January Wheels

One bike, one rain jacket, one backpack, one month. My post on January 1st was about our commitment to the notion of parking our vehicle and undertaking a month of zero-emissions transportation. So this bicycle was how I got around. My wife and I also walked a lot and hitch-hiked a little and we can honestly say that it was no hardship at all. We were able to do everything we needed to do and go everywhere we needed to go without our truck. Will I start driving again tomorrow? You bet. I have an opportunity to trade labor for a load a firewood this week and I'm not about to pass that up. But what we've learned is that we won't be using the vehicle anywhere near as much as we used to. We've enjoyed the challenge and we plan to continue trying to minimize our use of fossil fuel. The fact that we're in better shape than we were thirty days ago is a nice bonus.

Rain

Six

And Speaking of Moss

Yesterday was by no means the first time I've posted moss, nor will today's image likely be the last.

ABC Wednesday > B is for Bass

Or maybe "books"

Global ABC

A Rolling Bus Gathers No Moss

Clearly, this one hasn't rolled in quite some time.

The Heartsong Choir

The Heartsong Choir was one of many acts that performed at last night's benefit concert for Haiti which was held at the Community Hall and played to an overflow SRO crowd. Gabriolans raised over $14,000 (and still counting) which will be matched by the Canadian government. It was an inspiring event to say the least. Final fundraising results will be posted to the website which was set up specifically for this event.

Sunday Signage > Food Depot Garden

In the PHC plot at The Commons

They Went Thataway!

?

Tofino Air Exit

Our friend Wanda about to board a flight to Vancouver from Silva Bay.

ABC Wednesday > A is for Arbutus

This isn't the first time I've photographed the bark of this beautiful tree for which so many things around here are named. Back in April of last year, there was a colour view. And here's the Wikipedia entry.

Global ABC

Dusk At Degnen Bay

Here's the bay in the sunshine

Music Matters > Island To Island

I know pride is a sin but today, I'm feeling darn proud to be a Gabriolan. Over the weekend, in a matter of 36 hours or so, our community came together and organized a benefit concert for Haiti. And despite the short time frame, it's no slip-shod affair. The acts are lined up, there's already a poster, the tickets are printed and on sale, the hall is booked, the sound team is good to go, donations for a silent auction are overflowing my neighbour's living room and a website was even launched so that online donations may be made. And the Canadian government will match whatever we raise so that's a bonus.

In the face of unthinkable tragedy, it's good to see some light.

Sunday Signage > No Hunting

GALTT Boardwalk

Awhile back, I posted an image of a boardwalk trail being constructed at The Commons by volunteers from the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust, GALTT

Today we have the finished product.

Global Theme > Best of 2009

Today, city photobloggers worldwide are asked to pick their best shot from last year so here's the one I chose (with help from my wife - thanks darlin'!). It was originally posted on 22 July 2009, the day the circus came to town. The original post is here.

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Portrait of an Alpaca

A couple more alpacas here

ABC Wednesday > Z is for Zenith

This zesty homemade peanut soup was the zenith of culinary coolosity. And yes, I made that up. My wife made the soup.

Global ABC

Strings

A peek inside the grand piano at The Haven

Ford Pier

Ford played guitar with the Veda Hille band. Click here to see a slideshow of the concert.

#34 in the Musician's Hands Series

Veda Hille Band

Veda Hille and company played the Phoenix auditorium at The Haven last night to a full house and a standing ovation. The show was the kick-off event for Poetry Gabriola's  2010 Words & Music concert series.

#33  in the Musician's Hands Series

Chopping Block

So far, we've had a mild winter, especially compared to last year. Still, the sound of wood being readied for the stove is a familiar one here on Gabriola.

Ode

This photo was made during Kathy Mac's recent Skol Pub gig. It's Ode Howard at the keyboard (which collapsed during the show, by the way). I like this picture quite a bit. Between his grin, the shiny jacket, the blur and the lighting, it nicely sums up the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Alternate Take On Yoga

A second look at yoga...also taken at Island of Peace Yoga Center

ABC Wednesday > Y is for Yoga

Photo taken at Island Of Peace yoga center

Global ABC

Bucky

Waiting To Play

Another candid photo from Friday night's community radio benefit concert at The Haven. This is Stefan Tosheff waiting to solo with Myles Black and the Pearly Whites. And that's Gabriola native Portia Boehm in the background.

A Fish Out Of Water

Smiling Myles

Myles Black and the Pearly Whites onstage last night at The Haven. The concert was a benefit for the soon-to-be Gabriola community radio station.

Global Theme Day > Changes

A couple of weeks ago, the Grade Seven class  from the Gabriola school sponsored a screening of No Impact Man, a documentary about a family attempting to live an environmentally conscionable life in the heart of Manhattan. It was inspiring to say the least. My wife and I have been working toward minimizing our carbon footprint and though we were already doing a lot of the things suggested in the film (recycling, buying local, buying secondhand, growing our own food, eating in season, composting, etc.), after seeing it, we were convinced we could do more. So, the change we've decided to make right away is this: As of today, we are parking our vehicle for one month. Short of a medical emergency, we will not be driving again until the first of February. We figure if we can manage by walking, biking and hitch hiking in this the darkest, rainiest, coldest month of the year, then alternative transportation should come easier as the weather improves. Here is what my wife had to say about our venture on her site.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants