Montreal Sept 21 2008

Montreal is beautiful this week. Perfect weather; perfect! Skies are clear. This is the view looking out towards the left from my hotel window. So many interesting spires and domes!

2008-09-22T12:19:53Z

elf1
Montreal is beautiful this week. Perfect weather; perfect! Skies are clear. This is the view looking out towards the left from my hotel window. So many interesting spires and domes!

This is the view looking towards the right from my hotel window. So much to explore, so little time.

2008-09-22T12:19:56Z

elf1
This is the view looking towards the right from my hotel window. So much to explore, so little time.

These chimneys and little things that look like maybe skylights intrigued me.

2008-09-22T12:19:48Z

elf1
These chimneys and little things that look like maybe skylights intrigued me.

This interesting structure is visible from my hotel room. I meant to go find it at ground level and figure out what it is, but haven't yet.

2008-09-22T12:19:45Z

elf1
This interesting structure is visible from my hotel room. I meant to go find it at ground level and figure out what it is, but haven't yet.

Trees are just starting to show a hint of fall color. I'm just a week or maybe 2 too early for perfect color! Drat! But at least I get some of it.

2008-09-22T12:19:56Z

elf1
Trees are just starting to show a hint of fall color. I'm just a week or maybe 2 too early for perfect color! Drat! But at least I get some of it.

There seem to me to be very few ugly buildings here. Even in symmetry, there's asymmetry with the way windows or balconies are treated, making it intriguing to one's eyes.

2008-09-22T12:19:55Z

elf1
There seem to me to be very few ugly buildings here. Even in symmetry, there's asymmetry with the way windows or balconies are treated, making it intriguing to one's eyes.

We're not the only ones with major elections coming up. Come on, surely you knew that Canada is in the process of electing their next head of state?! OK, me neither. I just liked the looks o ...

2008-09-22T12:21:05Z

elf1
We're not the only ones with major elections coming up. Come on, surely you knew that Canada is in the process of electing their next head of state?! OK, me neither. I just liked the looks o ...

A cool building across the street from the hotel. Apparently it's nothing special around here.

2008-09-22T12:19:38Z

elf1
A cool building across the street from the hotel. Apparently it's nothing special around here.

Nifty details of the tower and roof.

2008-09-22T12:20:02Z

elf1
Nifty details of the tower and roof.

In a nearby park--Square Saint-Louis-- this huge lump of rock was carefully placed on a platform. No sign of any kind. Is it a nifty piece of lava rock? Is it a sculpture? Slag from a steel ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
In a nearby park--Square Saint-Louis-- this huge lump of rock was carefully placed on a platform. No sign of any kind. Is it a nifty piece of lava rock? Is it a sculpture? Slag from a steel ...

Same park, different display. Someone dying for his country's flag. "Gremazie, 1827-1879, Pour mon drapeau je viens ici mourir" (for my flag, I cam here to die). OK, there must be a story th ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Same park, different display. Someone dying for his country's flag. "Gremazie, 1827-1879, Pour mon drapeau je viens ici mourir" (for my flag, I cam here to die). OK, there must be a story th ...

The little park had a huge pool with a fountain in the middle. Very relaxing; all the walls and benches around the fountain held people relaxing.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
The little park had a huge pool with a fountain in the middle. Very relaxing; all the walls and benches around the fountain held people relaxing.

I just enjoyed the colors and patterns in the water.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
I just enjoyed the colors and patterns in the water.

OK, sure, we have squirrels back home, but--with dogs--how often do I get to get this kind of shot?

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
OK, sure, we have squirrels back home, but--with dogs--how often do I get to get this kind of shot?

Or this? (Instants before he dove head-first into the trash can after some tasty morsel.)

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
Or this? (Instants before he dove head-first into the trash can after some tasty morsel.)

Ooh, cool--spider webby bits on spooky kind of wrought iron railings.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
Ooh, cool--spider webby bits on spooky kind of wrought iron railings.

The large leaves on the one plant were black, black, black! I wonder whether they'd grow in California?

