There’s something about a marathon that brings out the best in people. Today was the 10th Halifax Bluenose Marathon, and I went to watch and cheer.  Memories of the Boston Marathon bombing are all too fresh. There were moments of silence at the start of this one to remember and respect those involved.

Conditions were perfect. The sun was bright with a good bit of breeze to cool people down.  Halifax was looking good.

The runners looked happy in their own worlds of perseverance.

We cheered them on by calling their names…come on Sara!

Plugged in to their music carried them along

More and more flooded past

Bill was feeling the heat. But he kept going until the finish.

This police officer danced his way round the runners to keep the traffic flowing. 

Despite the pain, there was much shared happiness. 

Darlene knew she was just approaching  the Citadel, and then on to the finish.

Some spectators would have given their furry ears to join in.

One by one, they crossed the finish line.

Most managing to smile

Just about.

Some hobbled, hanging on to the first-aiders

Others somehow managed to stay on their feet to get over that line.

Shared achievement.

Camaraderie.

Joy.

Willpower.

You did it!

It took sheer bravery for Marlene to get to that finish line.

Yay!

Teamwork.

Utter happiness

They did it. The Paramedics escorted them home.

Well done, Well done!

I love this wonderful city. Congratulations, you are all winners.

I have just returned from a visit to England for what is likely to be the last time in a long while. A day in London was therefore required, so Mandy and I took our cameras in an effort to capture one sunny spring day in the capital.

 It’s easy to forget how every inch of road can become occupied by something moving. People dart in and out of traffic. The noise is incredible.

A team of window cleaners easily dangle off skyscrapers

Sometimes you see pretty little pubs squashed between giant glass buildings. They know they were there first.

The London Eye rolls people round giving them the best views.

But today, we were interested in the people. Who’s out there? Well, for a start, the Americans are getting their shots for ‘Show and Tell’.

People stand around at Westminster Abbey not knowing where to start.

Buses empty them out and leave them to find out.

The City has come round from a dirty winter, and it’s looking lovely.

The railings have been spruced up.

People stick to the paths. Nobody walks on the just-mown grass at Westminster Abbey.

It’s quite warm. But not warm enough for shorts.

There is a lot of looking up to do. Don’t want to miss a thing.

Finally a green patch opposite Big Ben where we can all lie down and get the camera out.

Just don’t want to miss that shot.

Definitely his best side don’t you think?

Time for a bit of lunch and a bit of ‘rubber-necking’ to see what’s going on.

Cars wait for the lights to change. That taxi driver will get away first. I know it.

And she will get there before all the rest. She’s overtaking everything.

Hmmmm, something going down in Downing Street. He’s not going to be able to make his delivery, that’s for sure.

The tourist hotspots carry on as usual. These chaps just stand around all day, being photographed, coping with people petting their horse. They never ever smile. That’s their job.

London has a way of wearing you out like nowhere else. It’s not long before we are seriously in need of a good cup of coffee and a biscuit. These did it for us nicely.

The Big Issue man decided to do a little turn for us. Very Nice. Thanks so much.

The lovely doorman at The Savoy was happy to pose. Does it all the time.

And then, what a spot of luck, they were making a film at Somerset House. We caught them in their break, but it didn’t stop us having a good snoop around.

Turns out, they were making a horror film. I wonder who this is?

You can’t see, but this fellow was having a quick fag-break.

A perfect location for something with a bit of atmosphere.

There were bits of kit unattended for us to explore.

You’ve just got to laugh haven’t you during a long days’ filming?

All he wanted was a bit of peace away from the cameras to eat his sandwich. Then I came along.

Getting the throat lubricated ready for some more screaming.

Well, better get back to it.

Just time for a quick snack. Dobbin’s already had his.

Is this my best side?

Just finishing on the dog and bone and I’ll be back in character

Moving on from the set, we head over to Fleet Street for something sweet. The day isn’t half way over yet, but you can catch wheat else we saw next time.

Soon after I moved to Nova Scotia, I heard about a group of who are committed to protecting the natural qualities of the local watershed. They are the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organisation. I liked what they were doing, especially as I live on the very edge of a designated Wilderness Area. So, I decided to go to a meeting, and now I’m on their Board! So, my first task was to find out where this Woodens River was, and walk along it.

Today was the perfect day for doing so and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with what I saw.

My first sighting of this fast flowing river

Crystal clear. Green and gold rocks.

The sound of rushing water accompanies the whole walk.

No navigation or effort is required along Wooden’s Lane. Pure pleasure.

Periodically it widens out to a lake, all part of this watershed.

The colours are exceptional.

No chance of forgetting that we only just barely emerging from a tough winter.

The track seems well maintained and well used by walkers and ATV’s.

Huge granite boulders wrapped in moss, which stays bright all winter.

Even with some snow still on the ground, new growth is evident.

