Coastal Views

The Kid in the Tube

2011-10-04T15:30:00.001-07:00

I thought I had a pretty good handle on photography when Jack came along....oh boy was I wrong..

Not being a fan of traditional portrait photography I have had to re evaluate my approach and aesthetic. Kids don't wait for the perfect light or for you to get your proper metering. You have to be quick and intuitive. Fortunately Jack is always doing interesting things.

THe Blog is Back

2011-08-29T15:51:00.001-07:00

At the urging of my lovely wife I have resurrected my photo blog. With the untimely demise of my Pentax Km I have a new toy, the Panasonic G10k. Does it make me a better photographer, not even a little bit, but it is more portable and I am more likely to have it with me. It is wierd that my camera is made by a company that makes toasters. Wonder if it can cook a bagel.

Here is a picture from a hike Lorien and I did in Lynn Valley. I love the rich colors of the coastal rainforest.

The wonders of food

2007-11-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

I never thought of Turkey as possessing one of the world's great cuisines. Countries like France, Italy, Thailand, Mexico evoke fantasies of rich and delicious food. Imagine our joy when we discovered Turkish cuisine.

Like many great cuisines Turkish food is an amalgamation of many influences. From the Asian steppe that is the original home of the Turkmen, it absorbed Greek, middle eastern, and even French and German elements. Combine this richness with fresh flavourful produce and a real passion for food and a great cuisine was born.

Another surprise was the pride Turks put into the preparation of their food. From the smallest Lokanta to the most expensive restaurant the food was almost uniformly high quality. After a few meals we understood why there weren't a lot of western fast food restaurants.

People have asked us what our favourite food was and we really couldn't answer. Every meal started with a plate of mezzes, appetizers like haidari (yogurt with mint or dill) patlijan (eggplant salad) and the Imam Fainted (stuffed roasted eggplant) followed by a main course kebap or shish and then dessert. Every meal was a wonderful experience.

Istanbul, City of Spires

2007-11-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Many places are beautiful or magical or 'special' but some just lodge themselves in the memory and grow, infiltrating your dreams and intruding on your waking life. Istanbul is one such place. The spires of is mosques seem to float on a cushion of history and myth, the crowded and bustling streets of he bazaar pulse with life. Istanbul has been many things to many people throughout its storied life, and whether you call it Byzantium, Constatinople, Stanboul or Istanbul, once you see it you will always be drawn back.

Istanbul has been a magnet for artists, writers and dreamers for centuries and it certainly cast its spell on us. We hope to return soon, but if we don't it will live in our dreams for ever.

End of a Long Hiatus

2007-10-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long time since I've posted on this blog, and I mean a long time......For all you regular and long tme readers, if any are left I do appologize. To any new readers, welcome!!!!!

As to why I've revisited this lonely lost ship of a blog, that is complicated. My wife Lorien and I are currently wandering through the wonderful land of Turkey, and Turkey being Muslim, has mosques. Mosques have five calls to prayer every day, one of which is at 5:30 am. Now I am a morning person but some things are excessive even for me and I spend a lt of time lying awake thinking and philosophizing. I guess this blog is now an outlet for all that cogitating.

I have no intention of writing a traveloguem for that you have to visit the Frabjous blog, I make no claims to literary greatness or deep philosophical thought. I just hope you stop by, have some chai and look at the pretty pictures.

The sun slips down

2007-03-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well here we are again on my blog. It has been a while. We've been busy as Lorien's blog can attest, but I still get out to take in the sights.

This image is from Snickett Park in Sechelt. It was bitterly cold and windy and I could barely move my hands but it was worth it.

2006-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Before the big snow hit the coast, Lorien and I went for a walk at Snicket Park in Sechelt. The sky was turbulent and dramatic.

[IMG]http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/arbutusq/snicketstorm2.jpg[/IMG]

2006-11-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

THis is a vertical frame of Thursday's sun and sea image. Which one is better>

2006-11-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

I love these hidden autumn still life images.

2006-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

The sun sinks slowly into the Pacific Ocean, well actually it slides behind Vancouver Island...

2006-11-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

A rare November Sunset. Today was our first dry day after a biblical deluge.

2006-11-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Autumn colors on the Blueberry Paulson pass going to Kaslo. The autumn in the interior is a rich golden color.

2006-10-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Sunlight lances through stormy clouds at Davis Bay. It was an unsettled but beautiful sky.

2006-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

California Bighorn Sheep grazing by the roadside. Nothing seemed to faze these critters.

2006-10-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sunrise refleced in Kootenay Lake. I am rapidly falling in love with the town of Kaslo.

2006-10-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

It is always special to see the nation's symbol. This one is chowing down on the beaver equivalent of a donut.

2006-09-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ah fog. Its pretty, its damp and it hangs around. Everyone loves it.