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
The large leaves on the one plant were black, black, black! I wonder whether they'd grow in California?

Rue (street) Prince Albert, just a quarter mile of cafes and bistros, all with tables out on the sidewalks.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Rue (street) Prince Albert, just a quarter mile of cafes and bistros, all with tables out on the sidewalks.

People and their dogs were everywhere.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
People and their dogs were everywhere.

Rue Prince Albert had picturesque lamp posts, flower baskets, colored buildings-- It reminded me of nothing so much as--sorry--Disneyland.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
Rue Prince Albert had picturesque lamp posts, flower baskets, colored buildings-- It reminded me of nothing so much as--sorry--Disneyland.

This gentleman kindly held his dog so she (Lilou) would pay attention to the pesky photographer. Then he invited me to sit a bit, and I did, and we chatted a while.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
This gentleman kindly held his dog so she (Lilou) would pay attention to the pesky photographer. Then he invited me to sit a bit, and I did, and we chatted a while.

Dogs dogs dogs. Everywhere I went on Sunday, I saw dogs.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
Dogs dogs dogs. Everywhere I went on Sunday, I saw dogs.

And lots of artwork. Maybe I'm in the arty part of the city, but there was almost as much artwork as there were dogs. Or maybe more.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
And lots of artwork. Maybe I'm in the arty part of the city, but there was almost as much artwork as there were dogs. Or maybe more.

Another study in contrasts.

2008-09-22T12:28:23Z

elf1
Another study in contrasts.

Statuary at the Centre Hospitalier do L'université de Montréal. A famous nurse caring for an ill man, I presume. (That's 2 statues with dying men sprawled across the ground in one afternoo ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Statuary at the Centre Hospitalier do L'université de Montréal. A famous nurse caring for an ill man, I presume. (That's 2 statues with dying men sprawled across the ground in one afternoo ...

The hospital's roof peak.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
The hospital's roof peak.

A very very long stone wall extended down one very long street. This is, or was, the Religieuses Hospitalieres de Saint-Joseph.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
A very very long stone wall extended down one very long street. This is, or was, the Religieuses Hospitalieres de Saint-Joseph.

My first view of Mont Royal, the mountain in the middle of the city, which itself sits on an island. A crowd was streaming into the lower part of the park. Discovered it was for some athlet ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
My first view of Mont Royal, the mountain in the middle of the city, which itself sits on an island. A crowd was streaming into the lower part of the park. Discovered it was for some athlet ...

Broad swathes of grass and paths everywhere.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Broad swathes of grass and paths everywhere.

At the very top of Mont Royal is their famous landmark giant cross. My camera ran out of batteries before I got to it up close, so no photos. Sigh.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
At the very top of Mont Royal is their famous landmark giant cross. My camera ran out of batteries before I got to it up close, so no photos. Sigh.

Dogs everywhere! A little spaniel checks out the lampposts.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Dogs everywhere! A little spaniel checks out the lampposts.

Entering the park below Mont Royal, more paths through more grass. So inviting, and people and their dogs lounged all across it.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Entering the park below Mont Royal, more paths through more grass. So inviting, and people and their dogs lounged all across it.

I turned around and realized that I was now already somewhat above downtown. Someone was apparently late for kickoff time at the arena.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
I turned around and realized that I was now already somewhat above downtown. Someone was apparently late for kickoff time at the arena.

Many of those coming in towards the arena wore red, white, and blue sports paraphernalia. These folks looked like they were ready to have a great time at the game.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Many of those coming in towards the arena wore red, white, and blue sports paraphernalia. These folks looked like they were ready to have a great time at the game.

This lovely nine-month old mixed breed dog, Lihu (Leehou?) had not a shy bone in her body. After some really excellent snuggling and ear nibbling, she started gnawing on my hand, at which po ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
This lovely nine-month old mixed breed dog, Lihu (Leehou?) had not a shy bone in her body. After some really excellent snuggling and ear nibbling, she started gnawing on my hand, at which po ...

An old decayed bandstand stood between me and another huge gathering of people with megaphones at the far end of the sward; them singing "all we are saying...is give peace a chance!"

