Darrell Noakes
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darrellnoakes.com
Darrell Noakes
@darrellnoakes.com
110 followers 100 following 98 posts
Writing, Photography, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Digital with no AI. Film for personal projects, scans adjusted for exposure and colour balance. Authenticity is important in an era when it's hard to trust what you see, read and hear.
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Gardiner Dam, South Saskatchewan River, under the northern lights, November 11-12.

#saskatchewan #northernlights #auroraborealis #saskparks #nightphotography #nightsky
On my visit to Danielson Provincial Park on their last day of the season, one of the staff said, "Wouldn't it be neat if you could get a picture of Gardiner Dam with the northern lights!" Since last spring, every time we were forecast to have a good aurora, the weather turned cloudy or rainy. I was beginning to feel a little discouraged - until last Tuesday and Wednesday. Standing around in the cold for six hours over two very late nights left me a little tired, but today I got around to seeing how things turned out. Gardiner Dam, with its prominent gate control towers illuminated under a magnificent aurora borealis. The Coteau Creek generating station and electrical substation fill in the horizon. Fisheye lens view of Gardiner Dam under the aurora borealis. Gardiner Dam, including gate control towers, Coteau Creek generating station and electrical substation, under a colourful aurora borealis.
November 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
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November. Night falls way too soon. It'll be like this, and more, until the end of January. Time to brew up some northern Saskatchewan fireweed and wild mint tea, dust off some vinyl, and relax for the evening.

#autumnvibes #winteriscoming #vinylcollection #vinylrecords
Vinyl record spinning on the platter, with tonearm visible.
November 11, 2025 at 1:40 AM
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City crews were lurking about at the bottom of Broadway Bridge tonight. A few minutes later, I followed them up the bridge. I guess it's finally open after months of reconstruction. Now I wanna zoom down the smooth, pristine pavement on my BikeE!

#bridges #nightlife, #autumnvibes #saskatoon
From the City of Saskatoon website: Broadway Bridge to reopen Saturday evening For immediate release: October 30, 2025 - 3:15 pm TC25-11562 Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge is set to reopen on the evening of Saturday, November 1 following a major rehabilitation project. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will once again have full access to the bridge. “This was a major project that included deck repairs, improvements to the multi-use pathways, new asphalt, new waterproofing, new traffic barriers, arch and railing improvements and the removal of old and abandoned utilities underneath the bridge,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. One of the most significant changes has been the reconfiguration of the 4th Avenue and 19th Street intersection. To improve traffic safety and accommodate pedestrian movement, it is now a 'T' intersection. “This intersection redesign supports future Saskatoon Transit Link plans and makes it easier for buses to navigate between Broadway Avenue and 19th Street,” Schmidt says. “The Broadway Bridge is a vital connection for our community, and these upgrades will serve all residents for decades to come.” While the bridge and Spadina Crescent are reopening to vehicles and pedestrians, repairs will continue underneath the bridge. This work is not expected to impact traffic. Saskatoon Transit will resume Route 8 service along Broadway Avenue once the bridge reopens. Service to temporary stops on Victoria Avenue and travel along the Traffic Bridge will end when regular service on Broadway resumes. Trip planning, service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop. View from the top of Broadway Bridge. New barriers separating pedestrians from traffic. New dark sky friendly street lights. Better drainage, so pedestrians don't get drenched by passing traffic (or, at least, not as much). Downtown Saskatoon skyline, view from the top of Broadway Bridge, minutes after reopening following nine months of refurbishment. They have already put up the winter decorations on the light standards. Saskatoon downtown River Landing skyline, view from the top of Broadway Bridge, minutes after it reopened following nine months of construction. The Broadway Bridge is a significant historic landmark in Saskatoon. It was the city's third crossing of the South Saskatchewan River, with planning initiated in 1926. The bridge was designed by engineers from the University of Saskatchewan and was built as a "make work project" during the Great Depression. It was finished in just 11 months, opening on November 11, 1932. A total of 1,593 men worked around the clock to build it. The total cost at the time of construction was $850,000. With the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River being more than 60 feet higher than the west, the bridge was designed with a four percent grade. The five arches get gradually wider and higher toward the east side. Because the ratio of width to height in each arch remains constant, the bridge maintains an attractive symmetry. The Broadway Bridge's simple, yet bold design, at the end of one of Saskatoon's most prominent streets makes it an important landmark within the city of Saskatoon. Through the City’s Heritage Awards Program, the Broadway Bridge received an award for the renovation of a public site in 1989. (Source: City of Saskatoon website)
November 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
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Annual fall supper night in Tugaske. Turkey, ham, cabbage rolls, perogies, mashed potatoes, mashed turnip, meat balls, salads, and hungry visitors from miles and miles around.

