ANDREA UNFETTERED [SHELTER BAY]

After a brief 40 minute drive south in the car from the town of Revelstoke, you will have reached Shelter Bay; the port situated on the Upper Arrow Lakes surrounded by both the Selkirk and the Monashee Mountains. From here you can access the free ferry taking you across the lake to Highway 23 & 31 South in British Columbia.

If you want a day trip this is the route to embark on, because not only will you encounter a sandy beach at the day use area but you can also see some of the most striking views while crossing the ferry, or you can choose to have a picnic at the camp ground by the boat launch.

Nestled between captivating mountains, unreal water tones, fragrant forest and scorching sunshine was the location for this photo shoot with Andrea.

You wouldn’t believe this mama isn’t a model, for she was natural through and through and up for all sorts of ideas during the shoot.
The forest met our senses and we came alive as we wandered the bank of the river, clambering over rocks, taking twigs out of our hair and even a splash into the (freezing) waterway for (the brave soul) Andrea !!!

INDUSTRIAL URBAN WANDER [REVELSTOKE]

It’s possible that you might find these images mundane, or wonder why I’ve decided to post, let alone take an image of a garbage bin. I cannot explain the why, or begin to tell you the sense of joy that it brings me to look at the mundane around me and capture it how I see it. I absolutely love wandering in alleys and taking photos of old things tossed aside. I find excitement wondering what unique discoveries I can stumble upon each time I take my camera out for a walk, and I love letting the camera see what I see and take images that to some, may be considered dull.
The ordinary of our lives is what we SEE daily but don’t take note of. We see it, but it becomes so familiar that we ignore it. Maybe that’s why I love seeing things others bypass on the way to work with eyes that say ‘YOU, you were made for a purpose, you deserve to be taken note of and shown to the world for all your beauty’.
Wander a few alleyways with me through this photo shoot and perhaps next time you go for a wander you too will take note of the things mostly known as commonplace [full series in the photo section].

FRONT LINES NURSE [COVID-19]

This is Rachel, she’s a nurse here in Revelstoke, B.C. Canada.
I’ve had the honor to get to know her this past winter and when I asked her if I could take photos of her as a front line worker during this time of COVID-19 she was kind enough to let me come and take photos of her (at a socially acceptable 6 feet distance of course!!) .
With these photos I wanted to display the emotions a front line nurse might go through as they prepare for a days work, head to work and come back from the hospital.
When I asked Rachel to outline her thoughts on being a Front Line Worker right now she shared that
‘(she) is just doing her job and she loves her job. I’m happy to be the one caring for the vulnerable and doing everything I can to make sure they get the best care. I couldn’t do it by myself. Working in health care is all about teamwork. I’m so grateful for all the other nurses, for the doctors, care aides, lab techs, unit clerks, kitchen staff, housekeepers, maintenance workers, support services, the list goes on!! We all work together and it’s been my pleasure to be part of such a solid team.’
Rachel would also like to say a special thanks to everyone who is staying at home and slowing the spread of the COVID virus. She says ‘it gives them a chance to get a leg up on the virus and provide care to those in need during this pandemic’.
I think Rachel nailed it and am so thankful for a friend who was willing to let me photograph her during this time and let me capture this moment in history.

