Here is what mid-January (late afternoon, January 15th to be precise) looked like in Edmonton in 2022. This was a brief break from what had been a rather cold winter, and when not too cold – too icy.
These images were taken in Dawson Park, in central Edmonton’s river valley.
Here is a little collection of photos from Edmonton, Canada on November 5, 2021. We have had a pleasant autumn this year – mild temperatures and no snow yet. The leaves were very colorful but alas, they have all fallen now, leaving a gray haze of skeleton trees across the river valley. Those fallen leaves and grasses have faded to dormant golden brown and we are left with a very subtle beauty. Of course a bright blue sky (and its reflection in the river) adds a dramatic burst of color.
The north bank of the North Saskatchewan River in Dawson Park always looks dramatic in its barren autumn cloak:
Even with minimal landscape color at this time of year I am still attracted to the forms, textures (and occasional burst of colors) from the tree trunks:
Even without color (excepting the occasional hanger-on) the forms of the trees are worth noticing:
The ice has just started to form on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River. In a month it will be frozen over until it breaks up in March.
Different seasons, different beauties.
October in Edmonton can be cold and gloomy, or brilliant and breathtaking. October 9th, 2021 was one of those brilliant days with an abundance of golden leaves still on the trees, and wonderful sunshine to backlight the colors and cast long dramatic shadows. Here are some photos from that afternoon:
Many leaves have fallen, but enough still decorate the trees:
The views from the north side of the river, near Capilano Bridge:
Down at the southern edge of the river (east of Capilano Bridge):
More trails and leaves:
It was still warm enough for many people to be out enjoying the North Saskatchewan River on boats:
Yesterday I was out for a walk in the Edmonton river valley. That in itself is pretty common but on this day, I strayed from the usual path and discovered views of my City which were refreshingly different.
These photos were taken from the south side of the river (North Saskatchewan), west of the Capilano Bridge. While I walk the path/ bike trails frequently, this day I made an effort to get right down to the water’s edge. Here, beside the little island near the south bank I discovered what may be the only rapids on the North Saskatchewan River as it winds its way through Edmonton as a big, slow waterway.
From the water’s edge I was also able to see the layers of mud making up the lower river bank.
Looking across the island and gravel bar, and across the river to the east end of Dawson Park on the north bank.
A bit of subtle but striking, color from the few leaves that remain on the trees and shrubs in mid-October:
I’d never before noticed this view of the 50th Street footbridge, under and beyond the Capilano Bridge.
Bonus image:
Looking up at the east end of Jasper Avenue from down beside the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River
Mid-October in Edmonton – we are past the peak of autumn foliage color and in fact a good swath of the river valley has taken on the grey color of bare trees. However there are still a few trees fulled enrobed in gold or red and a few (somehow) holding onto green leaves. What I like best about this season though, is how my senses get attuned to more subtle colors. I see and appreciate things besides colors (like lines and textures) which I would not have even noticed just a few weeks back.
Here are a few photo taken while I was out walking in Edmonton’s river valley (in Dawson Park) on the morning of 2017 October 16th.
Te first day of October 2016 was gloomy, wet and cool (see part 1 post) but on Sunday October 2nd, the sun was out, shedding a whole new light <groan> on the autumn beauty in Edmonton. Here are a few shots from that day:
Houses on the North Saskatchewan River bank on the east end of Jasper Avenue
“Red Kayak” – some enjoyed the beautiful day on the North Saskatchewan River
Path in Dawson Park
“Path and Puddle”, in Edmonton’s River Valley
The north bank of the river valley (over the east end of Dawson Park)
Waiting for the snow that is. In most years Edmonton would by now have snow on the ground (the last of which wouldn’t disappear until sometime in April). This year though, we’ve been lucky and yesterday I was able to get out for a bike ride and capture a few photos of the valley landscape (mostly in Rundle and Dawson Parks).
Although the ground is not covered by snow the temperatures have been consistently below freezing for the last week or two. As a result, ponds (such as the one at Rundle Park) have developed a thin layer of ice (not enough for skating yet, but able to support the weight of a goose)
Canada Geese on the Rundle Park pond
Another of the Rundle Park ponds has been drained for winter.
Dry Pond and Larch
Bridge between Rundle and Goldbar Parks
Looking West Across the Valley (downtown Edmonton in the distance on the left)
The Riverbank in Dawson Park
Bike Path through Dawson Park
To see more photos from this day, featuring scenes form the bike path, visit my cycling blog: Zen Cyclist.
[Ho Ho Ho; Yeg-Mon-Ton] – you might have to be of a certain age to get that one.
A few images of the North Saskatchewan river valley in central Edmonton. These early afternoon images are typical of late winter, with the river ice showing signs of softening and breaking up and while a lot of snow remains on the ground. With a couple of sunny days with temperatures well above seasonal average, the snow started to recede in areas that get a lot of daily sun exposure.
Softening Ice and Downtown Edmonton Skyline
Path in Dawson Park
Steep River Valley Slope
Path by the Hoodoos
Across the Valley
Although not visible in the above picture, the North Saskatchewan River is crossed three times in this view, as it meanders in a big S-shaped path below the visible land and trees.
We certainly get the four seasons in Edmonton – not too balanced, with way more winter than suits me but as a photographer I certainly enjoy the variety and challenges of the changing seasons.
On this past Sunday (2014 October 26) I was hit with the realization that it was definitely fall. In fact autumn had pretty much passed us as all of the colorful leaves were on the ground and had turned shades of brown. Nonetheless a two hour walk through Dawson Park opened my eyes to the subtle beauty of the season. I had not expected to take any photos, I was just out for a walk with my dog but I was sure glad I had my camera phone with me. Here are a few of the images that I captured:
A Path South
Edge of the Barren Woods
Autumn Slope
One of the few bright and bold spots of color:
Red and Yellow
The Stairs
Color in the Grass
Ripples to Ride
As pleasant as this midday was, by late afternoon the season threatened to move on as we got a bit of snow falling. The next morning there was even a trace of snow on the ground. It won’t be long until I am on to my next seasonal photo challenge.
YEGmonton 