August 20, 2009

Having set up camp in Port Alberni – which connects both east and west sides of Vancouver Island – I was able to visit Coombs, Parksville and Qualicum Beach with relative ease.

Coombs is full of tourist attractions and is often a favourite with families with children. This is made obvious by the world famous “goats on the roof”, many family oriented restaurants and even an amusement park.

Qualicum Beach hosts an annual “Show and Shine”. The popular car show boasted over 350 entrees and was visited by thousands. The beautiful warm weather combined with the opportunity to view vehicles ranging from school bus RV’s to fully restored classics with custom paint jobs was a draw for many collectors. The “Show and Shine” is a haven for anyone interested in cars and provides lots of information and many new ideas to those who are interested in the hobby.

Parksville is a beautiful and quaint town, which is transformed every summer. With its inviting sandy beaches it is no wonder that is it buzzing with tourists. Parksville has more of a big city atmosphere during the summer months, which greatly differs from the quiet retirement town that it becomes once the tourists leave for the season. After having spent the day kayaking and enjoying the beach, it is no wonder it is a popular stop for most people on their holidays.

Heading west towards Port Alberni is the provincial park Cathedral Grove. It is an ocean of green with 800 year old fir trees and the forest floor covered with moss and ferns. Located in Port Alberni at Harbour Quay is the Kiwi Jet. This boat seats 11 passengers and needs only 4” of clearance. The captain, a New Zealand native, will take your breath away with intense speeds and the ability to manoeuvre his boat in ways one would think impossible.

After hurtling across the water, my nerves needed a break from the adrenaline. In search of a place to relax mentally and unwind I discovered the Stamp River Park. A little known gem, this park has several waterfalls and is well worth the stop.

On my way to Ucluelet for the last visit of the season; my next story is born...

-Gypsy Jack
Written by Jesi J Driessen

*For full photo coverage go to: http://www.excitingshots.com/

July 30, 2009

Denman Island is just a 15 minute ferry ride from Vancouver Island but a world (and several decades) apart. A relaxing, laid back and easy going atmosphere populated by artists, musicians and hitchhikers, Denman gives you the feeling that the 60’s never ended.

Some came for a visit 10-15 years ago and never left; others have been lucky enough to be born and raised here. But wherever they may have come from, for the residents of Denman Island there is only one place to call home. For many of the local artists, world famous painters and potters this island is a paradise.

One such artist is Gordon Hutchens. Gordon is a soft spoken artist who teaches his art all over the world. With a kiln almost as large as a Volkswagen, Gordon has a huge and impressive stock of the finest pottery one can imagine. In his workshop, we were interrupted at times by customers from all over the continent; each having left excited and well stocked with one of a kind art. My meet and greet with Gordon and the opportunity to photograph him in action is most certainly the highlight of my stay.

The residents of Denman Island are fiercely loyal when it comes to keeping their environment safe and clean. Everybody recycles everything. In a very friendly and persistent manner they will share with you advice about water use and restrictions. As a community they work towards a shared goal of making this island their own personal oasis.

With a free store, local live music once a week and a real sense of community I have quickly fallen in love with the landscape and residents of this tiny island paradise. I am back on the road again, but not without promising myself that I will be back to share some more stories and beers with the people that quickly became my friends.

Though the ferry ride is short the lapse in time is monumental.

P.S. I would also like to mention not only the wonderful coffee but great company that can be found at Kaffe Klatsch.

-Gypsy Jack
Written by Jesi J Driessen

For full photo coverage check out: http://www.excitingshots.com/

July 9, 2006

After having enjoyed the immense beauty of Tofino, Ucluelet and Long Beach, I left the Western coast of Vancouver Island with a heavy heart. But the untamed beauty of Tahsis soon made up for the scenery I had left behind.

One of the fringe benefits to a journey such as my own is the generous amount of information most charters will provide in exchange for a few photos and a mention of the experience one had with their outfit.

It’s incredibly easy to picture a life for myself and family here in Tahsis; surrounded by eagles, bears and a guarantee of fresh salmon for dinner. It is impossible to not explore the real estate market. Despite warnings from the locals of three months worth of dreary weather a year and intense amounts of rain during the winter months, the affordable housing market is considerably tantalizing. With approximately 200 very friendly and laid back locals, a library, and up-to-date medical center the idea is even easier to adapt to.

