Shipwrecks

It is an eerie feeling as you approach a shipwreck. No doubt there is a harrowing story behind how it ended up there, trapped on land. 

On December 5, 2015, the winds rose to 90km/h, grounding the Pacific Sun King on the shore of Cadboro Bay in Victoria, BC. The 55 foot concrete vessel was home to Cyril Manuel, who used his last $600 to get it towed there only days before from another local harbour that squeezed him out. For some, live-aboard anchor boating can be a path to affordable housing, but it doesn’t come without its hazards. 

The Pacific Sun King lies partially buried in the sands of Cadboro Bay beach.

Wreckage of derelict boats is not uncommon after big storms. While there are the obvious environmental concerns of fuel spills, one recently grounded vessel in Victoria was responsible for dumping dozens of hypodermic needles onto the beach. Often the boats are unregistered, with their owners nowhere to be found. The multijurisdictional nightmare of vessel salvage often results in the remains sitting for long periods before they are removed. 

In an effort to rid the harbours of derelict boats and anchored live-aboards, the municipality of Saanich, BC has now passed a bylaw preventing boats from anchoring longer than 72 hours within 300m of the shore.

Live Outside

We can all use a little more outdoor time, a chance to reset and get lost. To only think about what’s in front of you. To follow the road wherever it leads. You should really stop reading this and go get outside right now. But before you do, check this out...

Frozen Niagara Falls

In the first few days of spring, it can be a little trying when you wake up to temperatures that feel as cold as -19 °C. Winter has overstayed it’s welcome here in Toronto. It’s not all bad though, as this year’s record cold season made for some spectacular ice forming around Niagara Falls. These shots were captured during one of the February deep freezes.

Westcoast

Once again, I made the trip out west for some much needed rejuvenation over the holidays. This past year I was lucky enough to return to the coast on three occasions. These are the scenes that keep me going when toiling away in the concrete jungle.

Westcoast pow

With the close of a fantastic year, I went on my annual pilgrimage to the mountains in BC. Swimming through waste deep lines, getting powder shots to the face, yes, the snow was five meters deep. The only thing that approaches the beauty of the white alpine world is the cold pint that is the Après. There is no more inspiring way to ring in the new year than to soak up some time in the mountains. I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a good year.