Grizzly Bears in particular haven’t had many friends over the last couple of hundred years. Thankfully, on December 18th the BC NDP Government became one and ended this atrocious trophy hunting fiasco once and for all. I do not necessarily support any one given political party but I certainly do support this legislation and I applaud those elected to office for making a humane decision. This is certainly cause to celebrate this holiday season! 
Thank you to all my followers! 2017 has been a great year filled with some exciting experiences. There’s more to come in 2018! My best to you over the holiday season.
Do you paddle on the west coast of British Columbia? Chances are you’ve visited a BC Marine Trails campsite or you may already be familiar with the work that the BC Marine Trails is doing? We have various opportunities within our organization for those passionate about paddling and who want to help us build the World’s largest marine trail network. It’s these volunteer efforts that help keep our trails and campsites open. Our stewardship committee and site condition reporting is an integral part of that process. Find out more here: https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/how-to-help/stewardship
Help us prevent things like this from happening…
(Photo credit: John Knight)
The recent images and video of the starving Polar Bear on Baffin Island are heartbreaking to say the least. It’s a reminder that we must start changing our ways, if it’s not already too late. As difficult as it was to observe, I applaud my friend Paul Nicklen and his team for their efforts in showcasing this for the World to see. Let’s start doing something about it! 
A little bit of pool action during a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. All images created with my iPhone 6S Plus.
Anyone with even a slight interest in adventure, geography and Canadian history will really enjoy this book. I just finished reading it. Adam Shoalts provides a very interesting and unique perspective on what it took to put Canada on the map. What stood out to me is just how recent all of this took place. As Canadians we have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Check out the book trailer here:
Someone told me recently that their little boy still has my Bear calendar from a few years ago hanging up on his wall. Apparently the images captured his imagination and he hopes to see Bears when he gets older. That’s pretty neat! You just never know what will happen after you press the shutter and how a picture may change the trajectory of someone else’s life or what it may inspire them to do. 
A few years ago my friend Gord commented to me, “it must be hard for you to take pictures now?” I wasn’t really quite sure what he meant but the fact that I can recall this conversation certainly means that it stood out. More recently, another friend commented “I bet you’ll get some really good pictures in Mexico.” (I’m travelling to Mexico at the end of the month.) My immediate response: “I am not going to Mexico to take pictures.” I was steadfast in this response too and I immediately recalled the conversation I had with Gord which I now understand fully. For a photographer, it’s not about “taking pictures.” It’s about becoming one with the scene or subject, viewing that scene or subject and masterfully transforming it into an image. It’s not easy, composition must be technically precise. The lighting has to be just right and the list goes on and on and on. The fact of the matter is, no! I just can’t take a picture and I’m okay with that. I don’t have a choice.
It was an honor to meet up with acclaimed Canadian Wildlife and Nature Photographer John E. Marriott in Calgary recently. I received a signed copy of John’s new book – Tall Tales – Long Lenses which chronicles his journey as a photographer. Check out John’s website here: wildernessprints.com
Each year as a part of my annual calendar distribution, I solicit donations on behalf of a conservation based – non profit organization. This year I have partnered with Surfrider Vancouver Island. They do amazing work and I’m happy to be a part of their efforts. Find out more about what they do here:
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