Cold Sculptures

 This has the look of a stage area for performers. During the times when I came up here during Winterlude, I didn't see any, but I believe this was the only time I came along this particular stretch of Sparks Street, which is a pedestrian mall.

Now we get into ice sculptures, which were being illuminated, looking like they had just been finished.

Indeed, nearby two carvers were putting the last touches on this.

Some of the tools of the trade. They start with chainsaws, and work their way through irons, chisels, handsaws, sanders, and even sandpaper.

My last shot for today- an Tim Hortons cup in ice. The company is one of the big sponsors of the festival. We'll pick up here tomorrow.

Cold Festivity

 On the first weekend of Winterlude, I made my way to Sparks Street, where ice sculptures and multimedia exhibits can be found. It was late in the day, and I wanted shots of the sculptures as they are and lit up in the evening. This is not an ice sculpture, but a photo op, a toque in large scale that has lights wired throughout.

The Ice Hogs are the mascots of Winterlude, going from place to place and interacting with guests. Three out of the four were here as I was present.

Another example of multimedia- poetry projected on a digital screen on the wall of a cabin.

This is the statue of Terry Fox that usually stands one block north, facing Parliament Hill. Some work is going on around the statue's usual location, and so it's been moved here for the time being. Terry was the courageous young athlete who lost a leg to cancer, then set out to make a run across the country from east to west to raise money for the fight against the disease. His journey was cut short near Thunder Bay when the cancer returned, later claiming his life. But in the years that followed, each year around the world, Marathons of Hope are held to raise money for that same cause. He's left a huge legacy and a positive example.

One of the food vendors along the street. Maple taffy is one of life's great pleasures.

More multimedia. Visuals of spots along the Ottawa River flash onto several video displays found here.

Night Skate

 The ice was in fine shape during this trip. I have never learned how to skate, and at this point in my life, that won't be happening, but I've always enjoyed walking on the ice of the Canal.

Another look at the ice below.

The Pavilion overlooks the lake at the northwest corner. It includes a restaurant and boat rental facilities, and during Winterlude, a lot of skaters will start their journey here.

For me, it was going along the ice to the northeast, where a secondary staircase off the ice leads to Commissioners Park. My place is beyond that, less than five minutes walk from this spot, and left of the lit apartment building at center.

But one final shot of the Canal looking south from here.

Skateway

 I start today below the Bronson Avenue Bridge, where the Rideau Canal widens into Dow's Lake.

These two shots look back where I'd come from, with the bridge above.

I headed onward. The dark mass of trees on the west shore of the lake is the Arboretum, part of the Central Experimental Farm.

Looking to the north end of the lake. Part of the skateway route loops up that way, and that's where I was heading.

At this end, huts for changing your skates, as well as food opportunities.

This includes Beavertails, a local icon. They're a flat fried pastry topped with various ingredients. 

Also down here are raised fires. A fitting hint of the upcoming theme day, where I'll have more of these.

The skateway ahead loops to the left, towards the next set of canal locks at Carleton University, where the skateway itself ends. I was heading to the right.

A look back to the Bronson bridge. We'll carry on here tomorrow.