karstosis.photography

So last week was our college reading break, and in the true spirit of Reading (sic) Break, my friend Vanessa and I decided to go on an adventure, and drove our visiting friends Rick and Faeryll home to their humble little Island on the West Coast. This humble little island is Hornby Island, located in the Straight of Georgia, south of Comox and North of Nanaimo, and is just as mystical and lush as New Zealand. Filled with artists and hippies, life here is blissfully slow. There was much joyous laughter, much photo-geeking, much hiking, much wonderful eating, and an impossible amount of good times.

This was by far the best two days I have lived since my travels to New Zealand last Spring.

Enjoy the photographic adventure:

The last ferry to the majestic Hornby Island. Amazing times await!

—

This is Rick and Faeryll’s hobbit house. Complete with rainwater tank, composting toilet, prayer flags, and the best reading nook I have ever encountered!

—

One of the first tasks after waking up on our first morning on the island was to hike out to the ‘Snag’. After the snag, Rick and I, being Rick and I, decided to explore further. Eventually we stumbled upon this shack being built in the middle of the woods. We approached, realised it was unfinished, as well as unlocked. We entered. It was actually a lot like a D.O.C. hut in New Zealand…another kiwi analogy…it’s true!

—

Rick was keen to show me a bridge constucted out of logs, which stood over the creek near their house. Indeed, it was an impressive sight!

—

This is Rick and Faeryll’s driveway on a foggy first morning on the island.

On the first morning I awoke just after sunrise, got dressed warm and ventured out for a morning walk through a fantastic foggy land. I ventured up, and then down, what I learned to be the road to Ford’s Cove. I soon learned that I was falling in love with this island. The birds were chirping in February, the fog was impossibly thick, in the background, the sea lions were barking in all directions…impossible to tell where exactly because of the lack of visibility.

I even encountered the locals, who are apparently ever so eager to offer a lift to the lone walker they are driving bye.

I kept thinking I had arrived back in New Zealand.

—

Our friends and hosts, Rick and Faeryll.

Night one on Hornby Island consisted of an absolutely fantastic meal, some Funky Llamma Argentinian Shiraz, and an old school game of Uno. It was like New Zealand, but with one more person and a slightly colder climate. Good Times!

—

A Vista framed by Arbutus limbs. Gosh this island is amazing.

—
After lunch, Rick, Vanessa and I headed for the Shingle Spit trail. This hike was beautifully wedged between the ocean vista on one side, and a forest full of Arbutus and gigantic evergreens on the other.

I got Rick to hold my camera while I ran a short distance back to the car and back to retrieve my sunglasses. He shot proof I actually ran!

Rick taking hiking one step further.

By Froliking! Kudos for bringing back the frolik!

Vanessa saying “Gosh those trees are BIG!!!”, bending over backwards for nature.

Vanessa and Rick ponder the view towards Denman Island whilst basking in the warm westcoast wind during the walk down the trail to Shingle Spit.

On our last afternoon on Hornby Island, the four of us ventured down to Fords Cove for a walk on the low-tide rocks and check out the amazing seaside geology. The walk was fantastic, and we spent a long time out there, so long in fact, that we returned in the dark.

Faeryll ponders the next step, the water recedes to low tide, and Denman continues to stay put.

Rick and Faeryll ponder a crossing, and are reflected in the pools below. The lanscape here is fascinating!

At the furthest extent of the Ford’s Cove hike, we encountered this fellow. He must have been sick or injured, as he was not very mobile, and was a far distance from the rest of his companions. He was not happy to see us approach, and we left swiftly.

Like I said, we returned at dusk, but were greeted by this sublime scene of the Ford’s Cove marina, illuminated in the night.

This trip, albeit far too brief, introduced me to an incredible part of the world, essentially in my own backyard. It is someplace I already long to return to. It makes me all the more excited to be moving to Vancouver Island in 2 months!

Ciao for now.