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
An old decayed bandstand stood between me and another huge gathering of people with megaphones at the far end of the sward; them singing "all we are saying...is give peace a chance!"

I didn't go over to look for a sign under this monument because of the peace-singing crowd.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
I didn't go over to look for a sign under this monument because of the peace-singing crowd.

BUt the wreath of olive leaves looked like an appropriate symbol for this crowd.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
BUt the wreath of olive leaves looked like an appropriate symbol for this crowd.

Clouds appeared briefly during midday, adding drama to the city's skyline.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Clouds appeared briefly during midday, adding drama to the city's skyline.

This boxer couldn't wait to get a real frisbee game going.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
This boxer couldn't wait to get a real frisbee game going.

I love this shot. Too bad there's a person right behind the dog and the dog's foot is cut off. And there's that focus thing. But look at how funny the photo ALMOST was.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
I love this shot. Too bad there's a person right behind the dog and the dog's foot is cut off. And there's that focus thing. But look at how funny the photo ALMOST was.

The park had maps everywhere of the main roads, but no "you are here" markers and no labels on any of hte side paths, of which there were many. So I took one that headed in the general direc ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
The park had maps everywhere of the main roads, but no "you are here" markers and no labels on any of hte side paths, of which there were many. So I took one that headed in the general direc ...

Mont Royal is formed from a magma intrusion into surrounding sedimentary rock remaining in place while the surrounding material wore away. The rocks were lovely in the few places where you c ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Mont Royal is formed from a magma intrusion into surrounding sedimentary rock remaining in place while the surrounding material wore away. The rocks were lovely in the few places where you c ...

In case you want to know how to say "keep your dog on leash and pick up after him" in French. With one of those maps that shows the main roads but not, say, the path I was on.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
In case you want to know how to say "keep your dog on leash and pick up after him" in French. With one of those maps that shows the main roads but not, say, the path I was on.

Dogs... everywhere... I tell you!

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Dogs... everywhere... I tell you!

Um--flowers. They were a lovely pale purple. Even though they don't look it here.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Um--flowers. They were a lovely pale purple. Even though they don't look it here.

As I continued randomly following paths, I came across this staircase that led up up up, way out of my sight, like Jacob's ladder to heaven. I wanted to get to the top of the mountain, and i ...

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
As I continued randomly following paths, I came across this staircase that led up up up, way out of my sight, like Jacob's ladder to heaven. I wanted to get to the top of the mountain, and i ...

Some dogs walked up or down the stairs under their own power; the smaller ones got carried. There were a LOT of steps.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Some dogs walked up or down the stairs under their own power; the smaller ones got carried. There were a LOT of steps.

Berries. Not even the most beautiful berries, but the only touch of red to be seen anywhere, and the lighting was nice.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
Berries. Not even the most beautiful berries, but the only touch of red to be seen anywhere, and the lighting was nice.

As I approached the top, a grand chalet came into view. They call it--The Grand Chalet.

2008-09-22T12:58:31Z

elf1
As I approached the top, a grand chalet came into view. They call it--The Grand Chalet.

Oh, uh, distracted by another cute squirrel.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
Oh, uh, distracted by another cute squirrel.

From the steps of the chalet, you had a lovely view of the city below and the U.S. spread out on the far side of the Fleuve Saint-Laurent (St. Lawrence seaway). Everyone on Montreal came out ...

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
From the steps of the chalet, you had a lovely view of the city below and the U.S. spread out on the far side of the Fleuve Saint-Laurent (St. Lawrence seaway). Everyone on Montreal came out ...

The view from the chalet. What a great day!

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
The view from the chalet. What a great day!

Crowds lined the railing along the viewpoint in front of the chalet. Flowers lined the sides of the plaza. Just a beautiful place to hang out for half an hour, or longer, and people did just ...

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
Crowds lined the railing along the viewpoint in front of the chalet. Flowers lined the sides of the plaza. Just a beautiful place to hang out for half an hour, or longer, and people did just ...

