I chose these images because at times they were unusual almost border line eerie, other times mysterious and ambiguous, and at times just plain romantic. Looking forward to year 2012 and what this exciting year will bring! Again, with much gratitude to all the couples of 2011 who made photography so much fun!
Race Rocks, a tiny and special Island where it holds BC’s 2nd oldest lighthouse. The Island no bigger then 2 hectares in size holds my sweet friend Mike, a few Elephant Seals and countless birds that come and go. The neighboring rock islands hosts Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Oyster Catchers and the list goes on… Such a privilege it is to witness these blubbery friends at such close range! I can’t pretend to be a pinniped biologist but if you wish to know more please follow the Race Rocks blog: http://www.racerocks.ca/wp/
The little I do know is that the baby pup “Squall” named by Mike was born last Saturday in the middle of a storm. I arrived a few days after and watched it grow (I say “it” as I don’t know it’s gender) from a wet shivering somewhat weak looking pup to a strong assertive one within a few short days! Despite the bitter cold and pushing winds it grew stronger each day. It carries its name well.
Mystery is the Papa and defends his Bertha and Squall well. He will tolerate us at a certain distance but for only so long before he pushes his weight around! I very much enjoyed being happily stranded on Race Rocks with Mike for a full 5 days witnessing time, winds and storm in a very different way. Close up of Mystery (4th picture) is taken by Mike Robinson.
After some thought regarding the sheer quantity of images online and the supply and demand for yet another satellite, I’ve decided to truly edit my images from here on from 3 to 5 and at the very most 7… If you have questions regarding the venues and so forth please don’t hesitate to contact me…
Could not help pair these two images. What can I say apart from Walmart is distrurbing and the results are predictable.
With a 2nd visit under my belt to the friendly, intriguing and at times defeated s. Caicos Island, I continue my visual search.
It’s truly a fascinating island where people are at times defeated by political corruption, witness relentless hurricanes, feel the financial despair, uncertain fish stock and few resources if any, where countless religions runs ramped, a myriad of homes with no running water, where fried chicken is cheap and imported vegetables are off the chart expensive yet for the most part they hold their heads high.
I don’t think it’s wise to assume I know the Island after 2 short visits.. but what I do know, is how the people are often welcoming despite their predicament. This alone both fascinates me and humbles me.
You can hear their laughter and much heated discussions from early sunrise to sunset. A passionate crowd I would add. Some play dominoes so hard that the chips hitting the table hurt my ears. The haitian church near by have a mix of gospel and very very animated preachers belching out indecipherable gargle with an impressive PA system into the wee hours of the morning. According to Mike, this is their only entertainment, not much else to do. The sounds that ring in my ears right now are much of that, preachers relentlessly preaching, numerous under nourished barking dogs, a mysterious rooster, S.Caicos (ians) discussing passionately, the slamming of domino chips, the kindness in their “hello’s”, and the slapping of skin aiming for that adamant blood sucking mosquito!
