We live on a peninsula here in White Rock, and have access to two public beaches, White Rock beach is a glamorous beautiful beach. Although it makes for some spectacular shots, it is my summer beach.
Crescent beach is my winter beach, where life is more relaxed. This is my favorite beach to walk on during a windy day. A cold northwest wind tickles your back, eagerly searching for space between your jacket, and sweater. When you leave, your cheeks flood with warmth as your car navigates the winding road back from the beach. I take winter shots on this beach, with the diffused light coming over miles of water it has a ethereal feel to it. The gray sand reaching under the waves monochromatic, but fascinating.
Colorless seagulls shrill in the winds, the benches are bereft of visitors. A good lonely place.
We did something on Sunday that we haven’t done all summer long, although I do know why we waited until now to do it. We spent time alone — together at the beach. We are not crowd people, we both work in environments that mean we are never alone. So anytime spent together quietly is cherished. That means the beach during the summer months is not the place to be. It’s crowded with tourists, happy kids, and barking dogs. But it’s a different beach when summer ends, a endless stretch of sand, and sun, no echo’s but the waves. Of course there are still people, but there is also silence, and a glistening spark of light off of the waves. Perfection is sitting on a salt encrusted log, coffee in hand, the sun warming our faces, and having no one intrude on our space. We could watch the happenings from afar. When a crow dropped in to visit, I managed to grab some shots without scaring him off. The seagulls flew overhead, and the sunlight shimmered through their feathers. Time spent together is time expanded, loved, and remembered. A few moments in our lives, that refreshed our souls. Something to carry us through the rain that surely is coming. What’s your favourite “beach time space?”
Built on a high cliff, White Rock overlooks the peninsula, the view is spectacular. No matter which way you go, as long as you head downwards, all roads lead to the beach. On the way home from work yesterday, the ocean glistened and glittered like so many sea diamonds. It's milky jade surf receding from the beach to reveal treasures sunken in the sand. It was definitely a"Carpe diem" moment. One that would leave regret as only a bitter memory in the mind if you did not seize it. I grabbed the camera, talked Gar into coming along, and for the cost of a $1.00 parking fee, had the absolute best windy good time.
It was cold, but sunny as we pushed our way through the wind, towards the ocean, passed by seagulls on crab patrol. Tidal ponds rippled in the wind, while the ocean threw sparkling jewels at us.
Hands seeking warmth in each other's, jackets molded to bodies by the wind, words snatched before they could be uttered, it was a exhilarating and refreshing walk over sand that shone as sunlight caused miniature reflections on mica. We finished our walk just before the meter ran out, windblown, rosy cheeked and sand encrusted. A empty beach tracked with footprints the only record of our pleasure
“Keep the change,” she said to the clerk her expensive latte in one hand, head already down over her cell phone as she walked away, nonchalantly with a “no worries” attitude of shoulder shrugging whateverwho cares.It’s only money,it’s only pennies,they think. But itadds up to dollars. I’ve seen her chatting with friends, and overheard their conversations about lacking money, it’s hard to feel sorry for them when a penny, or loose change means so little to this generation. They throw them in the garbage, on the ground, or they leave them on counters for the next customer.
Why not put them in the donation boxes that are on the cash counters then? We make sure that we give a share to the charities, and the rest is ours.
Pennies add up quickly, as do nickels, dimes, and quarters. In only a few months we have accumulated a few hundred dollars just by saving and rolling our change, yes hundreds. It goes into a special bank account, and we will use it to buy something we really want but don’t have in the budget right now.
It’s her life, her money, but I wonder what will happen to all of us when a generation of children grow up, ignoring the fact that loose change adds up to dollars.
These will be the people that set our government budgets, spending, and the future of our country. Do they know the value of a dollar? How will they learn? What do you do with your loose change? Jingling…
Sometimes we take the accessibility of the ocean for granted. It’s a destination for so many people in the summer that it's too crowded, and too busy for us then.
I love the winter days, I almost have the beach to myself. The other morning I knew that we would have a spectacular sunrise, and I planned on hitting the beach and capturing it. It was cold, really COLD, but beautiful. There were some diehards determined to walk the pier, even if it was a bit too icy for many people.
