Alberni Valley - Victoria Quay

The West Coast of Vancouver Island (as in Ucluelet, Tofino, and Long Beach) had been closed to us (2020-06-13) due to Covid19. Nonetheless, we decided to take a drive out to Alberni (very much open to visitors). Victoria Quay was a pleasant stroll.

Alberni Valley - Victoria Quay (2020-06-13)

Cowichan Valley - Genoa Bay

July 5, 2020 found us travelling south to check out a lake near Chemainus. Later we decided to travel on to Genoa Bay. We hadn't been there in quite some time. This postcard is iconic.

Cowichan Valley - Genoa Bay (2020-07-05)

Swartz Bay - Ferry passing Piers Island

On this day (2016-09-25), we're on our way to Mayne Island with Darryl and Gail. The first step in our mini-vacation (not counting the drive from home to Swartz Bay) was taking the ferry for Village Bay on Mayne Island. Here, leaving Swartz Bay, Piers Island was particularly photogenic.

Piers Island; ferry leaving Swartz Bay...

Telegraph Cove - Iconic Image

On our way home from a brief stay at Sointula (Malcolm Island), we took a short 16 kilometre detour to visit Telegraph Cove. Put quite simply, the visit was well worth the time. In fact, I think we'll be back in the summer when everything is open. It must be said, however, the rain on this February day was just what was needed to put everything into a typical West Coast mood.

Cowichan Valley - Wooden ships at Maple Bay

A late September paddle (kayak) took me in and around Maple Bay. After exploring Bird's Eye Cove and heading back to my Maple Bay launch, I spied these beauties (Songhee and Vigorous). Wouldn't they make nice mother-ships? Ah well, when I win the lottery.

Cowichan Valley - Wooden ships at Maple Bay

Ucluelet - MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound, entering Ucluelet

In 2009 we treated ourselves to a "cruise". In this case, at $72 per person, the cruise was from Port Alberni to Ucluelet and return, aboard the MV Frances Barkley. Well worth the money.

Our postcard features the MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound, entering Ucluelet harbour.   (2009-06-07)

MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound into Ucluelet

Genoa Bay - Bouthouse Reflections

Genoa Bay is one of our favourite destinations. We love the drive. We love the restaurant and its idyllic views. I couldn't have asked for better conditions for this postcard.

Genoa Bay - Bouthouse Reflections (2013-11-16)

Quadra Island - Sailing past the Rebecca Spit Light

Since Britta had a few days off, we decided on a camping trip up Vancouver Island. Up island, however, meant rain clouds the further north we got. We looked eastward and noticed brighter skies over Quadra Island, and brighter yet beyond that. Beyond that, as far as our world was concerned, meant Cortes island. So, that where we headed. While on the ferry for Whaletown, on Cortes Island, my camera caught this sailboat passing by the navigation light at Rebecca Spit on cotrtes Island.

Quadra Island - the Rebecca Spit Light (2011-07-11)

Victoria - Iconic Postcard View

This may well be 999,999th photo with this view but, so be it. It is what it is: Victoria in the summer.

And, lest we forget, the words of James Douglas upon setting sights on the area that is now Victoria:

Open spaces of verdant meadow were a welcome contrast to thick dark forest on other parts of the coast. In a letter to James Hargrave, Douglas described the scene: “The place itself appears a perfect ‘Eden’ in the midst of the dreary wilderness of the North...one might be pardoned for supposing it had dropped from the clouds into its present position.” (James Douglas to James Hargrave, February 5, 1843, G. P. de T. Glazebrook, ed. The Hargrave Correspondence, p. 420)

View Of Victoria's Inner Harbour (2009-07-21)

Ladysmith - A Working Harbour

While kayaking out of Transfer Beach in Landysmith, it became abundantly clear that this is a "working harbour". Plenty of log booms, saw-milling activity, and the boom boat I managed to capture for this postcard.

Leaving no doubt that Ladysmith is a working harbour

Leaving no doubt that Ladysmith is a working harbour

070821

Ladysmith - A Study in Blue in the harbour

A stroll along the waterfront in Ladysmith with terrific views of the harbour and marina. In this case, as usual, some boats caught my eye. CLICK!

A Study in blue; boats in the
marina at Ladysmith (2013-02-03)

Port Alberni - A stroll around the pier in Port Alberni

The 12th of July took us to Port Alberni, and a stroll about the pier. As usual, I was attracted to boats and sundry nautical themes.

Looking out over the Port Alberni
harbour from the pier (2013-07-12)

****************