Out with the old...

And in with the new, of course! It's a brand new year with fresh opportunities, and I'm excited to take full advantage. I didn't take too many photographs over the Christmas break, but here are two experimental ones.





Carolyn and I awoke on the First of January to find the Earth draped in a fluffy coat of fresh New Year snow, so we slipped into our snow gear (long johns and snow pants!), strapped on our cameras, and ventured out into the wilderness (after first shovelling the foot of snow from our driveway of course).

We headed first to Doon Valley, in search of Sheave Tower - which, we found out is not in Doon Valley. We found a community trail and traversed into the forest. The walk was lovely and peaceful; we had the path mostly to ourselves, mind a few friendly cross-country skiers and walkers getting a start on their resolutions.



It was only much later that we discovered we had headed straight for the sewage treatment plant. Not so romantic.



Here is a cropped image of a staghorn sumac or rhus typhina.



We then headed to the other side of the 401 to the other Old Mill Rd, which eventually led us to Sheave Tower. This is an old tower which harnessed the energy from the river to power the adjacent Blair Mill. It had been in operation from 1876 to the 1940s (I think), but has since been restored. It's tucked away in the woods and you might miss it while driving by if not for the flash of red. It provided some nice contrast for our photos.









Finally, we went to the Waterlot in New Hamburg, which is where Carolyn and I will be getting married in August. Here is the gazeebo where the ceremony will take place.



Here is a photo of the water wheel across the Nith River (desaturated).



We had a wonderful day and a great start to 2008. Lots of pictures and lots of fun. Here's to a prosperous year for everyone.

Merry Christmas!

As most of you likely know, I'm a Czech thoroughbred, so naturally when spending Christmas with my family, we do it the Czech way. I don't want to go into the details about the Christmas carp and the bathtub, but one significant thing we do differently is that we celebrate Christmas Eve as opposed to Christmas Day. We have a traditional meal, maybe have a drink or two, and open gifts in the evening. Since St. Nick had already delivered his gifts on Dec. 6th, the presents received on this day are from none other than baby Jesus. (If you don't believe me, read about it here!) Anyway, all this means is that little boys and girls get their goodies and play with them until they get tired, and when you crazy North Americans are getting up early, I'll be snoozing away :)

So to all of you, have a wonderful Christmas! Veselé vánoce!



Here's a demonstration of how easily the finest photographic equipment can be rendered useless.