The day before yesterday, 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.

Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.

Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.

Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm farm nature plant flora flower garden Zinnia? orange macro close-up bokeh outdoor summer 16 July 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

A few more photos taken on my drive three days ago.

On 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.

Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park. The adult Common Loon can range from 66 to 91 cm (26 to 36 in) in length with a 127 to 147 cm (4 ft 2 in to 4 ft 10 in) wingspan.

Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.

Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.

Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm farm nature plant flora flower garden Zinnia? white & pink macro close-up bokeh outdoor summer 16 July 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

A few more photos taken on my drive three days ago.

On 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.

Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park. The adult Common Loon can range from 66 to 91 cm (26 to 36 in) in length with a 127 to 147 cm (4 ft 2 in to 4 ft 10 in) wingspan.

Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.

Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.

Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm farm restaurant door one of two wood wooden grain decorative indoor summer 16 July 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

A few more photos taken on my drive three days ago.

On 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.

Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park. The adult Common Loon can range from 66 to 91 cm (26 to 36 in) in length with a 127 to 147 cm (4 ft 2 in to 4 ft 10 in) wingspan.

Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.

Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.

Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm farm nature plant flora flower garden Sunflower cream & pink macro close-up bokeh outdoor summer 16 July 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

After posting smoky photos the last few days, I desperately need some bright colour in my photostream. These five images are a mix of fairly recent shots and some from quite a few years ago. I will add the description I wrote under a previously posted photo taken on the same day.

"On 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.

Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park. The adult Common Loon can range from 66 to 91 cm (26 to 36 in) in length with a 127 to 147 cm (4 ft 2 in to 4 ft 10 in) wingspan.

Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.

Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.

Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky."

© All Rights Reserved