The Granite Grizzly

The sun finally came out this afternoon, and a friend picked me up to take me to take some pictures of Quadra Island. While driving I took this picture of "The Big Rock" through the windshield. Below is a little history of this landmark of Campbell River.

Sitting on the shoreline near the south end of town, the Big Rock is a 10-m (30-ft) tall glacial erratic. According to native folklore, however, the rock was originally a boastful grizzly bear. The bear claimed he could jump from the mainland to Vancouver Island, but was warned by the Great Spirit that he would turn to stone if he landed in the water. Ignoring the Great Spirit's warning, the bear jumped across the strait and reached the island, but his back paw landed in the water. Just as the Great Spirit had warned, the bear turned to stone. The legend serves as an explanation of why grizzly bears, which are common on the coast of the mainland, are not found on Vancouver Island

As you can see this rock attracts a great deal of graffitti and it isn't true love if your sweetie didn't paint your initials along side his own, on the big rock.

A Stormy Day @ Stories Beach

I love to take pictures of the water. There is no bad picture of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Perhaps that is why I am called lilwater, there is always a little water in my life, and I have done my best never to leave the ocean or the river.

Water Birds

And where there is water, there are birds. My next favorite things to photograph, wildlife. Campbell River has an abundance of it, and I love it here.

Paradise Meadows

This is one of the beautiful hikes in the area surrounding Campbell River. My sister took this picture, when she an a friend went to Paradise Meadows (by Mt Washington) earlier in the fall.

I can hardly wait until I am fully retired and can take whole day trips like this one, and a few more they have shared with me.

Caving in the Sayward Forest Region

There are a number of Karst caves in the area surrounding Campbell River. Bill of the famed Bill's Trail on Mt Kusam sent me this one. Not all caves are open to the public, but members of Spelunkers will frequently accompany friends. Some caves are too sensitive and are "gated" which means, kept secret to protect them and/or map them.

And We Have Birds

Thanks Brian, and for the ones following too.
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Shore Birds -- Sandpipers

Bird Photos By Brian Kyle

2006 Carving Contest Entry - Wolves by Glenn Greenside. One of the most beautiful entries, and from one of the most experienced and talented artist.
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The Perfect Day

Sunset at Oyster Bay - Wonderful to watch anywhere over water, but it is kind of special here, because this is where I grew up. Watch gulls, sandpipers, eagles and great Herons just adds to the intrigue.

Skyline - Campbell River

I know this is nothing like the skyline of Vancouver, Seattle or New York, but as one that remembers as a child, Campbell River being a little hicktown of fishing and logging residents, I am pleased and impressed with the progress. Actually, from the air, Campbell River would be 20 times this size, but I especially liked the mountain on the mainland of this picture, with the harbor in the foreground. We have 3 or four such boat basins, so skyline is very much a misnomer, but I still like this picture.

Oyster Bay

Right next to all those meadows, the tide is out and tourists or locals are enjoying the miles of sand and tide pools. This is where I lived as a child, and I remember right under all those barnacles were numerous delicious butter clams. Reminds me of the scrumpuous Cape Cod Clam Chower we enjoyed on cold winter nights.

Shoreline Meadows

My friend left me a message about this meadow a few days ago, and so today the weather was perfect, and I had the day off. Camera in hand we both went go investigate, and were not disappointed. There were acres and acres of beautiful blossoms set against the backdrop of a stunning shoreline.

Shoreline Carving Contest

Every July 1st holiday weekend, there is a carving contest on the shore. This is one of the entrants this year. It is a spoof, of course, but elsewhere in this post there is a more serious entrant from a previous year of some hummingbirds. When the contest is over, I will take some pictures of the best carvings. There is also the parade, fireworks, bands, and much more. A fun weekend all over town.

Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska

This is just one of about 50 cruise ships that pass my door on their way to Alaska each week. I have been there done that, and frankly, I like watching them go by more than I liked sailing. Why? Because we have everything Alaska has, and it's all free. CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Recycling for Life

The little boxes on top of these old logging boom pilons are homes to the once threatened Purple Martin. Thanks to dedicated volunteers these little whirling dirvishes can be heard flying after sunset, preying on mosquitos. Click on picture for larger image.

Browns Bay Marina - Menzies Bay

This floating restaurant sits in the middle of Browns Bay, a hustling marina, resort, RV Park and Fish Processing plant. Eat on one of the covered patios and watch cruise ships drift by so close, unless you have a very wide angle lense or a panoramic camera, they likely won't fit in your lens. Wander up and down any of 6 or 7 docks, feed deer by hand, watch seals, whales, and eagle cavort.

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Seymour Narrows - Cruise Ship Passage

Ripple Rock, within Seymour Narrows near Campbell River B.C., was a marine hazard responsible for more than 20 large vessels and at least 100 smaller vessels being damaged or sunk. Before its destruction in 1958, Ripple Rock had claimed at least 114 lives.

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Beaver Lodge Lands - Campbell River

Walking into Paradise - that's how my puppy viewed this path on his first walk in the forest. This is just one of dozens on the Beaver Lodge Lands. This park was donated to the citizens after being logged as a demonstration forest to be enjoyed in perpetuity. It kind of gives new meaning to the adage, "Don't hug a tree, Hug a logger." And I do the one's that saved this little part of paradise.Click on Picture for a Larger View
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A Stroll on the Fishing Pier

Twilight is the time to stroll with your honey, or alone view a cruise ship or two, congratulate fishermen for the big one or grab some great fish & chips, or an ice cream cone. Click on Image for larger picture.

Willow Point - Early Sunrise

No it is not in Hawaii, California or Mexico. It is right here in Campbell River and that is Adams Road Condos showing on the point. Taken October 22, 05
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