Browsing “Unplugged”

Take a look out your window. See how bright it is? See the cherry blossoms – in all their ruffled, pink, Instagram-able glory – weighing heavy on branches around the city? It’s spring, Vancouver! And it’s time to get outside.

Photos: Deborah Robertson

Kudos to all those who “enjoy” the outdoors through the rainy winter, heading out for morning jogs before the sun is up or donning multiple layers of gore-tex before soccer practice each sopping Tuesday night. You exist, and we’re glad that you do. For many of us, though, winter is a time of hibernation. Spring, then, is when hibernators revisit and rediscover the natural beauty of the city we live in. Here’s a suggestion for how you might start off your season:

Lynn Canyon Park is located in North Vancouver, just a short bus ride away from the seabus on the north side. In the park, you’ll find walking and hiking trails that wind through the temperate rainforest along the steep sides of Lynn Canyon and down to the water’s edge. Hemlock, douglas fir, and red cedar trees rise high above, draped with moss, while glacial waters roar past, much larger and more powerful than the name “Lynn Creek” might indicate. The two sides of the canyon are linked by a suspension bridge that – wait for it – is free to enjoy.
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Location: Way up high I was spoilt for choice this week so I thought I’d pick a couple of images with a common theme…photos of folks who have walked up big hills. The first, Untitled by Vanessa Griffiths, I chose for it’s simplicity and lush colours. There’s just something about the quality of the light here that caught my eye. You can tell by the long shadows that it’s a bit later in the day and the hikers have probably been working really hard to get to where they’re at, enjoying a much deserved relaxing moment in the sun.

Today’s second pick comes from the much celebrated camera of Nathan Reimer. He’s a regular here and looking at this image, it should be obvious why. Nathan really goes out of his way to get that perfect image and this one is no exception. Correct me if I’m wrong but it looks as if this was carefully planned, that Nathan didn’t just happen across a dude in a red suit, standing perfectly still and straight, waiting for his photo to be taken. That is just cool. On top of that, the contrast between snowy mountain and sunny coast makes the perfect setting for the contrast of red on white. Stark, a little spooky and very, very cool.

Thanks Nathan and Vanessa!

It’s that point in your consciousness where you can feel at one with nature, escaping the trappings of the day-to-day to an almost dream-like place where nothing else seems to exist besides you and your natural surroundings. It is our opinion here at VIA that Vancouver holds a unique place in the civilized world in that reaching this state often requires no more effort than simply pulling off to the side of the road, pocketing your keys and taking a few steps into the forest

HAVE YOU EVER FELT DRIVEN TO PROTECT A PLACE YOU’VE NEVER EVEN SEEN? That’s the kind of power the “STAND Film”project is going to have over all who watch it. The documentary will be a visual explosion of all that is rich and magical about British Columbia’s wild and rugged northern coastline. The film documents the diverse wildlife and unique First Nations culture of the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii – and the efforts many are taking to preserve the fine balance only Mother Nature can maintain. Part Stand Up Paddle and Surf doc, part conservation and awareness project, the film is taking a stand. Watch for the World Premiere on May 3 right here in Vancouver!

“STAND Film” is meant to draw attention to the delicate Great Bear Rainforest region and all the creatures and cultures it holds within its perfectly balanced ecosystem. The area, which that has remain untouched and pure for thousands of years is now under threat as the widely publicized Northern Gateway pipeline seeks to bring super tanker traffic along the coast.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the project is filmed, edited and produced by BC locals Nicolas Teichrob and Anthony Bonello. The film has been partially supported by Indiegogo crowd funding campaign, as well as through sponsorships.

STAND takers viewers on a journey of the area from the perspective of a board. The film features BC-based SUP athlete Norm Hann – who has been running expeditions in the Great Bear Rainforest for many years. He is one of the SUP community’s most notable conservationists and an advocate for preserving and educating the public about this delicate region. Also in the film is Tofino-based pro surfer Raph Bruhwiler.

Photo: Anthony Bonello, Stand Film

The World Premiere takes place at UBC on May 3, with subsequent premieres on Vancouver Island that weekend. Tickets are only $12 and selling fast. This is one film you don’t want to miss on the big screen!

PREMIERE DATES

Friday, May 3- Vancouver 

Saturday, May 4 – Victoria

Sunday, May 5 – Tofino

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Location: All over the place Everybody’s favourite trees are blooming pink all over the city but this black and white image caught my eye today. We’re so used to seeing photos of the bright pink blossoms but it’s really kind of awesome to see something so familiar in a slightly different way. Thanks, Kissarissa!

Also, I thought I’d have a little fun with V.I.A.’s very first app, Eyes On The World, which you can download for free right HERE.

I hope you don’t mind the edit, Kissarissa.

It’s that point in your consciousness where you can feel at one with nature, escaping the trappings of the day-to-day to an almost dream-like place where nothing else seems to exist besides you and your natural surroundings. It is our opinion here at VIA that Vancouver holds a unique place in the civilized world in that reaching this state often requires no more effort than simply pulling off to the side of the road, pocketing your keys and taking a few steps into the forest

Location: Buntzen Lake The bright red, stinging sunburn on my neck (I am about as white as they come and really shouldn’t even leave the house when the sun’s out) is making it really hard for me to believe that the weather was ever wet enough to get the water levels up this high at Buntzen, much less as recently as this week. This is a favourite walking place of mine, thanks for the reminder to get back out there, Stijn. Might be a good spot for a first hike with the baby. I love the solemn, meditative quality of this image, as if the objects have been stranded there for days but it’s happened before and they know that it won’t last forever. I imagine a conversation between them, like a bunch of oldies at a bus stop, checking their watches and complaining that the buses don’t run often enough and Oh, hasn’t the weather been miserable. Speaking of favourite walking places, if you’re in the Commercial Drive area in the next few days, go and visit Cotton Drive, between Kitchener and Charles Streets. The whole block is in cherrybloom and it just smells fantastic.

It’s that point in your consciousness where you can feel at one with nature, escaping the trappings of the day-to-day to an almost dream-like place where nothing else seems to exist besides you and your natural surroundings. It is our opinion here at VIA that Vancouver holds a unique place in the civilized world in that reaching this state often requires no more effort than simply pulling off to the side of the road, pocketing your keys and taking a few steps into the forest

IT’S BEEN A HECK OF A WINTER,but now it’s time to kiss the snow good bye and ring in summer. Whistler’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival is always the best party of the year, with live music, on-mountain ski and snowboard competitions and endless apres. While it’s not exactly “unplugging,” the festival is the best way to celebrate the amazing memories carefully curated from a great winter on the slopes. Shred all day, then dance the night away, surrounded by pro athletes, lively music and the rambunctious atmosphere of a town fuelled by adrenaline and good times.EVENT: WSSF runs April 12-21. LOCATION: Whistler, BC

Photo: Paul Morrison, Whistler Blackcomb

Regardless of how epic those powder days are, spring skiing is always more fun. Rather than the “powder rage” that envelopes many of us on a sweet snow day, there’s something so laid back and hedonistic about a sunny day of hot laps on groomers. Rather than battling the elements and crowds for every sick pow stash, spring riding inspires the mantra “all friends on a groomer day.” And with views like this one from the top of Whistler Mountain, what’s not to love?

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