Ahhh! The Joy of it All

This is worth getting up at 6:00 am to capture.

Field of Gold

This is the home pub at the end of the "Pub to Pub" trail, a wonderful path along the waterfront and through some wonderful wetlands, replete with ducks, herons, eagles and many other small animals. This is a favorite walk because of the forest, many varied wild flowers on one side and busy waterway on the other.

Romantic Pink

Sunset arrives subtly in the Campbell River Harbour.

Sunrise at 5:20 am

Too much coffee woke me up to this at 5:00 am and it only took me a second to jump into jeans, an old shirt, and sneakers to run outside for this shot. We were very poor as children and my mother had only a couple of pictures on the wall. One I remember was like this and labeled "God's Good Morning." My mother would have loved photography because I remember how much she loved pictures of beautiful scenery.

The River

A little cloud, the tide out, and a nice park bench add to the serenity of this picture. There was lots of wildlife today, and I also got some great shots of Herons.

Shoreline Lounging

Was there ever a more beautiful place to rest while walking or skating the seawalk. Since it was Saturday morning everyone was off shopping or what have you today, but normally this bench and every other along the 6 or 7 km of paved walkway would be full.

Fishers of Men

I remember a picture with a sky like this in a Bible story book when I was a child. In that picture Jesus had just calmed the seas and the disciples in the boat with him were aghast. I would have liked to spend enough time this morning for a boat to come into this picture, but clouds do change quickly, and probably the picture would not be the same. In any case, I had to be somewhere in a few moments.

Our First Cruise Ship

This isn't so much pretty, as important, or shall we say historic. This is the very first docking of a cruise ship at our new dock in Campbell River. This is appropriately name "Regent." Appropriate in that the passengers on this ship were indeed treated like royalty. Hope the passengers liked Campbell River and hope this becomes a steady thing.

Oyster Bay at Sunset

I just had to try my new polarizing filter on an honest to gosh sunset, and I wasn't disappointed. Where can I find some more great staging points for sunrises and sunsets. Don't forget to click on the image for a full page view, and for a better one yet, press F11 (if you don't have programmed function keys.)

The Duck Blind on the Spit

In the early morning this area is alive with herons, ducks and geese and of course, the regulars like the gulls and eagles. In this picture the tide is out, and the sun is fading. This looks like a great morning activity, feeding ducks. hmmm... is it allowed?

Dick Murphy Park

This is the view from Dick Murphy Park when the tide is slightly out and the sun was leaving us. I was trying out a new filter, and am very satisfied with this shot.

I Can See for Miles and Miles

I am sure  I can do better than this, but I just had to get out there and try my new polarized lens. I will replace this with a better one when there is more cloud and the tide is further out. In the meantime, doesn't it make you want to take of your shoes and run in the surf?

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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