I caught my breath just before it became icicles on my face. The rising sun tickled my skin. I was out there seeking a bit of peace and quiet, but even the ducks were drowned out by the sounds of early morning construction workers trying to “get er done.” This seemed to be one guy’s favorite phrase, and believe me, if I had to work out there in the cold, dark morning, I too would be shouting “get er done” in the hopes of making the work day go faster. Sound carries easily across the water, especially in the winter, and I felt sorry for the beach front condo dwellers woken up so early.
The sunrise was a consolation, a gift from winter. Just imagine, every sunny morning for a week, waking to this. A breathtaking view, and then someone yelling at the top of their voice… “get er done.”
The air is sooty dark, chilled with frost, and I am standing alone at the farthest edge of the pier. Trying to catch the sun before it's rises from the water. Nothing but the seagulls, and the wide frigid water around me. There are no other walkers around yet, no sharp elbowed, Energizer bunnies, carrying soy lattes as they glide by skimming the promenade, like seagulls perusing garbage in the parking lots. There has been a man standing on the beach who is watching me making me uncomfortably aware of how vulnerable I am. Staring, for the last half hour. I scan down the long pier to the far away beach, hoping to see that someone other than us might be foolish enough to be out on this icy, dark morning. The man starts to edge closer to me, walking slowly on the slippery pier. My heart beats faster, why didn't I get a cell phone. He looks determined, threatening. I wonder if I can use my camera and tripod to defend myself if I need to? A tinge of regret goes through my mind, if I damage the camera what will I use to shoot the sunrise? Finally I decide I am not going to wait for him to come to me, I will walk right towards him, and should he make a move, I will swing. Hard! And if I damage my camera, well…maybe I won't wreck my camera. I set off, determination giving me courage. We meet halfway down the pier, I look beyond him for a split second, surely there must be someone…there is no one. I tense, clutching the tripod at a awkward angle. Mentally thinking, bring it on.
He comes toward me, and I stare him directly in the eyes. His reaction? He merely smiles and wishes me a cheery"good morning". And then he says to me,"do you mind if I use your spot, it's the best one for catching the sunrise." I'm floored…so much so that I miss the sunrise that morning. But somehow I don't seem to mind.
I’m feeling a wee bit homesick, not for the green grass of my previous home, but for the ocean, it’s 5 hours away. The winter ocean, with it’s chilly wind swept grey gravel beaches, and tides that go out forever. The off season ocean where you can walk for ages before meeting another soul. For the sensation of warmth, and a whiff of sea salt that envelopes you when you get back into your car. The brisk wind whipping your hair into messy waves, as if trying to recreate the ripples on the beach.
I am homesick for the ocean, the waves, the water, and the seaweed with the occasional dead crab washed up on the beach. The sound of the gulls as they ride the air currents, the wings snapping to keep up with the breeze. The crashing of the white caps on the footings of the pier, don’t slip, watch your step on the wet wooden planks.
Homesick for the sea glass, broken, sanded sea jewels, that were added to my treasure pile. Glistening wet shards that can be found in piles of washed up seaweed. Pebbles, shiny in the weak winter sun, rounded, smooth, each one different with a story to tell. I brought one home from each beach visit, and placed them in the space between the bricks on my patio. Who reads their stories now?
Crashing waves, keening gulls, and tangy scents of sea water. Will the falling snowflakes here make me forget the ocean that was so much a part of my life there?
A chapter ended, and a new story begun, maybe this time I will collect pine cones in a basket, building up in a pile at my door. Each spiky cone containing a different tale, telling the story of my new life, washing away the homesick feeling, like the waves that gently lapped at our feet.
I'm at the beach — archives. Thought you might like to see some beach photos, this was a spectacular sunrise in October. Unedited, and straight out of camera.
I think that the excitement and business from the week before has caught up with us all today leaving us all dog tired. Thank you all for the lovely Easter wishes, and I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful Easter also. We had a great celebration that included many family members, a birthday party for 5 of us, and two different kinds of cake. Whew… wiped, and I think we ate too much.
I want to share some of the ideas I picked up off of Pinterest, and used for decorations but maybe tomorrow…?
