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

Westsong Walkway

Always changing, always beautiful. - 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

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

Elk Lake Trails

Between watching the races on the lake we went for a little walk around the lake which is quite pretty but also quite muddy at this time of year. The trail goes all the way around Elk and Beaver Lake and is about 10 km in total. Quite popular with runners and walkers even on a wet day. - 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

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)

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

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

Paddle Fest

Yesterday on Willows Beach, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) hosted this event down on Willows Beach and what a glorious day! It was an opportunity for people try out everything from canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There were races and even floating yoga. I took an introductory course on how to stand-up paddle board and felt quite proud of myself for standing up without falling in. No mean feat for someone who has two left feet on land! - Fern

Part of Our Working Harbour

Fisherman's Wharf is well known for it's houseboats and fish-n-chips eateries but it is still home to a fleet of fishing boats and I always love to take a stroll along the wharves to have a look. Just be sure to keep a close eye on where you're walking! - Fern

A Favorite Viewpoint

Here's a look at downtown Victoria from across the Harbour on the Songhees side of the Johnston Street Bridge. I always like to stop here and admire our little city from this vantage point especially now when the blossoms are at their loveliest. - Fern

Christmas Festivities Downtown

As we rushed around town getting a few last minute things done for the the BIG DAY we were lucky enough to come across this dance performance in Market Square by the ZarYevka Ballet performing the "Nutcracker Sweet" with music by Tchaikovsky. It was entrancing and well appreciated by the crowd that had braved the rain and traffic to enjoy this little bit of holiday magic. - Fern

Golden Light

Strolling through the tall summer grass early in the morning is a delicious treat. - Fern