Photography of Newfoundland and Labrador

Chile-Antofagasta to Santiago

2011-10-05T20:40:00.004-04:00

Hola Amigos,

I have been in Chile for almost two weeks now and my spanish is still limited to basic greetings. The first leg of my trip to Antofagasta has come to an end and I know will join Janine in Santiago and venture into the bountiful wave ridden coast from Pichilemu to Conception. My time in Antofagasta was spent attending the SGA conference on ore deposit research. This included international researchers on ore deposits such as IOCG and copper porphyry. You may not have any idea what these are but they include the largest mines in the world. Here in Chile they account for almost all of the ore production and roughly 40% of global copper exports. Copper as you may know is vital in our daily lives and forms an electrical fabric that transports energy throughout our homes and lives.

Antofagasta is coastal city approximately 600 km north of Santiago in the heart of the Atacama desert. It is the main port of entry for goods in northern chile while the export of copper concentrate happens just north in Tocopilla. Following the conference a series of mine tours brought us to the coastal cordillera mountains where many copper mines are in operation. The chileans here are employed by the mining industry and so the city has grown significantly and is not as cheap as I expected. The students have been feeling the effects of this and pay US$ 500 per month to attend school which takes 6 years to get a general degree. The Students have been on strike for months now fighting for increased government spending (currently only 4% of GDP, 3% less then the UN expected norm).

So here are a few pictures from the first leg of my trip to Chile.

Old Friends and Memories

2011-07-07T19:40:00.004-04:00

This is the first addition to my blog in ages.. and ages.. But I am motivated by my memories of friendship with my late passed great uncle who I only briefly had the pleasure of sharing time with. It seems like more and more we find excuses not to do the things we enjoy including seeing the ones we love. I am grateful that the time we spent together was cherished and will be remembered. Even when our worlds seemed years apart we connected with our curiosity and imaginations. Uncle Lloyd was a carpenter, a painter, a photographer, a father, a friend and although youthful at heart his body was unable to contain his energy. Perhaps he now enjoys unlimited youth and freedom behind the scenes of this entirely connected world. I could see the fabric of creation in his eyes, as if he had experienced everything but wanted one last time to see it in new light. I feel now that he is in the light and touches everything that he once could not.

Lloyd you will forever have touched me and I thank you.

East Central Labrador

2009-07-11T20:35:00.005-04:00

One of many river valleys that continue to drain the land into the sea. Where once stood young mountains now sit rock legends surrounded by hills and terraces of glaciated sand.

The sand is carried for hundreds of miles through large networks of rivers before falling at the mouth of narrow coastal inlets.

Valleys of deep sand allow young rivers to leave abstract routes. The bends eventually pinch off leaving bow shaped ponds.

A steady and strong flow of water generating standing waves near the mouth of the Kanairtok river. In mid July the returning salmon will swim hard to move deep inland to the spawning ground.

The modern vessels used by the natives in Postville to catch atlantic char on their route into the river mouths.

White water surging over rocks at the mouth of the Kanairtok river.

Footprints in the sand left by a fisherman looking for a lucky pool.

Thanks to the helicopter for arial support in exploring the Labrador wild.

The Gods point of view.

Close up's around the water

2009-05-14T07:28:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we need to stop, look, listen and see the finer things in life. Although apparently lifeless it moves accross the water like a life raft waiting for a survivor.

Foxtrap marina

2009-03-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

The southern end of the harbour near the ship yard. A full stack of freight await transport to or from the shore.

A panoramic of harbour drive with the new development in front of the keg.

A cool little drive ramp into the car park.

A nice sunny day at the beach. The swell was rolling nicely. My board lies on the grass after two hours in the water.

An HDR image of the spring melt.

New Discoveries in Newfoundland

2009-02-16T08:36:00.009-05:00

A narrow spit connecting the peninsula in Ferryland. Also the location of the Colony of Avalon settlement.

The coast guard vessle leaving port in St.Johns surrounded by bits of floating ice..

Pouch cove.

A bald eagle swooping into the trees where where my girlfriend stood. I was lucky to have my camera around my neck, and to still have a girlfriend. Styles Cove

Caribou grazing on dried grass and caribou moss outside of Buchans.

An old rusted steam powerd wench used in the mill at Millertown.

Northern Lights bursting in the night sky above a Labrador exploration camp.

The reflection of the morning sky in a still estuary near Trepassey. Sheltered from the pounding sea beyond the cobblestone beach.

A frozen water fall over the cliffs at Middle Cove beach.

Boats on dry dock in Quidi Vidi harbour looking from the east coast trail.

Cape Spear.

A violent surf breaks over the man made break water near Old Perlican.

Big wave rolling into the cliffs of Middle Cove beach

Looking north from Middle Cove point to Torbay.