2006-09-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

I seem to be obsessed with herons lately. More specifically, this fellow who seems to enjoy hanging out in the local harbour.

Howe Sound Morning

2006-09-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

I just mised the magic light on this shot. When I got up the sky looked like it was on fire. Alas, when I got down to the water the colors had faded. Such is the transience of nature. Changeable ligth and weather condittions are what keeps me interested in the beauty of the outdoors.

2006-09-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

As you can probably guess, I am fascinated by shots of misty coastlines, which is good considering that's all you see on the West Coast Trail. Oh and Lorien's foot is healing up quite well and she'll be able to tackle the trail again in no time....

Heron

2006-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

There is something soothing about watching (OK, spying on) a heron doing his/her thing. To know that the bird doesn't share your concerns and worries, but is intently focussed on the task at hand, providing food, grooming, flying, whatever....it is humbling and at the same time empowering.

Despite our geo political conflicts, our environmental crises etc. the heron keeps its watch on the world.

Changing Vision

2006-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

My art tends to focus on the Landscape, nature in the raw so to speak. While this is creatively stimulating I am trying to branch out, to adapt more of the works of Humanity to my images. It is quite a radical shift, but I find digital photography is speeding the process somewhat. My vision is always a work in progress, growing and adapting to my enviroenment and moods.

Before I would have to spend countless hours sketching and comparing, now I can take a few shots and view the effects on screen. If an idea works I can incorporate it into a watercolor. Technology can work to artistic advantage. (a hard thing for a pseudo-luddite like me)

The West Coast Trail, My view

2006-08-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you have been following this blog for a while you may be aware that there have been lots of pictures of the West Coast trail on my blog over the last year or so. The trail is a unique and challenging adventure through some incredible scenery.

I won't go over the specifics of the hike or our experiences on it, those can be found here. (2005) and here (2006)

I would like to talk about my motivation for doing trails such as this. Putting the love I have for wild nature into words is incredibly difficult. Exploring the wilderness and experiencingthe varied spendour of nature fuels my creativity and spirit. My photographs and paintings attempt to capture at least a small measure of the uniqueness of the world.

Back to the WCT. For two years in a row I have strapped on my backpack and attempted this formidable trek. Why? Because Lorien asked me!!! (and because I love it) The sea and coastline have so many different moods that doing a trail at exactly the same time still yields a radically different experience.

2006-08-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Sea ciffs near Nitinat Narrows. This part of the WCT was very vertigo inducing.

2006-08-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

An expanse of rolling surf in the rocky bay of the Klanawa River.

2006-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Fog, and more fog. Well necessity is the mother of invention so I got creative with shadows and sunlight.

2006-08-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

A foggy sunset at Tsusiat falls. This was my favourite evening on the trail, although I think Lorien was tired....

2006-08-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back from the West Coast Trail, and despite the fact that the trip was cut short due to a tragic pasta related injury we still had a great time. THis pic is quintissential WCT. Waves, rocks, mist and ancient forest on the way to the Klanawa river.

2006-08-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

The colours kept getting better in this sunset. Now we are into the cobalts and magentas.

2006-08-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

I love the feelings this image evokes. Tree silhouette against a hillside stripped bare by logging in the golden light of sunset.

2006-08-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sunset from Mount Steele seemed to reveal an infinite number of blue and purple mountains.

2006-08-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Climbng up to Mount Steele, Lorien thought the Tet had played a nasty trick on her. The trail kept going up.....at least the views were good.

2006-08-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in the Tetrahedron (again!!) and this is the first image to come from it. Morning at Bachelor Lake. While Lorien was safely tucked in bed I was being savaged by mosquitos in pursuit of this image.

2006-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yet another moonlight shot. This one was from a few days ago. I was trying to create a mystical feel, with the rich blue of the evening sky played off against the silver moon and reflections.

2006-08-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

THe moon has meaning in every culture. I like it because it's made of cheese.

2006-08-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hope these guys aren't heading south early. It is very tricky to say something different with wildlife shots. Hope this one does.

2006-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sunrise over Howe Sound. The beauty of this scene hides the grim reality of a recent oil spill in the Squamish Estuary.

2006-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Another stab at Black and White. We went hiking up Lynn Creek on a changeable day. The clouds created dynamic shapes on the mountains and interesting shadow patterns on the creek.

2006-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

The summer moon creates a magical path across Howe Sound to the Sky.

2006-08-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

The rich red color of arbutus trees give the Sunshine Coast an almost mediterranean feel.

2006-08-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a heavily photoshopped pic of the night sky, a potential painting perhaps?

2006-08-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Lorien with her lantern from Iluminares. What a great festival.

2006-07-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

The pheonix rises from the marshy frnge of Trout Lake to celebrate Illuminares.

2006-07-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me that such little tugs can pull booms of huge timber through the coastal fjords.

