SkyWatch Friday ~ More Sand, Sun and Blue Skies!

As any of you know who follow my blog, I love to walk and one of my favourite walks is at Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County, Ontario when I am in the east.

These stunning dunes and sandbanks are unique in the world because of their age and geology

and their incredible fine white sands.

The weather in Ontario this winter has been sunny and dry of snow and the spring is proving to be just as baron of percipitation.

With no snow cover and lots of high winds this winter and spring the dunes are shifting and moving!

A friend and I walked his dogs for hours on this warm, blue sky day in the dunes.

During the afternoon puffy clouds found their way onto the landscape.

And I finally stayed on the beach long enough to get a sunset of sorts over the lake

and over the marsh which is incredibly dry.  During our six and half hours on the dunes, beaches and marsh of this beautiful Provincial Park we saw no one!

For more beautiful skies from around the world why not join us at

 SkyWatch Friday

 and remember photos can be enlarged for more detail by clicking on them. 

 Have a great weekend all!

MyWorld Tuesday ~ A Spring Walk in the Woods

White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

 I took a friends dog for a walk at the Beaver Meadow Conservation Area south of Picton, Ontario last week(before the black flies showed up!).  I had forgotten how beautiful a hardwood forest is in the spring when it is in bloom. 

Ontario's provincal flower, I haven't seen trilliums for at least ten years.

These simple, single stem flowers are easily identified by their three white petals, three sepals and three leaves in whoral formation.

The forest floor was a carpet of these simple, beautiful flowers.

Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)

Among the masses of white trillium this red trillium was an unexpected treat and the only one I saw.

I nearly missed these lovely flowers as they open with the sun.

Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

Where there were carpets of Trilliums there were more of the Trout Lily.

This "lovely" I captured on yesterdays bright morning walk.

Marsh Blue Violet (Viola cucullata)

These delicate flowers almost got lost in last years duff.

Despite the lack of rain and water the forest was overrun with wildflowers.

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

This photo doesn't really do these brilliant flowers justice but the black flies were too bad to get a steady close up!  Take it from me they were breath taking.

I know it is not a flower but it is beautiful! 

Cut-leaved toothwort (Dentaria Laciniata)

Downy Yellow violet (Viola pubescens)

The last flower I saw as I walked out of the conservation area through a farmers right of way.

The trees are almost in bloom, nothing a good spring rain wouldn't help!

For other great places from around the world join us at

MyWorld Tuesday. 

Photos can be enlarged for more detail by clicking on them. 

Have a great week.

Weekend Reflections ~ Spring in the Forest

I have been enjoying the hardwood forests of Prince Edward County, Ontario until the black flies sprung to action today!  Hope you enjoy these beautiful Marsh Marigolds in the comfort of your home!

For other beautiful reflections from around the world please join James and the rest of us at

Newtown Area Photo

and remember all photos can be enlarged for detail with a click of the mouse.  Have a great week!

SkyWatch Friday ~ White sands, blue skies

Reluctantly I left Ottawa to visit friends(reluctant 'cause I was leaving my new grandson and family behind) in Prince Edward County and enjoy more beautiful walks in Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Even though the water levels are low this year the dunes are in fine form

and we are not the only ones leaving tracks in the sand.

A year ago today I was leaving Prince Edward County for home on the west coast.

and spring was a good two to four weeks behind this year.

With little snow and lots of wind this winter the dunes have definitely been on the move,

plus there have been some amazing blow outs.

The hike is worth the fresh air, blue skies and the views.

For other beautiful skies why not join us at SkyWatch Friday and remember you can click on all the pictures to enlarge and for more detail.

Happy Earth Day ~ It takes each one of us doing our part.

My World Tuesday ~ Jailed

I travelled to Ottawa Monday arriving late and ending up in the local jail.

This 150 year old facility has housed some of Ottawa's most dangerous criminals, the last hanging being in 1862 (thank goodness)!

I was lucky, I could have spent the night here...

instead I was lead to my cell on the 4th floor!

As I looked for an escape route I realized there was no way out except by doing my time!

Solitary confinement in Cell 3

A 6'x6' space with three foot walls and iron "finger breaking" doors.

Intimidating from the inside and the outside

I decided to do my time peacefully

so I could meet this special man....

Grandson Hudson Daniel, 35 days young, thanks Mom and Dad for such a special man!

And thanks to the amazing International Hostel of Ottawa for the accommodation!***

To visit other special places from around the world join us at

 My World Tuesday

and remember you can click on any photo to enlarge for more detail.

***An International Hostel Membership costs $35.00/year and gives you amazing accommodation like this for as little as $25.00/night(Vancouver during the Olympics had prime space for $35.00/night) plus discounts like 25% off all Greyhound travel plus much more.