Trillium in Bloom

The large, white trillium is the provincial flower of Ontario. Although some claim the trillium is rare, it isn't. Acres of the flowers will soon brighten many a forest floor across the province. Another myth is that it is against the law to pick trilliums. No Ontario law specifically protects the provincial emblem. That said, it is illegal to pick any wild plant in a provincial park, and that includes trilliums. Look but don't touch. If you must take something, take a picture. And speaking of pictures, this trillium is in Warbler Woods off Commissioners Road in southwest London.

In The Pink

There are days I worry my aging camera batteries will fail before I am done shooting. I was already on my backup battery when I saw the little pet rabbit, wrapped in a pink blanket, being carried in Springbank Park; I knew I had to have this shot. It made me smile and I hope it makes you smile, too.

Worth Rising With the Sun

Photo tip: patience and planning make for better photography.
I've admired this twisted tree many times, but with my little point and shoot camera there was no way to do it justice - everything would be too sharp. It needed a little fog to make it pop. Sunday morning, rising early, glancing out our front door sidelights, I saw fog, thick fog. I immediately thought of this tree. I grabbed my Canon SD10 and headed for Springbank Park. In the fog, I couldn't find the tree but a couple of helpful joggers pointed me in the right direction. The result made it all worthwhile. Cheers, Rockin' On.

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.

Thames River Run

It's possible to jog from Byron in the southwest of London, Ontario, past the University of Western Ontario in the northern reaches of the city without ever being too far from the Thames River. This section of the trail, just upriver from Springbank Dam, is particularly scenic.

Givin' the Bloomin' Boot to Winter

I have no explanation. I will try and talk with the folk who live in the home, maybe there is an interesting story behind this. Maybe it is just a cool thing to do. Leave it with me.

Heritage Victorian Apartments

These heritage apartments, converted into condominiums, are at the intersection of Queens Ave. and Wellington St. in downtown London. They are rumoured to have been built originally as residences for employees of London Life. This story has the ring of truth as the headquarters of London Life Insurance is right across the street. Only a small part of the complex is shown. It extends both north and east from the intersection. There are lessons to be learned from the study of these beautiful, dare I say welcoming, Victorian apartments.