Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens Waterfront Trail Saddington Park ~ Great Walks in Port Credit

Bright sunshine, warm weather, no wind and a Sunday afternoon: If you could resist taking a walk along the Waterfront Trail in Mississauga yesterday, you're a better man than I am! 

 

Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens - Lake Ontario

And so it was that I headed to Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens on the Lakeshore and sauntered (yes, sauntered!) along the Waterfront Trail through the gardens and Ben Machree Park, along the lakeshore past the PetroCanada lands to Saddington Park and along to the lighthouse in Port Credit. It was a great walk, one that took me 3 hours to go a few kilometers.

 

Lake Ontario Ben Machree Park Mississauga 

I wasn't the only one who thought the day perfect for a walk, though. I met dozens of people walking their dog, or pushing babies in strollers (even one little girl pushing her doll in a doll stroller), daddies braced with a Starbucks coffee watching toddlers dig in the sand and throw rocks in the lake, several photographers, a slew of bird feeding types and a rollerblader bobbing and weaving around us all.

 

Lake Ontario Ben Machree Park - Port Credit / Mississauga

With little snow in this part of Mississauga this year, and the water level in Lake Ontario seeming especially low, I was able clamber over the breakwater in several places to beachcomb parts of the shoreline that are usually the domain of large waves. Like in the photo above: This part of the beach is usually underwater, and the back yard of several private homes.

 

Breakwater, Waterfront Trail at PetroCanada Lands Port Credit

 Even the Toronto skyline seemed especially clear: So close, yet thankfully, far, far away. I love the view of Toronto, especially from the waterfont in Port Credit. It makes a lovely backdrop and you miss all the traffic and noise. The ship in the picture sits offshore at the Port Credit Marina.

 

West Bank Credit River at Port Credit Ontario

The Waterfront Trail leaves the shores of Lake Ontario at the Credit River, and winds north along Front Street to Lakeshore Road. There's a pedestrian bridge over the Credit River; follow the path to Snug Harbour Restaurant, and walk towards the lake to get a closer look at the ship.

See also Ducks Walking on Water post from this walk.

I made my first attempt at a google walking map of this route:
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View BRG Waterfront Trail Walking Tour in a larger map
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Today the weather changed dramatically: Our first snowfall of the year! Gone the lovely sunny Sunday, and the strollers and roller bladers. Today, the weather outside looks almost exactly like it did in this video I took at Breuckner Rhododendron Gardens over a year ago. Brr-r-r-r! Glad I took yesterday afternoon off to saunter along the Lakeshore Waterfront Trail.
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Walking Trails Ontario, hiking in Ontario,

Maple, Oak Leaves, Swans Lake Ontario - Playing With New Camera on a Gorgeous Fall Day!

Yesterday I walked along the Lake Ontario shoreline and the Waterfront Trail as it passes through Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens in Port Credit, and playing with my new camera, I tried out different shots of the lake, the birds, and the shadows and reflections cast by the swans. Here's the better of the pictures, including one lone oak leaf.

Today, the sun finally came out just after noon, and turned the yellow maple leaves golden, and the sky brilliant blue. Click on a picture to enlarge, then click the Back button to return to this page.

Golden Leaves On Tecumseh Creek

This is the view looking north from the bridge over Tecumseh Creek on the Waterfront Trail in Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens. Lake Ontario is directly behind you from this viewpoint.

Yellow Leaves Maple Tree

Again, along Tecumseh Creek and the Waterfront Trail, but close to Lakeshore Road and Shawmarr Road. The sun came out and the brilliant colors commanded attention.

Close Up Maple Tree Canopy

I lay on my back in the middle of the Waterfront Trail beneath this maple tree, and hoped no cyclist would run me over. Loved how blue the sky looked!

Single Yellow Maple Leaf Chain Link Fence

I loved this lone leaf wedged into the chain link fence that keeps Waterfront Trail walkers and cyclists from falling into Tecumseh Creek.

