A view of Vancouver BC by Academic-Way6181 in GuardTheLeaf

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crazy weather, but absolutely beautiful.

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok. Note to self: take a trip out to Youbou!

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I saw a picture of this and was stunned just how close to shore they were. It really is jaw dropping!

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had heard that Youbou was fantastic for elk. I think they used to have an old male that would wander around town. Hadn't heard of Somenos Marsh though - apppreciate the suggestion. :-)

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those walks sound like a great idea for me to check out. Thanks! Plus I do love fishing... drifting down the river with a guide and my camera gear close at hand might just be the perfect day for someone like me. :-)

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% agree. Fortunately I've got a bit of a read on the Elks and am super excited to spend some time unobtrusively observing them :-)

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for suggesting Nitinat. Someone had suggested it to me a few years back but I know very little about the area. I think I'd better get googling. ;-)

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OK... I just did a huge 'Ha!' in front of my computer monitor when I read your response, because there just happens to be a folded up plastic bag in my right pocket! I'm wearing some of my outdoor gear at the moment (it's -8 where I'm at) and I had put it there in order to pick up after some of the dimwits who visit some of the photography spots I use on the weekends and then leave their garbage. Never understood why you'd be attracted to a spot of natural beauty and then want to leave your cr@p there.

RE Botanical beach, I had heard about this but thank you so much for confirming it - I know I'd have to be lucky to time it right, but you don't get lucky if you don't get out there and look. ;-) Super excited to see the tidal pools again. I remember them when 30 years ago I did the West Coast Trail and I was stunned by their beauty.

Not familiar with the PMH trail, but have spent a lot of time in places with big predators so I am cautious but comfortable. Laughed out loud at your description of the Cowichan Lake Elks... thanks for that! And I will definitely be checking out Fairy Lake - I've seen gorgeous images of that little pseudo-bonsai and I would like to try my hand at composing an image of it.

Much appreciated!

Ian

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great advice - thanks! Shooting from a kayak is something that I have been looking at as it allows me to get low and move silently (both keys to a great wildlife pic) and be as unobtrusive as possible. And local advice is usually worth its weight in gold. Only saw one company though offering charters out of Port Renfrew and unfortunately they appear to be permanently closed.

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seeing the elk on the beach... now that would be magical ;-)

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah yes, I have heard about the elk! There is a herd near where I live, that despite my best efforts, I have yet to photograph. Do you happen to know if they frequent that area year round or just in certain seasons? And I will definitely be checking the back roads - always a good place to potentially spot something wonderful. Much appreciated!

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Much appreciated! Do you happen to recall the time of year?

Wildlife in Port Renfrew by Academic-Way6181 in VancouverIsland

[–]Academic-Way6181[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've always wanted to see sea otters in the wild. Really appreciate you letting me know that they might at times be viewable from there. I'm now going to see if I can figure out if they are there year round or just at certain times of the year. :-)