This latest compilation of color and light was acquired during a family trip to Toffino, BC. Toffino, on the far side of Vancouver Island, is situated right in the center of Clayquot Sound. Clayquot Sound was recently the center of a significant protest against the logging of the area, as the area is one of BC's largest, last standing, and most beautiful rainforests. The protest was so significant that it actually put the tiny town of Toffino, BC on the map.
Much of the first 3-4 days of the trip, for me, was spend walking up and down Chesterman's Beach with camera bag over by shoulder and my hefty 9Lb tripod draped securely over my shoulder. Many hours were spent walking along sandy beaches, clambering over rocks and climbing up and down small cliff faces. It may be apparent that my specialty in photography is sunsets that offer a clear and bright view of the sun itself. Also, some of my favorite subjects include still sea life (i.e. Star Fish and Sea Anemones.), as well as large birds such as the beautiful bald eagles.
One of the greatest, or shall we say luckiest, encounters with sea life was during the ferry trip from Tawassen to Nanaimo. About half way between the two harbors, as I was standing at the front of the vessel I noticed, about one kilometer out, there was a great stirring of the water and multiple, large splashes. Just as I was reaching for my camera, then an announcement from the Captain To the left of the ship you will see the South Pod of Orcas! By the time the announcement had finished I was already snapping photos; however, very few of the shots turned out nicely enough to post on this site. It was a great sight to see, and privilege and an honor to see these fabulous sea beasts.
While staying at the Sea Star Resort on Chestermans Beach, about fifteen minutes from Toffino, I spent a significant amount of my time sitting on the beach; behind or on top of logs, waiting to catch a close up of a bald eagle. I captured a few shots, one of which was taken as the eagle flew directly over me. Also, I was told that these eagles are extremely territorial; thus, I was able to snap a few shots of two eagles sharing a tree together in their territory. I was also told that the bald eagles eyes are polarized, which means that the eagle sees no glare of the waters surface and is able to see through, what we see as a shiny surface of water. I found this very interesting, and answered my question about how it is that an eagle is able to see a fish in the water from such a long distance.
I would like to thank you for visiting my website; I truly hope that you have enjoyed your visit. Please come again!
Matt Heard
Erosion Studios