Rusty Red Oak Leaf on Wrought Iron Fence

A day earlier, with no sun, this red oak leaf was caught in a spider's web near the Godfrey's Lane entrance to the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens (Gosh that's a lot to type! Let's call it the BRG!)

Lake Ontario Mid-Morning Light

Also at the BRG, but on the day before, the light was so unusual that gardens visitors were stopping and sitting on the benches near here, and just looking at Lake Ontario and all the birds - mallards, gulls, swans -- and how the sky reflected in nearly calm waters. From here, you're looking south towards St Catharine's.

Mute Swan Lake Ontario Port Credit

You can tell this is a Mute Swan by its orange beak. The Trumpeter Swans have a black beak, curved neck, and are banded.

Mute Swan - Reflections Lake Ontario

With the play of light and shadow, I tried several shots variously with gulls, mallards and swans, on the water or perched on exposed rocks. With the back lighting, and no real color -- all grays and gray blues -- it was fun to play with. This picture and the one above are my favourites.

Lake Ontario Low Water Levels Port Credit

Green strip between the lake and the beach is from algae that marks usual water line on Lake Ontario. Winds from the south bring the waves higher. The lake waters were so still this day, you can see how the water level has dropped.

Flowers, Sailboats Lake Ontario, Sunset - Random Photos of Port Credit

As the rain pours down yet again, I am using the time to tidy up my iPhoto pictures: Labeling Events, Faces, and pictures. And in the process, I came across some misfiled photos, and thought I'd post them here. There's a rhododendron, a cleome, and a red bud tree in full bloom.

And sailboats with spinnakers on Lake Ontario, and a neat cloud formation and two photos of the sunset the other night. Here you go!

Mauve Rhododendron

The Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens are across the street from my house, so I do take a lot of pictures of them. This beauty, whose name I forget just now, is always a lovely show in early June.

Red Bud Tree in Full Bloom

I took this picture of the red bud tree beside Snug Harbour restaurant in Port Credit. I didn't know the name until the head gardener at BRG (Brueckner Rhodo Gardens) showed me the same trees at the gardens. They remind me of jacarandas, and make me think of two of my favourite cities -- Sydney (Australia) and Buenos Aires -- in spring.

Waterfront Trail Views of Lake Ontario Sailboats and Spinnakers

The Waterfront Trail runs along Lake Ontario in Port Credit, through the BRG. I know. I am spoiled living in such a fabulous location. The views change daily, according to weather and time of day, and I never get tired of them.

Clouds over Lake Ontario at Port Credit Mississauga

Another view of the Lake from the Waterfront Trail. Coyotes have been seen at dusk and into the evening, but I've only seen one once, and through the fence along the trail. It didn't take any notice of me, but then I wasn't walking a small dog.

White, Pink Cleomes in Full Bloom

Cleomes are one of my favourite flowers! They are perfect for the lazier type of gardener, as they grow fast and tall without fertilizer, they don't mind drought / dry conditions, they aren't fussy about soil, and they bloom lavishly all summer long and into the fall.

And cleome have the added benefit of thorny stems that surprise animals and humans who would run through the flower beds. Oh, and they usually seed themselves. Just give them time in the spring to make themselves known, and you don't have to buy new plants each spring.

Sunset over Port Credit - One

I took this picture through my bedroom window - literally. Glass and all! That my little Canon digital did such a good job is just another reason I love my Canon cameras.

Sunset over Port Credit - One

What caught my eye with this sunset is how clearly the incoming frontal system is shown. Oh, yes, the vivid colors, too! But you can actually see the system passing overhead.

That's it for this iPhoto clean up. I really must get to work. Hope you enjoy these pictures of my little part of Canada!

Mother's Day Brunch, Dinner Mississauga and Cinco De Mayo

Here are the Mother's Day brunch and dinner notices for two restaurants in Mississauga: The Waterside Inn and Ten Restaurant and Wine Bar, both in Port Credit. As well, Ten's parent resto -- On The Curve, near Square One -- is celebrating Cinco de Mayo tomorrow (May 5).

First for Mother's Day - if there are any seats still to be had for this busiest of holidays. If you want to take mom out for brunch or dinner, you'd better call now.