#tugaske #fallsupper #fowlsupper #smalltownbigheart #autumnvibes #nightlife
Waiting for your number to be called, Tugaske fall supper 2025. Everyone gets a ticket, then waits patiently for their turn. To avoid a mad scramble at the door or long, chaotic lines at the serving tables, organizers call out ranges of ticket numbers every few minutes to keep things orderly. Canadians are so polite. Well fed and contented guests step outside for a break, Tugaske fall supper 2025. Evening settles in on Ogema Street, Tugaske, after fall supper 2025. Fall (or fowl) suppers are a long a prairie tradition celebrating the annual harvest. Volunteers organize these events in church basements, community halls and the like. Not just the labour is donated, but so is much -- if not all -- of the food. These events serve as important fundraisers for the organizing group or the community. Saskatchewan fall suppers start showing up every weekend from late September and continue into November. Evening settles in on Ogema Street, Tugaske, after fall supper 2025. Fall (or fowl) suppers are a long a prairie tradition celebrating the annual harvest. Volunteers organize these events in church basements, community halls and the like. Not just the labour is donated, but so is much -- if not all -- of the food. These events serve as important fundraisers for the organizing group or the community. Saskatchewan fall suppers start showing up every weekend from late September and continue into November.
November 2, 2025 at 5:36 AM
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Moody evening for a walk in the city, part 2.
#halloweenseason #autumn #saskatoon
Last week, this outdoor basketball court in Buena Vista Park was alive with teenagers running noisily and tossing hoops. Tonight, with a chill in the air and ominous clouds scudding over a setting sun, the park sits in stillness. Clouds part just long enough to let the last light of the setting sun brighten River Landing and the South Saskatchewan River on an autumn evening in Saskatoon. Sun sets early this time of year. It feels late, but the stores are still open. On a chilly autumn evening, hardly anyone is out on the street. Twilight is overtaking the street on this chilly autumn evening, but Turning the Tide Bookstore shines a bright light into the world - figuratively as well as literally.
October 21, 2025 at 6:14 AM
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Moody evening for a walk in the city, part 1.
#halloweenseason #autumn #saskatoon
Halloween decorations begin to appear as October nears an end. It used to be we'd always have snow by Halloween. This year, who knows? Scene while walking along 6th Street, Saskatoon. Creepy crawly spider went up the.... Halloween decorations begin to appear as October nears an end. It used to be we'd always have snow by Halloween. This year, who knows? Scene while walking along 6th Street, Saskatoon.
October 21, 2025 at 6:05 AM
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Mom's ANTIFA network grows. How did anyone not see this happening?
#NoKings
Black and white print in the collection of Loretta Noakes (Kerschtien). No other information available.
October 18, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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Mom and a few of her fellow ANTIFA plotters
#NoKings
Black and white print in the collection of Loretta Noakes (Kerschtien). Caption on back of photo: "Other Ranks of the Directorate of Supplies and Catering. Director - Col. M.W. Kynch, OBE., ED. (Back row:) Sgt J Markey; SQMS E.L. Burt; SQMS S.E. Howden; CQMS H.J. Howell; Miss M.E.C. Boyd; Sgt M.L. Lamont; S/Sgt E.A. Singer; S/Sgt L.R. Britton. (Fourth row:) Sgt J. Stickney; Pte J. Redmond; Cpl X. Huneault; S/Sgt D.M. Steggles; Sgt R.E. Poytress; Sgt E.E. Orton; SQMS G. Anderson. (Third row:) S/Sgt G. Campbell; Cpl L.D. Kirschtien [SIC]; Cpl C. Lennon; S/Sgt J.F. Givson. (Second row:) Miss A. Montgomery; Miss M.B. Tucker; Miss J. Applebaum; Cpl D. Smalldridge; Miss M. MacCauley; Miss D. Gagnon; Sgt B. Stewart. (Front row:) SQMS P. Yeatman; Cpl J. Carbonette; SQMS J. Woodward; S/Sgt E.S. Morley; Sgt H. Giekes; S/M E.N. Palmer; S/M W.E. Burk. Absent from photo - Miss J. Newell; Sgt J. Sparks. 16 Nov 45."
