Gnome Traveller

Cedric the Gnomad might be small of stature but his grand travelling adventures are out of this world: Hauled from place to place by a multitude of friend folks this tiny character has seen things that we probably all would be slightly envious over. Although he missed the boat so to speak when it came down to the Disney Cruise to Alaska (aka meeting his idol Snow White), he is now settling into his new life quite well. You will be seeing a few snapshots here and there of his expeditions

Leaving Home

In 2011 I decided to pursue professional diving and marine conservation, a decision I will never regret for Hey! I get to be underwater all the time!
Yet leaving my community has proven to be one of the hardest moves I have ever made.
After growing up all over the world I moved to a small island full of vibrant intelligent folks that over the years have taught me numerous valuable life lessons. The trust, care and love that I have experienced & have been shown have become part of whom I am, and enhance the strong sense of yearning to return where I belong. One day I will be able to go back - not for a visit - but permanently.
I want to grow old there.

It is a place that is surrounded by the ocean, sandstone beach and forest. Whales, seals, deer, raccoons, bald eagles, otters, you name it and it is hopping/floating/flying around in the backyard.
There are no stoplights and most folks don't lock their doors. No fast-food chains or big malls. Heck, even street lights are hard to come by. Everybody says hello to one another. Islanders do their shopping at the recycling depot where people drop off their junk and others find hidden treasures. It is a small community with a nourishing and helping hand to those in need.

Life is lived here in various manners; in solitude or with the most bustling social scene you wish to acquire for there are numerous festivals, gatherings, concerts, workshops and ART. It probably has the highest concentration of artists in Canada.

One day I'll get to be back home with my community again. In the mean time I carry their love and affection in my heart and get cheered on during every step of the way.

Rowing a hand-made Barefoot Wooden boat to DeCoursey Island

No Place Like Home

..Before I lived in the House with the Red French Doors I have been fortunate to live in other hidden gems on the island. An old pioneer home in The Funky Orchard on the Bay; co-habituated with a musician in a rickety cool den on the sea with roosters ruling the yard, and last but certainly not least, Ratfish Lodge.

On five acres of forest a leaky solar-powered house was built with unique features that I still think of with fond memories. This shot was taken in the winter...Imagine an outdoor solar shower in the vegetable garden, boardwalks to the charming outhouse & bathhouse/sauna, a giant woodstove, generator in the woods and solar panels.
Nights were candle-lit and emphasized the lovely solitude whilst the tiny outdoor propane fridge was carefully watched by the family of raccoons lurking nearby. In the winters it was so cold that the bedroom would become abandoned and thick velvet curtains were hung in the solarium, becoming a little niche to sleep near the fire. I loved every minute of it.

Ratfish Lodge

Shut the Front Door

I have always had an affinity for red doors. Especially French style. They are the perfect gateways that seem to blend the interior with the garden beckoning outside. For a while I had both in my life and I watched the flowers grow, friends arrive and life glow

Snapdragon Central

Nudity

Many years ago I purchased this faux vintage sign and alter the 'Prohibited' part with a black marker. C'mon. Wouldn't you do the same?

Roots

Flying Gurnard

Sixteen years ago I took my first breath underwater in the Indian Ocean and came across two of these beauties. Ever since the underwater world and its inhabitants have captivated me...