SCOCIAL DISTANCING - REVELSTOKE

I’m posting these photos and headed to take my freshly washed work uniform out of the dryer (hoping it got all the virus off if I were to have been contaminated at work in the last shift I did yesterday - at least that’s’ what they say I should do right now).
The world changed overnight, yet it all feels like a dream that many people and countries are having at the exact same time and it’s hard to swallow (don’t worry my throat isn’t what’s making it hard to swallow, simply the news that we are bombarded with on the daily).
I am one of the few to be still employed in this wee mountain town Revelstoke and I am truly thankful for that, however each day as the outcomes flood my social media and customers spurt hearsay to me I wonder at how long this epidemic will continue. What the world will be like once it settles, or how long people will have to remain in self-isolation?
I also wonder if it comes to folk having to be monitored on the streets by our law-force if I will be pulled over on my way to work and have to show them that yes, during this crazy time in history I am currently working at Save On Foods, as a Cashier!!!!
I am not scared of the virus, I realize the severity it holds and I am cautious and care deeply for those I come into contact with and hope that no one will be infected… but the fact remains it’s ongoing, no one knows the outcome and I can only put my hope in the One who is Truth and brings Hope. Jesus.
I took these photos to document the moment and times that we are currently living in.
I am reminded of my photography lecturers in Scotland and how we were urged to look at what is right in front of us and take note with our camera sensors, to draw out the moment, as- is and to hold it as a memory for those who will come across them.
I pray you are safe, and that as you connect more with yourself and those in your immediate space that you would take this time given to you to reflect and be thankful, to pursue passions you haven’t been able to and to cherish your moments.
I’m getting ready for work now…. I can’t help but wonder … do I have enough toilet paper and have I just touched my face???
I will leave you with this.. ‘If you look at the world you will be distressed, if you look within you will be depressed, but if you look to Christ, you will be at rest’ – Corrie ten Boom.

OHAKUNE - NEW ZEALAND

2008 - The year I learned to put chains on vehicles for my job as a Guest Service Agent while working for Turoa Ski Field. I never imagined I’d be able to revisit the wonderful wee town on the North Island of New Zealand.

A weekend away in a bach was all I needed for the memories of that winter to come flooding back. We had lived on Arawa Street, a short wee wander to the town central, and if you were to simply pass by this town you may not know the gem that it is.

In the winter folk from all over New Zealand come visit for the annual Mardi Gras celebration and to ski the active volcano. From my experience while living there for a ski season the mountain was closed more than it was open, but that didn’t dampen our time. The people make a place and we had many nights cooking for the ski bums and travellers spending the season with us.

If you get the chance to head to this nugget of a town you must make a stop at the Chocolate Éclair Shoppe, take a wander to the Giant Carrot and make sure to walk to Old Coach Road, a lovely trail that will take you around the outskirts of the town along a river to see the beauty of the area.

Make sure you get a night in watching the rugby at The Powder Keg, and stop in to see the folk at Volcano Coffee Roasters along the railway, they not only have fab coffee but they host many Kiwi made articles that you wont be able to walk away from without at least adding them to a wish list!!

Once you’ve meandered around you must take a trip up the Tongariro National Park to the highest mountain on the North Island of New Zealand, don’t let the encroaching cloud turn you off, the weather can change in an instant and you wont want to miss the views from the top!!

After you have done all the adventuring you can muster make sure to stop in for a mouth watering hamburger at the Blind Finch and let your taste buds discover what a true kiwi taste can do to your hunger cravings. You also won’t want to miss buying a pie at the local dairy.

Ohakune isn’t just for winter lovers; you can for sure visit this adventure destination in summer. There are heaps of walks, hikes and mountain biking trails to catch your adventure seeking cravings.
Ohakune may seem like a small stop on the NZ map, but it sure holds a big place in my heart and I love that I got to re-visit it this year and reminisce over the wonderful winter season I had with some friends I still love to this day!

DOUBTFUL SOUND - NEW ZEALAND

Salt clung to the air, as wind nestled its way between strands of my hair. The wind created music, and we set sail into the unknown.

To venture, at sea, the sun shining it’s bliss, a rare occurrence in these parts. The brochure soon came to life as we sailed the crystal blue waters.

Three hours from the popular adventure hub, Queenstown, through rolling hills, speckled with sheep and fauna lush as green will turn, jostled the bus. Our necks snapped in awe at the beauty outside the spotty windows, and we hadn’t even hit 8 am yet.

Sunrise over The Remarkables was incredible that day, the pink seeping into every nook of the jagged mountain peaks.
Many had suggested Doubtful Sound over Milford Sound and it did not disappoint.

