Just One More

I know Benjamin is more than ready for spring but I just have one more snowy day photo to share, this one from my friend Caroline who took this lovely shot of Durrance Lake looking especially gorgeous in it's blanket of white. - Fern

Snow Day!

I know some of you from chillier climes think Victoria is virtually a tropical paradise but NO it's been snowing here overnight and the forecast is for it to keep on snowing all week. - Fern

An Iceberg?

Down at Point Hope Shipyard there are several large ships that are wrapped in this white plastic and they rise up above everything looking, yes a little like icebergs. - Fern

A Fresh Start

Yesterday finished off 2016 with bright sunshine but we woke up this morning to snow on the ground. Not much but enough to get me up and outside to take some pictures. This encapsulates for me the idea of a clean slate; a new beginning. Hope you all feel ready for another year. Cheers, Fern

Keeping An Eye On Things....

We took an evening stroll and as we passed the City's Public Works Yard I had this feeling of being watched. Sure enough, looking out an upstairs window was the most curious sight. I'm not sure why or how this fellow got there but it was a surprise. - Fern

Stripes

When the sun is shining so brightly overhead, the shadows become so deep and cool. - Fern

Chesterman Bay Daily Photo

This post comes to you from the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, some 300 kilometers north of Victoria. The coast between Tofino and Uceluelet is a series of bays like this one punctuated by outcroppings of rock where long necked barnacles like the ones pictured here are clustered on the rocks among muscles, sea anenomes and many other species of life. It's truly a magical place. - Fern

Night Walks

It's been warmer and so we've been venturing out to explore after dark a little more. The magnolia trees are blooming and it is an absolute explosion of luxurious color even after dark. - Fern

Yellow Point Lodge

This weekend we escaped Victoria and headed up island for a getaway at Yellow Point Lodge which is located just north of Ladysmith on the inside coast of Vancouver Island. A local favorite, they have a loyal following of folks who come back year after year to enjoy the magnificent view, amazing food and cozy accommodations. There several large common areas with comfy places to sit and enjoy the view, games, puzzles, reading and there is no TVs or internet - truly a retreat from modern life! - Fern

Industrial Landscape

Anyone who knows Victoria and southern Vancouver Island knows we don't have alot of factories or industry so the few places where it does exist really fascinate me. This is a animal feed manufacturing plant outside of Duncan on the side of the highway. For as long as I've had a camera I've wanted to stop and take pictures of this place and finally had an opportunity. I don't know that I've 'gotten the shot' but it was satisfying none-the-less. - Fern

Mushrooming Part 2

Benjamin and I were discussing our recent outing to Mount Doug Park and how it is that we can go out together to the same place with very similar equipment and yet our photos are very, very different. It's an interesting meditation on the creative process. He would say this for more eloquently as well. I enjoy his perspective as much as my own so I feel it's a win-win situation. Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for taking me out on so many great adventures. xo Fern

Stormy Skies

Victoria's weather has changed and the rain has been falling off and on for a week or so. This is Weirs Beach located in Metchosin, about 15 minutes drive past Esquimalt Lagoon. We went hoping the sun would come out but it was beautiful none-the-less. - Fern

Country Roads

Growing up a city kid I am always enamored with idyllic scenes like this one in Metchosin. - Fern

A Spot for Contemplation

We recently went for a walk along Colquitz Creek and while this idyllic spot was on the other side of the creek at the end of someone's property it looks like such a nice spot to sit and enjoy nature. - Fern (photo taken by Rosie)

Hot Springs Cove

Last Sunday's post I described a boat trip up the coast north from Tofino heading to Maquinna Provincial Marine Park. When we got off the little boat and recovered somewhat (!) we enjoyed a magnificent walk through the dense rainforest. At the end of the trail was this little river running down through the rocks forming the hot springs. It was incredibly hot and the smell was like boiled eggs; very sulfery. However, once you were in them, all warm and relaxed, with the waves crashing in the distance, it was truly worth it. - Fern

Reflections

I pass this building downtown almost everyday but rarely are all the conditions right to capture just the right image. I knew it would eventually happen and here it is! Now I am waiting for a day of black thunder clouds... - Fern

Gonzales Beach

Another sure sign that September is here is that the dogs now rule the sandy shores around town. - Fern

Up Island Roadtrip

We love to head out on Highway 1 and explore this beautiful island we call home. This is the view off Cobble Hill Road facing northwest towards Duncan. - Fern

Dallas Road 2

When you first look at a series of photos you can so easily pass things by that on a second look, really stand out. This simple composition captures the wide open feeling of this sun drenched ocean vista. - Fern

Dallas Road

This is a excellent little beach just below Holland Point to enjoy the sun and sea and watch all the comings and goings from Ogden Point. While we were there for a few hours one cruise ship docked and two more appeared on the horizon. - Fern