Websters Falls

 Here is a lousy picture of Websters Falls, I've seen some really nice ones, but I forgot to clean my lens   Raindrops...keep...fallin..on ...my...lens! :)

Here we are a 22 metres of curtain waterfalls and its by far, well..the most spectacular of the Hamilton waterfalls..This is really a 'tourist' attraction.  It's easy access and well worth it, always a year round flow, though I've been told at times better than others.  There is of course the Spencer Gorge and an amazing hike in from the tracks.  I've got some pictures somewhere from the summer that I shall post soon enough of that particular day!

Spencer Gorge in Dundas

What a gorgeous view from up top of the Spencer Gorge in Dundas. Just an abundance of fall colors.  A recent trip to Websters/ Tews Falls in Dundas brought in amazing fall colors through my camera lens as you can see.  The rain again, fell in torrents as it had been lately but that just made the whole experience all the more enchanting.

I can't believe I haven't spoken/written enough about the Spencer Gorge in Greensville.  It truly is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Ontario.  

Parking lots are off Short Road, and Fallsview Road.  There's a $10 charge for parking and this in and of itself I don't mind if I am helping the Hamilton Conservation Authority, or paying for maintenance, but if we're paying to see something like Websters Falls for example, I don't want to have to risk myself to climb over or around a fence that is put up to prevent me from seeing that which I am paying to see in the first place.  



There were plenty of us that searched for alternate ways around the stairs.  There were no obstructions, or missing steps that would warrant a fence to be put up.  In fact what I saw were people risking their lives more to get to the falls with the fence being put up.  Hopefully a reconsideration will occur on this or lower the cost of entry.  

And now back to the Wow, honestly there isn't anything like this!  


For directions and some more info: CLICK HERE

The Ganaraska Forest

How can anything be so perfect? The look, feel, smell and sounds of autumn. This is the Ganaraska Forest and it is the largest forest in Southern Ontario with hundreds of kilometres of trails.


It's also the oldest region protected under the Conservation Authorities act, formed in 1946. The watersheds throughout the forest cover a 935-square kilometre area from Wilmot creek in Clarington to east of Cobourg and from Rice Lake down to Lake Ontario.


It rained again on that day. I never remembered autumn being so cold and wet since I was a child. No matter what mood the weather is in, the colors surrounding you will always make fall the most beautiful of all seasons to me.


Missed the entrance to the forest off highway 35/115, a couple of times actually going north and coming back southbound. Be cautioned: once you see the signs of the Ganaraska Forest, you may as well slow right down because there aren't any heads-up signage, so you may very well miss the main 'tourist' entrance. In retrospect though, this allowed the findings of a more secluded entrance off of Boundary Road, a narrow dirt and gravel road. As this particular off-road entrance is forbidden to motorized vehicles, you'll have to trust your vehicle off to the side while you hike in. 

Didn't do much of a hike today, rain really fell hard at times. Took some photographs before darkness came, saw no wildlife at all around. Smelled some wood smoke nearby and heard the quiet tapping of wet rain under my feet. Like I said before, how can anything be so perfect ?

Roy Thompson Hall

Well, I finally experienced the symphony for the first time in my life.  What I saw was a uniquely beautiful geometrically charged facility with its geometrical designs and luxurious plush carpeting with layers and layers of mirrors and glass, chrome and brass.

Winding staircases everywhere with large doorways that brought you to whichever level of the stage you would be lucky enough to enter.  The pictures of the actual stage were taken when the concert was finished, as we were forbidden to take pictures (for obvious reasons) while the concert was on.

What I heard was something else!  The most eloquent balance of harmony and transparency ever before heard.  There were 3 pieces all conducted by Peter Oundjian.  The first piece was composed by Kati Agocs, a young female composer who was humbled by the experience of having the Toronto Symphony playing "Shenanigan", which sounded very exotic to me.

The second piece, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor was a crowd favorite, which featured  Joyce Yang, a 26 year old pianist who has been playing since she was 4 years old!  She completely nailed it! A flawless performance.  

The third and final piece was my favorite, Modest Mussorgsky "Pictures at an Exhibition". It sounded like a soundtrack of a movie, very moving.  Although it was written over 130 years ago, it isn't too hard to see where modern day composers get their inspirations from. 

The entire duration lasted two hours, which is fine by me as I usually become restless by that time. 

lower right was the art display out the window :)

We left for the "after party" which featured a male trio playing several instruments in the lobby, which had free coffee, and entertainment.  This allowed me the opportunity for plenty of photo ops around.  You may have heard about the Nuit Blanche (sponsored again by Scotiabank), in Toronto, where artists were displaying their works, while Torontonians walked the streets all night long checking out various exhibits.   Right out front of the Roy Thompson Hall is a water feature, and looking through the glass window I thought someone was littering!  It appeared like a bicycle, several articles of clothing, a cane and a pizza box.  It wasn't until later, it was revealed that this was in fact ...art....