Two buses and two boat rides later, I held a memory stick overburdened with images itching to be edited. The journey didn’t seem real until we landed ashore and drove back to Queenstown with happy hearts, eyes satisfied and salt still clinging to our attire.

Was it the numerous waterfalls that popped out of nowhere, the sun bathing seals, the many mountains that sat at the sea towering over our wee boat, or the combination of scenery, smell and wonder?? I can’t quite pinpoint what it was that made this day trip so spectacular, but it will forever be etched upon my memory, and was worth every hard earned penny.

I always find traveling alone to be a love-hate relationship. I love traveling, and being alone wont stop me from experiencing new places, getting stuck into different cultures, while venturing to places unseen or less called on. But reminiscing there afterwards, that’s where I wish I had been on this adventure with a travel lover, someone to remember how the boat jostled me about, or how I stood at the helm of the ship soaking in every last second of the adventure, even to the point where I could of blown away with one gust of wind.

The hot tea and coffee provided ,did the trick to warm my freezing fingers. I met some other well weathered travelers, including this rather ridiculous Frenchman named Valentine, yes, his name was Valentine!!! There is something about meeting someone from a foreign land in an unfamiliar place and sharing a laugh as the wind kicked up the sea tumbling us about the deck of the ship, while we tried to catch photos!!

The most memorable point of the voyage was when we came to the turn around point and the captain shut off the entire engine and they made an announcement to cease the use of any electronics, I mean the mountainous views weren’t going anywhere… They wanted us to be IN the moment. And what a moment it was.!!!
‘He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am the wind, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy [How He loves – David Crowder Band]. Those lyrics came to mind as the boat bobbed up and down and all you could see were 360 degrees of mountains, you could smell the salty air, the wind was just enough to make you realize you weren’t dreaming and the sound of water falling off the mountains into the sea was truly mesmerizing. Caught in the moment it seemed all too surreal, so when the engine chugged back to life and photos went back to being taken, my heart was full and satisfied in what the Creator had shown us.
Doubtful. Sound. Did it happen or was it all just a wonderful dream.

HANNAH + DEREK - NEW ZEALAND

Clevedon, a small rural town north of Auckland, New Zealand – the perfect setting for a spring wedding.
Rolling hills, sheep scattered about, toe toe plants, ferns and silver eye all shone their glory dotted about the lush green landscape as you made the drive from Auckland to Nocton Woolshed for this October wedding.
In true New Zealand style, the day of the wedding, the wind blew and blew making it laughable when trying to take the bridesmaids pre-wedding shots, but sadly the weather had a mind of it’s own and last minute the wedding had to be moved inside to the deck of the venue due to a mini downpour – not quite soaking all the guests but it did manage to catch a few.
Thankfully this didn’t dampen the spirits of the lovely couple celebrating their special day with friends and family!! They took the weather change in stride and made the most of the last minute switch.
This wedding was one close to my heart and it’s still a bit surreal that I was able to attend, let alone, co-shoot the wedding. My friendship with Hannah runs nearly 15 years!!! We met on the south Island of New Zealand at a Bible school and have been heart to heart friends ever since. About a year ago when she was speaking of getting engaged, I remember thinking, wow I wish I could be at her wedding, never did I dream I could take photos at it!! What a treat, to be in my most cherished country among old wonderful friends and able to get behind the camera!!
Hannah and Derek originally met in high school and they took their own journeys thereafter. They were shocked to find themselves at the same café in Auckland some years later, where they reconnected and as you have it, decided to rekindle their high school romance!!!
Their love is deep and is set on a firm foundation of faith. Loved ones at the ceremony were so thrilled for these two love birds tying the knot, and I loved seeing two different cultures merge into one.
Friends and family gathered from all over the globe to celebrate and partake in the merging of two souls into one.
I wish you both the best Hannah and Derek and may your love for each other brightly shine always for those around you.

