west coast winter

Blue-grey, silver, pewter, stone — these are the colours of a west-coast winter.

Brooding sky, Pender Island, British Columbia

ridges

You need a sturdy pair of shoes to explore this shoreline. It’s easy to twist an ankle. Not one of my pup’s favourite walking spots — too hard on her paws!

Pender Island, British Columbia

autumn woods

Taken on a recent damp morning walk.

coil

Someone took extraordinary care to tidy up this bit of rope with an artistic flair.

Weekly Photo Challenge: (Extra)ordinary

wild blue yonder

Out photographing at the beach the other day, I happened across this fellow as he was preparing to launch his kayak. We exchanged hellos, and he burst out, “Could this day be any more beautiful?” (à la Chandler Bing from “Friends”). I asked if I could take a couple of pictures of him, explaining that I thought he and his yellow kayak would look great floating off into the wild blue yonder, and he said OK, and would I email him one? He wanted something to document his voyage and to show his friends back home.

He set off, exclaiming about how clear the water was. Totally absorbed in the moment, he was enjoying his adventure to the utmost, and his enthusiasm was heartwarming to behold. I took several shots; this is the one I liked best. For me it has that “one man against the elements” feel, with the little yellow kayak looking brave but fragile surrounded by all the immensity of the sea and misty sky.

I sent him three photos, and he emailed back to say he was so grateful to have them. I was glad to be able to give him a memento of his special day.

a flock of seagulls

I saw this gathering of gulls silhouetted on some rocks, preparing themselves for a day’s fishing.

I tried to sneak closer to get a shot from a different angle, but they were having none of it.

morning shoreline

The rising sun glows on this stretch of shoreline at Welcome Bay, Pender Island.

crash

A couple more shots from the big storm we had a while back.

slumbering sea

It doesn’t happen often, but today I awoke before the sunrise. It was just light enough for the pup and I to see our way along the path through the forest to the beach (should have brought a flashlight!).

Only the gentle lapping of water broke the silence. We stayed until the sun popped up like a bubble over the horizon, sending a breeze to ruffle the sleepy surface of the ocean. Then it was home for breakfast.

abstract sea

A motion blur from last weekend’s storm.