Misty River Morning

I had some stuff that I was going to post, but it was all thought provoking and maybe a bit on the downer side of life. I just don't feel like posting those images or those thoughts today. Maybe tomorrow.

Today I will share with you a picture of the Thames River taken a little after sunrise. Walking to the kitchen for my morning coffee, I looked out my front door and could see a solid line of mist delineating the route of the Thames through the west end of the city of London, Ontario. I grabbed my camera and bolted for the door. In just minutes I was viewing the river from the Sanatorium Road bridge, but no mist. By the time I found this spot, still with some lingering mist, the sun was too high in the sky, the mist was quickly being burned off and I had a so so picture. Oh well, another day and another attempt. Someday I will be successful.

Thames River Bridge

For years the walking bridge over the Thames River at the
Thames Valley Golf Course was a beautiful to look at, fun to cross, single lane, suspension bridge that creaked and swayed with every step. A few years ago, I believe, the aging structure was condemned. Its replacement is an oh-so-practical solid steel and concrete bridge. It is not beautiful but it is handsome – a solid, wide, well-used, wooden-decked span.

Thames Down But Not Out

Half a dozen kayak enthusiasts were sighted Saturday paddling on the Thames River despite the very low water level resulting from the failure of a gate at Springbank Dam. All the kayakers headed downriver through the open dam and disappeared heading in the direction of Kilworth. There may be adequate water for kayaks but larger canoes are another matter. Without the dam to raise the water level, the London Canoe Club will be unable to use the river again this summer.

Culture Minister Supports Demolition

Who would allow a beautiful, historic home overlooking the Thames River in west London to sit empty, unmaintained, decaying? Answer: the Province of Ontario. But, they do have a plan, Queen's Park applied for a demolition permit.

The City of London, concerned about the impending loss of yet another historic property, contacted Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. The minister was quick to point out the province doesn't have to comply with rules that otherwise protect heritage buildings from demolition. Ever the politician, Carroll closed her letter by thanking the city for the city's "continued commitment to preserving Ontario's heritage."

This is brilliant stuff. When Carroll leaves her government job she can get work with the Canadian Airfarce or bring back Monty Python's Flying Circus with a Canadian twist.

For the whole story read Jonathan Sher's piece in The London Free Press.