3 weeks in Spain | Andalusia
A collection of images from 3 weeks spent visiting a good friend in Andalusia.
Long swims in the salty Mediterranean, late meals on boisterous patios, early morning hikes through olive groves, strong whiffs of fresh jasmine, easy floats in Roman sulphur baths, small sips of Bitter Kas, meandering walks through white towns to find the view, serious comparisons of Sea vs Ocean, quiet rooftop mornings.
Many delights.
Summer 2017, Part 2
The second half of summer was a whirlwind.
It took me to the Saguenay Fjord (north of Quebec City) for a leisurely horseback ride with my sister Katie. We covered a variety of landscapes - forest, village, swamp, field, fjord - and had us both reliving our younger years when we had a horse of our own. Currently scheming to own another.
From Quebec, a favourite Nova Scotian-woodcarving-roadtrip sidekick and I traveled through Maine to reach the coast for a woodworking course (see instructor Danielle Rose Byrd's work here). While in Maine, we explored beaches and small towns, ate a LOT of lobster, rode the mail boat to Isle au Haut, and generally raved about the state's coastal region.
Finishing up in Maine, New Brunswick called. My foremost reason to be in New Brunswick was to shoot a wedding (see the photos here) but the touring didn't end there. A day at Fundy National Park, a peek at Kouchibouguac National Park and a few days in Miramichi rounded out our days in NB before heading back to Quebec.
'Twas full, fast, friendly, and fun.
Summer 2017, Part 1
This summer started by spending 2+ weeks in the beautiful Eastern townships of Quebec where small farms make up a lot of the landscape.
Next I had a week in California for my cousin's graduation from UCLA which was followed by dips in Ocean Beach and lots of espresso (Sightglass, Andytown and Saint Frank to mention a few favourites).
After returning, my family celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday at home and spent time at my brother's barn (soon to be converted into a cool home).
Part 2 is still underway. Post coming!
Québec in October
Moving to Québec City, I've been spending lots of time exploring the old city by foot and roaming the province by Subaru. Here are some photos from my time so far:
Sheep, lochs, bagpipes, castles
Ireland and the UK did a fine job charming us Canadians who simply wanted to swim in the ocean and see a castle. We did both and more: hiking in Glencoe, swimming in the Scottish North Sea, fighting wind at Giant's Causeway, exploring castles on the Isle of Skye and getting acquainted with nosy sheep.
We drank more tea than water, willingly ordered haggis (more than once), and got to share it all with good, hearty company.
Mount Brandon, Ireland
Ross Castle
Muckross Lake, Ireland
Giant's Causeway, UK
Aberdeenshire, UK
Tillynaught, UK
Lossiemouth Beach, UK
Isle of Skye, UK
Armadale - Mallaig Ferry, UK
Glencoe, UK
Honister Pass, UK
Japan | 5 weeks of trains
My trip to Japan started with a week in Tokyo with my cousin. Together we hiked Mount Takao, slurped lots of ramen, walked, ate sushi at Tsukiji market, walked and got lost in Shibuya station.
After she left to return to California, Caitlyn (NZ travel companion) and her brother Shaun flew into Sapporo (on Hokkaido, Japan's northern island) where we met up to begin our month in Japan together. Our first stop was Niseko, a ski village heavily populated with Aussies. We had a day snowboarding at Grand Hirafu, thanks to rental gear and 100 yen shop "driving gloves" that we acquired the day prior. Hokkaido is known for its dairy products, and we can confidently attest to their excellent quality.
After Niseko, we made our way south traveling mainly on high speed bullet trains. We stopped in Sendai, Nagano, Fukui and then enjoyed some days in Kyoto. We all agree that Kyoto is special. It is history-rich and has a small feel that makes a person feel comfortable immediately. Although not planned, we managed to follow the cherry blossoms as they bloomed. Arashiyama delivered the blossoms exceptionally, which was helpful as we waited in a long lineup for... coffee. (Look up % Arabica Coffee.) After touring around Kyoto with great local guides/new friends, we headed to Hiroshima, Miyajima island, and onto Fukuoka. Hiroshima also sits in our top 5 cities. The Peace Memorial Museum is not to be missed, as are the many tributes placed all over the city. After making our way to Kyushu (Japan's large south island), we headed back to Tokyo for 5 days before flying south. Tokyo is an experience. We found it to be surprisingly quiet for its size and population. More eating and walking and getting lost.