ABERDEEN - ONCE HOME [SCOTLAND]

Aberdeen, a city layered in grey granite tucked away at the North East end of one of the most beautiful countries one could lay eyes on, Scotland.
Once Home and now a memory I pull out when the urge to pack bags and hail the next airplane to anywhere a new adventure awaits starts to stir.
The difficulty lies in trying to place letters together to depict my time spent living in the stone-encased city by the sea. Even after you read my words you will never gain the experience I had, stumbling over cobblestones and learning my way around the narrow streets; and you will never quite grasp how many times the accent escaped me or how I learned that being ‘fit’ had nothing to do with physical appearance but everything to do with how I felt that day (fit-like?), or that being ‘on your Todd’ did in fact have nothing to do with a guy named Todd, but being on one’s own.
I managed to immerse myself in a culture once foreign, which slowly became familiar and now seems so distant to where I find myself at present.

I have never lived so close to the sea but did enjoy the 45 min walk from my flat-share to watch the waves dance across the sand and the sun rise early in the morning. I gazed at ships that came into the harbor and sat with all their might at the dock awaiting their cargo, while dodging sketchy Scottish sailors and hiding my food from the malicious seagulls.
As I strolled through Fittie admiring the wee lodging that had held many a story through the North Sea’s life span I snapped photos and longed to share the memories with family and friends who eventually did come from near and far to experience the places I had set foot and had soon become home.
I navigated my way to and from college or work in the sometimes atrocious Scottish downpours by foot; a memory I will hold at bay and I hope to never again have my jeans so soaked and my skin so cold from the elements. Yes, it’s true you should not bother with an umbrella whilst living there, for the rain and wind will tear it to shreds and wont allow for you to keep dry. They say that the weather isn’t bad, you just need proper clothing and this is true, yet many a day was spent looking out the window at the dreich weather and longing for a season change.
My whole time there, did in fact, feel like the longest season of ‘Spring’ one could have, (a rainy spring, a winter spring, a sunny spring, no other season felt like it came while I lived in Aberdeen).

The purpose of my time was to learn photography, but as you do, I ended up learning a lot more about myself as I took in the new culture around me and embraced all the challenges that came from living abroad and being on an adventure.
 
I miss seeing castles at the top of the street or walking home late in the evening and seeing the ludicrous night scene the city holds, or the contoured faces of girls trying to impress all the lads while stumbling home from night out.
There are no double decker buses where I live now or lochs to explore where misty climates make for the best moody photos, sheep don’t call out to lead you along the way while hiking a Munroe and highland coos don’t get in your way on the road here.

The folk I met at college and work are missed and the wee chimneys will always have a special place in my heart.
And one day I’d love to return and retrace my steps, walk along union street and past my flat and wonder at who lives inside there now or who has my corner office window at work, or see what my lecturers are getting up to and who they are currently inspiring now to take epic photos. Until that day I am beholden to my time away and cherish Aberdeen in my mind and it will always be Once Home.

EDINGBURGH - SCOTLAND

These photos stared at me and begged to have some love put into editing them and getting them posted, but I couldn’t make myself do it. The thought of reliving the moments, the smells, the adventure, it was all too real.
I’ve taken the plunge and moved myself back home, across the world, back into a snow covered land, but the memories of the last two years are all too fresh; they still haunt me and teach me, they have shaped me and they propel me forward into …. what? I can’t honestly say.

I’ve moved myself back to Revelstoke, a wee gem of a place nestled in the heart of the British Columbia Mountains. When I look out my window and see flakes of frozen water falling from the sky, when I lace up my boots, and have to warm up the car while scraping snow or ice from it’s outsides, being a foreigner who studied abroad for two years seems so dreamlike. Or perhaps being back in the familiar, discounts the unreal reality of being back in Canada. I’m not sure that I have completely readjusted to being back home, sometimes I think I expect too much of myself, find work right away and start life back up, but processing what I went through, endured and underwent the last two years surely takes more time to swallow and I must allow myself to do just that.

I have a lot of time on my hands at the moment, wandering around trying to find a solid job in this saturated ski haven; time to reflect, process, and reconnect with others and self. In that time I am observing beauty that must be captured through a lens at some point and I also coerced myself to finally look at these memories from merely a few short months ago.