The Waterside Inn Mother's Day May 10 Brunch is $43.00 per person, but children under 12 half price, two seatings 11:00 am or 1:30 pm, reservations recommended; Mother's Day dinner runs $48-$57 plus tax and tip. Call 905-891-6225 or see watersideinn.ca


Ten Restaurant and Wine Bar Mother's Day poster above is self-explanatory. See the site at TEN for details for menu, and for the Cinco De Mayo celebrations at On The Curve south side of Square One.


With H1N1 in Mexico, most of the May 5 Cinco de Mayo parties in Mexico had to be cancelled. This may be the closest we'll get to marking one of the biggest Central America holidays.

And after brunch on Sunday, head west along Lakeshore to Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens, where the azaleas, magnolias and spring bulbs are in flower. And, no, they are not meant to be picked for a Mother's Day bouquet :-) See pics at this blog post.

Pink Azalea Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

Two new things today at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens in Mississauga (Canada) : A sign of spring and a sign for the park.

First, the sign of spring: Near the south bridge, closest to the lake, a flush of pink near the waterfront trail proved to be a pink rhododendron just starting to bloom.

Pink Rhododendron in Bud - Mississauga ON

The rhodo blossoms were just starting to open, and I had to step into the bed to see them close up. This bed gets south sun for -- gosh-- about 5 hours a day at this time of year, and will continue to get full sun until the deciduous trees leaf out and shade the rhodos  and azaleas that share this bed.

Rhododendron in Bud, and Azalea

Here's one of the rhodo bushes that shares this bed along the trail. This bed is the last one before you cross the bridge east towards Godfrey's Lane. These rhodos are very showy in mid-spring.

Late last fall, volunteer David and Gardens head gardener Para planted ferns and more in this same bed. Since the ferns have not yet sprouted new growth, I didn't want to chance trampling them.

Azalea Bush ~ Blush of Spring in Port Credit

Here's a wider shot of the azalea. It's just so nice to see this definite sign of spring, especially after yesterday's torrents of cold rain and chill winds. More rain tonight and tomorrow (I know, I know -- it's good for the rhodos!) but this coming weekend, temperatures are forecast to be in the low 20 C (70F). This should pop all manner of blossoms into view.

Forsythia is also newly bursting with yellow, and the new redbud trees -- planted last summer -- are fat with buds. As soon as they pop, I'll be there with my camera. As will dozens of others, especially on weekends. And when the flowers come, the wedding parties are sure to follow.

Brueckner Rhodo Gardens new sign

And, now, at either entrance to the park , the new signs are up, freshly painted and with a third plank to reflecting the addition of the name 'Brueckner' in front of the city park name. For background on why the City of Mississauga is recognizing the late Dr. Brueckner, see this blog post.

Wind, Waves Create New Shoreline Lake Ontario in Port Credit

At Brueckner Rhododendron Garden this afternoon (Mississauga, Ontario), I walked up the trail past the sleeping rhodos, azaleas and forsythia to the footbridge over the small creek that runs through the garden to empty into Lake Ontario.

As I stood on the bridge, I could see at once that the creek now took a dog leg to the right. Hmmm. This is new. This small creek formerly trickled straight south across the stones and emptied itself into Cranberry Cove without a lot of fuss. It's usually narrow enough to step over, if you're careful. Today, with all the rain over the past two days, I stayed on the path.

The first picture (above) shows the creek turning to the right, as seen from the footbridge. The stones along the lake front are a good size, and were piled high enough to divert the creek from its usual route. (See update at bottom.)

I walked down to the beach to where the creek runs parallel to the lakefront. Until just a few days ago, the creek entered Lake Ontario (Cranberry Cove) where you can see the tree branch (Log? Driftwood?) in the photo.

I've looked through all my archived photos of this part of Rhododendron Garden to see if I had any pictures of this area before the storm driven beach front rearrangement, and this is the best one I have. The creek is unremarkable, a thin stream entering the lake just below the tree branch on the beach. I took this picture last summer.

