Oak Bay (Victoria), BC, Canada / December 2015 –

As mentioned in my Blog #11, I went to Victoria upon my return from Mexico, for an overnight visit with my son, and to meet up with some friends from our varsity rugby days at UVic, where my son was attending.

My wife had told me that two days before arriving home, that there had been some storms and some ferries had been cancelled due to heavy winds and high seas. The crossing to Vancouver Island is generally about 36 miles and its very open water. The day before I was to head over, I checked the marine forecast and it wasn’t looking good. They were predicting winds of up to 90 kph by noon. I opted to get up early and be on the 9am sailing. Good thing I did because by noon, it was happening!

The ferry ride was extremely rocky with many a shudder from the ferry bouncing over top of the large whitecaps and deep swells. I saw a few people get sea sick but we made it safely to Swartz Bay terminal. When I got to the Penny Farthing, where our rugby reunion was to be, near Oak Bay, I had 40 minutes to kill. So I drove down to the seaside. The wind was howling and it was a high tide. I found a spot to photograph but it was very difficult as the wind was blowing me backwards and it was hard to hold steady. After several photos, I drove to another spot that was an out-cropping for cars to park and enjoy the view of the ocean. If it had been a clear day, I might have been able to see Washington State to the south.

I had a great view of the parking lot for Oak Bay Marina. It was surrounded by a break-water and the waves were crashing relentlessly in a very powerful and violent way upon them. The storm surge, coupled with the high tide, made it a very menacing storm. Spray from the crashing waves carried higher and further because of the high winds. My car was parked broadside to the wind and while sitting inside, the car was rocking! My only hope for a compromised steady hand was to crouch down while using my car as a wind breaker. Without it as a shield, I would have been blown sideways. My fingers were already getting white and numb from the cold rain and wind. The rain was coming at me horizontally, so the car helped block it out while crouching next to it.

It was indeed a struggle but I’m glad for my results. It was an exciting storm to watch and photograph. In this particular photo, you’ll notice a menacing looking log amongst the whitewash. There was also smaller ones that the waves were lifting up and smashing on the stone breakwater. Some smaller sticks and wood debris were tossed up high and onto the marina parking lot. Not a safe place to be for wind swept debris and salt water spray.

After I left this spot, I drove along the waterfront and noticed someone trying to rescue a dinghy that was practically on shore. I parked and got closer only to notice that there were upwards of 12 other dinghies and row boats capsized and bobbing at the water’s edge. After photographing some of them, I had to quit. I was sensing the onslaught of hyperthermia. It was time to get to the pub and warm up. Once there I discovered that the afternoon ferries had all been cancelled until further notice. Would I be stranded on Vancouver Island for Sunday night too? I wasn’t worried, I could spend a second night with my son, at his studio pad if need be.

I must confess that I did tinker with this photo. It’s cropped and I goosed the saturation, contrast, sharpness, shadows, and brightness, along with a few other tricks. My intention was to make it more like a dramatic painting. Hope you enjoy it.