Chance Cove beach with people fishing in the sheltered river.

Topsail beach looking out to Bell Island.

Topsail beach looking into Conception Bay.

Peters River. A beautiful town with a glorious beach.

The other side of the Atlantic - Portugal

2008-12-05T18:15:00.008-05:00

View from our balcony of crowds of surfers waiting on a consistent beach break in Baleal.

World renouned barreling left beach break of Super Tubos. A little too heavy for my taste.

The beautiful city of Porto in northeast Portugal. Ships in the foreground would transport port down the river from insland vinyards.

Downtown Lisbon in the evening. The moon just rising above a 15 th century castle.

The easiest and most common way of drying clothes.

A beautiful right peeler down the beach from Super's. My style of wave.

Panoramic taken at first light in Baleal.

Playa Grande, host of the European champianships for surfing. We wake up to feel the ocean spray from pounding surf. A priceless hotel view.

One body boarder wishing he had stayed in the water for a few minutes longer. One surfer waiting for the tub on a set wave.

The most westerly point in continental Europe.

Standing under the bridge in Porto.

Me on a fast peeling beach break.

Panoramic of Baleal at sunset.

Dried cod fish or "Bacalhau" in downtown Lisbon.

Outsider

2008-10-20T14:23:00.003-04:00

An afternoon drive to New Melbourne on a beautiful sunny day. I found this abandoned house on the point looking out over the ocean. An intense blue sky was breaking periodically behind the bright white clouds.
I found a pile of fishing line and rope on a beach that I thought would make a quick and easy fire, helping the ocean ecosystem at the cost of atmospheric pollution. Signal hill and the narrows looking from Black Head. A group of horses looking into the wind listening the shore pound.

Weekend Trip

2008-10-03T10:33:00.003-04:00

Panoramic taken in Brigus on a beautiful sunny day. View of Bay Roberts with a thick sheet of fog.

Fantasy wave of a dream come true.
Light house on the point loking from Brigus.

Thursday - Call of Duty

2008-09-18T07:54:00.002-04:00

End of day pick up on a bald rock ridge. I waited to be last in the line.

Birtch trees across the valley showing a change in colour.

The B2 taking a steep approach.

One week countdown

2008-09-16T19:50:00.004-04:00

The snow was falling for hours yesterday (which marked my one week countdown until home). It started as wet sleet and turned into big fluffy flakes. I was woken in the morning by crunching foot steps along the board walk. The cold air in my lungs was a wake up call to dress warm for a day in the frosty woods.

A bright stary night with a hint of Aurora Borealis in the northern horizon.
Just caught these two crossing paths offshore from the Marine Interpretation centre.

Harvest Moon

2008-09-13T23:29:00.005-04:00

The Harvest moon marks the last full light before the Autumn equinox. A chance for farmers to harvest their crop late into the night. The air smells of winter winds.

From the eye of Brads Tamron f2.8 fish eye lens. Thanks for lending.

Reflection

2008-09-13T22:45:00.011-04:00

The sourcefull winds blow waves that radiat into time and move on in a course of harmony

to the shore of reality.

Ride home from a day at work

2008-09-13T22:45:00.010-04:00

2008-09-10T09:33:00.001-04:00

Frost finds Labrador

2008-09-08T06:05:00.004-04:00

Frost finds the early morning in Labrador. I awoke to a cold chill in the air after catching a chill myself the morning before. The lake was like glass and the air was still with morning mist. I only hope the flies can't survive the thin frost left on the ground. I will be out with mother nature regardless. (sorry for the slack in posting images Lloyd)

Red Indian Lake

2008-08-05T22:59:00.003-04:00

Enjoying the finer things in life. Can't make do without the trusty quad.
Sun beams shooting through the clouds hiding heavenly things.

Cross in the clouds. Appeared momentarily as if blessing my trip to Buchans.

2008-07-23T22:50:00.004-04:00

A lonely cabin and a fresh source of water on the barren planes of the Southern Avalon.

Torrs Cove

2008-07-23T22:50:00.002-04:00

Such a close drive from the big city but my first time witnessing such tranquility in such a powerful place.
The 16 ft'ers waiting for opening day of the recreational food fishery. Today in fact (Jul,24)... My first and probably only catch consisted of a 1 and 2 pound cod.
One island in the far distance awaits obtainable adventures.
Looks like a face out of water. A rock face staring at the stars.

2008-07-11T22:16:00.002-04:00

Panoramic of a beautiful sunset. The arc above the clouds is'nt from distorsion.
Ripples in the water as the float plane takes off to beat the setting sun.
A dragon fly rests to digest his feed of flies. If only there were millions more like this fella.

And they have lift off. Another flight of anxious workers eager to see civilization.

Another close up of a beautifully lit sky.