Waking up to a fog covered inlet and watching it slowly rise and dissipate with the sun I feel as if I am living in a world painted by one of the old masters. It is truly a work of art; picture perfect.

I have been so lucky as to have met Chris Dobranski who has made my two weeks stay here a real delight. Chris is a very talented master carver and native to Edmonton. He has lived in Tahsis on and off for the past 15 years. His adopted name is Tanuud, given to him by the Haida First Nations of the Queen Charlotte Islands and is known by carvers worldwide.

I continue on my journey of discovery and embark north to see what adventures may be in store.

Gypsy Jack
* Written by: Jesi J Driessen

For full photo coverage check out: http://www.excitingshots.com/

July 2, 2009

Ucluelet:

The wild and untamed wilderness of the West Coast is a haven for inspiration. Yet this beauty is not limited to the awe-inspiring scenery of vaulting mountains and luscious green rainforest; the people who have chosen to call this Island paradise home also contribute to the all around beauty that encompasses Vancouver Island.

This statement stands true for the small West Coast town of Ucluelet. A unique and friendly town, Ucluelet has approximately 1,500 permanent residents. During peak summer months this number grows to 30,000. Yet this population increase does nothing to change the friendly laid back small town feel.

Ucluelut means “safe landing place” in the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth people and this name stands true to its meaning. Having blown a tire this morning on my way into the cozy town I was at first feeling quite discouraged. Although, I soon began to appreciate this happy little inconvenience as I was forced to slow down and appreciate island living at its finest. Seeking solace in some gourmet treats at a local restaurant I soon came to realize that Ucluelet had more to offer than a beautiful harbour view. The residents are the real hidden gem.

Having quickly fallen out of touch with the goings on in the outside world, minus television and newspaper, I thoroughly enjoyed the lively and positive conversation that flowed throughout the restaurant as it pertained to local news and weather. There were many smiles and laughter shared during my morning coffee here and what I came to value most about my Ucluelet experience was the content and friendly people. These are a type of people who certainly know how to truly relax and appreciate what this world has to offer. Knowing that there is an uncertain and often chaotic world outside of this fairytale place makes one feel like a millionaire, minus the funds.

I would like to thank Serge Noel of Noel Enterprises for helping me with my flat tire. He provided a much appreciated service in a timely, friendly and affordable manner.

I plan to continue my adventures here in this island paradise and am excited to see what else this wild West Coast has to offer.

Yours truly,
Gypsy Jack
Written by Jesi J. Driessen

For full photo coverage for the fishing, eagles ,bears and town views in Ucluelet go to: http://www.excitingshots.com/

June 25, 2009

Submitted to the Leduc / Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer

After many weeks of preparation and excitement for my cross country trip to Vancouver Island I was slightly dismayed to have my trip delayed due to snow fall. I spent my first night on the road camped next to the river in Valemont, BC. Despite having delayed the trip in hopes of warmer weather I still awoke to frost on the windshield and a chill in the air. But waking up to the beautiful view warmed my insides and my spirit in spite of the wintery morning.

From there I took the Coquihalla Highway, which is the shortest land connection between Edmonton and Vancouver. This highway can be as equally frightening as it is beautiful; with its many steep grades and occasional surprise wind gusts.

My next stop was Hell’s Gate. Hell’s Gate itself is located at the narrowest point in the Fraser River and is only 110 ft. wide (33 m). With twice the volume of Niagara Falls and an estimated 200 million gallons of water flowing through per minute, it is an awesome testament to the raw power of Mother Nature. My special thanks to Hell’s Gate AirTram manager Debbie and operator Esther for their hospitality and information.

I arose early the next day and made my way to the ferry at Horseshoe Bay. I had finally arrived on Vancouver Island; with its many blooming flowers and plentiful sunshine it was a happy change of scenery compared to the snow mere days before.

It was a good idea I had brought my GPS along, otherwise I might start to get homesick. The woman tells me where to go, how to get there and even tells me when I have arrived! It’s like I never left! (Good thing my wife has a good sense of humour. I hope.)

On my way to Tofino,
Gypsy Jack

For full photo coverage go to: http://www.excitingshots.com/