Is it time to rake yet?

For most of my life, autumn has been my favourite time of year. As a former native of Toronto, the onset of cooler weather meant watching the landscape change as if a giant paintbrush had descended from the sky and celebrating as the summer's humidity lifted and the crisp, cool air re-energized the city.

Here in the Okanagan Valley, the change is less dramatic, but I think it's the prettiest time of year. Although the colours are muted, the change in the light from the harsh, high sun of the summer to the low hanging light in the south shows off the landscape beautifully.

The image of the tree above was taken from my backyard. This year, the leaves seem to want to stay up in the trees longer than I remember last year. Mind you, I spent a good part of last October in New Brunswick. I really don't remember the timing of last year's annual descent. I'm planning to take advantage and get out there over the weekend to add to my collection of images.

Since moving here, I have developed a fascination with olive trees, pictured below. I first noticed them last year and they were unfamiliar to me. I love the way they turn silver in the fall and was pleased with how the elegance of this pair of trees is translated by the camera.

Ironically, I went to visit my family in Ottawa last May, and what did I notice growing on the side of the highway but dozens of olive trees....or something that looked like them!

Last, but not least, here's a peek at an orchard in Summerland, putting on its display of autumn finery. I don't think the colours at the orchards and vineyards have hit their peak further to the south, so I think that's the direction I'll be taking this weekend. Wish me good shooting :)

Dear Paul

Dear Paul,

I would find it impossible to do a regular blog entry today without referring to you, so I thought I would write you a letter before even trying.

I miss you very much. I was talking to your Aunt Rosie (aka my mom) last week and I said something to her that I haven't been able to shake ever since. I don't remember what life felt like before your accident. I hadn't thought of it in quite that way before; it just came out in our conversation. It is a truth that has stayed with me since.

I put your picture on my blog for a few of reasons. First, I can now go and look at it any time I need to from anywhere, which is pretty cool. Second, this picture has come to symbolize for hundreds of people, the importance of considering organ donation. I added a link to your website to my blog last night. I hope that people who read this are curious enough to go and take a look. This is one of the most positive things that has come out of our loss. I am so proud of your family for their commitment and determination.

Most importantly for me, it is the picture that cemented for me forever the value of a picture of a loved one. The last time I saw you at Joan and Fred's, you had just returned from Ireland. We went through your pictures, trading stories about our favourite place on Earth. Now, that is a great memory for me to have!

I won't go on any longer, or I will risk turning this entry into a puddle of tears. I will be thinking of you.

Love always,

Your "coolest" cousin,

Laura

PS. Go Leafs Go!

PPS. A couple hours after writing I thought of another picture that helps me remember before. As you know, we still get like this sometimes, most recently at your race weekend in Ottawa last May. :) LOL

Second Chance at Brandywine Falls

In early October 2002, I travelled to Whistler on business from Toronto. At the end of the meeting I stayed around for a few extra days to explore the area. That summer I had purchased my first SLR camera and tripod. I had done a little reading and had caught the photography bug. I was very eager to make use of my new toys, so I arranged to stay on for a few days at a local bed and breakfast.

I attempted the Joffre Lakes hike, visited an ancient cedar grove, searched out waterfalls and burned film like a mad-woman. When I returned home and picked up my slides I was in for a lesson. To say that my photographs from that trip were under-whelming would be an under-statement. What I lacked in skill I made up for in enthusiasm, so there were plenty of mistakes to look at! I was disappointed, but not discouraged. Within a few months I had quit my corporate job, started my own business and enrolled in a photography program at Sheridan College. I had a lot to learn.

One of the locations I photographed on that 2002 trip was Brandywine Falls, located just south of Whistler on Highway 99. In my first attempt, I exposed the shot properly, but there was a boulder in the foreground that I just could not eliminate because my lens was too short. To make matters worse, the boulder was catching the sun, so it was the most noticeable thing in the picture, overwhelming the spectacular waterfall. I still have that slide - it's in a "what if" file.

So, I was quite pleased when I pulled off the highway on my recent trip, this time from Kelowna, to re-discover Brandywine Falls. Even as I walked the short trail from the parking lot to the observation deck, I was unsure which waterfall I was revisiting. Four years, many courses, a few pieces of equipment and thousands of images later, I wish I had a picture of the look on my face when I got close to the falls and that familliar cavern opened up in front of me. This time, I was able to straddle my (taller) tripod out over the ledge, aim my (longer) lens around the boulder and get the shot.

