Gracie Lake

http://www.longbeachphotosbc.ca/

See how clear the water is!! This is in the deep old growth forest near Gracie Lake. The water is so clear I could hardly see it. This spot is so far from hamans, no noise, no cars or machines, just birds and every now and then Sandy, the guide, spoke.

I spent the morning driving up, down and around the logging roads around Port Alberni and Sproat Lake with Rainbird Excursions. There had been a number of slides on the road that we were driving on, so they were fixing it as we drove on it. We had to wait until the truck was full and for the heavy machinery to move out of the way for us to pass by them. The Loggers and other men we ran into were very friendly and told us what roads were open and what roads were snowed in or had blow downs(trees that had blown down over winter) on them that were not yet cleared.

My guide, Sandy, knew a great deal about the area, so he gave me a running story about the area and the logging that had gone on. He was also an ornithologist and introduced me to a number of birds, some by sight and some only by their call.

I enjoyed being driven around the mountains. I got views that I wouldn't have seen anywhere else. It has spurred me on to go on more trips like this. I invite you along.

'til next time.... Syl

Sea Creatures revisited

I had a bit of luck this past week... my engine blew - that's the only bad luck, but the engine blew on the straight part of the road, where there was a signal for my cell phone, close enough to Port that a tow truck came from there. I was so happy that it did not break down on the road from Tofino to Port. Good Heavens!! All those hair pin turns! All those big trucks! That little car would be toast.

The result - no trip to the coast this week.

Once more I direct you to my website http://www.longbeachphotosbc.ca/ to the Sea Creatures page to look at the clams and barnacles. The name of these barnacles escapes me, I will post it when I get the name. This day, there were dozens of these washed up on the beach. It makes me wonder what was different about the current that day that dredged up these clams and barnacles.

I enjoy shots like this. I hope you do too.

Here's hoping to get to the coast next week.... Cheers... Syl

Tofi Surfer

http://www.longbeachphotosbc.ca/

This weeks shots should put all of you young couch potatos to shame. My friend, who could have retired quite a few years ago and who broke her hip last year, was out there surfing. You have no excuse, neither do I - except that the water is just too friggin' cold! I come from warm lake water or tropical water. This part of the Pacific Ocean will never be warm enough for me to just walk into it. lol.

The weekend was sunshine, blue skies, calm waters, but that didn't stop the die hard surfers. They gathered in the treacherous areas of the beaches, close to the rocks, to catch the surf big enough to take them in. (I can't shoot them because I don't have their permission). Then they let the rip take them back out to catch the next wave.

Jeff and Tofi Surfer stayed in water that was about waist deep. The waves were big enough for Tofi Surfer to make it all the way in to the shore. She started just as a body surf to get used to the board again and training the muscles. The wet suit that Tofi Surfer had was a man's suit and caused a pull across the chest, not allowing her to breath properly, therefore cutting her lesson short. Tofi Surfer did make it up to all fours before she had to stop. You can see the pleasure on her face as she comes out of the water.

It was put to Jeff that his niche should be Senior Surfing. He had just started his business two weeks previous. All you have to do is find that niche.

As the end of the lesson and the weekend approached, coming from the south west were rain clouds already heavy and in places dropping rain. It was time to head out ahead of the weather.

The trip across was marked with spots of buds coming out on the Birch clusters. All around us spring was showing her colours. The Skunk Cabbage is the brightest yellow in the ditches. We are all so looking forward to spring...

'til next time.... Syl