As the Gingerbreadman vainly tried to fight off overly emotional baristas and egotistical, surly flight attendants, his tribulations soon got lost as he entered the airspace of the world's largest city, a southern paradise beckoning to him like a sub-zero Coke on a sweltering summer afternooon.
So before it came to this... ..
He had to pass through this... ...
Davao Cab from Airport. GBM. I can't believe I'm finally here. Haven't been here in a year. It's been too long. Last time it was work work work. Now I want to have fun fun fun. Cab driver is conversing with me in the vernacular. Only my proficiency in Cebuano is equivalent to that of a 3rd grader. Okay he's frowning now I think I just said something offensive. Why do I even try? I'm here early, stupid Cebu Pacific had no flights nearer to my boat ride. Wow they still have non-airconditioned taxis here. How... arcane :) Wha.. What's that Mr. Cabbie? Dapit na dong? What's a dapit? What's a dong? Are you cursing me? !@$%%
I find t hese Manila people to be extremely strange With nothing to do until 1:30, GBM was prevailed upon to check out the local sights to burn time. Quickly googling "fun davao spots" unfurled the premiere shopping place in Davao... . Aldevinco Center, GBM Wow, what will I do with sarongs and earrings? And tribal headgear? Next! This is not my place... . Further queries brought about Crocodile Farm, a sortie which did not quite pick his fancy because he had already visited the previous year. In addition, an inherent disdain for 1,000 lb crocodiles ensured that no return trips would be commencing in the near future. Running out of options, a familiar jaunt emerged as a safe haven amidst this unfamiliar land. SM Davao, GBM Wow! I'm in civilization! The SM here looks so... . so... .. the same! So many Mang Inasals! KFC! Kenny! Just like... .. Manila. Hmm... . Nothing spectacular here. Well at least it ain't hot here, it's sweltering outside. Hey they have bottomless greaseless chicken! Did you hear that? Who would have known there was such a thing! I AM IN HEAVEN (@,@) It's the greatest thing ever! I am not making this up. Yum. I heart Davao. *burp*
Best Deal in Town
YUM YUM YUM Davao Marina, 1:30 pm. As the hour neared, his belly filled with greaseless chicken amidst the respite of a cool summer breeze, our protagonist reached the designated pick up point where he would be taking a boat ride to his late summer getaway. A simple wharf was expected, but instead this was the sight that met him... .
Great, they have their own mini-resort as a holding area. Amazing. Very impressive. Okay so now the boat is here. Not a yacht, but the speedboat aint bad at all. So now the journey to paradise begins... .
UA&P, GBM's desk. Present- Day Hi there my dear reader/friend.This is Luis right here. Yes, Gingerbreadman. GBM. Whatever. And yes, I'm talking to you. Breaking the 4th wall again. Thanks for the support in following the story up to this point. I know your time is precious and valuable, that's why I make it as entertaining as possible for you. As you're immersed in our narrative, you do know that here in The Gingerbread Report we try to do things differently. We try to share experiences in unconventional ways. So what usually happens at this point is I would relate how wonderful my vacation was, or how awesome the beach was blah blah. Yeah. That's the norm. But hey, just in the spirit of differentiation that we oftentimes espouse, I'll just stop there. I won't bother telling you about our living arrangements... .
Or their fancy floating bar...
I will not regale you with stories of how close the beach was to my place...
Nor will I bore you with canned anecdotes about how awesome the scenery was... .
I will not even attempt to tell you about that cool electric cart we used...
Or share something irrelevant, like how I am a new infinity pool convert... .
I will not even BEGIN to say how much it rocked to just bum around.
And above all... .. How much it rocked to run on the beach...
I won't even go into any of these things, for the simple reason that... .. It would've been infinitely more special if you were there to share the experience with me. :)
Living near the beach is wonderful, the tang of salt air, the whisper of the gulls as they swoop down the street. But it also makes it a great place for many other people to visit. Finding your Zen on a crowded promenade is difficult. Even in gale force winds the promenade can be crowded with walkers. As we heavily bundled walkers pass, we greet each other and the wind whips our clothing, while covering us from head to toe with sea spray. By the time you have nodded to 20 or so people who are as equally determined to find their own space, the novelty of the wind runs sour. So that's why anytime the tide is out is a great time for me. The lure of all that unblemished sand just waiting to mold my footprints, and the sea birds are much easier to greet.
