February 16, 2014: Photography On The Edge

365 Project, Day 169

Here is my day 169 submission to my 365Project:

Tofino was mostly wet and rainy today but just before the sun set the skies opened up and we had the most gorgeous evening light. Everybody emerged from where they were hiding for the day and filed on to the beach to take in the moment. Included in this group were many photographers taking full advantage of the gorgeous and unexpected 'golden hour' that unfolded. Spectacular!

This one hearty photographer, despite the slippery rocks and the pounding surf, got himself out to this rocky point to photograph the sea in all it's wildness in the golden light. Here we have a true west coast moment...and undoubtedly a true west-coaster braving the elements to get the shot!

Despite the rain we still donned our full rain gear to go beach-combing and enjoy the beach

Rain droplets hitting a wee tidal pool

Then the clouds opened up and it was like heaven shining down on us

This crazy guy decided to tear most of his clothes off and jump in the sea...another hearty westcoast soul in action :)

Views from Cox Bay Beach with Lennard Island Lighthouse in the background

It was indeed very rough and stormy out there today!

December 13, 2013: Shelf Cloud

365 Project, Day 137

Here is my day 137 submission to my 365Project:

I'm catching up on posting photos (I'm writing this in early February...amazing how fast time goes when life happens :). My photo today is of an offshore cloud formation which I believe is called a shelf cloud, so here's a cloud quote:

"The sky, a perfect empty canvas, offers clouds nonetheless. They shift and drift and beg interpretation...such is the nature of art."

~Jeb Dickerson

Offshore cloud formations...this appears to be a shelf cloud formation

Fun fact of the day:

Shelf clouds are low, horizontal wedge shaped clouds. 

Read more about Shelf Clouds at Accuweather.com

...and the Jasper Explorer with a supply/guard vessel. 

August 22, 2013: Gold Chains

365 Project, Day 62

Here is my day sixty-two submission to my 365Project:

Imagine having gold chains the size of these anchor chains?! That would be something :)

Fun fact of the day:

Before the invention of anchor chain ships used hemp rope which often broke and put lives in danger. 

Read more about the history of anchor chains at this BBC - A History of the World webpage. 

August 17, 2013: Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

365 Project, Day 57

Here is my day fifty-seven submission to my 365Project:

Until today we haven't seen any turtles (although I've had 3-4 suspected sightings but they were too far to tell and weren't moving at all!) then today this Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) was one of three sightings of turtles we had! It might have helped we had flat calm seas but it is also nearing nesting season here and apparently the turtles start to aggregate offshore Angola about this time of the year before heading to the beaches to nest starting in September.

When I first spotted this turtle it was floating at the surface and, apparently, had been there so long it's shell dried out! Unfortunately, we rudely disturbed it from its rest and, as the vessel passed, it dove and swam straight down. 

Fun fact of the day:

The smooth shells and paddle-like flippers of sea turtles help them speed through the water as fast as 24 km/hr. These turtles have been known to swim up to 4 828 km in one year!

For more info on Olive Ridley Sea Turtles go check out the MarinBio and the Sea Turtle Conservancy webpages.