April 26 Photo Walkabout: Decourcy Loop (Gabriola)

Posted on April 12, 2024 by gabephotoclub

This month our Photo Walkabout will be on Gabriola Island, taking in the Decourcy Loop (approximately 2 km).

The Loop offers many interesting photo opportunities, including big trees, sandy beaches, eroded sandstone formations, views of the Salish Sea, shorebirds and possibly other wildlife – not to mention some interesting signpost decorations along the way. (See the photos below for some examples.)

We’ll start at Pilot Bay, then head up the hill, taking a right on Decourcy Drive, walking the trails to all five viewpoints – with each participant photographing whatever catches their eye.

The first viewpoint is a scenic outlook, while #2 to #4 have public access paths leading down to sandstone beaches which we’ll no doubt want to explore. Viewpoint #5 leads to another sandstone beach, this one with a view of picturesque Turtle Rock. If time permits, we’ll also visit Taylor Bay. The tide will be dropping all morning, so all of the beaches we visit should be accessible.

To join, meet at 10 am at the parking area of Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (AKA “Twin Beaches”). If you’re interested, we’ll plan on an optional 12:30 pm lunch at the Surf afterwards.

Like all our Photo Walkabouts, the event is weather dependent. Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Click on an image to enlarge it and run them in carousel format.

Sandstone shoreline in foreground with stairs leading down to beach on right and bright sky with clouds in background. — © Corinne Flaws

Closeup of eroded sandstone shore — © Corinne Flaws

Photo Walkabout Part 2 – Thursday, March 28

Posted on March 17, 2024 by gabephotoclub

Nanaimo Dock Walk + Maffeo Sutton Park

Our Club is having another Nanaimo Waterfront/Marina Photo Walkabout on Thursday, March 28, and all are welcome!

On last month’s Walkabout we found there was too much material to photograph, so we stopped about half way along the docks – thus the need for Part 2.

The plan is to start where we left off on the docks, continuing along the seawall to Maffeo Sutton Park as far as the totem pole, then back to Port Place via Front Street. There will be an option to meet at the Pantry at Port Place afterwards (11-ish) for coffee or lunch.

The photo scope is wide open. It might include dock and boat details, rigging, reflections, springtime colours, details of the totem pole, a bit of street photography….whatever fires your imagination!

To join in the Walkabout: meet at the Gabriola ferry terminal at 8:25am, and catch the 8:45am sailing to Nanaimo as a walk-on passenger.

This will be a weather permitting event. Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Photo Walkabout – Friday, February 23

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Gabriola Photography Club members and friends are planning a Nanaimo Waterfront / Marina Photo Walkabout on Friday, Feb. 23. All are welcome!

We’ll meet at the Gabriola ferry terminal at 8:20am, to catch the 8:40am sailing to Nanaimo as walk-on passengers.

We will walk around the Promenade from the Nanaimo ferry dock to the marina ramp. The goal is to walk every marina dock/pier (other than the few with gated access of course), and finish up at the Newcastle Island ferry pier.

The photo scope is wide open and whatever inspires you. We encourage photographers to look for the smaller view and try some detail photography. Some subjects might be reflections, dock cleats, colourful boat fenders, etc.

For more photo opportunities, we might consider returning to the Gabriola ferry by cutting through Maffeo Sutton Park. There will be an option to meet at the Pantry at Port Place at 11ish for coffee and lunch.

This will be a weather permitting event. Let us know if you plan to attend, so that we can keep you informed of any last-minute changes.

Spring is in the Air – February Field Trip

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Barring another snow event or atmospheric river, Gabriola Photography Club’s first field trip opportunity of 2024 will be on Monday, February 12, when we’ll head to Sandwell Provincial Park on Gabriola Island.

We will meet at 1:00 pm, in the parking lot at the end of The Strand, and walk the trail to the salt marsh and beach, looking out for signs of spring life and bird activity.

The final hill to the beach and marsh is steep, so appropriate footwear is recommended. For those who wish to warm up after our excursion, we can gather for a post-field trip beverage and snack at the Surf Lodge.

Club members and other friends are welcome to participate. Please email ahead of time (“attn Sally”) if you are planning to join in, so that we can keep you apprised of any last-minute changes.

Click on any image below to expand and run the series as a slide show.

Pebble beach with view across the Strait of Georgia, and a drift log with two upthrust branches in the foreground.

Two Canada geese closed together in the intertidal zone.

Two geese in flight over the water, viewed from behind.

Two male red-breasted mergansers swimming in the sea.

Male and female harlequin ducks lifting off from the water.

Field Trip October 30 – Icons & Relics

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Gabriola Photography Club

On Monday, October 30 our Photo Club will be hosting members of the Comox Valley Photographic Society, on a day-long field trip here on Gabriola Island.

The morning’s theme will be “Gabriola Icons”, in which we’ll be visiting several much-loved, photogenic places on our island.

Man photographing Entrance Island Lighthouse from Orlebar Point, Gabriola Island

The afternoon’s theme is “Rusty Relics” – back by popular demand following our field trip earlier this month. This will be a good opportunity for those Gabriola club members who missed the earlier field trip to focus their creative efforts on some of our island’s old and abandoned – but ever so visually interesting – vehicles.

In between the two sessions we’ll be making a stop for lunch at a local eatery.

If you’d like to join in, please email us in advance for details/

Gabriola Photography Club

Island photographers focused on fun!

Tag Archives: field trips