Here, on the actual beach, past the railway tracks that mirror the surf, I can find the quiet that I love. Keeping my eyes down, helps in the sea glass hunt, and when I wish to gaze meditatively I can do so across a great expanse of water. Unfriendly? No. Just needing some down time, some Zen in my life. A refill, time with the wind, the tide, the surf, and myself. And there are times when I like my company better than those sharp elbowed power walking, energizer bunnies on the promenade.
Just a couple of days more and we'll be turning in the fat again on Christmas Eve. So while you're getting to ready for that big 6,000 calorie day, some final snippets for you to chew on before your culminating holiday activities.
Just received the confirmation from Sir Jovie. It's final. It's mind boggling. It's the... Bataan Death March 160k Ultramarathon, the longest and most challenging road race in the country today. 28 hours of sheer guts and glory. But we'll be up for it. How do you train for 160k (or a 100 miler) anyway?While I haven't the slightest idea, maybe this rough plan could give you an idea of what it takes to finish one. No doubt about it, we'll all be extended to our very limit on this one. Off the couch, on to the road.
Quick survey - would you ever attempt running 160 kms in your lifetime? Why or why not? Give me your thoughts.
The ultimate goal
I have come to terms with the reality that if you want to look half decent being snapped up and tagged in a dripping wet trisuit, lose 20 lbs. Minimum. Cry.
Some days I wish I could have taken a snap of my Oscar-worthy, PBA losing finalist smile.
To that dude who emailed me, no I do not use spellcheck for my articles. It's a hit and miss.
For all those who emailed and FB messaged on our recent Piolow cover story for Frontrunner, thank you so much for the support. I am very happy that you liked my article. I didn't sleep for two days working on it, subsisting on Cobra and pandesal. Yum. Seriously though, thanks a bunch. You guys inspire me to come up with even better material in the future. Cheers!
What's fancy thing did you buy over the holiday? As for me, while I promised not to buy anything for myself anymore , I couldn't resist snapping up this cool pair of Aqua Sphere Seal XP fancy goggles courtesy of Ultraman/Ironman/VFF celebrity endorser Ronald Declarador. It gives you cool 180 degree vision in the water and seals in tight like a ziploc bag. Much better than the lame goggles I bought at the SM Kids Section.
New Weapon of War.
Congratulations to everybody who finished the Corregidor International Half Marathon organized by my good friend Edward Kho. I heard from a lot of my ANR students that the race was one heck of a humdinger. I ran that last year, no way you could go around that without maxing out your HR.
Takbo.ph boss Jinoe finishes the course in record time. Record picture pace time :P
Even if we didn't take home a medal, big ups to both LC Langit and Nikko Huelgas for placing 4th and 10th respectively in the recent Oman Asian Beach Games. They both broke national records for Olympic Distance in the process. The rest of the team did decently as well, Kim Mangrobang took 7th and Epoy Jurolan 17th in an extremely competitive field. These guys and gals are the future of the sport here in our country, there's simply nowhere to go but up for them.
A job well done.
In related news, LC's 1.5 km swim split is still faster than my 800 m split. Que Horror. Gosh I suck. Time to hit the pool.
I wonder who amongst the people we know would be joining the planned full Ironman Distance Triathlon this time next year? Hmmm... .
I have seen more accidents this holiday season than any other. The funny thing is, what exacerbates the whole thing is the 20 or so seconds it takes for the motorists to make usyoso. I plead not guilty.
Usapang Batalya. Carbon Fiber = Stiff. Titanium = why don't you just buy a car? And give me the change?
If I don't catch you all , Good afternoon good evening and good night :P Happy Holidays :)
It's early, dark, and cold. The weather man has predicted clear skies, and this seasons first frost. Heading down a steep hill towards the ocean, your brakes screech. You hope that they are not loud enough to wake the sleeping houses that you pass. Other than the occasional reflective striped jogger, and dog walker, there is no one else populating this eerie world. The sunrise colors the sky to the east, casting a dim glow that makes it hard to see the slippery frost covered wooden pier that you are walking on. You give up on the pier, and head over the frosty sea washed stones of the beach. There you quietly crunch down towards the water, making your way across the low tide beach.
