Rivers – RDZ Photography

Vancouver – September 2017 – False Creek and Granville Island

Architecture, Art, History, Nature, Transportation

One of the inlets in the Vancouver area is known as False Creek. In the middle of this waterway is Granville Island, a man made island that was originally used for industry but most have left, as restaurants, housing and parks have taken over.

The views across the waterway to downtown are great.

The one remaining industrial business, Ocean Concrete, has gotten into the artistic spirit.

There are numerous houses build on the piers.

As well as many high end boats docked alongside.

Another view downtown.

Palm trees in Canada?

Icefields Parkway, Alberta – September 2017

Nature, Transportation

The trip continued north from Banff toward the Icefields Parkway, a 180 mile drive to Jasper that takes you past numerous glaciers on the mountains. But first we made a stop for an invigorating hike up Johnton Canyon. This hike included numerous catwalks suspended above the canyon floor, as well as traditional paths. The effort lead to two great waterfalls.

Just before the start of the Icefields Parkway is Lake Louise, a popular tourist stop – so popular there are numerous attendants directing traffic through the entire town to get to the parking lots. We stayed about 30 minutes before leaving the crowds and heading on…

Because a short drive later you were on the Icefields Parkway and has better views with far far fewer people.

At the Columbia Icefields they offer an option to take a tour onto the Athabasca Glacier that included a visit to the ‘Skywalk’, a cantilevered walkway with translucent floors to see straight down 1000′.

The special Ice Coaches were constantly ferrying people onto the glacier. They made a point about how fast the glacier is receding, you would think all the traffic can’t be helping it.

But still, we got to go on a glacier.

Our day ended at Athabasca Falls, near the town of Jasper. I have had many spectacular drives, but the Icefields Parkway is easily one of the 10 best ever.

Calgary – September 2017 – Views of the City

Architecture, Art, Festival, History, Nature

Calgary, Alberta was the next stop, where we arrived right as the Pride Parade ended. People were in a festive mood.

There is a bluff just north of downtown Calgary offering a nice view of the downtown skyline.

The river was a favorite rafting spot.

The impressive pedestrian/biking ‘Peace Bridge’.

While there are some older buildings downtown, much has been replaced with new skyscrapers.

Calgary is famous for it’s rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. Part of the grounds is the arena, the Saddledome.

The city has been celebrating Canada 150.

Columbus – August 2017 – Not the Normal Tourist Photos

Architecture, Nature, Transportation

The Scioto River runs through the middle of Columbus, and recently they have completed some fantastic improvements where the riverbanks are usable by people. This has lead to it becoming a favorite for residents and visitors alike. While downtown we took a long hike, which I focused on the less than standard tourist photos.

Symmetry in the supports for the freeway bridge across the river

A wildlife preserve just south of downtown

A railroad bridge crosses the path about 10′ above it.

One of my favorite subjects is photos of people taking photos – especially in strange places such as on the railroad bridge (or in this case, just off since the train was coming through)