I recently spent a week in Montreal taking care of my sister’s dogs while she and her husband were away. Usually when I visit, I’m with family. This time, I was mostly alone. I take a lot more photographs when I’m by myself. I love my family’s company, but solitude lets me slip into my creative flow. There’s no one impatiently waiting while I’ve stopped to photograph a patch of peeling paint or the way the light is falling just so.

I packed my digital camera, a Polaroid camera, and of course my phone. I used them all, some more than others, depending on the day. Here’s a mix of images from all three.

I spent time with my sister and her husband before they left and lots of quality time with their dogs inside and out of their comfortable and beautiful apartment:

I did some of the touristy things:

I climbed Mount Royal:

I appreciated the cheerful blues and white of Quebec

I also saw red:

And pops of pink:

And so much green!

I noticed bicycles that matched their surroundings:

I made sure to look up:

And to read all the notes:

I also enjoyed the journey:

I’m back and I’m plotting some solo day trips. How about you? Do you enjoy exploring on your own?

~Deirdre