rain, rain

Sunday was date day. Nothing fancy, nothing to get dressed up for. In fact, the dress code included an umbrella and rubber boots. Classy. Go ahead, you can say it.

The day started off with a trip to Wal-Mart (for rubber boots - what else?). It was stated to me the night before that all good dates end at Wal-Mart. Apparently, good dates can start at Wal-Mart, too. Despite the lines and the crowds we kept reasonably high spirits and trudged on.

First stop: break in the rubber boots with a trip sludging through mud holes only to get slimed and snorted on by the horses. Our fun with the ponies was prematurely ended by a torrential rain storm that picked up after about ten minutes. Fortunately the hail storm waited until we were back inside the car.

I have a fascination with horse's eyes. Can you tell?

Next stop: a quick break for lunch while we wait out the rain storm. The weather was a bit fickle this weekend, and it actually started and stopped raining several times during our feast. But the important point is that the rain had definitely stopped by the time we set off again.

Third stop: Saskatoon Weir, which was under water. We were only there for a few minutes before (you guessed it) it started raining again. However, if you're really clever, you will never leave home on a photo field trip without your trusty umbrella holder. Trusty camera stayed nice and dry, and I got my first good rainy weather shots.

The thing I find most unfortunate about rainy-photography is that the rain doesn't show up too well on camera. It really just looks a bit dark and cloudy. Hence the purpose of this photo, to prove that it did, in fact, rain.

On our way out, Nolan showed off his sharp eye and pointed out this Common Grackle hanging out by the water. A few minutes of fumbling with lens later and I thought I had missed my chance. Turns out he had just hidden himself behind a few branches. But I think he was enjoying his view of the weir water.