Walking slowly, due to the lack of light, you do not disturb the sea birds, and the the absolutely huge and magnificent blue heron, The warbling wonnnnnoook of the Canada Geese, makes your breath catch in awe. The light evens out, and it is time to take photos. As you pick your way through the increasing light, you realize that leaving the rubber boots in the car trunk was not a good idea. Because the numb feeling in your hands may be from the frost, but the coldness in your feet, is from the incoming tide that has just washed over your shoes. Avoiding the large translucent mounds of jelly fish marooned on the sand, you easily mistake a coating of sand for frost. And marvel at the utterly alien shape of them. They have not been picked clean like the unfortunate crab shells scattered around.
Suddenly there is a slight warmth in the air, and a very bright ball of light. You come to the conclusion that this is the reason they tell you not to shoot into the sun. Besides blowing out the expensive sensor in your camera, latent sun spots in your vision make it hard to see the sand. And harder to avoid the puddles of seawater that have now seeped into your last good pair of shoes.
All this doesn't matter as the heron takes flight, disturbed by your movements. You try to capture his flight on film, but he proves too powerful and fast. The sun rises so quickly over the trees, that you can actually see it moving. It makes you feel like you are on a camera expedition in some exotic location. The sea birds chirping, and the whirling of wings creates a lump in your throat. You are grateful that your shoes seem salvageable, and your camera still works. You also know, that this may not be a exotic and unusual place, but it is a special place, and it is home.
Yes, once again White Rock Beach is holding it's daily ALL YOU CAN EAT Crab Fest.
All Gulls, Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, and assorted seabirds, are invited to attend. Be there early for the best selection.
Clams, barnacles and mussels will also be offered, in the vicinity of the pier. A few lucky chosen birds may also be hand fed by tourists off of the wharf. Photo oportunities, free food, and entertainment, don't miss it.
knew for sure I would miss when I moved from the water of the West Coast of British Columbia where I grew up to the interior of BC. Homesickness is a funny thing when you find yourself living where you have wanted to be for so long, but it’s been a year and a half, and I still miss the ocean, I always will.
Unless you have lived by the ocean, you can’t imagine the lushness of the undergrowth, the salty tang of the ocean air. The cry of the gulls, as they circle, and the lashing of the angry waves on the beach when a storm is coming.
It’s the ability to see further than your eye can focus, a never ending horizon of misty grey water, punctuated by sea birds, and maybe a seal if you are extremely lucky.
My link to the ocean isn’t as weak as you would assume now that I live 5 hours away… it’s there in my memories, in my heart, in my photos that bring it to life when I look at them again. There is salt water is in my veins it’s been in my life from the time I was born, it will never go away. I keep it touch with the ocean through those who blog and live near the water, it’s sandy beaches so grey, but skies so blue.
And if you live near the ocean please do me a favour, go and visit one cool spring day, stand on the sand, let the wind coat you with salt, a scent that will linger even after you go home. Open your arms wide as you face the water. And give the ocean a hug for me.
I just picked up my new lens for my new Canon dslr yesterday. I did not have a chance to shoot more than 3 shots off with it, and was very anxious to try it out. Getting up early this morning and going down to the beach seemed like a great idea. So I woke my Gardening Assistant up at 3:00 am, and asked him if he would go look out the window and see if the dawn had broke yet. His answer, is not printable. And again at 4:00 am and 5:00 am, I asked him if he thought it was light enough."Go back to sleep, it's Sunday morning!" He sleeps beside the window, so why not ask him to check, right? Finally! 6:00 am. There was enough light to shoot by, so I hustled out to the car. As I was driving down the steep White Rock hill, in the far distance I could see the lights of a approaching train coming towards the beach. Knowing a friend would love photos of the early morning train I decided to floor it. Down a very steep hill. Fast! Screeching into the parking lot, and running out to the board walk I positioned myself in the right place, forgetting that I had never really used this lens yet. As the train approached I clicked off as many shots as I could. And then I remembered to focus. I am only 3 feet from the train, the ground is shaking, train horns are blasting, the noise is deafening. Some people use coffee to wake up, but not me. So some are a little blurry, maybe next time I will remember to bring the tripod. But I had fun, and saw lots of seagulls, blue herons. Even discovered that a telephoto lens can give you really cool dept of field effects, with flower shots. I have probably broke every rule of composition, but what the heck. I raced the train and I won! So Bill here are your train photos, and you owe me money for the speeding ticket. LoL Jane
Yes, once again White Rock Beach is holding it's daily ALL YOU CAN EAT Crab Fest.