As you look on, perhaps you can envision me stumbling on cobblestones, wandering through many closes, watching so many people stream down the pavement with brutally obtrusive tourist traps every which way your eye can see.
Tartan scarfs lined the outside of merchants shops, highland coos were in all shapes, sizes and textures, Whiskey barrels and thistles marred vision as I tried to fasten images on my camera.
I wandered and wandered and wandered the streets of Edinburgh for three days straight, averaging 7-9 hours on foot. The days were blaring winter’s immediate decent and my ice-cold fingers weren’t too pleased with my photo walks.

My aim was to capture the city the way I saw it, but still capture it’s essence, after all it is one of the most visited and beautiful cities in Scotland and it’s on the top of my favorite ‘must visit’ list.
As I dogged sketchy men trying to coax me into having a coffee and city tour with them, I pretended to not be traveling alone, and wandered with my camera, maintaining my goal of meandering all about the city and came away knowing there are many more photos to be had, alleys to explore, and adventures to be had there one day.

AALBORG - DENMARK

Aalborg is somewhere I never imagined I’d ever get to. Most people who travel to Denmark go to Copenhagen and, although one day I’d love to explore there, Allborg has been on my mind’s list of ‘to do’s’ since 2001, when I met one of its residents on one of my travels, but I never thought it would become a reality.
I hemmed and hawed with myself, debating if I should spend the money and take time off work to go visit my Danish friend and finally I decided if I could get the time off work I’d go for it.
I had 5 days (3.5 if you count travel time) to explore this Danish city and that was not enough time …. which means one day I hope my passport takes me back to see what I missed and to explore more of the beauty Denmark has to offer.

Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark and was once known as an important harbor in the Middle Ages and now it’s more-so known for its industrial development.
It was awesome to be hosted by my life long friend and be able to see her city and hear about its history and experience it first hand. She is one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever meet, thoughtful, kind, and adventurous!!

I wasn’t sure what to imagine the city to be like but I knew that since it is linked to the Scandinavian countries I would fall quickly in love with it. I didn’t realize how taken I would be with it’s quaint streets, picturesque wee houses and all the street art it had to offer.

My friend and I hired bikes one day and explored so many nooks and crannies all around the city, stopping to take photos in back alleys, or along streets tucked behind the city’s main areas. It was such a treat to be traveling with my beautiful friend, taking photos, getting creative and spending quality time together and realize yet again that true friendship really does lift the soul.

Of course we took breaks and found cute cafés along the way, partaking in Danish Hygge (this can only be experienced in person but the best way to explain it is the act of making things cozy – lighting candles and placing sweet treats (or savory) into charming dishes and settling in to chat, relax and enjoy the moment, either by yourself or with friends.

By bike we saw the harbor, city center, industrial area at one side of town, the Music house and board walk. We also explored a little by foot and saw some local parks, a photo exhibition in an art museum and a man made pool near a place that resembled Footdee/Fittie in Aberdeen, Scotland!!!

Aalborg was my main stay during the trip but my friend’s parents took us to the coast and I was shocked to see that people drive their cars right onto the sand and park right up close to the sea. I’ve never seen that anywhere I have been before!! I was told that if I look across the sea I’d be seeing Scotland which is nuts to think that only a 4 hour plan ride and you are immersed into a completely different culture, language and way of life.

That’s what I love about traveling you meet people from all over the place, and you can learn history and culture from experiencing new destinations. Travel is my addiction and it’s safe to say one-day, I will be back!!  

Denmark was wonderful, the people I met were so kind and hospitable, and I was even told that my attempts at speaking the language weren’t too terrible (however I was also told that my pronunciation came with a Swedish accent!!!! Hahahha at least my Swedish lessons have paid off!!!)

The more I saw the more I wanted to stay and explore and see and experience …. plus I never got to meet a Viking so it’s mandatory to go back and attempt to do that one day!!