind (same tree an hour between photos)

A wayside bench ...

Nature's work ...
A Ten-ish K walk on the Cataraqui Trail; Perth Road Village west and back - beautiful.

The 18th Annual Battersea Pumpkin Festival

In pictures...

There's something special about living in a place "where everybody knows your name" and the whole town gets happy celebrating fall.

First Snow

First snow ...

 

 

Just pulling your chain. It's really Zamboni 'snow poop' outside the local arena. Hockey night in Kingston is  still alive and well for all those who dream .

Really ...

 

 

this is the way it looks at the Lake (Ontario) shore. Chilly, but still no snow. There may be one riding day left yet!

 

Autumn in 'The County'

The temperature was hovering just above the zero mark and the sky was ominous this morning so the call was to go to Prince Edward County by car.

The colours ranged from spectacular to mundane.

Autumn in 'The County' was unpredictable ... the beauty was in the surprise of what lay around the next bend.

 Despite the chill and the dampness it was a beautiful day ...

to catch some reflections.

Happy Thanksgiving. 

And Suddenly ...

Something in the air says autumn has come ... and suddenly... everything looks different. My lake is quiet except for the odd ripple created by the tiny kisses of a few fish still hoping for summer. Its glassy smoothness reflects what the trees already know - winter is coming. I love my lake surrounded by autumn's splendor. October 3 - Round Lake.