A Whale of a Tale, Ellen!

Today John and I took a run to Cape Spear to photograph something that I can show you in a couple of weeks. Along the way we saw whales playing and it reminded us of a boat tour we took at St. John's a couple of years ago. On that tour a whale stayed with our boat and played around us for what seemed like half an hour. I took over 400 pictures - couldn't help it. We never saw anything like that. The boat tour operator told us that the whales become familiar with the sounds of the boats and don't mind hanging around and entertaining. That day we were totally entertained!!

Heading toward The Narrows.
In the background you can see the Supreme Court and behind that The Rooms.

Neighbour on the water

First whale jump

He/she started by waving at us a few times

Then the entertainment began!

That's Kids Stuff, Ellen!

Ellen is a great model even when she's not really modelling.....

For the past few years my Mom has purchased table space at the Brigus Blueberry Festival to sell her knitwear and other crafts. She always asks if I want to place any knitting for sale at her table. This year I thought I'd take her up on her offer, so this week I knit a few children's items: a sweater, beanie and mittens.  The sweater is size 6 and the beanie and mittens will fit a 9 month old baby.  All knit form the same yarn (Patons Canadiana - acrylic for washability) so I thought I'd photograph it all together. Of course none of it fits Ellen, but she stepped up to the challenge with the help of a couple of clothes pins.

While doing some errands yesterday we stopped in at Pippy Park near the Fluvarium for a photo shoot.  We didn't go inside the Fluvarium because it was almost closing time, but explored the playground area, read some info boards and had a quick look around. The mosquitoes were plenty in the sheltered areas, so we didn't hang around too long!

This is a view of St. John's that I never really noticed before yesterday.
Pleasantville in the foreground, Quidi Vidi Lake at centre and Cabot Tower/Signal Hill in the distance.

Ellen helping out.

At the playground.

View across Long Pond

Info board at beginning of Long Pond Trail
If you click on the above picture, it should enlarge enough for you to read it.

Tall grass and marsh land

Marsh info board on the trail

Close-ups of marsh info board (so you can actually read what it says.)

Nagle's Hill Brook

Lookout landing

Entrance to Fluvarium

Let's Go For A Walk, Ellen!

Ellen would have thought that she needed that scarf she is wearing when I went to Quidi Vidi (we pronounce it "Kiddy Viddy") this morning to walk the trail. When I arrived the sun had come out but there were still a few puddles around from the rain over the past couple of days and a cool breeze blowing. I wasn't very far along when I had to take off my sweater and tie it around my waist.

The rowers were out practicing for the Royal St. John's Regatta which happens the first Wednesday in August. Alana (oldest daughter) and her team are rowing in the Regatta this year. May the wind be at your backs ladies (going up and down the lake)!  :-)

No trouble to get doggie paparazzi shots today! Ducklings too! 

At first I couldn't tell if the fog at the other end of the lake was coming or going, but by the time I walked to that area, it was sunny with a light cool breeze, so I determined the fog was on its way out. (smile)

The City of St. John's has done a wonderful job of upgrading the trail around the lake while keeping the marshes and rugged beauty intact. There is an off-leash dog park, skateboard park, playground, look-out posts and picnic areas. The trail has been widened and the boardwalks are perfect. It's such a pleasant place to walk on a nice day like today. The app on my phone said I walked 3.9 kms. Delighted with myself!

Oh yes, the scarf! It's for a customer. It's hand knit from Argosy Lotus Blossom which is a sport weight 80% superfine Merino wool and 20% cashmere. Very nice to knit and light as a feather! I have to sew in the ends and block it today in preparation for shipping on Tuesday.

Lots of pictures here today. There was a lot to see!

View across the lake

Is that fog coming or going?!

Skateboard park

One of a couple of playgrounds - too early for the youngsters I guess.

One of a few picnic areas

Investigator  :-)

Rain still on leaves

Part of the trail built around a small cliff

They've installed a dam but kept it pretty!

Berries on a tree that look like blueberries -
huckleberries maybe?

Dogberry blossoms

Steps here on the right allow you to go sit on the rocks by the edge of the lake.

Wild rose