Sharing some random moments from Vancouver Island’s Pacific west coast.
I first came here longer ago than I can imagine it has been. More than 25 years. Yet even now, after all this time, standing at the ocean shore, watching breakers crashing endlessly, with the pervasive roar filling the air, and the air rich with salt, it is still my favourite place to be.
But what is so compelling about a place that takes a good part of the day to get here? Is it the first impression of the Pacific Ocean, usually at Incinerator Rock, before we carry on to our ultimate destination a few kilometers further north along the west coast?
Is it the evening mist which makes this place seem so magical?
Is it the presence of seagulls and other water fowl which lend their charm to the beach?
Is it the crashing of the surf against the rocks?
Perhaps it is the richness of the rainforest trails?
Numerous trails beckon to be explored, with varying accessibility ranging from those that are suitable for wheelchairs or specialized wheelchairs, to those where sturdy walking shoes are a good choice. Many of them are not far from the ocean’s roar, and frequently offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, such as the header photo above. And occasionally it is possible to see wildlife here, too.
Is it the wonder of beachcombing on a sunny morning, and discovering some unexpected beach treasures?
Is it the unparalleled view of the sun bidding its daily evening farewell far to the west across the ocean?
Or the colours painted across the sky and on the sand when it has disappeared from view?
Or is it merely the contrast of the moments of relaxation and inspiration in this place where the ocean never rests?
The answer to all of these questions simply is, yes.
So ironic, that it is called the Pacific. Peaceful, is what it means. And yet it ebbs and flows, and it roars unceasingly, with waves that can crash and surge quite dramatically. Some of the storms are incredible with waves that can easily top 6 meters (more than 20 feet). And every time I stand in this corner of the planet, on the sands of the Pacific, I relish in the wonder of it, and consider it a gift to be here once more.
all images captured at Vancouver Island’s unforgettable west coast
my favourite place on the planet
so far
For more sea sightings posted by bloggers from around the world, click here.
there he is! The stellar jay that plays hide and seek on your banner : )
That is literally what I thought as I ran into his photo: “There he is!” I must have been waiting for him to make an appearance in a post.
As for the beach — I love it too! Although I always eagerly wait for that first glimpse of breakers as we head down that last hill towards the shore. Still 10 mins or so until foot hits sand, but that glimpse is always the sign that we (whoever the we is on the drive in) are finally there.
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glad you enjoyed the jay’s permanent new home here. such a cheeky bird, and hard to capture! for the next click, I concentrated more on the composition, and wanted to have the entire limb on it, not just the top half. but by the time i clicked, the branch was bare, and i heard the chatter and squawking from another branch! 🙂
i quite enjoy that first glimpse, too, as brief as it is. it is so brief that I have been unable to capture it from a moving car so far. but it is a view i look forward to every time as well. 🙂
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The oyster pic is my favourite… and the ones with the sea-gull.
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thanks for stopping by, blueberriejournal, and welcome to photojourneying. glad you enjoyed!
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Spectacular photos of a spectacular place.
The ocean never rests — that is what is either exhilarating or vaguely alarming, depending on one’s temperament.
You certainly do capture the irony of the restless and moody and often fierce “Pacific”!
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thanks for the kind words, t2t. glad you enjoyed 🙂
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Yes, and yes again. Love that crazy tree! And dear Stella (that’s what I call those noisy jays) and of course, the waves.
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thanks, thanks, and thanks again 😀
and welcome to photojourneying!
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Beautiful shots and colors! I’ve never seen the Pacific. Hopefully one day I’ll get a chance.
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thank you, SPP. i haven’t seen every ocean yet by a long shot, but i think it is definitely a must-see kind of a place. welcome to photojourneying!
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Wow! Outstanding series of photos.
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Thanks Jeff! Am thrilled you think so 🙂
And thanks for following photojourneying!
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Wonderful choices from one of my favorite places. Well done!
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Thank you for the kind words Tina. And welcome to photojourneying! 🙂
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so beautiful – your words just as beautiful as the photography. What a delight!
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thank you Andrea. thanks for your great comment – and for following photojourneying! how cool is that?! 🙂
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oops – 🙂
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These are wonderful pictures.
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thanks Connie – am glad you enjoyed. and welcome to photojourneying!
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