Mining

It was today in 2013 that Ottawa Daily Photo got its start. Time does fly. 

Continuing on where we left off yesterday with this look at mining in the Science and Technology Museum.

Indigenous peoples were mining and trading in precious metals for thousands of years. After European contact, mining would eventually change.

Lights in mines can vary.

Mined metals can become highly prized gems. This jewellry set was a state gift to the wife of a former prime minister from the king of Saudi Arabia (seems like a bribe, doesn't it?). Now it is here.

New technology is meant to explore for mineral resources and help make the process run smoothly. This includes satellite technology and devices that scan and create 3D maps.

A simulator is found here. You can take the controls and drive through a mine that has been intensively scanned. The video screen is in black and white, and is vivid.

Views From The High Ground

Here on Parliament Hill is the Summer Pavilion, a lovely structure for a break and taking in the views.

Nearby, a series of panels, and room for more. This is the Canadian Police And Peace Officers Memorial. Names are inscribed of officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Each September, there is a national service of remembrance here.

Here we see West Block. At present, the House of Commons is meeting inside.

There is a rise of land overlooking both Centre and West Block, the highest ground on the Hill. Queen Victoria has a statue here.

Nearby, another of our great prime ministers, Lester Pearson.

To the west, the Confederation and Justice Blocks, and the Supreme Court. 

And we finish with a statue of Prime Minister Robert Borden.

Paying A Visit To Parliament Hill

 It was time to take a stroll around Parliament Hill. The work around Centre Block continues, with large portions of the structure covered with scaffolding and drapes.

East Block is one of the original buildings on site. There is some work happening with this building, but here and there.

This door on East Block always catches my eye.

There are a number of monuments and statues on the Hill. This is the newest of them, commemorating the War of 1812. It stands out in front of East Block. In the background and across the street lies the offices of the Prime Minister. It is the only Parliamentary Block not on Parliament Hill itself.

Nearby, a statue of Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier stands, looking out into Confederation Square, which is dominated by the National War Memorial.

Downslope, we have a statue of William Lyon Mackenzie King, another of our great Prime Ministers.

I headed around the perimeter, noting the contrast between East Block and Centre Block.

I took a shot downslope. The Rideau Canal is down there through the trees. The Hill slopes are heavily wooded.

This statue honours George Brown, a journalist and politician who was one of the driving forces of Confederation.

The view across takes in the National Gallery and Major's Hill Park.

Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine were co-premiers of the United Canadas, otherwise known as Ontario and Quebec. Following a period of unrest, these two legislative leaders paved the way for Confederation through responsible government.

A sundial stands here near the monument, dating two centuries old, a legacy of Colonel By and his men.

Perspectives

 I start today with a view across the Rideau Canal from the east, looking up at Parliament Hill.

Here where the Canal meets the Ottawa River in what is still called Entrance Bay, the view across the river takes in Gatineau, with the Museum of History on the far shore, and the Alexandra Bridge linking the cities and the provinces.

I decided to head up to Major's Hill Park. Along the way, something new. A swimming area, seemingly bound in the water, has been built here, with a large deck. I would not personally swim in the river- it's deep here, and the currents can be treacherous.

Taken from the park above, with a view of the Bytown Museum below. Re-enactors could be seen with visitors outside.

I paid my respects at the statue of Colonel By himself. Surrounding him are flowers, planted to last into October, when the tulip bulbs will be replanted.

A final shot, taken a short distance away. The Mackenzie King Bridge crosses the Canal south of the Ottawa locks, and with the landmarks around this final stretch of the Canal, it always makes for a splendid view.