This entire area (south Ontario) has been pummeled by strong winds and copious amounts of rain the past few weeks; when the wind blows from the south east, as it has been doing, it forces waves directly onto the lake shore here. I took a video of the storm tossed waves on this beach a few weeks ago, and another video last week on the lake in Port Credit, about 2 km east of here.

Either one of those storms could have caused the creek diversion. Last night and today, the winds were gusting to 70+ kph (44 mph), but mostly from the north (offshore), so the lake was fairly calm, though out in the distance, I could see whitecaps.

And though it's early days until this garden is in the full flush of spring, it was nice to see these crocuses pushing through the winter leaf mulch. And along the bank above the beach, the day lilies are spiking up and promising a good summer's blooming. Can the trilliums and violets be far behind?

UPDATE April 12, 2009
Heavy rains and north winds flooded the creek a few days later. Have a look at the photo below and see how the force of the creek in flood changed the creek outlet back to the usual course.


If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't believe it. And as for the trilliums and violets, I think they will need another week or two of warmer weather. The trilliums are just shoots as of Easter weekend, and the violets are nowhere to be seen.

Surfin Bird Lake Ontario Cranberry Cove on a Warm Late Winter Day With Spring Fever Setting in!

Cranberry Cove Lake Ontario - a warm, sunny day with gusty winds bring the temperatures up to plus 10C was great for us winter-weary types and great for the ducks playing ' Surfin' Bird ' on Cranberry Cove in Mississauga.

Cranberry Cove Lake Ontario

Here's the wide picture of the Cranberry Cove shoreline at Rhododendron Gardens in Port Credit.

Surfin' Bird ~ Ducks on Lake Ontario

The waves were fairly gentle, but every so often, as waves do, a few larger ones rolled in.

Breaking Wave Cranberry Cove Lake Ontario

The sun was so warm that even with the winds gusting to 50 kph (31 mph), you still didn't need a hat or gloves, or any heavy winter coat. Almost as good as finding yourself on a beach in Florida without having had to get on a plane!

I shot a short video of the sounds of the wind and waves - nothing earth shattering and I am not expecting any Oscar. Just such a nice day to sit in the sun!

Surfin' Bird Video Cranberry Cove



Family Guy Surfin' Bird video - one of the funniest Family Guy's EVER!


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Winter In Canada - Snow and Ice on Lake Ontario Make Natural Art in Port Credit Mississauga

Winter in Canada - snow and ice and cold winds -- is not my favorite season, but today, here in lovely Port Credit, even though the temperature was about minus 10 Celsius (14 F), and there was plenty of snow and ice everywhere, the sun was warm and it felt wonderful. And so for the first time in several weeks, I headed across Lakeshore Road through Rhododendron Gardens to have a look at Lake Ontario, and see what the cold weather had brought to the shoreline.

Rhododendron Gardens Snow Fence

The mid afternoon sunlight set up blue colored shadows across the large meadow area south of the rose garden and peony bed. Snow fencing is used to block snow drifts, though in this case, it is backed with burlap in an attempt to keep salt from the Waterfront Trail winter trail maintenance from being strewn on the new flower beds. Road salt, even so-called environmentally friendly products, can still harm garden plants and lawns.

On the Lake Ontario Shoreline Looking south to USA

This afternoon, I was the only person in the gardens, and with ice floes hugging the shoreline, and no wind to speak of, the silence was incredible! Hard to believe this location is only a few minute's walk south of busy Lakeshore Road. A unseen plane passed, breaking the silence for a moment. But even the birds bobbing out in the open water past the ice made not a sound.

After a few minutes, I noticed how the waves had broken on this tree branch on the shore, and frozen in place, so I moved in for a closer look.

Winter in Canada = Snow and Ice

Here's a medium shot of the ice covered branch. The puffy mounds in the foreground are large rocks placed here along the shore to block erosion. When there is no snow, you can see where it is safe to step. But today, the blanket of show covers the crevasses, so it's not safe to go walkabout.