Our last week in Japan was spent on Okinawa, one of many islands that make up the Okinawa Islands (or the "Hawaii of Japan"). Upon arrival, the increase in heat and the humidity were both felt and welcome. We rented a car for a few days and saw a lot of the island, swimming in both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Both were warmer than any ocean in Canada. After getting too much sun, we met up with friends in Naha city to enjoy 4 days together.
3 words for Japan: safe, clean, quiet. I will most definitely be back.
Edith + Nic | Whangarei, New Zealand
Early in March, I had the privilege of photographing a good friend's wedding in her newly adopted home of New Zealand. Edith and Nic were married near Whangarei on the grounds of a beautiful aged home. The morning of the wedding, I followed Nic and Edith (see the restored MG they drove) to the coastal town of Tutukaka for some photos while the sun was waking up.
Beach + happy couple + friends + wood-fired pizza = hard to beat.
Here are some of my favourites:
NZ continued
Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
On the walk up Mount Maunganui
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
Hot air balloon festival, Hamilton
Aotearoa | New Zealand
The past three weeks I've spent my days in New Zealand. Firstly for a friend's wedding, and secondly for the scenery. The landscape is dramatic and changeable. Here are some photos mostly from the North Island and a small part of the South Island. More photos to come!
Stopped north of Whanganui to peek at the scenery
Brutus, our home for a week on the road
Lake Taupo
Audrey exploring our campsite at Mangaweka
Wellington
On the ferry
In Akaroa
The Gaspé Peninsula
This year, Thanksgiving was spent deep in the Chic Choc mountains in a warm chalet lit with propane lanterns and brimming with hearty company.
The next days were an introduction to the spectacular sights of Percé Rock, Gaspé and every view in between. The scenery is quiet a distraction while driving, so it's best to take lots of time in order to stop and wonder (& wander).
"Made in Canada" | New show at Manic Coffee
The name of my most recent art show is "Made In Canada".
It's a show that reflects Canada as I know it. You won't see hockey sticks, maple leaves or moose but you will see tree bark, linens and ocean. All images shot in Canada - from Vancouver to Newfoundland.
The show can be seen at Manic Coffee (426 College Street).
Here is a sneak peek:
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A trip to Ayiti
In March I took a trip to Haiti.
It is a place that I find difficult to describe, but easy to love.
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Where the Bonnechere starts
It was a weekend well spent, at the mouth of the Bonnechere River.
In the middle of Ontario somewhere between Barry's Bay and Pembroke, a group of friends got together to share core-warming meals and wood panelled quarters.
A beautiful hand built cedar strip canoe hosted live book readings and chartered quiet lake tours, while a single shotgun and a box of clay pigeons provided loud cracks and complimentary cheers.
Many a fishing line was cast, but not a fish came in from the lake.
Here are a few photos:
A September cottage weekend
Now that it is September, the cottage takes on a slightly different role. In general, it means more pots of coffee, extra layers of plaid, bigger waves, freshly picked apples, and too-small wetsuits.
This past weekend, it also meant a friendly exchange of homemade goods: kimchi, kombucha, applesauce, chicken broth, granola and sourdough. A productive weekend.
Forward still, to Nova Scotia.
After the trip from Winnipeg to Toronto, I decided to continue east. Three days later, I left Toronto and made my way to Nova Scotia to deliver a friends car. We started in Digby and took our time driving back - always along the shore road, whenever possible. Some highlights: an oceanside campsite at Rissers Beach, well-worn pickle recipes, handmade dories in Lunenburg, the LaHave Bakery, Peggy's Cove in the fog, oat cakes on Cape Breton, soap made by friends in West Arm and SO. MANY. BLUEBERRIES.
6000 kilometers later, I've seen my share of central and eastern Canada.
If I could, I'd keep going...
These images are from Nova Scotia's beautiful south shore; Rissers Beach, Crescent Beach, Queensland and Peggy's Cove.
From Winnipeg to Toronto
In a trusty steed, three of us took to the road and pointed towards Lake Superior.
We found it, and loved it. We would have stayed, but our city was calling our names.
