2008-06-02

West Side Legislature

My friends and I went back to the Legislature grounds last night and I took pictures from the west side.

This will be the final installment of the Legislature grounds, but you may see more pictures from here in Tuesdays WWC. If you missed it, the first page is here and the second here (or you can just scroll down).

This is the first thing you see as you come down the west side onto the grounds. It is in recognition of the Italian community here. The writing goes all the way around in Italian, and of course, English & French. I got dizzy trying to read it.

Just after I took that first picture, I saw this little bounder a fair distance away, so I stepped quietly onto the grass and extended my zoom...and the little bugg...er...bunny, started bounding towards me! I had to pull my zoom in, was just getting focused and he bounded toward me again! Hey little guy, you are supposed to run away from people! But look at the shot he let me get!


The path then leads you back to the central fountains and on the west side is this beautiful piece of artwork. Dedicated to the Ukrainian Pioneers and their heritage.


This is the plaque for the artwork above.


I decided that I had fewer people in the way this time and would try to get a better shot of the front of the building and the reflecting pool. It was a bit windy and I had to stand between the pool and the arching fountain - I got a bit damp from the spray, but I managed to keep the camera dry.


This is the west entrance to the Legislature, pretty much a duplicate of the east side.



For those who may have never seen one, this is a Lodgepole Pine. As mentioned in the first post, it is one of the emblems that represent Alberta.


This is the Artillery Saluting Base, where they drag out the big guns (or small canons) to fire 21 gun salutes. We can hear them all the way to the south side where we live.


This is some guy driving in a spike for the railroad. I included the plaques from the other side, I hope you can read them. He is Donald Alexander Smith, Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.


This is the plaque for Albertans in the Naval Service. There are several of this type scattered around the grounds for various things( Korean war) and people (visiting Royalty) etc.


This is the Totem Pole given to us by British Columbia on their centennial year. Plaque is in the corner.


One of the many planting beds, with the bowling green/ice rink behind it. All of the plants inside and outside are raised in the greenhouses by the grounds keeping staff.


This is the last fountain, we have now worked our way around to the south again and are pretty much at the very outside edge of the grounds here.

Walking back to the car, I couldn't resist taking this shot of the sun and the fountain at the front.


And so ends another fine day taking pictures.


Have a good day all.

9 comments:

Leah J. Utas said...

Beautiful shots, Reb. Well done. I haven't been at the legislature grounds in quite some time and didn't know about all the stuff.
Did the bunny expect payment for posing?
You penultimate sun shot is magnificent.

the Bag Lady said...

Gorgeous shots, sis.
Love the bunny, and the fountain with the sun behind it is beautiful!

Jay said...

There's just all kinds of awesome all around that place! I almost feel like I've visited now! Thanks for the tour!

Jo said...

I loved the tour...you took some great shots again, Reb. The bunny is so cute! The shot of the building with all the water is so pretty...and the last made me sigh, such gorgeous colors.

Reb said...

Thank you Leah! I had no idea either, I am glad I went with someone who knew where all this was to be found.I asked if he wanted anything, but, he just took off.

Sis, thanks, those are my favorite shots too.

Jay thanks. I'm quite proud of my city and province. Glad you enjoyed the tour.

Jo, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the tour. The bunny really surprised me charging at me like that. That sunset was actually quite tame, we get even more gorgeous colours most evenings.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Reb,

I just finished reading all three of your Legislature posts and the very extensive links. Your pictures are amazing.

I am a political junkie so I found all this to be mega fascinating. I have a great reverence for the symbols of government as I hope they hold out a constant reminder of what our forefathers intended and what our descendants expect.

Thanks so much. Terrie

Reb said...

Terrie, thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed them.

Hilary said...

Wow! You did a wonderful job with these shots and with the commentary, Reb. That bunny is adorable and must have thought you were too! Beautiful sunset shots and just an all around terrific post!

Reb said...

Hilary, wow, thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.