An anglophone from the west. A francophone town. Hoo boy.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

but we didn't stop for ice cream


It was a very spring-like weekend around here. The weather on Saturday was warm and sunny, and we were at the Jardin Botannique in Montréal with la belle-soeur and her chum. In an effort to help people forget that there are still big ugly masses of snowbanks everywhere, covered in sand, dirt, and a winter's worth of garbage, the Gardens hold an annual "free flying" butterfly exhibit. Despite the crowds, it was good to get out and see some green growing things. The butterflies, despite being the main attraction, were the least fun part of the day. Due mostly to their being surrounded by people: parents and children with strollers, amateur (and not-so-amateur) photographers with their miscellaneous gear, and of course, the blathering idiots who make you wonder who let them leave the house without a brain. Well, it was to be expected for a Saturday afternoon. Next time I go to the Jardin Botannique, I'll pick a less crowded event.

Now I'm all ready for spring to hit those of us who don't live inside a greenhouse...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Icebreaking in Trois-Rivières

Unfortunately, you also have to listen to Rick Mercer. I find him extremely annoying, and fail to understand his popularity. But you can also see the Canadian Coast Guard hard at work, keeping the St. Lawrence clear of ice.

Ice breaking action. Yes.

The Martha L. Black is stationed just across from our apartment, and the "bridge" (better known as the Pont Laviolette) is visible just about everywhere in town. It's huge.

Last winter, they opened the ice breaker up for tours by the public for a few hours. I took some photos, and you can see them here, on my flickr site.