October 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
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Mom at secret ANTIFA meeting, Ottawa
#NoKings
Army friends. Black and white print in the collection of Loretta Noakes (Kerschtien).
October 18, 2025 at 4:17 PM
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Mom and friends joining ANTIFA
#NoKings
"Chris' Army Friends, 1946." Black and white print in the collection of Loretta Noakes (Kerschtien).
October 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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Dorothy Parks, Tisdale area, ANTIFA 1940
#NoKings
"Dorothy Parks." Black and white print in the collection of Loretta Noakes (Kerschtien), Tisdale area, Saskatchewan, 1940.
October 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
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Hot hike in Wellington Park, Manitou Beach. But it's cool in the shade by the creek. Took the SP1000 out for a spin with Kodak Pro Image 100 film.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan
The creek that flows adjacent to the trail in Wellington Park, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, on a sweltering August afternoon. Wildflowers at the reservoir dam at the top of the trail through Wellington Park, Manitou Beach. Look closely. There's a bee happily buzzing away. The creek through Wellington Park, Manitou Beach. Just listening to the gentle trickling of the water is enough to cool and relax a person on a hot day. Red roses in bloom. Roses against a backdrop of leaves are always a good subject to test a film.
August 29, 2025 at 5:13 AM
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Out and about in Saskatoon in August. Second test with Santacolor 100 in the Minox GT-E.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan #Minox #Saskatoon
Yara Rescue Cat says hurry up I don't like to wait. Saskatoon Community Farmers Market. Every Tuesday and Friday. The Garlic Garden (way, way down at the far end) was there with their Music variety, already sold out of White Lightning. Grandora Greenhouses (near right) always has the best tiny tomatoes and eye-watering peppers of various sorts. Little Quail Farms (at left) had their early apples. I have no idea what they are called, but they are oh so good. And fresh cantaloupe. No more rock-hard, tasteless grocery store cantaloupe for me. I'll just wait for it to be in season and get it here. View from The Traffic Bridge, a jet-ski tows a water-skier up the South Saskatchewan River on a hot August afternoon. Broadway Bridge rehabilitation work continues apace, still on schedule to let the bride re-open in October. Nutana skyline keeps evolving. Hot August day in Saskatoon. Time for relaxing coffee in the shade outside Five Corners Café.
August 29, 2025 at 5:02 AM
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Harman Phoenix II, Minox GT-E. Too muddy and lacking contrast for my taste. Lab scans. Negative has a purple mask that could affect lab results. I do my own scans in winter months, see if that changes things.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan #Minox #Saskatoon
South Saskatchewan River, Broadway Bridge, Saskatoon skyline on a summer day. "Super Donair", Saskatoon Fringe Festival street vendors and festival goers, Broadway Avenue, summer day. Yara Rescue Cat doesn't care what you think. Warm days are for taking it easy. Yara Rescue Cat thinks you need to spend your time doing something else. Leave her to relax in the grass under the haskap bushes.
August 22, 2025 at 5:12 AM
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Santacolor100 film, which is Kodak Aerocolor IV 2460 also sold as Luminar 100, Electra 100, and Washi X. As an aerial surveillance film, it's more sensitive to red, reducing haze in landscape images.
#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan #Minox #Saskatoon #Aerocolor
Dairy Queen, 8th Street, Saskatoon, on a hot summer afternoon in July. You'd expect more people in line! The processing lab reported "Fogged film - looks like the camera back was opened." The way the fogging progresses at the start of the roll and then resumes with increasing intensity near the end of the roll suggests that it's more likely an artifact of the manufacturing or packaging process. I never get this effect with brand name films like Kodak, Ilford, Harman or the like, but somehow it always happens with repackaged specialty films, regardless of the camera I'm using. And, somehow, it's always the photographer's fault, never the manufacturers'. Anyhow, it's a worthwhile test of the camera. I was disappointed to see that the aperture blades are becoming sluggish and sticky again, and the shutter fails to fire at times. As much as I love this little camera, I guess the time has come to retire it. Bird feeders, 6th Street, Saskatoon, summer evening in July. Homestead Ice Cream, Victoria Avenue at Main Street, summer evening in July. Vinyl Diner, a wonderful place to check for vintage and re-released music, Broadway Avenue on a summer evening in July.
August 18, 2025 at 11:54 PM
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Night life. Events like Cruise Night have a way of bringing people out into the streets after dark and late into the night. It's a kind of vibrancy that used to be common in cities. You can see it in historical photographs. We need more reasons more frequently to go out in public.
