McGill Track and Field Meet!

My challenge for 2014 is to create a sports portfolio and work on bringing my biggest two passions together. Here is the first sports event I have ever shot, I'm looking forward to many many more. The room was filled with a familiar smell, deep heat and sweat. As I walked around trying not to get in anyones way, a million things were happening. Warm ups, 3000M, high jump, pole vault and long jump while shot putt and hurdles were in the beginning stages. I needed eyes on the back of my head, in the front and in the camera. I decided to just pick a spot for the 3000M and hope for the best. Patience is key, I sat there waiting for what I felt was about to happen and trying to read the persons every move, all the while looking through a small hole. That same person was moving at an intense pace and in a second what I was trying to capture is over, so back to waiting game I went. Frustration sometimes broke in after missing a key moment or because my camera reacted too slowly. Lessons have been learned and I am off out again tonight to see how I get on shooting basketball and tomorrow an ice hockey game.

What does -25C look like???

It started with a brisk walk through Jeanne Mance and then I ended up climbing the treacherous staircases of Molson Stadium to get views of the sunlit city. After five years of living here, I have come to realise that the coldest days come with the most beautiful weather.

Video of our Christmas and New Years in Montreal

Christmas and New Years from Alison Slattery on Vimeo.

Parc Omega, Montebello, Quebec!

Parc Omega is a drive through safari park just outside Montreal. It was the perfect activity for Baltic weather. We were hit by a cold front for over a week which had us between -25C to -40c (with winds) and going outside was no longer a pleasurable option. Our friends Jess and Daniel suggested Parc Omega and we jumped at the opportunity at not having to give up our warmth to have a good time. The $23 entrance fee was totally worth it and the driving course took about 2-3 hours. We saw Elk, Wapiti, Boars, Reindeer, Fawns, Moose, Coyotes, Blue Jays, Arctic Foxes, Arctic Wolves and Bison. Unfortunately the Bears were hibernating. They also had a pit stop which offered sleigh rides, cross country ski trails and snowshoeing trails. It was way too cold for us to take on any of these tasks so instead we got hot chocolate and sat in the teepee with the roaring fire. You can feed the animals along the way, carrots only and I suggest you bring them because they are more expensive at the park. The park runs radios stations giving information on the animals in both English and French. If you are looking for a winter activity to do with the kids or visitors, this is a fantastic option.