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Posted by bill |
Jan 28th, 2016
The following is my 2015 update. Wow! I still can’t believe it: after an absence of some years, and with the encouragement of Rob McDannold and Billy Blewett I was fortunate to make it back to the Dean in late August.The lodge had been forced by nature to make a move to a new location after the 2012 / 200 year flood. This was my first visit to the completed new facility. And what a work of art and craftsmanship ! I can’t say enough about the layout, uniqueness of design and absolute beauty and comfort of this new Lower Dean River Lodge. And the meals, that a whole other gastronomic delight. But did I mention the fishing ! Again the “Valhalla” of Steelhead rivers didn’t disappoint. I caught numerous large fish, two of which were in excess of 38 inches. I found that with the chemo treatments of a few years ago, my footing was not what it used to be. In the early years they used to call me “Arm Pits Willie” as I bounced the runs like a moon man, with abandonment. Not so this trip,- with my trusty wading stick in hand I carefully maneuvered my way through the runs. The take of a Dean Steelhead is like no other with continuous runs and jumps. (at least 7 for the fish below) On one beautiful afternoon Billy Blewett and I fished together for about 2 hours and hooked and released 5 amazing fish. We had...
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Posted by bill |
Jan 29th, 2014
The Squamish Valley in BC, boasts one of the largest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the world. The reason for such numbers is found in the significant number of spawning salmon (Chum) that come into three local rivers ; the Squamish, the Cheakamus and the Mamquam, lay their eggs and die. Thus providing the Eagles a banquet fit for this king of birds. You will see in the attached photographs, that in addition to the plentiful food, the trees in this majestic valley provide ideal roosting . Our Maker has created them with many outstanding traits such as their ability to fly at high altitudes , to see their prey at great distances(well over a mile) and to fly at speeds up to 100mph. Reference to the Eagle is found 39 times in scripture.To me, one of the special locations is in Isaiah 40: 29-31, “But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wing like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Waiting with patience, is not one of my notable traits in this instant everything, digital world. However when we do wait on the Lord for His direction we can soar to new heights with the strength of...
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Posted by bill |
Apr 12th, 2013
This amazing garden is the first Classical Garden constructed outside of China and is situated in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. It is modelled after the gardens in the city of Suzhou during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Nick and I spent a sunny weekday morning on a self-guided walk taking numerous photos of this beautiful garden. The picture above was my first attempt at HDR photography and was naturally under the watchful eye of my accomplished tutor. Nick was also working with Infra-ray Photography. What an inspiring day! ...
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Posted by bill |
Apr 4th, 2013
Lost Lagoon is an artificial body of water right at the entrance to Stanley Park in Vancouver. It is surrounded by a walking trail and provides a great opportunity to view nesting birds, especially swans,canada geese, many spices of ducks and song birds. The name Lost Lagoon came from the poem written by Pauline Johnson, a native poetess and latter in 1922 was officially named Lost Lagoon The big draw for me is special at Christmas time when bright lights are hung in the shape of a tree in the middle of a fountain that is situated in the centre of the lagoon. For a number of years I’ve wanted to take night pictures of this beautiful scene. This past Christmas this dream became a reality as Nick and I set up early and stayed late snapping away. The shot above caught my attention when the lighting was such that the frame in the middle of the tree appeared as a cross. Immediately I thought there is the “Christ in Christmas”. I expect that this picture will appear in our 2013 Christmas News...
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Posted by bill |
Apr 2nd, 2013
These owls have migrated from the Arctic tundra. It is not a common sight to see them in our area, they normally winter further north. Why they have arrived may have something to do with lack of food in their normal wintering area. There are about 20 of these beautiful birds presently taking up residence in Boundary Bay BC. This was a very foggy day, hence the white background. It was a great experience and also an opportunity to pick up pointers from my friend Nick. In addition to Snowy Owls we saw numerous Eagles and short...
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Posted by bill |
Oct 24th, 2012
This Rainbow trout I caught a few weeks ago. Nice size, about 60cm. A healthy fish with great markings. I started releasing fish about 30+years ago. It’s a great satisfaction! I know I’ll be asked where? & I’ll respond “lake secret” in the interior. I was using size 10 chironomid (olive green with lime green rib) and was fishing with Bob, Malcolm, Brian and Lloyd. Settings: Leica D-lux 4, 128mm, f/2.8,...
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Posted by bill |
Oct 24th, 2012
You hear these little fellows before you see them, with their angry chatter as you draw near. They can be very noisy and feisty. This fellow was ready to take me on as I moved closer with the camera. They also are named pine squirrels or Douglas squirrels in the west. I took this snap in Eastern Canada. Although we think of them as nut and seed eaters they will eat almost anyhing including the eggs of nesting birds. The stetting was Manual at 120mm ,AF-c, f/5.6 , 1/50th , iso...
