Larch Tamarack Maple Oak Trees Late Autumn Mississauga Ontario

Clear skies and brilliant sunshine sent the gift of late fall colors to trees in Mississauga (Ontario, Canada). I took this picture two days ago, and tonight, there are snowflakes drifting down. How fleeting the last days of Autumn!

Oak Tree Port Credit

This oak stands in the small park -- Ben MachreePark -- where Godfrey's Lane curves around to Ben Machree, overlooking Lake Ontario (see googlemap below).

Maple Trees and more : Fall in Port Credit

Lake Ontario is the flash of blue lower left; the background trees obscure a bench with a memorial plaque.

Tamarack (Larch) Trees in Rhododendron Gardens Mississauga

Tamarack or larch trees are a deciduous evergreen. To see a picture of these same trees on the first day of summer, go to this post: http://snapshot-travel-blog.blogspot.com/2008/06/larch-tamarack-trees-among-beech.html

Close up of Larch / Tamarack needles and cones in Autumn

The Waterfront Trail runs through Rhododendron Gardens, and for the first year ever, this section of the trail and the section that runs along the Lake Ontario shoreline east of here will receive winter maintenance. Winter maintenance, as well as newly installed lighting, will help turn these Gardens into an all season attraction.

Map of this area: (note-- on this map, Cranberry Cove Park is actually Rhododendron Gardens, and has been for some time)

View Larger Map

Winter in Canada Fun: Snowshoeing B.C.'s Sunshine Coast and A One Horse Open Sleigh Ride at Whistler

North Sunshine Coast in Summer BC Canada

Laura at Vancouver (B.C. Canada) Coast and Mountains (see site) sends some information about winter in Canada fun -- snowshoeing at the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area and a sleigh ride at Whistler. (Thanks, Laura!)

"Most people think of BC’s Sunshine Coast as a summer playground of sandy beaches, warm waters, summer cottages, and outdoor promenades. What you may not know is that the Sunshine Coast is an incredible winter playground, too.

"One of the locals’ favourite winter pastimes is snowshoeing. The Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area, located just past Roberts Creek (see summer pictures of Robert's Creek on my main site at http://www.snapshotjourneys.com/sechelt-bc.html ) is an ideal spot for snowshoers of all ages and abilities.

"Trek through snowy mountain forests, gentle hills, and wide ridges as bald eagles fly overhead. Access to Dakota Ridge is limited to 4X4 (4 Sheel drive) vehicles with chains, but the views make the journey worthwhile.

"From the parking area at Dakota Ridge you’re just a short trek away from a number of viewpoints that offer outstanding vistas of Georgia Straight, Vancouver Island, and Mount Baker. This is a truly special winter experience that is popular with all ages. For more details about Dakota Ridge visit www.scrd.ca"

And there's more winter fun north of Vancouver, at Whistler Blackcomb:

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb grand opening is December 12, 2008. And in the spirit of the Chirstmas season, take a horse drawn sleigh ride through Whistler Blackcomb.

A horse drawn sleigh ride is a true Canadian winter adventure that anyone of any age group can enjoy. Horse drawn sleighs used to be the main form of rural transport in Canada, in the days before snowmobiles! Sleighs move on metal bottom runners that glide smoothly across the snow, pulled by Clydesdale-Percheron horses.

The sleighs at Whsitler Blackcomb, says Laura, are designed for comfort with padded bench seats and warm blankets – a thermos of hot chocolate is mandatory! Sleigh rides cost as little as $35.00 CAD (about $29 USD) per person.

Or, for $49.50 ($40 USD) to $99 ($80 USD) you can take a 30-35 minute ride through wooded trails beside Green Lake. More info at www.blackcombsleighrides.com

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!