All Gulls, Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, and assorted seabirds, are invited to attend. Be there early for the best selection.
Clams, barnacles and mussels will also be offered, in the vicinity of the pier. A few lucky chosen birds may also be hand fed by tourists off of the wharf. Photo oportunities, free food, and entertainment, don't miss it.
White Rocker’s are dealing with a small inconvenience, but it’s one that could easily make anyone with a compromised immune system very ill. Since we are one of the only communities in the Lower Mainland not to chlorinate our water, and it looks like a animal or bird has gotten into the reservoir, they have had to drain, and sanitize everything. White Rock is under a boil water advisory, because of the increased e-coli count. And everything from restaurants, to hospitals, to homes are affected. Bottled water is flying off the shelves. It takes a lot of water to rinse your veggies, bet you never thought about that didn’t you? Hot water doesn’t do a really great job of washing lettuce, it wilts it, so all the boiled water has to be cooled first. Part of the advisory states that the water is still safe to shower with, well I guess that’s a good thing right? Could you imagine, 20,000 stinky people? We would all have to go down to the beach for a quick dip in the only slightly cleaner ocean each morning. The beach would be packed with everyone trying to scrub a dub dub, before leaving for work. Hey, who stole my soap?
Brushing your teeth? Don’t forget to use boiled water, rinsing off that luscious piece of just picked summer fruit? Don’t reach for the tap, bring out the boiled water. It’s only a slight inconvenience, but it certainly does make you think that we take the water from the tap for granted. There are many communities in British Columbia that have been under a boil water advisory for years. We are lucky that this only lasts for a little while. And still, we are under the mistaken knowledge that we have one of the purest waters around. We made the front page of the 2nd biggest paper in Canada. And we were the leading story on many a day last week. While the fervor had died down a little, taken over by another “hot off the press” story, it’s still showing up on the news. And it looks like that story is old news, since we will have this advisory until at least next Monday. So White Rock, you are famous.
Only problem, it’s for all the wrong reasons. Pass me the bottled water please!
Yesterday just before the dawn, I went down to the beach again, I am being drawn towards it lately. The astounding quietness, soft darkness, and the glowing light in the east, that gradually increases into bright reflections.
And while the beautiful light is compelling me to get up and travel down to a frosty wake up call, it is the birds that really make me want to visit.
There is something amazing about the shifting light, and the bird's response to it. When the sun finally reaches over the mountains, and crosses the beach to the water, the birds react. Like a orchestra warming up before the concert they seem to be suddenly more active, their honks and whistles louder. Masses of them take off, wings whirring as they circle the wharf, only to land 100 yards away honking in some sort of satisfied way, that this spot is better.
And when the sun finally touches the edge of the water, their twitters, caws, and warbles send out the message that the concert has begun for the day.
Of course, this having been a long weekend, it was supposed to rain, each and everyday. What else would the weather do on a long weekend? But…we had such a wonderful surprise this morning. It was sunny, for how long, I don’t know, I don’t care, because I am living in the moment, and it’s sunny. Wonderful sunny, and warm.
Another family enjoying the beach yesterday, the tide was quite high, but the sun was gorgeous. We did manage to go to the Beach. It was wonderfully sunny, and we all ate ice cream, and spoiled our dinner, LOL, but we enjoyed it that much more.
I had my camera with me, and got a few shots this turned out to be a great day. Sometimes it’s the small things that stick in your memory, and bring you great joy.
