All kinds of weather and unexpected moments of delight: this is what to expect of this beautiful part of our province. We had fog and lots of it, which is fine with me! It made it’s way peacefully across the beaches and through the trees around our cottage. And we had some sun, which was an unexpected treasure. Perhaps my favourite moment of delight was stumbling into The Carving Shed, just on Chesterman Beach below the Wickaninnish Inn. The former studio and home of the late Henry Nolla, the shed is now occupied by local carvers. The day we were there, we met George Yearsley with whom we visited for some time. His delicate carvings of Eagle feathers as well as his gentle welcoming nature are delightful. Another beautiful place to visit in Tofino is the Eagle Aerie Gallery on Campbell Street. The building is a work of art, and the beautiful work of Roy Henry Vickers grace the walls.

http://www.tofinotourism.ca/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=11

http://www.youtube.com/user/WickaninnishInn#p/u/0/yCeqiKL0hpQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxJXB43pud0

http://www.royhenryvickers.com/

A little fog won't stop the surfers.

A beautiful grey day in Tofino.

Feathers carved from yellow cedar by George Yearsley.

Eagle Feather carving and box by George Yearsley.

Yesterday was a perfect August Day; nice and warm with a lovely breeze and relaxing fun. We wandered over to the grounds of St Ann’s Academy, a former convent and school, where the first annual Fibrations: A Community Celebration of Fibre Arts and Artisans was underway. A couple dozen vendors were on hand displaying amazing fibres and demonstrating many different techniques. I meant to take some photos, oops. We met our awesome friends Dale Roberts and John Harris, both wonderful artists we are lucky to have in Victoria. After lunch we spent the most wonderful afternoon in their studio creating mail art, drawing and knitting. Links to their work are below.

Today was a much different day; cool, wet and with the most delicious autumnal smell on the air. GJ and I just decided to walk. We took one of our favourite routes through town and along the waterfront, around past fisherman’s wharf, and through the park. It was so still and quiet, and very wet. We came across a new public art installation by Tyler Hodgins: Glass Half Full. Wonderful to see more public art in our city. Here are some pictures from today and some links.

http://www.tylerhodgins.ca/

http://daleroberts.blogspot.com/

http://www.stannsacademy.com/

http://mailarta.blogspot.com/

http://knottybynaturefibres.blogspot.com/

View from Fisherman's Wharf towards downtown Victoria BC

Glass Half Full by Tyler Hodgins, Holland Point Park, Victoria BC

Harrison Yacht Pond at Holland Point Park, Victoria BC