No the location is not a typo.  We are going on an adventure to see the many treasures that are on the property of Sheilds Industrial in the Comox Valley.

There is something for everyone here.  They have a large property with treasures that have arrived throughout the years.  It should a lot of fun

Here are some directions to our location

Using the inland highway-

Take exit 117 toward Courtenay/Comox (Courtenay Connector)

Pass the Lafarge plant on your left

Left at set of lights – Cumberland Road (don’t go straight or you go into Courtenay)

follow past an “S” curve

Left on Marsden Road

at stop sign Left onto Lake trail

next stop sign Left onto Comox Logging Road and they are on the left side

Lunch will be at the White Spot in Courtenay at noon

If you back track the instructions to get to Shields Industrial then follow down to Cliffe Ave

(T intersection)

Left past Canadian Tire and it is in the next mall- Driftwood – Shell on the corner)

2299 Cliff Ave

Our Annual General Meeting night is on Wednesday May 1st.

Elections for our new management team will be held at this meeting. Kathy will offer her final message and we will hear from each of the management team. Our slideshows from the month of April will be run and then Kathhy will announce our photographer of the year and conduct the elections.

Remember that all positions are open, we are all volunteers on the board and we all welcome the opportunity for new members to join us and bring their new ideas.  Once the new team has been voted in,  announced and introduced we will have a social evening.

As a BC Society, we are required to review the rules under which we operate (check here). Take this opportunity to meet with the new group and discuss any changes that you think would offer improvements to any aspect of the club’s activities.

There will be coffee and tea at $1!

loonie for coffee

BUTTERTUBS MARSH-

Buttertubs Marsh is a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
There is a 2 km very easy loop around the marsh and a few observation decks and a tower perfect for photographing birds
The pathway is groomed so easy to walk on. Besides birds we may see spring flowers, shadows for our May assignment and so much more
We will be meeting at the entrance of Jingle Pot Road -1780 Jingle Pot Road

If you would like to or need to car pool please contact me

From Woodgrove Mall -Nanaimo, BC
Stay on Highway 19 S – 9.7 km
Turn left onto Jingle Pot Rd (signs for Jingle Pot Road/City Centre) – 750 m
Turn left to stay on Jingle Pot Rd – 95 m
Turn left – 43 m – Buttertubs Marsh Parking Lot

Lunch will be at Original Joes at noon
3280 N Island Highway

Our speaker this month is Nanaimo photographer, Judy Hancock-Holland.  Judy has presented to the club previously and we received excellent feedback about her spiritual approach to her photography.  Judy has a new presentation and we are looking forward to her visit.  Visit Judy’s website here.

We will be showing our favourites, field trip outing and the monthly assignment.

Bring your loonie for a coffee.

loonie for coffee

Moorecroft Pond in Nanoose is a great gem on the island.  It was originally a United Church Camp but was purchased by the RDN in 2011.  It is being kept very natural and you will see so much with the logs and rocks that have been washed for so long by the ocean creating fantastic designs.  Lots of flowers, eagles, trees with very interesting fungus on them plus a pond full of bull rushes and trees.   There will something here for every kind of photographer. Walking can be as easy or a little challenging, there are trails but you can explore out  onto the rocks

Weather permitting we would like to have a picnic in one of the picnic areas in the park so pack a lunch and come and join us. We will meet at noon

There will be extra for those who forget

If the weather doesn’t cooperate we will be going to the Kicking Horse Pub

Our speaker this month is Vancouver Island photographer, Chris Istace.

Freelance writer & photographer as well as community leader who calls the Cowichan Valley home. Through written and visual storytelling he strives to inspire others to be mindful of themselves and to embrace ecological wisdom. His photography specializes primarily outdoor pursuits such as hiking, climbing and mountain biking and the beautiful landscapes those activities take place.

Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/stasher_bc/

Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/MindfulExplorer/

Website is www.ChrisIstace.com 

We will be showing our favourites, field trip outing and the monthly assignment.

Bring your loonie for a coffee.

loonie for coffee

(disclaimer – the photo used is from the internet not me)

Top Bridge is complete with a suspension bridge, water view and the fantastic ragged rocks make for great photos. For those of you who like taking impromptu photo pics there may be swimmers giving you a wonderful opportunity

If you have any questions during the event see Barb Hooper

Directions;

Take the old highway (19A south) Do NOT turn to go to Nanaimo but go straight ahead onto Kaye RD. Turn right onto Chattle RD- go past the gun club… the road turns to gravel. Follow this road to the end. There is a large parking lot and the suspension bridge is right there.

Lunch will be at Boston Pizza in Parksville

430 East Island Highway- Parksville

Our speaker this month is Qualicum Beach photographer, Joan Larson.

Joan’s original passion for horses led to her interest in art
and she has never stopped to look back.

Joan has an extensive CV chronicling 25 years of
professional achievements which include international
shows, awards and documentaries. However it is the
present and future that hold her attention. Her recent
ground breaking series of artworks honouring the RCMP
Musical Ride has been used for exhibitions supporting
non-profit organizations. This was followed by a series
based on her trips to remote and restricted Sable Island to
paint it most famous denizens, the wild horses. Next on
her radar is a series of paintings based on “Life at the Race
Track.”

Joan is a Senior member of the Federation of Canadian
Artists (SFCA), a full member of the American Academy
of Equine Artists (AAEA) and holds the Premier Pastelist
designation with the Pastel Society of Canada (PPC).

Joan and her husband Paul Smith own and operate
Creekside Studio from their acreage in the rural area of
Coombs where they live with their family and assorted
animals, including horses . . . which Joan states “are simply
necessary.”

Website is www.joanlarson.com

We will be showing our favourites, field trip outing and the monthly assignment.

Bring your loonie for a coffee.

loonie for coffee

This month is going to be so much fun. We are heading up island to Union Bay. There are several historic buildings including the oldest wooden post office and yes it will be open for us to go inside.
The old school and church plus the museum house next to the post office. We can also visit Sea Change art studio that has many very unique items inside and outside. There is a marina boat launch area across the street, antique trucks and so much more.

Lunch will be at the Highwayman Grill and Saloon in which is also another photo op as well as great food.

Mark your calendars today – you won’t want to miss it.

**meeting spot will be by the church

cover photo is a stock photo

Our speaker this month is Nanaimo photographer, Andrea Black of ‘Chasing Whimsy‘.

You can find Andrea’s bio at Chasing Whimsy

Her full website can be found at https://www.chasingwhimsyphoto.com/

We will be showing our favourites, field trip outing, and the monthly assignment.

Bring your loonie for a coffee.

loonie for coffee