Natural Art in Canada - Snow and Ice turn a tree branch into Sculpture

Here's a close up of the same branch. Cool, no? Pun intended. Nature knows how to make her own ice sculptures!

See more Winter in Canada Snow pictures here and how snow is melted by machine.
And stay warm! It's only two months until SPRING!!!!!!

Canada Geese on Snow Lake Ontario Three Days Before Winter Solstice

I took these pictures of several Canada geese who had wandered up the hill from Lake Ontario, in Rhododendron Gardens, Mississauga. The geese had come to look for lunch in the grassy areas exposed where the bright sunshine had melted last night's snow. With only three days until the winter solstice (Dec 21), yoo'd think they'd have flown south long ago.

Canada Geese Rhododendron Gardens

The day before, when there was no snow at all, at this same location, hundreds of ducks - Mallards, white and black coloured ducks ( that I can't find in my Peterson Field Guide to Birds), gulls, geese and swans -- filled the waters of this small cove and covered the waters far out into the lake. It was late afternoon, on a cloudy day, and I couldn't get a decent photo.

Two Canada Geese Walking in Snow

A passerby mentioned that the annual bird count had taken place the previous Sunday December 15. I had been there on that day, and there were significantly fewer birds of all types then. Yet on Friday, and on Tuesday (Dec 16), the birds were here in huge numbers. I hadn't known the date of this year's annual bird count then, or how to get involved, but I did find this information today.

Geese at water's edge, Lake Ontario in Mississauga

While half a dozen Canada geese had waddled up the embankment from the shore, larger numbers walked along the water's edge or bobbed out in the waves. It was a glorious day, with temps around zero C (32F), little wind, and a cloudless sky. How quickly the weather changes here! As I write this, an hour after I took the photos, the sun has gone, and huge clouds pregnant with rain or snow (my money's on snow) are rushing in over the lake.

Canada Geese Foraging for Food

I sat for a goodly while on one of the park's benches, warmed by the sun, out of the wind, dripped on by snowmelt falling from trees, all the while keeping watch that none of the geese got too close. I have a healthy respect for all geese: My grandmother's geese on the farm served as very reliable guard dogs. Those beaks can give you a good nip if you get too close.

Here at Rhododendron Gardens, I've watched while three hawks soared and dove, and a red headed flicker hammered a trunk for his lunch. Port Credit is a great spot to live, people! Who needs to drive to the cottage when the best of cottage life is right here, for free?

Ontario Field Ornithologists site may be of interest, too, for the types of birds found in Ontario.

Roses Blooming Port Credit : Mid-Autumn Bonus for Fall Gardeners

Port Credit is set to enjoy a week of mild weather in mid-Autumn, as this blooming rose will attest. I took these pictures today at Rhododendron Gardens in Mississauga.

Rose in Bloom in Autumn

This fragrant rose is but one of dozens (Hundreds?) of bushes in the new rose bed at the Gardens. I have been weeding and spading and adding peat as time and weather permit. The name of this rose escapes me - when I recall it I will let you know.

Rose Garden Overview -- Rhododendron Gardens Port Credit

I took this picture from the hill overlooking the rose garden at about 10 a.m. this morning. You can see from the length of the shadow the time of year:In summer, this tiny valley is awash in sunshine much of the day.

Lake Ontario Port Credit : Wave Action on the Beach

The steady breaking of waves could be heard from the top of the hill that overlooks the Rose Garden, so I went down to watch them for a while. It had rained in the night, and was still drizzling a bit until 9 a.m., but warm south west winds that brought the waves onto shore also brought the warm temperatures.

Fallen Leaves : Fall Colour on Asphalt path After the Rain

As I stepped around the pattern of leaves on the Gardens path, I thought, "Gosh, that's pretty the way the black pavement sets off the colours of the maple leaves. Why not take a picture!"

And that's the way it was at Rhododendron Gardens Park on the 3rd day of November, 2008. With the rest of the week forecast to be above normal temperatures, I hope to put in quite a few hours at the Rose Garden. Once the snow comes, it will be a long time until I can garden again. May as well enjoy it while I can!