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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 the opportunity to recount many of the great experience of over the 35 years of our friendship . Dean River Steelhead Under the waters of Steelhead Billy Blewett Lower Dean River Lodge Big Smiles Big Fish Catch and Release Rob McDannold and Me This without question was the fulfilment of a desire to “One More Time” visit the river that has captured my heart and has over the years been a special place where I commune with its...
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...
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! ...
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...
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...
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, 1/320th
2015 Fishing
Posted by bill on Jan 28th, 2016 |
no responses
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 the opportunity to recount many of the great experience of over the 35 years of our friendship . Dean River Steelhead Under the waters of Steelhead Billy Blewett Lower Dean River Lodge Big Smiles Big Fish Catch and Release Rob McDannold and Me This without question was the fulfilment of a desire to “One More Time” visit the river that has captured my heart and has over the years been a special place where I commune with its...
Eagle
Posted by bill on Jan 29th, 2014 |
no responses
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...
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – HDR
Posted by bill on Apr 12th, 2013 |
no responses
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! ...
Lost Lagoon/Stanley Park
Posted by bill on Apr 4th, 2013 |
no responses
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...
Snowy Owls – Boundary Bay
Posted by bill on Apr 2nd, 2013 |
no responses
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...
Returning The Favour
Posted by bill on Oct 24th, 2012 |
no responses
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, 1/320th