Friday, November 19, 2021

Totem And Hall

 The totem pole here at Rideau Hall is a vibrant one. Years ago I photographed it, and later that shot was part of a collage done for the cover of the magazine Canada's History during Canada 150.


Onto the rose garden, now dormant. It is flanked by a curving line of columns to the left and a hedge to the right.


Beyond the hedge is more of a stretch of grass, dominated here by the red of a tree in its fall colours.


A flock of Canada geese were having a rest. These are probably the last of the season, come from places further north and spending their winter in some spot not too far south from here, but where they know there will be open water.


From the path between the hedge, I went back up through the midst of the rose garden. I'll have to come back sometime next year when they're back in bloom.


I approached the Hall. The fountain in front was having some work done, and so was cordoned off. The Hall dates back to the days of Thomas Mackay, founder of New Edinburgh in 1829. Mackay built a home for his family here, bought later by the government as an official residence for the royal representative, the governor-general. It has been expanded over time since then, and is a grand place inside. 


Our current Governor-General, Mary Simon, was sworn in several months ago. We'll be charitable and say that her predecessor wasn't really suited for the job. Governor-General Simon was in residence, as the flag atop the Hall is that of her position. When a Governor-General is away, that flag is not flown.


I'll conclude this visit and my fall series tomorrow.

34 comments:

  1. Great totem, it blends in perfectly.

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  2. Beautiful place to walk and take photos. Nice to see the geese taking a rest in the park.

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  3. Beautiful trees. I love the totem!
    Have a great day!

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  4. I may have mentioned this before, but if ever you make it to Duncan, BC, that's THE place to see totem poles.

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  5. That totem pole is just fabulous. It looks enormous and so detailed.

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  6. Nice to see the totem pole in its natural environment.

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  7. The totem and the light is that first photo are captured perfectly. Love it.

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  8. Thanks for sharing that totem and all the rest. :-)

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  9. @Italiafinlandia: very much so.

    @Iris: it certainly does.

    @Nancy: I imagine geese taking a break here in early November don't fly too much further south.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @David: I'd enjoy it.

    @Tom: definitely.

    @John: I agree.

    @Jeanie: indeed.

    @Jan: it is.

    @Marie: thanks!

    @DJan: you're welcome.

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  10. What a fantastic totem pole, I love it.

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  11. I have some Totem pole photos from when I went to Vancouver at the museum there

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  12. Mis felicitaciones, por la buena difusión de tu fotografía. Todas ellas me ha encantado.

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  13. @RedPat: very much so.

    @Bill: I do too.

    @Bill: I'd love to see that museum.

    @Sharon: it's a good one.

    @Ventana: thank you.

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  14. These are awesome photos of autumn and totem is wonderful ~ ^_^

    p.a. Hope you are mending quickly ~

    Living in the moment,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  15. Great looking totem pole - very colorful.

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  16. The totem looks amazing and so do the beautiful trees and paths!

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  17. William - an amazing totem, and congrats on being a published photographer! Lovely landscape shots - a pleasing mixture of trees with and without leaves - those with bare branches make such interesting subjects! Enjoy your weekend!

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  18. William, this is most lovely and most appreciated!

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  19. The totem is exquisite. Would love to sit before it in quiet meditation.

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  20. I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
    The totem is amazing.

    All the best Jan

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