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Posted by bill |
Oct 21st, 2012
For several years I have kept my eyes open for a shot of the Pika. This is an amazing little mouse that habitats rock piles close to grass and wild flowers, generally at high altitudes. Pika’s are plant eaters and spend most of their day foreaging for food. They will build virtual haystacks of grass in preparation for winter. They will take what they can into their den and pile the rest near the entrance. The Pika is an amazing example of God’s perfect creation. During the foreaging for food the Pika will pick and store Toxic flowers. Due to the toxsicity they will stay fresh for an extended period of time. As the winter progresses the toxicity diminishes and thus provides fresh vegetables late in the season. I caught this little fellow sunning For several years I have kept my eyes open for a shot of the Pika. This is an amazing little mouse that habitats rock piles close to grass and wild flowers, generally at high altitudes. Pika’s are plant eaters and spend most of their day foreaging for food. They will build virtual haystacks of grass in preparation for winter. They will take what they can into their den and pile the rest near the entrance. The Pika is an amazing example of God’s perfect creation. During the foreaging for food the Pika will pick and store Toxic flowers. Due to the toxsicity they will stay fresh for an extended period of time. As...
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Posted by bill |
Oct 21st, 2012
This was taken during what I call “Special Light Time”, 1e. just after sunset or just before sunrise. I saw this grass clump the day before as I was walking the beach and thought it would look good with the following evenings “Special Light Time”. It never ceases to amaze me what the right light can produce and this a an excellent example. This picture I set out in our home at Thanksgiving- I feel it’s a typical harvest shot. Settings: shutter priority f/2.8,1/160 sec.,iso...
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Posted by bill |
Oct 21st, 2012
The Kennebecases River is a tributary of the St. John River in Southern NB. This was one of those pictures you see but find hard to believe the colours. I was visiting our eldest son and family in Rothesay NB, and this was taken from their front yard about 8 in the evening. A storm was passing by on the far side of the river. The rain is most visible in the background, but I believe that the brilliant green grass in the foreground accents this picture. The setting was Manual f/10, 1/10thsec.,iso 640...
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Posted by bill |
Jun 18th, 2012
It is hard to believe that this is an Azalea. This Spring it was one of the Best of Show in our garden. We planted it a year ago so this was its first flowering. Added to its beauty was a most fantastic aroma.
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Posted by bill |
Jun 16th, 2012
The other evening Nick came over and taught me the basics in light painting. It was exciting to learn a new technique. This picture is a compilation of my banjo and a few antiques from Marie’s farmhouse as she was growing up. The churn was one that she spent many hours pumping to make butter....
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Posted by bill |
Jun 16th, 2012
About 3 years ago, a large BC fir had to be cut down in a lot opposite our home. When I queried as to why the tree was left with about a 20ft stump, the arborist advised that this cut will attract woodpeckers. Well true to his word and 3 years later this Pileated woodpecker was going at the tree with a vengeance. It certainly was not building a home by the size and depth of it’s impact on the tree. It was a female, and I am told that they sometimes are pounding away looking for a mate. She was around about 3days and has not returned. This is one of the first shots I have taken with my new...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2012
My fist real sign of Spring
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Posted by bill |
Sep 28th, 2011
It was at this site 1000 years ago , 500years before C0lumbus and Cabot that explorers from Greenland & Iceland led by Leif Erickson founded the first European settlement. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. L’Anse Aux Meadows is still a fishing village. To visit and photograph this site was the fulfilment of a personal dream....
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Posted by bill |
Sep 27th, 2011
This is one remarkable site of the fjord and the massive cliffs of Western Brook Pond. This shot was taken over a mile away on one dark and cold morning in Sept. I thought it was headed for the the trash until my friend Nick suggested we work with it. I love the mystic of the scene. Remember these cliffs are over 2000 ft...
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Posted by bill |
May 7th, 2011
This as taken in mid afternoon early fall at Long Beach in Tofino
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Posted by bill |
Apr 28th, 2011
This is a picture that Marie took last Spring when a snow storm drove me off the lake. I think it is a great caption of the fishermen being sent home for another day. Also tells me Marie has an eye for what to capture
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Posted by bill |
Apr 23rd, 2011
Cambridge, Nunavut – Princess I attended a celebration held in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut on the occasion of an agreement between Miramar Mining and the Nunavut people to develop the Hope Bay mine. This little girl was the daughter of one of the Native dancers. She was dress in furs and caught the eye of all who attended....
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Posted by bill |
Apr 3rd, 2011
This was part of a wonderful day at the mouth of the Fraser River as the sockeye run was on. This year was one of the largest runs in recorded history. Note the city of Vancouver in the...
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Posted by bill |
Apr 2nd, 2011
Took this from a chopper when flying from Anahim Lake into the Dean River.
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Posted by bill |
Apr 1st, 2011
This was one interesting morning at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner BC. There were at least 30 photographers with lenses as long as your arm all poised waiting for this baby owl to pop its head out of the hollow tree nest. I had my 18-200 3.5-5.6 set at 200mm and high speed,5 frames/sec. I was under the tree in a bramble bush waiting along with all the others. An apparently seasoned photographer was crowding my space when he took a glance at my equipment and stated for most to hear “is that all you have”- At that very instant up pops the baby and I took five shots, my seasoned competition didn’t get his eye to the camera before down goes the baby.So it often is, being at the right spot at the right time. You draw your own conclusions....
