The Sun Finally Sets Upon Another Year

I have a tradition of wrapping up the year with a series of sunset and twilight shots. And so here we have some from the last few months around the region.

This first shot dates to mid-July, with the late light of day disappearing behind an oncoming storm front as I walked through the north end of the Glebe en route home. 

One evening in August, I took this shot of the last light of day illuminating clouds to the south.

A few minutes later, I took this shot from the ridge along the east side of the stadium at Lansdowne Park. The sun had set in the west.

On an evening in the first half of September, I was back at Lansdowne, where among preparations for a music festival, I took this shot of the dusk sky against the stadium north stands and the Aberdeen Pavilion.

A short walk away, I took another shot.

Some days later, I took these two shots of Fourth Avenue Baptist Church in the Glebe at twilight, with the last light of day fading off to the west.

I took this shot on Remembrance Day in November just after leaving the War Museum. The sun was descending, and shining brilliantly through the trees on what had turned out to be a beautiful but cold day.

I took these in mid-December, a few minutes apart. The first includes an old farmhouse at center-right. Abbotsford House today is a senior's community center. A retirement home looms at right, while center-left is a building that houses a nursing home in the Glebe.

A few minutes passed by, and I was further along on the property at Lansdowne Park.

And just a bit further along, I took this shot of the Aberdeen Pavilion from the east.

I was downtown the weekend before Christmas; we'd had a bit of a warm spell that did a number on the snowpack, but got more snow after I took these shots. When I emerged into the late day, it was mostly clear, and I headed up to Parliament Hill for some final sunset shots. This looks towards West Block, with the setting sun behind it.

A look at Centre Block, partially hidden by scaffolding.

I headed for the area between the two blocks for my last two shots. This rise of land includes two statues- Prime Minister Lester Pearson sitting at left, and Queen Victoria at right.

A short walk beyond, a view of the Ottawa River, in the process of winter freeze up, and the last light of day. Happy New Year to you.

A Finale For Ottawa Christmas Lights

 The National War Memorial occupies the heart of Confederation Square, and is surrounded by landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, the Government Conference Centre, the National Arts Centre, and the Chambers. Christmas lights are strung up in the trees around it. I started walking around the perimeter, taking shots as I went.

On the northeast side of the perimeter, a series of statues and busts are gathered around a staircase that comes up from the Rideau Canal. They are collectively called The Valiants, consisting of figures from across Canadian military history. General Arthur Currie commanded Canadian forces during the last part of World War One, and by all accounts did very well with them.

I carried on.

My last stop was Parliament Hill, where the Peace Tower was illuminated in blue and purple, with snowflakes falling down the length of the tower.

Lights Around The Landmarks

 On December 7th, Christmas lights are turned on around numerous landmarks in the city. I start with this shot, taken across from the National Peacekeeping Monument, near the National Gallery, taken a few nights afterwards.

My path led me back to Ottawa City Hall, where the grounds were decorated. An outdoor skating rink is also found here.

City Hall has a provincial courthouse as a neighbour, and that provides the backdrop for these lights. I spent a few days here this year testifying for the Crown in a criminal trial. Hopefully never again.

A big wreath hangs over the main city building.

Across the street is Confederation Park, where instead of traditional lights, spheres of lights hang in trees, and the trunks are illuminated by spotlights of coloured lights. It's different, but I like it.

The park is home to several military monuments, including this one, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

I headed up the street. Between Confederation Park and the National Arts Center, more Christmas lights.

Up at the NAC is this statue. This is the centennial year of the birth of Oscar Peterson, the great jazz pianist and composer, one of the best jazz has ever seen, and in my opinion the greatest musician Canada has ever given the world. A statue of him sits here, with his music playing from an overhead speaker. He looks like he's taking in the applause from his audience. There were Christmas touches in the nearby flowerbeds.

Passing by the NAC, around to the north end, more Christmas lights. The statue seen here is Andrew Hamilton Gault, the politician and military officer who organized the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at the outset of World War One. The regiment has a proud history, and is still active today. We'll cross the street from here tomorrow to close out the Christmas series.

And To All A Good Night

Picking up where we left off yesterday, more views from within the Chateau Laurier at Christmas time.

Several paintings are in this particular space, two of which are visible on the far wall.

I decided to get a few detail shots of the trees before leaving.

Departing, I noticed a train running on a track up above, around the main lobby space.

Even the wreaths outside were fancy.