End of the season

The growing season is over and even the chrysanthemums are showing the effects of frost.

Trees and wires

I have not posted much in the way of autumn colors this year. I guess I have had other things to photograph recently, which is nice. But here is a view of orange and yellow, both in the trees and on the ground. And then there are the various utility lines too. But that's the way it is in village and towns.

Autumn leaks through the rock

This abandoned canal lock has not been filled with water for over a hundred years, and it's age is showing, yet it still provides a nice feature along the old towpath.

Sweet

This is perhaps my favorite picture from our Toronto weekend with its angles, unusual construction and colors. The unaware passerby also adds to the image, but the title comes from the fact that the industrial building pictured is the Redpath Sugar Refinery on the waterfront.

And we were in Toronto to see Sir Paul McCartney, who at age 73 was still able to provide two and half hours of continuous entertainment to 16,000 of his fans. A very good concert in my opinion from one of the music worlds greats. And that is pretty sweet too.

Big brother is watching you

Disconnect

Perhaps the architect was inspired by his child's building blocks? Or maybe there was a math error of some sort?

Impossibly bright building

When a building is totally clad in gold reflecting glass, and the light reflects just right, the effect can be dazzling... almost blinding.

At first the reflection does not seem to make sense because our viewpoint seems to be 45 degrees, not 90 degrees... but take a closer look and you will see that alternating panels are tipped, creating this unexpected result.

Of course when the light is not at a direct angle the effect is quite different. The building below is the same structure taken from a very different angle.

Suddenly the CN Tower doesn't look so tall

If you don't know Toronto, you may not know the CN Tower. For over 30 years it was the tallest man made structure in the world at over 1,800 feet (Canadians prefer 553 meters).

Of course there is a trick of perspective going on here, but the photo illustrates the continuing growth of this futuristic city. Over the years, on every visit, more gleaming office buildings appear in downtown, and needle thin condo towers along the lake. I will expand on this theme over the next few posts.

Tree reflected, tree backlit

An unplanned side trip brought me back to the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) after having visited only a month earlier. I am still fascinated by the new all glass gallery. It really is an amazing structure... almost looks like something Apple could have built.

Turkey vultures

As I was walking along for some reason I looked up and was surprised by the sight of eight large birds above me in the trees. They were big enough that I did sense a bit of fear but should not have. I was not sure what they were but a bit of research led me to the conclusion that they were turkey vultures, birds that do not hunt but are primarily scavengers that consume carrion.

So, realizing that I was still alive I knew that I was safe.

USA

Here's a way to show your patriotism in a BIG way... so big that it is clearly visible on Bing Maps (Google maps apparently no longer offers satellite views, only Google earth which does not look as good).

Windmill

Not all windmills make electricity. This one is of a slightly older style. It was used for pumping water (I think) but, in this case, I imagine it is more for show... a quaint reminder of days gone by.

Finger Lakes

We spent the weekend in the Finger Lakes enjoying terrific weather, tasting wine and taking in the wonderful views. This is a view of Keuka Lake, the one that is shaped like a Y.

Layers of colors

Pumpkin time

Sailing school

Actually I am not sure these mariners are learning to sail, but it seems unlikely that these Sunfish are engaged in a regatta. I suppose it could just be a sailing club.

At any rate, a very nice autumn day for sailing.

Lumpy trees