More from Labrador

2008-07-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

Rain drops hitting a quiet pond tucked away behind tall Labrador black spruce. I dont think these lilly pads could hold the heavy toads common to the marshes.

A beautifully bright red fire in the evening sky. Although this is a small fraction of the sunset it leaves the mind to dream of the entire picture. Flourishing bog hole at the top of a high rock mountain. Im sure the water runs deep into the cracks.

Labrador and Newfoundland. Rich in resources our efforts are becoming focused to the North.

We stumbled upon a family of baby patrige when the protecting mother risked her life to lead us astray. She finally ended up in this tree. Free from danger and a good place to watch over her young.

Bear on the beach

2008-06-29T19:11:00.003-04:00

I was trying to photograph a loon in the water when I noticed a bear accross the pond trying to capture the bird in a different way.

Then he caught the smell of camp a started walking along the shore. I think the Prime rib we had for supper got his attention.

When I thought he had left into the forest he took one last look from behind the bushes. Planning a late night mission to track down some food perhaps.

A Taste of Home

2008-06-27T20:37:00.010-04:00

The Coast Guard departing from St. John's. Looking from Fort Amherst.

Quidi Vidi harbour. A narrow passage in the shadow of St.John's with a preserved Newfoundland culture.

The battery with an extra splash of colour. A place where traditional newfoundland can stare at the seemingly unorganized development in modern St.John's.
The pure energy of wave power. Imagine the power transfer from one of these waves with a proper swell turbine. An equal amount in adrenaline surges through my body. A natural addiction.

Still Water

2008-06-27T20:37:00.007-04:00

Like a split dimension, beauty is multiplied when the winds reside.
Which course you choose gives destiny, great things things hide on the other side. Your body is a boat to lay aside on the far shore, and ask what you want no more.

Panaramics of Camp

2008-06-27T20:37:00.002-04:00

Autostich is a great free program that can create good stiches instantly.

Labrador Tea - "Indian Tea"

2008-06-26T21:58:00.003-04:00

This flowering plant can provide a beautifully soothing and delicious cup of tea when boiled for 10 to 15 minutes. It has been used for hundreds of years by Native Labradorians for its healing ability of colds and even taberculoses.

It grows almost everywhere in Labrador and has a very appealing and distinct aroma. It normally grows from 15-60 cm's off the grown and commonly has a pretty white flower blooming at its tip.

So if you ever see this plant in your treks through the forest consider picking a few stems. You can boil flower and all if you like but be sure to filter it before pouring it in your mug. You may also want to pick out any rotten leaves and insects that may be hiding before throwing in the pot.

Labrador

2008-06-25T13:07:00.002-04:00

A work day in Labrador. It was nice to start our traverse on top of this high ridge with lots of outcrop. The wind helps keep the flies to a barable level. Traverses are mostly through thick forest and flies with limitted outcrop so this was a great treat.

Chopper overhead. It pays to wear polarizing eye (lens) protection.
The most spectacular Northern lights I have ever witnessed (Feb,07). The entire sky was drapped by a turbulent flow of mystical green forces. Charged particles sent from eruptions on the sun travel great distances until grabbed by the magnetic poles of Earth and burst into chemical flame in their final moment. Once thought of as great spirits of the Labrador night sky.

Hawk vs. Bald Eagle

2008-06-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

I captured this beautiful sight while salmon fishing on South river. It had more success fishing than I did but this picture was like hooking a salmon for me. It made several dives into the salty ocean returning to the skys with fish locked in its talons. A Sea Gull jealous of the hawks superior fishing skills chased him along the shore like two fighter jets in a dog fight. After a suprisingly close challenge the hawk escaped to enjoy his catch.

A juvenile bald eagle, spotted off Fort Amherst in St.Johns.

Costa Rica

2008-06-01T20:39:00.000-04:00

Long Beach

2008-04-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

Beautiful day on the southern shore. No swell ever forms into peeling waves.. unfortunately.

Big Wave

2008-04-28T12:24:00.001-04:00

Large swell pumping through the north coast. Strong winds and dangerous conditions make surfing imposible.

The First - Quick Bio

2008-04-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

I have been blessed to grow up on the island of Newfoundland and to find my connection with the land and sea. It truely has become a part of me. I feel grounded and free everytime I feast my soul to the endless coastlines. My camera has become my third eye, drawing me closer and closer to the natural beauty all around me. For the past 6 years I have managed to jump off the rocks and indulge in the pleasures of surfing. Even when on land I still dream of being submerged in the cold frigid Atlantic waters.
Labrador has been my place of work and photography for the past 3 years. The seemingly untouched landscape and spectacular northern lights have captured my souls attention. My constant exposure to helicopters has grabbed my childhood interest in flight and turned my eyes to the sky.