The Discovery

Here's a look at the Algoma Discovery leaving the locks and heading towards what I like to call the "lifty bridge". Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to stick around and see the bridge come up as it takes about half an hour just for the boat to get down there, but it was still quite interesting to see the locks at work. I also learned that the Algoma is a grain boat that makes regular runs from Quebec all the way to Thunder Bay! The canals of the St. Lawrence Waterways are still in use today and are often the most efficient way to transport things like grain.

Lifty bridge

As promised, here's a look at the famed Welland canal bridge. Unfortunately, it wasn't up when I stopped for this photo, but it's still quite interesting to see up close and personal.

Here are some other views on the structure. Maybe the next time I'm in the area I can catch it in the "up" position!

Saintly sign

I was in the Welland area last weekend and one of the main draws of the area is the Welland canal bridge and the locks. The best place to view the action from is just behind the St. Catherine's Museum, but I had to get a shot of this sign and the colorful flowers as it was so welcoming! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs. And I'll show you more of the locks tomorrow.

Monday message!

I found this cute little chickie on a storefront around Kensington Market. I think it's a perfect message for a Monday - hope yours is going well! For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Blue skies

I love it when you look up and see blue skies! Things have taken a cold turn again here in Toronto, but I'm sure warm times are just around the corner. For more skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Aptly named

This is a typical strip mall that you'll find around Toronto. Although I don't find these shopping centres very attractive, I had to get a picture of this one because the name "Pants Shortening" really tickled my funnybone. I think it's great that this store has used a name that so aptly describes their services. Perhaps other businesses should take note! For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Ground control to Major Tom

I found this mural of musical greats downtown near the Bathurst subway station. I like this rendition of David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust days, it's just unfortunate he has that pipe running through his head! For more murals, take a look at Monday Mural.

PS: Happy Victoria day to my Canadian readers! It looks like summer is actually here.

Stonewall

Something about the texture of this stone wall really attracted me. I think it's even better in black and white! Does a wall count as a fence? I hope so! For more fences, visit Friday Fences.

Springy signs

The golf season has officially begun here in Toronto! I kicked off the year with a new golf league at the Cardinal course. It was a fun outing, especially since I won the longest drive competition. Let's hope the warm weather is (finally) here to stay so we can take full advantage of the season. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

On the horizon

I thought it was time to start the voyage into the summer, but we've got snow in the forecast for today! What's happening Canada? Please someone, send some warm weather our way!

Purple martin and blue skies

It seems I'm not the only one enjoying this great spring weather! For more skies, visit Skywatch!

Spring is here!

This shot may not look super-springy, but warm weather has finally made it's way to the cold tundra of Toronto! The trees are a little bare yet, but just look at that wonderful green grass. 

Bullseye!

Target stores are a common sight for those of you in the US, but the stores have just recently expanded into Canadian territory much to the excitement of my compatriots. Although it's nice to have the stores closer to home, they still don't feel the same as US Targets to me. Perhaps it's a bit of homesickness. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs. 

Lonely sign of spring

Spring seems to be having trouble starting up here in Toronto. This lone little tree is the only sign of something living I've seen. The trees in my neighborhood are still bare, my tulips haven't sprung and things are just generally pretty bleak. It's supposed to warm up this weekend, let's hope that brings some life to this city!

Bright benches

Sorry I've been a bit out of commission lately, but the (fairly) new job is still keeping me quite busy. Since I haven't had much time to shoot anything new, here's a look at some benches outside a fast food joint in Niagara Falls. I love the bright red of those benches. But the best part of this photo is the fake owl on the upper left corner to keep the pigeons at bay. For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday.

PS: I've been posting more regularly on my Travel Blog as I've got plenty of new shots to showcase over there. Please stop by and take a look.