2006-07-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

I really like this one. It has a lot of movement and action.

2006-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Bang, more fireworks, and these are green!!!

2006-07-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

This one is for Lorien, cause she really liked it. Happy anniversary Love.

2006-07-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sea cavalcade in Gibsons!!! Apparantly they used to blow up an old boat in the harbour every year. The fireworks will just have to suffice.

2006-07-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Sea Cavalcade is GIbsons' climactic summer festival. Gardens across the town are bursting with color, even in the harbour.

2006-07-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well its not Big Sky COunty but we still have blue up there.

2006-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Another view of Molly's and Smitty's. With commonly photographed subjects the challenge is to come up with a different interpretation.

2006-07-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Gospel Rock is a beautiful placer to capture the rich hues of a sunset.

2006-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

If Ansel adams had photographed sea stars instead of the Sierras....hmmm

2006-07-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Follow the trail of stars to the sea!! Arrrr!!

2006-07-16T21:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a not very ochre Ochre Sea Star.

2006-07-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

Skookumchuck Narrows, where the stars come out to play.

2006-07-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

THis golden morning picture is from last winter. As much as I love the brilliant days of summer, it is fall and winter light that captures my eye.

2006-07-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

The first light illuminates the peaks around Brandywine Valley. Lorien missed this beautiful dawn, but had a cozy lie in in the tent.

2006-07-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ah Gibsons Harbour. The clouds are always changing, altering the color and mood of the sea.

2006-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yet another picture from the snowy and beautiful Brandywine Valley.

2006-07-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

It seems we have prowlers...

2006-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a tarn that shouldn't be there!! The snow was melting fast and furious, causing all the creeks to burst their banks.

2006-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

A view of distant mountains rising above a still snowbound Brandywine River.

2006-07-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

A picture from Brandywine, The medow that wasn't!! We didn't see any wildflowers, just snow.

2006-07-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is Angel the intrepid wonder dog scouting for ships lost at sea. What she'd do if she found one is anybody's guess.

2006-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Arbutus trees are often suggestive of the human forn. This one is like a grasping hand.

2006-06-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ah the summer in GIbsons. Our town really comes alive with the sun.

2006-06-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Ah the summer sun, caught gleaming through the leaves.

2006-06-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

One more from our trip to Tahsis. THis one shows more of the inlet and mountains.

2006-06-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Another orange poppy for Lorien.

2006-06-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'd sure hate to be in that sailboat.

2006-06-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Huge Douglas Firs like this one used to be a common sight up and down the coast. Now they are only found in rare pockets of protected forest.

2006-06-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

A sunset picture from this spring. THis kid was very absorbed in the marine environment.

2006-06-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

THe rich greens of a rainforest spring greeted us on our walk through Sechelt's Hidden Grove.

2006-06-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yet another from frozen Edwards Lake. Brr...At least it was sunny.

2006-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Anotyher misty lake picture. I was going for a simple zen like approach for this image.

2006-06-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

The mist rises off of Edwards Lake in the Tetrahedron. Still a bit cold and icy for swim!!!!

2006-06-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

I lovew arbutus trees, especially when set against one of our endless pacific vistas.

2006-06-04T18:27:00.001-07:00

You can see all the way to Vancouver Island, but you can't see our house...:)

2006-06-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Pender Harbour from the top of Mount Daniel. They call it the drowned landscape.

2006-06-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Roberts Creek, a great ending to another beautiful Sunshine Coast day.

2006-06-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well we got our reservation for the West Coast Trail in August, so to celebrate here is a pic from last year.

2006-05-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

A picture of my lovely Lorien with a rose.

2006-05-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

One more close up of an iris for you all.

2006-05-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

A misty sunrise over Keats Island.

2006-05-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Gone fishin'

2006-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Myra alls in Strathcona Park. The water is usually much higher here, but it is still spectacular,

2006-05-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

The still waters of Tahsis inlet mirror the clear morning sky.

2006-05-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Upana Caves...surreal limestone rocks and an underground river.

2006-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Another close up view of an iris flower. Don't know what else to say except that this image is not pornographic.

2006-05-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Tahsis is a tiny town at the end ol a long fjord on the north coast of Vancouver Island. We had a great time exploring the harbour.

2006-05-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing heralds the approach of summer like the first irises.

2006-05-10T16:43:00.002-07:00

Cruising. THe first in the series.

2006-05-10T16:43:00.001-07:00

A different view of a flying heron.

2006-05-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

comming in for a landing

2006-05-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

A series of a heron in flight. I'm very proud of these.

2006-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

A walk in the spring woods is awash with various shades of rich new green.

2006-05-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

May is greeted by the new fiddleheads of sword fern. Yummy fiddleheads!!

2006-04-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

A snowy scene from the Tetrahedron. Ah memories of February.

2006-04-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yet another low tide sunset.