September 5 Photo Walkabout: Saysutshun / Newcastle Island

Posted on August 23, 2024 by gabephotoclub

We’re heading off Gabriola for our September Walkabout, to Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park.

Meet on Thursday, September 5 at 8:30am at the Gabriola ferry terminal, to take the 8:45am sailing as a walk-on passenger. From the Nanaimo side, we’ll walk to the Saysutshun / Newcastle ferry (see below for ferry info).

Once we get to Newcastle Island we’ll mainly hike the trails that follow the shoreline, but we’ll also include Mallard Lake and the smaller swimming lake. You may find items of interest to photograph on the boat ride over to Newcastle as well as on the island itself, including on and around the dock, the totem pole, heritage building, architecture, canoe and kayak rental area, scenes along the trails, the beach and numerous different landscapes…there should be many photographic opportunities, in other words.
Photo © Romeo Rossi

This will be a full, day-long trip with no pre-set time limit. Pack water, snacks and a hearty lunch. Upon returning to Nanaimo, there will be an option to meet for dinner at the Pantry at Port Place.

As always, this is a weather-dependent event. You’re welcome to simply show up, but it’s much better if you can let us know ahead of time if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Saysutshun ferry info:

Adult fare: $15. Senior: $12. Credit card, debit & cash accepted at the ferry dock.

Ferry departs Nanaimo every half hour from 9am to 8:30pm. Returning: ferry departs Saysutshun every half hour from 9:15am to 8:45pm.

August 17 Photo Walkabout: Skateboard Park & the Commons Walk

Posted on August 1, 2024 by gabephotoclub

Our August walk is in the heart of Gabriola’s Village, where we plan to catch some action and practice our photography skills!

Meet at 2 pm on Saturday August 17, outside the skateboard park at Huxley Community Park.

For the first hour we’ll watch the skateboarders in action, while we focus on panning, freezing the movement and finding interesting angles for our compositions.

During the second hour we’ll walk to the Timber Frame at the nearby Gabriola Community Commons, photographing whatever details catch our eyes.

We’ll carry on along the boardwalk in the upper Commons grounds, wander through the Labyrinth and then through the trails, before returning to Huxley Park.

We plan to finish at 4pm with the option of meeting at either Mad Rona’s or the Skol Pub for some social time.

As always, this is a weather-dependent event. You’re welcome to simply show up, but it’s great if you can let us know ahead of time if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

A cement skateboard park, with a young boy skateboarding in a lower level area, and an adult man in the hgher foreground area., with one foot on his tipped up skateboard. — Photo © Romeo Rossi

July 25 Photo Walkabout: Degnen Bay

Posted on July 3, 2024 by gabephotoclub

This month we’ll be exploring photo opportunities at the south end of Gabriola.

Meet at 9 am on Thursday, July 25. Park near the top of Degnen Bay Road (near where it meets South Rd.), and we’ll walk the narrow road to the Degnen Bay Public Wharf, finding subjects worthy of photographing as we go. As well as the lovely tree canopy along the road, other attractions might include various vistas of the bay with its moored boats and details of the pier and dock area along with the boats tied up there.

If time permits and interest warrants, we might also drive over to Gray Road on the opposite side of Degnen Bay, to photograph details such as the old boats on trailers along the road, boats at the sandstone beach’s launch area, and more shoreline vistas.

For lunch or coffee we can meet afterwards at the Golf Club at 11:30 am (optional).

As always, this is a weather-dependent event. Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know ahead of time if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

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.

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