The forecast, this time of year, has a volatility to it; Mother Nature’s mood changes quickly as she paints feverishly from her autumn palette. Her brush strokes are deliberate and her temperament unpredictable.
So when I looked out my living room window and saw traces of blue between puffy white clouds, wrapped around the rays of a fading sun, I called down to mother and said, ”Dress warmly, we’re going for a drive.”
I headed west, down to Locarno Beach; part of a three beach stretch where many a jogger, cyclist, and ardent walker enjoy spectacular vistas in every direction.
The warmth of the afternoon sun draped lightly around curved shoulders; unsteady hands cupped a piping hot coffee; a hotdog, half eaten, was pushed to the side as sighs of contentment lingered in the crisp autumn air.
Come, sit a spell and enjoy the view…
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| A perfect place to stop for coffee. |
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| A burst of yellow catches the eye. |
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| Looking west, the sky is still bright. |
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| Looking eastward...the clouds move in and blanket the city. |
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| Right in front of our seating area - a gnarled tree trunk begs for attention. |
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| A closer look shows the cycle of life carries on. |
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| Pretty in polka dots. |
Do you have a favourite beach, or lakeside walk, that you enjoy?
Cheers, Jenny
thank you so much for inviting me on your walk it was just what i needed to relieve the stress of the day thank you
ReplyDeleteGlad you could make it, Becca - in light of all the bad weather around the globe I hope this brightens my readers day.
DeleteGiven the earthquake we had (off the top of our Province) we are getting ready for something big. Forecasters have long predicted that we, in Vancouver, are long overdue for "the big one" hence my desire to capture life as it is, right now! One never really knows what's around the next corner.
I'm happy to relieve a little stress from your day - hope the rest of it is wonderful. :)
Beautiful photos! Our beaches are flat and nothing but sand. Not so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex. Is it possible to see your beaches in a different light. Do they have wonderful vistas, can you swim in them, or sail on them, do they make for lovely spots to sit and reflect on one's current project (writing or drawing)? So many question...so little I know about your beaches.
DeleteMight be a post worthy idea; share your beaches and let us determine their worth!! :)
What a lovely walk! Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite places to come with mother - one can do a lot of walking, or just a little. In mother's case a little is a lot! The concession areas provide seating and fresh coffee, and treats, for those wishing to let their eyes do the walking.
DeleteI'm glad you came along for this outing. :)
A really lovely beach with a delightful view.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite beaches is located on an island in the North Sea. It's more the ever changing sky and sea that's always fascinating, the seagulls, tides and dunes than the beach itself.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AJ8jgB3G1LedWM_CJ1RyFNVhIOZGslXZpn-E8Y2QU_Y?feat=directlink
The sky, in the picture you linked here, is breathtaking. I feel as if I can see the curve of the earth on the horizon...is seems to go on forever. Truly spectacular - thank you for sharing it with me and my readers.
DeleteIt has inspired me to try and capture an evening shot of the beaches and sunsets here on the Pacific Ocean...it will take some planning! :)
Stunning!
ReplyDeleteThe beaches here has their moments, admittedly, but I am looking forward to the east coast and the Chesapeake Bay, which is incredibly beautiful.
You will have to share photos of the beaches of Chesapeake Bay...I look forward to seeing them.
DeleteI did a quick google and my goodness those bridges are incredible and the water/sunset shots are amazing. When will you be heading out that way?
I think you're truly blessed to live in such a wonderful looking place Jenny. To me Vancouver is really beautiful, nearly paradisical, I love it. The photos are so good, it looks like a wonderful walk to me.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful walk, Matthew. Having a chance to go for a walk with my mother is special...one never knows how much time is still left, so I take advantage of the moments when they arise. Sort of like you do with your grandmother - I hope she is on the mend, I do keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Jenny
DeleteI know that beach, but haven't been there for a while. My preference is for English Bay or Second Beach. That's a great photo of the gnarly tree. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteBoth English Bay and Second Beach are truly spectacular and I do find myself there on occasion. My preference for the other side, over by Jericho, is purely because of crowds and parking, there is less of both.
DeleteI also enjoy Sunset Beach! Gosh, now that I think of it...I like them all! (mind numbing to pick just one) *grin*
I'm hoping to tackle drawing the gnarly tree - it was definitely and eye catcher.
How beautiful Vancouver is...you are very blessed to have such gorgeous scenery. If I were there I would want to power walk with my dog by my side for half and hour then plant myself on a blanket by the water and read...or maybe sketch. :)
ReplyDeleteWe don't have sea or large lakes nearby, but there are pretty parks to walk in with ponds and lots of trees.
Your photos are lovely Jenny! I'm lovin' that polka dot bike!
Pretty parks with ponds and lots of trees would be a wonderful stand-in when seas, lakes and other large bodies of water are just not available. The idea is to see the beauty in what we have rather than pine for that which we have not.
DeleteI just knew someone would love the polka dot bike as much as I did! It made me smile and that made it photo worthy.
Also, I never take these blessing lightly, I truly give thanks that I live in such a picturesque place.
I think I might need to start keeping a list of all the beautiful places I might want to visit when I get my butt to Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteWe have some pretty stunning beaches around here. Lots of lovely cliffs and white sands
I've got the list already made up for you, you just need to get your "butt" over here. :)
DeleteI can imagine your beaches, you've featured them from time to time. I would love to see photos of those cliffs and white sands...we most definitely do not have the white sand!
Oh I could show you pictures but I think you might really need to pop over and get that white sand between your toes.
DeleteBags are packed, now just need to save up for the flight! Soon...very soon! :)
Deleteooh, such lovely settings... I do love me Autumn walks when the weather is crisp and cold. And love the lake on your background too. Jenny.
ReplyDeleteThis year, due to our strange (and very late) summer, the colour change of the leaves has been spectacular - something one only sees out East.
DeleteI'm happy as can be with my new layout - in the header is Mutti and her dear friend, Dieter - sitting at the edge of his private lake (my background) - I took these shots in June of 2011. I forget I had them until I started searching for a new background/header photo.
I think I can rest now...and enjoy this one. :) (for at least five minutes!)
I would be a liar if I said I wasn't jealous! Especially after this past weekend. I can only imagine what my favorite beach looks like, I'll be headed out there tomorrow, if they'll let me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful pictures!!
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get to the beach - I'm curious as to what it looks like too...is it in the line of Sandy? If so, be careful out there.
DeleteI wanted to capture my beautiful beach in light of having an earthquake...one never know when the big one will hit here...and maybe these beautiful beaches will be a thing of the past. Yikes!
I am so jealous of you living so close to the coast. I spent the first half of my life on or near the beach and I miss it terribly. You are making me seriously consider emigrating! (grin)
ReplyDeleteAh...a new Canuck...my conversion tactics are working. *gleefully rubbing hands together*
DeleteIt must be tough having had a coast line close at hand and now finding yourself more than a Sunday's drive away...well, just let me know when I can expect you and the missus...I'll roll out the hide-a-bed and dust off the guest towels!!
Price of admission...modelling some metal! *grin*