January 2018 in Edmonton was not very snowy but finally in the last week around 15cm fell. This snow freshened up the landscape, smoothed out the bumps of ice on the river, and inspired me to get out and explore (especially down by the river).
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
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)
It was only May 1st, in this year of early spring (and even earlier summer-like weather), but there was already a bit of activity on the North Saskatchewan River in central Edmonton on a lovely Sunday afternoon:
Coming Around the Bend
Wavemaker
Yellow Canoe Under Dawson Bridge
Little Island
Kayaks
Here it is, the end of February. Even though its been a mild winter in Edmonton, spring can’t come soon enough. Although there are another 3 weeks until the equinox and being Edmonton I wouldn’t rule out a major snowfall until, say mid-May, the changes in the last week are encouraging: the snow is receding and grass is showing, sidewalks are drying, the river ice is getting soft and melt water is running down the streets.
Here are the signs I saw this afternoon:
The North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton in Late-February
The river ice softening around the Edmonton Queen
Puddle-filled back alley
The river ice breaking up
The seasonal end of the outdoor rink
Yesterday (2015 April 3) we took our dog out for his daily walk, to one of our regular areas – Buena Vista Park. It had been a while since I’d visited that area and I was reminded of 2 things:
We usually get to Buena Vista via Hawrelak Park and the pedestrian bridge spanning the North Saskatchewan River between the parks. At the southwest side of the bridge is a “beach” that is a favorite of dogs and their human companions – in the summer. Or so I thought. I wasn’t expecting the river to be accessible or any canines to be in the water at the beginning of April but sure enough there were a number of dogs frolicking at the edge of the river.
At the River Edge in April
Icy Edge and Open Water
I didn’t want our dog in the water so we headed on down the trail to the large open field part of the Buena Vista off-leash area. I t was not as wet and muddy as I feared but there was still a largish pond of melt water on the grass, much to the delight of many dogs.
A Spring Gathering at Buena Vista
Pond Reflection
Although the area is drying up nicely there were still some wet (and muddy and icy) sections on some of the less sun-exposed trails (not that this seems to be of any concern to a dog).
Wet/Muddy/Icy Trail
[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.