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Posted by bill |
Mar 31st, 2011
I have had much pleasure out of this picture. I call it my Bateman. It is the sort of painting that Robert Bateman would paint. That young Buck thinks no one can see him. It is surprising the number of people who don’t notice him right...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 31st, 2011
When I look at this picture I think of myself and how easy it is to vacillate between different opinions or actions and not put the other foot down. There is an old song of the church that is called standing on the promises of Christ my King. When I stand on His promises with both feet, I cannot fail....
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Posted by bill |
Mar 31st, 2011
On A very hot summer day we were leaving Trojan Pond when we spotted this handsome Buck relaxing in the shade of a few pine trees. Note the velvet antlers.He posed and then wandered off at his leisure. Details VR 18-200 F3.5 -5.6 ,200mm, f/5.6 . 1/125, ISO 100...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 30th, 2011
This was a prize for me. I watched this fellow for at least 5 hours and some hundred shots. The male arrives about 2 weeks before the female and his job is to search out a nesting sight. There colour is vivid, as they are mating and starts to fade as the season goes on. Trojan Pond has now become a choice location on my Spring calendar. Details VR 70 -200 mm f/2.8, 400mm . f 7.1, 1/500, ISO...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 30th, 2011
The Salmon run on the Squamish River is an attraction to photographers worldwide . Thousands of Eagles arrive annually to feed on the carcasses of spawning salmon.
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2011
A Christmas time tradition in our home is the Amaryllis. Grown from a bulb which is given to us every year by a close friend and gardner. I used a black velvet cloth as a background when I photographed this with my Leica D-Lux 4.
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2011
An Orca Whale near the mouth of the Fraser River at Steveston Village during the annual Sockeye Salmon run. There were three different pods, (approximatley 90 whales in total) having a massive feed on one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in history. Interestingly the Orcas were doing very little breaching on this day. The picture was taken with a Nikon D-200 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 at 200mm (picture was taken at ISO 200, 1/640 at f/9). This is one of a five shot sequence taken as this Orca slipped down beneath the...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2011
“Can you imagine swimming 400 kilometres against a raging current, encountering thousands of obstacles along the way, not eating a bite of nourishment, with only one purpose to your journey — to reproduce and die? Such is the fate of the Adams River sockeye salmon. The drama of reproduction is played out in exactly the same way every cycle as millions of sockeye make their way back to the gravel beds of the Adams River, the place of their birth, to spawn and die.” – Adams River Salmon Society In October of 2010, an estimated 15 million Fraser River sockeye salmon returned home to British Columbia after spending two years out in the Pacific Ocean. These adult sockeye will battle the Fraser River and the Thompson River to reach the Adams River. Along their journey, the sockeye will seek out the streams that gave them life four years earlier. The 12- kilometer long Adams River will be the final stop for as many as two million of these salmon. While the sockeye return every year, the migration that occurs every fourth year (2010, 2014, 2018…) dwarfs the others. This was another remarkable trip- First time for Marie and I . We went with Cathy & Bob Hamaguchi on a beautiful fall day. Details Lens VR 105 f/2.8 G ( f/6.3 , 1/1000’s, area mode dynamic, wb direct...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2011
A male Western Yellow-Rumped Warbler. The term western is not part of the name but it is the race that is found in the west. The more easterly race has a white throat. The western form used to be called the Audubon’s Warbler and the eastern form was the Myrtle Warbler. Taxonomists decided that they were both the same species and now call them both the Yellow-rumped warbler. The “eastern” form breeds in the Peace River area and we do get some here during spring and fall migration, but very few.This was a find at Trojan Pond BC, Highland Valley Copper Mine near Logan Lake. They are flitty little things and you have to be fast to get them. Used my VR 70 -200 F/2.8 with a 2 times converter on a tripod ( 400 mm, F 5.6, 1/400 , ISO200 )...
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Posted by bill |
Mar 10th, 2011
MARIPOSA TAKEN AT ZITACUARO MICHOCAN MEXICO This is one of the most amazing natural events that takes place each year in North America featuring the delicate monarch butterfly. Marie and I along with a group from Farallon Mines headed to this Bio Sphere and world heritage sight set by the UN. El Rosrario was north of Mexico city about 2 hours and then a hike up a pine forest mountain well over 10,000ft. Marie hiked the whole way and half way i rented a horse that took me to join her at the site. And what a sight it was!! About 300 million monarchs clinging everywhere.These that you see in the picture had flown from Canada & the US about 2,500 to 3,000 miles to this very small location. Certainly as you observe this and understand their migration pattern you can’t help but see evidence of the hand of God. Its’ not by chance Mr Darwin. Lens was VR 18-2000 F/3.5-5.0( 200mm, f5.6, 1/200s, iso 100, WB cloudy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG5PAzrpZ6k...
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