August 18, 2025 at 3:26 AM
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Lots of work for the tow truck companies.
August 18, 2025 at 3:17 AM
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I noticed Friday that the City closed off most of the left turns from 8th Street. I figured it was to prevent congestion resulting in collisions. Just the same, people find a way to bump bumpers.
August 18, 2025 at 3:15 AM
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Summer nights in Saskatoon. Cruise Night on 8th St. Saturday. I figured the night would be a chance to try out some vintage black and white film in a vintage camera to catch some vintage cars. Gotta wait to see the results, but phone pix are ready right away.
August 18, 2025 at 3:12 AM
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Four from second test roll, taking a stroll around the neighbourhood and up a steep hill on a hot day.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan #Portra400 #Minox35 #KodakFilm
"Magoo & Dad 2024". Long gone ski hill, Mount Blackstrap, Blackstrap Lake, Blackstrap Provincial Park, summer day. Kodak Portra 400 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E. Wildflowers, grasses and trees, no more skiing here, Mount Blackstrap, Blackstrap Lake, Blackstrap Provincial Park, summer day. Kodak Portra 400 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E. Little Free Lending Library, Ewart Avenue, Haultain, summer evening. Kodak Portra 400 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E. Bicycle, Edmund Heights, Holliston summer evening. Kodak Portra 400 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E.
August 8, 2025 at 10:54 PM
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Four samples from first Minox test roll back from the lab. First seven frames completely blank, unexposed. It's a mystery. I definitely heard the shutter click. All's well after that.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan #Portra160 #Minox35 #Kodak
Homestead Ice Cream, summer evening on Victoria Avenue, Nutana, Saskatoon. Kodak Portra 160 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E Saskatoon skyline, South Saskatchewan River, Meewasin Trail, Rotary Park and Tennis Courts, Nutana, Saskatoon, summer evening. Kodak Portra 160 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E. Broadway Avenue at Saskatchewan Crescent East, Nutana, Saskatoon, summer evening. Kodak Portra 160 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E. Vinyl Diner, Broadway Avenue, Nutana, Saskatoon, summer evening. Kodak Portra 160 135-36. Minox 35 GT-E.
August 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
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Minox returned to working after aperture blades became stuck and decoupled from the aperture ring and exposure dial about six years ago. Thanks to Douglas Banks Photographic Equipment Repairs, Enterprise, Ontario.

#Film #Photography #FilmPhotography #35mm #BelieveInFilm #Saskatchewan
Minox GT-E rests on a soft towel with two rolls of colour film in canisters ready to be loaded to test the camera after repairs completed.
August 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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Spectator sport. Sidewalk repairs in the rain.

#LocalLife #SaskatchewanLiving #Saskatoon
Woman and child stop to watch contractors replacing worn-out sidewalks in Saskatoon neighbourhood. Machinery buzzes back and forth while a worker tamps sand that has be poured into the ditch. A car drives by.
August 8, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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Out and about before the rainstorms, Loreburn, Saskatchewan.
Loreburn Lunchbox Café. Always nice to see a new restaurant open in a small town. Harvey operated restaurants elsewhere over his lifetime. Now, he's settled in Loreburn. He's open when everything's closed in Elbow. We stayed for the gigantic cinnamon buns. Specials change day to day, so it might not be cinnamon buns when you're there. Small town cafés -- and tavern's, too, for that matter -- have their own, distinct vibe. I never pass up the opportunity to drop in and discuss current events with the local population. Every small town has a community bulletin board. Sometime, you'll find them next to the post office. Sometimes, they're in front of the town hall. Maybe you'll see them in a vacant lot where a prominent local business once stood before it succumbed to fire. This one is in front of the Loreburn Library, a branch of Palliser Regional Library. Too bad I didn't hear about Hillbillie Boogie sooner! Maybe next year.
August 8, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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Today International Cat Day. Sure. Every day cat day.
#CatsRule #HappyCats #InternationalCatDay
Yara Rescue Cat thinks International Cat Day is no big deal. Usurping the human's chair. Yara Rescue Cat thinks International Cat Day is no big deal. Usurping the human's chair. Yara Rescue Cat thinks International Cat Day is no big deal. Usurping the human's chair. Yara Rescue Cat thinks International Cat Day is no big deal. Usurping the human's chair.
August 8, 2025 at 4:12 PM