Flowers. Purple. What more can I say?

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
Flowers. Purple. What more can I say?

A very large plaque, all in French, said important things about how peace came to Montreal in the 18th century. I'll have to enlarge this and translate later.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
A very large plaque, all in French, said important things about how peace came to Montreal in the 18th century. I'll have to enlarge this and translate later.

Even the dogs enjoyed the view--these characters had their heads poking through the railing, looking outward, until just before I took this shot.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
Even the dogs enjoyed the view--these characters had their heads poking through the railing, looking outward, until just before I took this shot.

And here it is, downtown Montreal. At least, the part to the left of us.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
And here it is, downtown Montreal. At least, the part to the left of us.

And the parts more straight ahead; there's that teasing little bit of autumn color that hasn't quite gotten to where it can take over the forest.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
And the parts more straight ahead; there's that teasing little bit of autumn color that hasn't quite gotten to where it can take over the forest.

The city looked so clean and artistic in the midafternoon sun.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
The city looked so clean and artistic in the midafternoon sun.

I took a bunch of photos. In case you hadn't noticed. This is as far left as you could see from the overlook.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
I took a bunch of photos. In case you hadn't noticed. This is as far left as you could see from the overlook.

More downtown--you can put all these photos together side by side to create a panorama.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
More downtown--you can put all these photos together side by side to create a panorama.

More panorama, swinging to the right.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
More panorama, swinging to the right.

More panaorama, further to the right.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
More panaorama, further to the right.

And more. There were bridges everywhere crossing the Saint Laurent.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
And more. There were bridges everywhere crossing the Saint Laurent.

And here I am, proof that I was there. If you can't get over the uncanny feeling that I get when looking at it that it's just a perfect backdrop in photoshop.

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
And here I am, proof that I was there. If you can't get over the uncanny feeling that I get when looking at it that it's just a perfect backdrop in photoshop.

The Grand Chalet's architecture was reminiscent of some of the WPA projects in the US from the depression--and with good cause: Same era, same purpose, putting thousands of unemployed to wor ...

2008-09-22T12:58:32Z

elf1
The Grand Chalet's architecture was reminiscent of some of the WPA projects in the US from the depression--and with good cause: Same era, same purpose, putting thousands of unemployed to wor ...

This dog seemed to be evaluating the political discussion going on around him.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
This dog seemed to be evaluating the political discussion going on around him.

Inside the grand chalet, a grand ballroom.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
Inside the grand chalet, a grand ballroom.

I loved the arches of light provided by the front windows and doors.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
I loved the arches of light provided by the front windows and doors.

In the rafters--giant squirrels holding up the ceiling!

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
In the rafters--giant squirrels holding up the ceiling!

Outside on the steps, this German Shorthaired Pointer waited for a good game of ball.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
Outside on the steps, this German Shorthaired Pointer waited for a good game of ball.

I sat behind this dog for 10 minutes and tried to sneak a good photo. Light colored dog against shiny stone plaza, backlit--I never did get a good shot of his cute face. But he had his favor ...

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
I sat behind this dog for 10 minutes and tried to sneak a good photo. Light colored dog against shiny stone plaza, backlit--I never did get a good shot of his cute face. But he had his favor ...

And every once in a while, dad and terrier snuggled a bit.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
And every once in a while, dad and terrier snuggled a bit.

On the far side of the mountain, Maison Smith (smith house) is the only building in montreal remaining from the 1830s era. It's now a museum/gift shop/cafe.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
On the far side of the mountain, Maison Smith (smith house) is the only building in montreal remaining from the 1830s era. It's now a museum/gift shop/cafe.

Dogs everywhere, I tell you! This boxer and Boston Terrier were together. Quite a contrast.

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
Dogs everywhere, I tell you! This boxer and Boston Terrier were together. Quite a contrast.

The other side of Maison Smith. And then my camera battery died, with half of my hike remaining. C'est la vie!

2008-09-22T12:58:36Z

elf1
The other side of Maison Smith. And then my camera battery died, with half of my hike remaining. C'est la vie!