We meet a few fellow walkers. Most had dogs. This sweet Nova Scotian Duck Toller was happy to pose for her photograph.

Light shines through the trees magically.

Every part of this walk has something special to see.

Took a slight detour to cross the river at this pleasing little bridge.

My guess is that this sign is telling us we can or cannot fish for trout here.

The air was as pure as the water looked.

Underwater colours.

Clear clear water which I plan to swim in much, much later.

This majestic tree was draped with lichen. They called it Old Man’s Beard here.

Fallen trees are mostly left to their own devices. Nature takes its course.

Signs of Spring recovery.

As the walk progressed we dropped down nearer to the river, and then moved further away.

There are plenty of little tracks to follow that take you to the river’s edge.

Time for a drink and a bite to eat.

Then, on we went on this increasingly beautiful track. Leaving no trace of having been there.

So many luscious shade of green. 

Green really is my favourite colour.

Last year’s Bracket Fungus.

A mighty great tree leaning right over the river.

We sit and watch the colours.

Over and under the water.

I lie down for a moment and see just green and blue.

It’s intoxicatingly beautiful here.

And here, still covered in ice is last year’s leaf. Hanging on.

A suitable road sign.

Some form of log management here.

I really could have walked all day and into the evening.

Next time I probably will!

Here we are, bang in the middle of winter. People in Nova Scotia have more or less had enough of it now, and want to see signs of spring. Not yet awhile I’m afraid. We are miles behind England.  So, I’ve been looking for colour, and I found an abundance. First outing was to Queensland Beach. It was cold. Freezing in fact, but I was after some natural colour. I found it in shedloads!

Bright amber lichen

Washed up collection of matching tones

Tiny pebbles make the background for this arrangement

More red, black green and white

Lichen flourishes on Queensland Beach

Seaweed draped over stones like flowing locks

So many coloured varieties of seaweed

Left over berries and snow

Crystal clear water brightens speckled stones

Blue blue water. Yellow yellow seaweed. 

More and more of this yellowness.

Another day I go down to Halifax Seaport Market, looking for its’ colours

The Tangled Garden was there, and did not disappoint

Most flowers aren’t ready, but you can always find roses

So expensive were these yellow blooms that each one was wrapped in its own netting

I call this babies breath. So pretty

Lovely

Sweet tasting colours

Inviting brightness

Little lemon cakes were asking me to surrender to them. I did not.

Felted bags leaping off the shelf

No reason not to go for it with these colours

For those who crave colours. It’s there if you look for it!

It is always best to go to new places with people who know their way around. Today we were lucky to go to The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market with good friends. We were immediately steered towards the Best Cinnamon Rolls in Halifax, where they were quickly purchased. 

Although it was a cold day, the place was buzzing. Beautiful vegetables, mostly roots were plentiful.

I love the way they are packaged in little boxes and nets

Squash is popular here. Especially when made into soups.

These were only about 5″ long

Apples have been cold stored until now. Very crisp and sweet.

I bought carrots and golden beetroot to roast for supper.

There were many displays of beautifully homemade pastries

Flavoured with local produce. There were blueberry and gooseberry turnovers.

Fancy a cream horn?

This German baker had marvellous goodies

Sweet little heart-shaped cakes.

I know a little girl who would enjoy dismantling these little biscuits.

Soft, sweet bagels.

Preserving and bottling  is a big tradition here for the hard winters. 

One of these pickles is called ‘Bread n’ Butter. Qu’est-ce que c’est cela ?

Beautiful bottles of liqueurs

Q. How do they get the pears in the bottles? A. When the pears are tiny on the trees, they pop them in the bottles where they continue to grow until harvest time.

Then came the knitting

I coveted these socks. Rather, I coveted the ability to make such fine socks.

Traditional Newfoundland Thrummed mittens. So warm.

Too early for tulips, as we have a long time to wait for Spring. However nice to look at.

Then the entertainment. This jolly chap was playing some sort of jig, and made us laugh.

Whereas this young fellow was more serious. As was his lovely playing.

I gather this lady is a regular here, and was pleased to have her picture taken. Lovely face.

And so it was, back home to eat our Best Cinnamon Rolls in Halifax with hot coffee. It’s hell being retired isn’t it?

Scott Thomas sets assignments to fellow bloggers/photographers. This one is all about winter, and what it means to us.  This year, more than any before, winter means a new life.

People warned that the winters in Nova Scotia would be hellish.

England’s winters can be mild. Snowdrops push up soon after Christmas. No chance of anything green in Canada until May.

The cats would surely suffer. How could we uproot them?

But I knew it would be OK. I was ready. Winter is turning out well for me. I happen to like snow.

I like what it does to my garden. I can bundle up and be warm. I can hunker down inside and be cozy after a snowy walk.

It suits me. 

The snow and the sea combined excites me. 

In short, winter is OK by me. Winter in Nova Scotia is so far so good!