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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Coast Mountains - across Georgia Strait from the Pub to Pub nature trail at Woodhus Slough. A Delightful walk and one where friendly dogs are welcome. Be aware, you will get paw prints from head to toe as they all come to visit each other.
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Not the East Coast

Imperfect - This is far from the fall color of the East coast, but where I live, this is as good as it gets.
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A Whole Lotta Water

- a lot of rain translates to some awesome water at Elk Falls. You can almost feel the mist.

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Maritime Museum in Campbell River

Not much to say about this picture other than, it was twilight time, and I love the effect of the light on the lighthouse.
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Safe Harbour

The colors in this one thrilled me. That little light before dark was awesome. I shall be running out at dusk regularly now.
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Chainsaw Carvings 2005

Every July 1st we have a chain saw carving contest, and professionals and amateurs alike participate. After judging the carvings sit in the park for a few weeks for public viewing and then are distributed to the many parks in Campbell River. Anyone walking the Rotary Seawalk will see dozens of these beautiful works of art. Sadly too, they have become the target of vandals at times. I think a fitting punishment for a vandal would be to make him work creating something for a whole month, then as soon as it is finished and admired, bust it up, like he did this one. But then, if it was as beautiful as this, I couldn't bring myself to destroy it. COULD YOU!
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Carefree Kayaking

Perfect evening for Kayaking. I spent an evening wandering the trails of the CR Estuary, and took this picture of a couple obviously enjoying themselves.
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Orange - Photo Friday

Sunset February 2004 -- Campbell River, BC
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