Herkimer & Perkins: Building Backyard Boats in Buffalo, NY

Winter Dreams Archive:

15 February 04

The dog days of winter

15 February 04: The Reverend and I stopped at the Buffalo WinterFest at Hoyt Lake, across from the Buffalo State campus and maybe five minutes from our house.

I was pleased with the quality of the light and the subjects; everyone was having a lot of fun on a beautiful, frigid afternoon.

Hoyt Lake and Delaware Casino are on the edge of Delaware Park. In summer, the lake hosts a solar boat event, and the people in the Buff State Water Studies program sometimes rent Weekend Skiffs during other events.

Although the lake is sizable, city laws don't allow general use; too bad, too.

The WinterFest was a success, for once. It was the first time in years that there was snow for the event. One year the city brought snow up from the Southern Tier in trucks.

What with the kids, and dogs, and moms and dads, and a camel, we went home smiling.

Blue sky, lots of happy campers, and a docile camel -- Buffalo on a winter's day.
There were lots of dogs, and a high percentage of puppies among them. This little buddy had on a sweatshirt.
This was a lucky snap ... if you like the effect, that is. I might have cropped this way, but who knows.
A picture like this reminds me that children, and families, are our future.
Ice house with figures on top, down by the edge of Hoyt Lake. The late afternoon sun had for interesting picture-taking. The sign says, "Danger ... no ice skating allowed." Except for WinterFest folk, that is.
Kids with balloon hats play on the frozen lake. Are you getting the point yet that Buffalo is a beautiful city?
Dog day comes to an end with all hands smiling.