This past trip up the Sea to Sky Highway was a unique opportunity to reflect on all the changes of the past four years. Little did I know when I descended from Whistler in 2002 the challenges and opportunities that were ahead. Writing this entry is making me think about all of the things I have learned, the people I have met, and the three I have lost in the intervening years. There is so much about life that you cannot control, but once in a while you are given a second chance.

Laura

Happy Thanksgiving

This afternoon I went for a drive on Highway 97 South out of Kelowna this afternoon, looking for some photo ops for my new blog. I couldn't break my commitment of a weekly entry on the second week!

I got lucky, with the re-appearance of mountain goats on the hills south of Peachland. Just about a year ago, I was treated to the sight of three mountain goats in perfect formation, staring down the barrel of my lens. I'm not one to spend hours waiting for wildlife, but who can resist when they make like Ford models right at the side of the road? That picture is on my website www.lauratucker.com in the Things gallery if you are curious.

Just as I was going to get in the car and drive further south to catch the last of the sun, I spotted a natural bouquet growing out of the hill at highway level. Martha Stewart, eat your heart out:)

South of Summerland, the day's last light played merrily at the base of a gultch.

Although I felt the distance between me, my family and old friends this weekend, there are certainly no end of things to be grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day.

Joffre Lakes

Last weekend, my friend Debbie flew in from Toronto for a trade show in Whistler. I met her there on Thursday evening for a great weekend spent "looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way", to quote the Tragically Hip in one of those fun moments where a song matches what you were doing, perfectly. Our major stop was a hike at Joffre Lakes, north of Pemberton, which is north of Whistler on Highway 99. It was a beautiful fall day, not a cloud in the sky.

Joffre Lakes are actually three lakes that are fed by the Matier Glacier. The Lower Lake is steps from the parking lot and immediately rewarding. The Middle Lake (pictured here) and the Upper Lake are found along a rooty trail that includes crossing a boulder field. It was, without a doubt, the toughest hike I've ever been on. I learned a valuable lesson that day - one camera body and one wide angle lens would have been enough. My pack was a little heavy for my liking, especially on the way down! Debbie was a very patient friend as I travelled at a snail's pace, more concerned with safety than speed...and cursing my packing skills along the way. To be honest, I was longing for high heels, a leather jacket and a glass of really good wine - when faced with a challenge like this, I guess some of my true colours were bound to emerge.

Well, speaking of true colours, all thoughts of civilisation disappeared as we approached the Middle Lake. Because of the rough terrain, I had to look down at the ground to see where to place my feet. As we ascended through the forest the teal glow of the Middle Lake suddenly shone between the trees up ahead. It was a spectacular sight that brought shouts of joy to everyone I heard approach the lake that day. It was worth the effort to be there.


I can't tell you how close it was to ending there, at the Middle Lake. If it weren't for the encouragement of another hiker who said the Upper Lake was even more impressive than the previous two, I think we would have turned back. Another 45 minutes of uphill trekking and there we were, at the base of the Matier Glacier. It was a very warm day as it is, but the reflection of the sun off the water and surrounding bowl of mountain peaks made it all the warmer. We had heard the occasional boom on the way up, which I wrote off to construction in my mind. The next time it happened, Debbie spotted a piece of the glacier that had broken away and was tumbling down the peak. Now, that was something I never thought I would see. It was all too quick to get the camera out, but it is clear in my mind's eye and I'll be better prepared the next time :)

I had wanted to put up a couple more shots here, but can't seem to attach any more pictures to this post. I'll see if I can check back later to add more.

Laura

Welcome to my blog!

To all of my family, friends, and interested others,

Welcome to my new online journal. I am starting this blog on the eve of launching my photography website, www.lauratucker.com. A blog seems a perfect companion to the website for several reasons.

First, it will replace my sporadic emails "back east" to family and friends. I know I have missed several of you along the way. I encourage you to check back often. I am committing to one blog entry each week, complete with pictures. Your feedback and comments are a welcome reminder that moving across the country has not cut me off from you completely. No time zone excuses are permitted here, the internet runs 24 hours a day.

Second, along with my photography, there is a writer in me that has long been dormant. If I make this public commitment to "publish" weekly, I will keep it. That's just the way I am.

And last, but not least, it's really cool to see my stuff "out there". I am excited to share and hopeful it will lead to great things as I pursue my dreams on this Journey.

Thanks for checking in,

Laura