Keep Close To Nature’s Heart: Alberta’s National Parks

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

"Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

Over the last few days of August and into the early days of September, Kathryn, Alex, and I took off for 5 day road trip to visit Banff & Jasper, Alberta and numerous points of interest along the way. We journeyed from Banff to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway and saw many beautiful sights and even drank some glacier water while standing atop the Athabasca Glacier. 

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park in the Rocky Mountains, whereas Jasper National Park (est. 1907) is the largest national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Both parks are comprised of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. Wildlife in the park includes elk, caribou, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, black bear, beaver, pika, hoary marmot, grey wolf, mountain lion and wolverine.  

As much as I love the sea, there is also something spiritual about being in the panoramic heart of the Canadian Rockies. It does, indeed, wash your spirit clean. 

 Peyto Lake, Alberta

 Peyto Lake Snowman, Alberta

     Athabasca Glacier Ice Bus

 Kathryn and Alex atop Athabasca Glacier

Jett and Kathryn Britnell atop Athabasca Glacier

 Castle Mountain, Alberta

View from Bow Valley Parkway, Alberta

 

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Athabasca Falls, Alberta

 Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Bow Valley Summit, Alberta

Mistaya Canyon, Alberta

Mistaya Canyon, Alberta

Bravo! Florida Bans Killing Of Tiger Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved a ban to prohibit the killing of tiger sharks, great hammerheads, scalloped hammerheads and smooth hammerheads as a measure to protect predators that have suffered from overfishing. Unfortunately, catch and release fishing will still be permitted.

Over the past 20 years shark populations worldwide have sharply declined due to shark finning, a despicable practice now illegal in U.S. waters in which the valuable fins are cut from the living shark, which is then tossed back into the ocean to die. China and other East Asian countries fuel the senseless demand for shark fin soup, a delicacy that has generated a lucrative market for shark fins.

“Florida has been recognized as a pioneer and a leader in shark management efforts for nearly 20 years,” said the wildlife commission’s chairwoman Kathy Barco, in a written statement. “We recognize that maintaining healthy shark populations is critical to the sustainability of our marine ecosystem. The additional protections we are proposing would help preserve Florida’s valuable marine resources."

Way to go, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission!

Where Were You When Taylor Swift Left Vancouver Awestruck?

September 11, 2011: I have enjoyed the opportunity to see many performers since I was a teenager, but I must confess that Country superstar, Taylor Swift, in concert ranks as probably one of the top three concerts I have ever seen. The other top two would be the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan whom I have both seen maybe 9 or 10 times. Yes, Miss Swift’s Vancouver “Speak Now” concert tour is definitely a must see!

At the tender age of 21, Grammy Award winning artist, Taylor Swift, is clearly at the top of her game. We have never attended a concert where the audience sang along to some of the tunes with the fervor that Swift’s fans did. A role model for young teen girls, her wholesome demeanor is endearing. Her greatest songs were inspired by her unrequited love with some very high profile celebrity romances. She is a brilliant songwriter, classy and talented performer. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my wife and I were enchanted to be thoroughly entertained by Taylor Swift.  She’s the real deal! 

WTF!? Japan Hunts 195 Whales In Northwest Pacific Ocean.

 

(AP) TOKYO September 15, 2011 10:51 AM — Japan says it has caught 195 whales in the Pacific Ocean this season under a research program opposed by activists who call it commercial whaling in disguise. Japan's Fisheries Agency said Thursday that the fleet harvested 49 minke, 95 sei and 50 Bryde's whales and one sperm whale during its three-month Pacific expedition. 

I'm sure there a good people in Japan who are opposed to slaughtering whales. We could use more of them.

“It is meat and drink to me to see a clown" ~ William Shakespeare.

The Pink Clownfish is pinkish-orange with a white bar down either side of the face, and a white stripe along the back. It has a white caudal fin and is found on coral reefs at depths from 3m to 30m.  Usually associated with the anemone, Heteractis magnifica, this fish feeds on benthic algae and zooplankton and inhabits tropical marine waters of the Western Central Pacific, from the Philippine Islands, north to Japan, throughout Micronesia, south to Australia and east to the Samoan Islands.  This particular image was shot somewhere in Southern Leyte, Philippines.

California Wins One For The Sharks!

 

Bravo California! Assembly Bill 376 passed by a vote of 25-9 which effectively prohibits the sale, trade, and possession of shark fins within the state and effectively shuts down one of the biggest markets for shark fins outside of Asia. Good times!

