Distractions, reflections

Parliament Buildings of the Government of Canada, on the Ottawa River. A bright spring morning, with an inspiring view of the houses of parliament in Ottawa. From a 26th floor hotel view, the natural splendour of the Canadian urban forest is inspiring (Ottawa, Wednesday) 20110511

Birch bark canoe, one of two, the other a gift to Trudeau, on display at YOW. A birch bark canoe by Patrick Maranda, one of two, the other presented to Pierre Trudeau as a wedding gift in 1971. Now on display opposite gate 17 at Ottawa International Airport, near the waterfall (Ottawa) 20110512

A string of kites, and a snall tent on the sand at Woodbine Beach. Victoria Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Shorts and sandals at 24 degrees C, cool breeze. 20110523 1800

Evergreen Brickworks from the Governor’s Bridge Lookout. First stop on Saturday cultural tour of Toronto with brother’s family from Los Angeles. Kids climbed hill instead of gravel walk, risking muddy clothes for the rest of day (Toronto) 20110528

Summer umbrellas on Gould Street west of Victoria Street into Yonge Street. Ryerson University taking over Gould Street for a pedestrian mall east of Yonge Street, one north of Dundas Street. A permanent change to the streetscape, or a temporary use during construction? (Toronto) 20110531