April 26 Photo Walkabout: Decourcy Loop (Gabriola)

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.

Club Field Trip to Buttertubs Marsh, April 13th

Gabriola Photography Club members – and other photographers considering joining our club – are invited to take part in our first field trip of 2023.

When & where:
We’re heading to Buttertubs Marsh Park in Nanaimo, on Thursday afternoon, April 13.

Why there?
Buttertubs is a lovely, accessible bird and wildlife sanctuary, encircled by an easy 2-km trail. The field trip will provide an opportunity to connect face-to-face with other club photographers, and the destination is perfect for honing your skills in nature photography: nesting birds, waterfowl, and the marsh habitat.

Timing & travel:
We plan to catch the 1:30pm ferry off Gabriola. For seniors, it’s a ride-free day on the ferry, and if desired we can arrange car pooling to reduce the number of vehicles going over. After two hours at the Park (approximately 2 to 4 pm), we’ll return to the Nanaimo ferry terminal to catch the 4:35pm or 5:05pm ferry back to Gabriola.

To join in:
Please contact Sally Bullas

What to bring:
You might want to bring along a folding stool or light-weight lawn chair, water bottle, thermos of tea/coffee, and perhaps a snack.  In addition, we recommend that you wear layered clothing, walking shoes or boots, and a light all-weather jacket in case of rain. 

Come one, come all, it will be a grand excursion!   

A scenic image of Buttertubs Marsh with trees and shrubs in the foreground, on a bright spring day.