Whippletree and Beyond

Last week, the grey drizzle brought about a softness to the day. This weekend, the cloud and fog enhanced the richness of things, deepened textures, and awakened the boldness of colour.

I feel as though I have just traveled a great distance. But really, I was only in my own backyard.... well, sort of.  My friend and I went adventuring with our cameras, about an hour north of Victoria. Our first stop was Whippletree Junction...a small cluster of colourful old buildings that have been converted into shops and studios. It is a wonderfully bizarre place....a garden strewn with dozens of teapots, a courtyard surrounding an odd sculpture/wishing fountain made of old machinery parts, and long abandoned objects like an old printing press that have been left to rust and adorn the garden spaces.

After spending a great deal of time, utterly fascinated with the moss growing between the bricks, we moved on to a place I had never been to before. As soon as we drove into Cowichan Bay, I was enchanted with the place. I can't believe I have lived in Victoria for 10 years, and I have never seen this amazing little seaside village! There were organic bread shops and cafes, vintage candy stores and all kinds of funky little buildings along the small oceanside strip.

And while we were taking pictures of all these interesting things, I could hear a loud roar coming from the harbour. Then, many loud roars. So I walked out on the pier, towards the commotion, and there in front of me, on a neighbouring dock... a mountain of sea lions! Mostly sleeping, except for one or two loudmouths who had to let the entire town know their business. These guys don't smell pretty either.

One minute, they are snuggled next to each other, having an afternoon snooze....the next, wide awake, startled by a boat coming into the harbour. Except for that little guy on the right....he slept through the whole thing. The sound was amplified dramatically.

So, I moved on to more peaceful subject matter.

The day went by way too fast. These short November days are unforgiving to photographers seeking the light. The drive home was over a mountain pass, thick with dense fog and drizzle. But, as you know, this weather doesn't get me down....it brings me to life. I saw new places that tweaked my imagination and sense of exploration. And there are so many other places like this I have yet to discover on this beautiful island I call home.