Capturing the Art of Nature
Dutton (Day 8)
Finally some sun! Today I enjoyed revisiting some sights along Lake Erie, west of Port Stanley
Category
Ontario Adventures
2014
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Today was the first day I felt like getting out there and driving the roads looking for colour. The weather had been wet, dark and dreary so far while we were in the Port and the colours looked so dull. But today the sun was out and I was looking forward to seeing what the trees were offering. I had to settle for a late start as Carolyn needed a ride into St. Thomas where she was going to spend the afternoon at the wool shop. So I didn’t get started on my adventure until after lunch and then I had to be back to pick her up at 5pm!
So I set out along the Fingal Line heading west out of St. Thomas and made for the St. Stephen’s church. This small church has been one I have visited most years that I have come out. It felt like a good spot to get inspired for the day. I arrived and read a historical plaque that talked about the war of 1812 and Col. Burwell for whom the area was named. I gathered a few colour shots as the sun poked out from the clouds and started to enjoy being out here. I noticed the old grave marker for Burwell but it was so eroded that I couldn’t make out the words. I snapped a photo of it so I could try some Photoshop restoration to see of it could be read.
After a few more photos I continued along Fingal and Iona Roads and turned down the back road called Erin Line. This gravel road offered some great sights in previous years so I was hopeful I would find some this year. But many of the trees along it were already bare and I didn’t find anything to shoot. The road ends further down on Fingal where I then backtracked a bit to Lakeshore and drove this short section to the John E. Pearce Park. Here I found a few colour shots which caught my eye and I was able to time them with the sun. I was now at the park but it was getting close to time for my radio call to Ralph in Vancouver. So I set up my radio and tried the repeater but it wasn’t making it in. I drove up the road to a rise and there I got into the repeater and now I waited for the right time. Unfortunately I wasn’t getting a clear enough signal across to open the link to Vancouver and missed the call.
I returned to the park and started a walk, there was another chap already on the road walking his tiny dog through the leaves. I enjoyed the walk and found a number of close-up shots and lake views as I made my way around the paths. As I was leaving another visitor came by to enjoy the scenery. I next drove out to Duttona Beach where I enjoy getting down to the lake. This year I met a couple who were walking out to the beach just ahead of me. They were in the area looking at a house to purchase. They were tired of the city life and wanted a quieter friendlier community to settle in. They really enjoyed the beach and its easy access. I gathered a few lake photos and just marveled in the fresh air and wonderful views.
I returned to the car and climbed up out of the valley, as it was well after 4pm, I needed to start back to get Carolyn so I tried a few back roads that went in the direction to St. Thomas but I didn’t find much along the way to shoot. There finally came a few spots with nice colour but the sun was on and off due to the clouds and I wasn’t going to be able to wait for a clearing to get the right lighting so I had to skip a few opportunities during my drive back. It was a short day but it did feel good getting out there. Hopefully tomorrow will yield some better photos.