Once again this weekend Michelle and I were able to get away and explore some of the areas we love. Port Colborne is certainly one of those places! There is a little stretch from the last bridge on the canal to Lake Erie that is simply adorable. It reminds me of Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia minus the salt water. Turn left as you cross over the Clarence Street bridge onto West Street. There are these quaint little shops with this atmosphere of a small seaside village. I think if we were to come off the road early, it would be for one the little apartments above the various businesses on this street.
Canal Side – Port Colborne
If you have been to Port Colborne before you will know the dual meaning in the header above. Yes, you are certainly canal side, but there is this small Restaraunt/Pub about three doors down from the corner perfectly named for this adventure, “Canal Side“. It was late when we arrived, but the barkeep was very pleasant and helpful Michelle was looking for something to eat, and I a new experience in Beer. I am ever hopeful I will find a place that knows what beer is all about! Craft beer, something with body and flavour. I have been surrounded by stock beer since returning to Canada and having lived in some of the places I have…I long for a good beer! The barkeep knew his stuff, he had experience working in Banff and boy did he know his beer!
After our stop at the restaurant, we headed out to Freddy and for what we hoped would be a good sleep. Having been in the Navy for 20 years, I love the sounds of the water of boats and birds. Throughout the night, I could hear the screams of seagulls and the sounds of boats on the canal. I was brought back to another time in my life, a time filled with many wonderful memories!
I knew Michelle would want to sleep in, so my original plan was to wake up around 4:30 am, and head out to shoot some sunrise images with the canal as my background. As my alarm sounded its cry to wake, I just could not bring myself to get out of my bed. With the good early morning light behind me, I decided to make a cup of coffee and venture out. I was hoping to capture a couple of good images and I think things worked out wonderfully!
Deep Sea Bearing Down
It was not long after setting up my tripod and camera that I rewarded with a subject worthy of shooting. I love shooting images of water, there needs to be some kind of water in the capture. As I stood on the edge of the canal, I saw the pilot boat return to the dock, and sure enough, the “Federal Rideau” entered the mouth of the canal.
I had everything set up, I just needed to have the patience to wait for his approach so he filled the whole frame. I hoped he would be a worthy subject and I an equally worthy photographer. Once he passed under the bridge I returned to Freddy so I could make Michelle breakfast as I try to do for her every weekend. With the weather being perfect this morning we decided to venture out on our “deck” and enough our meal outside.
Let us know what you think of our post. Let us know of any of your cool or not so cool boondocking experiences! We just finished shooting out Van Tour Video so keep an eye out for that on our YouTube Channel.
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