How lovely the evening light glows on this autumn day in the river valley

We (hubby and I) found an excellent location to take photos of the river valley. The sun was low in the sky this evening and the light upon the autumn foliage made it glow.  This post has few words because the scenery says it all.

Stuck in the Polar Vortex

Looking out over the river valley yesterday the city certainly appears frozen. Virtually no traffic on the roads nor bridges and it's no wonder.  It was -29 but with the windchill it was -42 Celsius.

I really think the term "polar vortex" is not all that new, in fact research on the web would suggest it was known and used in meteorology for several decades.  This year, though; the media seem to have picked up on it and use the term freely to define the uncharacteristic cold snap we are experiencing this time of year. Regular highs for the end of February/beginning of March are -2 to +2 Celsius while regular lows are -8 to -13 Celsius.  (http://www.world-guides.com/north-america/canada/alberta/edmonton/edmonton_weather.html)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	-7°C / 19°F	-17°C / 1°F
February	-2°C / 28°F	-13°C / 9°F
March	2°C / 36°F	-8°C / 18°F

The lowest overall temperature ever recorded in Edmonton was −49.4 °C (−56.9 °F), on January 19 and 21,1886.

^[Wikipedia]  

^{Saskatchewan is forecasted to be much colder than  our province this week, with lows averaging -60 Celsius with the windchill.  I don't think I'd go outdoors for anything with temperatures that cold!}

Next week, however; we expect the temperatures to normalize again, getting near 0 and slightly above.  I can't wait and I'm sure most residents here agree. I'm so grateful this will be short-lived.  January is supposed to be our coldest month!  Looks like March came in like a lion so here's hoping the counterpart, a lamb, shows up at month's end.

Hope you're keeping warm.  What is your favourite activity to do when it's too cold to be outdoors?  I've been snuggling under a blanket, sometimes with the fireplace on, and reading a book or watching Midsomer Murders on Netflix with a hot tea at hand.

I'm linking up with Louis over at Louis' California Travels for Sunday Bridges.

Discovering the River Valley: Paradise for Dogs and Humans Alike

A trip to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park on Sunday was soothing, serene and yet stimulating.  The air was crisp, the sky ever so blue (once the sun decided to join us), the leaves crunched underfoot and the air smelled of the sweet fragrance of autumn.

It seems the skies are so much bluer this time of year.

The brilliant yellow leaves and stark white bark of birch shine brilliantly.

And every here and there the vivid tones of red and orange dot the forest.

Singles, families and many dogs of all species stroll, run, and trot these trails. This is an off-leash park. (my own dogs are not social creatures so this would be a very bad idea).

The footbridge crosses the Fort Sasktachewan River leading to Hawrelak Park.

Ah, there's nothing like a swim or a game of toss the stick to make a dog incredibly happy.  To see them chase through the shallow water at the river's edge, tongue hanging out, ears perked to attention and tails wagging; how could you not smile and revel in their enjoyment?

The Edmonton Rowing Club is situated at this park as well. There's a boathouse, dock and whatever facilities a boater could desire.  There isn't a spot at this location to launch a motor boat, though.  That's another locale somewhere along this river.

A more perfect escape from the hustle and noise of the city you'd be hard pressed to find.

Do you have the perfect escape destination?

For more bridges, reflections and shadows see the following memes respectively here:  Sunday Bridges, Weekend Reflections, and Shadow Shot Sunday.