Born to Grill

Born to Grill - Rob Rainford.

What a treat it was to photograph Rob Rainford. 

He is easy going. Although he was rushed about to teach students at Centennial College, very polite and not refusing my directions.

I wanted to do something different with him, to show a dynamic Rob (I saw him in the kitchen and he is focused and more than dynamic!) so we went to the kitchen and grabbed some vegetables. While there we took a few shots of course…again I had to work fast but it was fun…after all he is a man on the go! I asked him to stand in front of the black background and have fun throwing his food.

Rob Rainford is a Celebrity Chef, author and television host of shows which have aired on the Food Network Canada (Licence to Grill), Discovery Home in the US and the Asian Food Channel throughout Asia. 

If you’re looking for new barbecue recipes he authored the book “Rob Rainford’s Born to Grill”, indeed a tasty book to have. 

Rob Rainford joined the Centennial College School of Hospitality as the official Culinary Ambassador and Chef Faculty for the Culinary Arts Centre. 

Lucky students learning from a pro!

 Photos copyright www.aniaphotography.com  

Lake Ontario Freeze

LAKE ONTARIO FREEZE 

The frozen areas of Lake Ontario look very impressive from the ground. From the air it’s a different dimension and nature’s patterns are clarified.

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This aerial photo was taken on Feb 19th over Humber Bay (Toronto)

On Feb 21st the lake was at 52.7 % ice coverage.

Although the skating on Grenadier Pond (High Park) is prohibited, some enterprising individuals have built their own skating rinks. The paths in the snow connecting them appear as a drunken worm on its way home.  

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I have to admit I skated there once myself.

Did you know that Lake Ontario froze over completely over in the past? It was in 1934.

Dogsledding Adventures

I’ve always wanted to go dog sledding…..and finally did.

The L’Aventure Du Husky, near Mount Tremblant, offers the best experience ever. It’s a small operation and they are very personable. They want everyone to have fun and a good experience with the dogs and sledding.

As we were allowed to approach the dogs, they were barking loudly “pick me, pick me”. These dogs just want to go. They are very eager to get their daily exercise and they want to be busy. (If you ever yearn to adopt a husky you have to keep this in mind). While the staff harnessed the dogs to the sleds we got to handle the dogs and learn their names. It’s important to find a dog sledding company that will let you see where the dogs live and tell you about how they keep them healthy and happy.

                                     

The dogs were friendly and strong - handling them gave me a true appreciation of the strength of these animals and how their urge to pull can easily derail your sled if you’re not paying attention. L’Aventure du Husky usually sets out with 4 sleds and you get a chance to drive a sled. They have 2 staff drivers, one on the lead sled and another at the rear of the team of the sleds so if you loose control of your sled, the dogs won’t take you into the wilderness.  :)

The best part was driving through the forest on small winding hills and then stopping for a hot chocolate in a little wooden cabin with a fireplace. The dogs had a chance to rest and we socialized for a short while.

                                      

The photos in this post have been taken by their staff photographer and I took some with my Canon PowerShot camera (I wish I had my professional equipment with me).

Dog sledding is worth a try for anyone wanting a fun filled day and an exciting way to enjoy outdoors in the winter. There is still a lot of snow but as this winter is almost over (finally!) you might consider this for next winter.

  Photos are copyright: aniaphotography.com

Halton region trails

What a winter we’re having in Southern Ontario!!!! 

We haven’t seen this amount of snow still on the ground and daily low temperatures in the last 20 years. If you’re a winter sport enthusiast you’re in heaven and you have to be taking advantage of that and venture out. 

I know it’s been really cold some days but I can’t stay inside everyday. I love the outdoors, I dress properly and make the best out of any weather conditions there are. 

My favourite winter sports are downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. When I get involved I don’t feel the cold so much and I have a sense of well being. My son loves winter sports as well. Kids have a different attitude from the adults. They don’t make so many excuses not to get out and they look forward to the FUN.

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Trails on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment are great and picturesque. 

Here are a couple of photos of the Hilton Falls trails from an airborne perspective.

It was overcast and the shots were taken at 1900’ASL (1900 feet above sea level) …. 

@800 ISO and at f 4.5

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Embrace the winter, get out on the trails and take some great photos!

Ice Wonder

We might have thought after the ice storm it was going to warm up but the Polar Vortex keeps most of Canada in its grip.

I was looking back at some images I took at Christmas time. The scenes were stunning but considering what happened it's no doubt Mother Nature is capable of creating an equal mixture of beauty and danger. What always amazes me that kids will find fun and enjoyment even when the temperatures are well below zero. 

I hope you enjoy these photos.

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