Snow at the Lake

We got snow! I'd be even more excited about it if I hadn't spent the last two days shovelling it at work. Our department is in charge of snow removal from all the important public areas, like the Library. So I'm feeling a little beaten up, but it'll pass.

But it's Saturday, so I'm free today. I went over to Burnaby Lake to take some snow shots. Here's one of my favorites from today:





That bird on top of the bird house is a Female Belted Kingfisher. She's beautiful. I wish I could have gotten closer to get a good shot of her, but my original intention for this shot was just the bird houses with snow on them.

The 85th Annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2005

Here they are, the photos from the Polar Bear Swim. It was really fun to watch. These people must be insane!



While the crowd was getting ready to charge, a few celebrities showed up. That's Sponge Bob, and I think the other guy is Shazam or Captain America. I'm not sure:


Some penguins lined up for photos:


And there was a gladiator as well:


There was at least one human pyramid going on:


The first people to jump in (aside from some guy who just couldn't wait any longer and crawled under the tape) were some Vancouver City Police officers:


Then Santa (or nearly Santa) went for it:




Some of the people anxiously awaiting the icy, cold water plunge:




And then finally, the crowd bursts through the tape and they all dive in:


And quickly back out again:










This was a nice moment:




These guys were hilarious!:




There were a few Vikings in the crowd as well:


A lifeguard looks on:


The crowd was massive that day:


And I'll close with one more Viking:


What a blast! I'm already looking forward to next year's Polar Bear Swim!

A lot to catch up on...

Yes, it's been a while since I've updated my blog again. I have a bunch of new photos to add. I've had a nice Christmas and New Year.

I was at the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on New Year's Day this year. It was awesome. I have several photos that I will post here from that event, just as soon as I get the chance to post them.

Here's a preview:






I should already be in bed, as tomorrow, I have to waste my time by returning to work. Makes me angry, but what can ya do?

I'm promised myself that I will try to get back on track, by going to bed earlier, exercising and eating properly. I know I'll feel better if I do those things, but it aint easy, as many of you know. A large part of me seems to constantly want to rebel against the system by staying up late--catching up on the free time I miss when I'm at work. It doesn't work; it eventually wears me out.

It's hard being an artist in today's society. And on that note, I'm going to bed.

Squirrel