Dive News Network Published Our Story: Bahamas Shark Diving.

Dive News Network just published our story, “Bahamas Shark Diving Safari” in two of their September 2011 editions (Northeast Dive News & Midwest Dive News). I was surprised to learn my images graced the covers of these two issues. The story is from a 10 Day Bahamas shark diving trip organized by Eric Cheng of Wetpixel (www.wetpixel.com) with Jim Abernethy’s dive operation (www.scuba-adventures.com) in West Palm Beach Florida. If you’re a shark photography fanatic, Abernethy knows all the best shark diving sites…and then some. Both highly recommended!

Prowfish: Alaska's Rarely Photographed Fish?

Seldom seen as adults, and rarely photographed in the wild, Prowfish were once thought to be an exclusively deep-water species that inhabited ocean depths between 300 to 650 feet. However, in Southeastern Alaska, they are increasingly becoming a common sight for cold water adventure divers who are diving aboard Mike Lever’s Nautilus Swell.

Initially, Prowfish were seen fairly often at depths of approximately 115 feet on the Princess Sophia shipwreck. The images posted here are some that I shot of these fish on this amazing shipwreck in April 2011. However, divers are now discovering these fish at numerous other dive sites as mentioned in this weblink:  Alaskan Prowfish

There is only one species of Prowfish (Zaprora silenus). They range along the Pacific coast of North America from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey Bay, California, and also to Japan. Greyish in color with a blunt, rounded head with numerous large sensory pores that look like dots, Prowfish measure about two feet long and have no apparent scales. Their diet consists of gelatinous zooplankton and jellyfish, of which we saw many drifting in the water column.

Another Book Review For A Book In Development.

Focal Press publishes some of the best Photography and Digital Imaging books written by creative experts for creative people. Last month they approached us again to do a book review for them on a book in development that focuses on Travel Photography. Unfortunately, I'm unable to disclose specific details. :(

Taylor Swift - Back To September In Vancouver.

Since "The Monkees" unceremoniously bailed on performing in Vancouver, Kathryn and I decided to attend one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows. And we're thrilled to do so as Taylor is without doubt one of the most talented singer/songwriters to grace a stage. Famed Celebrity Juice commentator, Perez Hilton, said last week on his website, "The "Speak Now Tour" is truly one of the best concerts we've ever been to - and we go see A LOT of shows!"

Here's a video of Taylor Swift's plaintive love song, "Back To December." A shame that you must experience the break up of a relationship to come to this realization, but hey, she's smart enough to figure it out and turn her life experiences into art!

If Our Marriage Was A Hollywood Movie.

 

If our marriage was a Hollywood movie, it would most definitely be categorized as being a chick flick! Cept, the movie would feature the occasional shark dive, a moose and squirrel, some zany mad cap adventures with a happy, fuzzy, ridiculously unrealistic ending. What can I say, I simply luv my wife!

Thought For The Day.

The Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament

On July 11th, 2011, I participated in the 21st Annual Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament for the fifth year in row.

Douglas L. Mowat, C.M. (1929–1992) was a visionary pioneer and leader in opening doors to opportunity for British Columbians living with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. His decades of work with the BC Paraplegic Foundation and BC Paraplegic Association resulted in a tremendous legacy of service and achievement.

Doug was also a former Chairperson of the Vancouver Parks Board and later became the first MLA in British Columbia who used a wheelchair for mobility. Elected to the Legislature in 1983 and then again in 1986, he was responsible for many initiatives that improved the quality of life for British Columbians with disabilities. Doug’s impact was immeasurable, as was his energy and passion. An outstanding spokesperson and advocate for people with disabilities, he blazed a trail that will benefit generations to come.

In British Columbia there are over 12,000 people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and each year about 500 hundred more are injured. These injuries affect every aspect of people’s lives and are permanent. Established in 1975, The BC Paraplegic Foundation (BCPF) has supported thousands of people with spinal cord injuries by supporting and working collaboratively with BCPA on many important initiatives.

For more information about the golf tournament, go to www.mowatmemorial.com

"I Think, I'll Call It A Vesper." - James Bond.

Tonight, I mastered the famed James Bond Vesper Martini after finding one of its prime ingredients, Lillet Blanc.

In Ian Fleming's 1953 novel, Casino Royale, James Bond invents and orders a Kina Lillet martini, which he named the "Vesper" after his love interest in the story. The now infamous drink appeared in both “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace" films.

At the Lillet Distillery you will see a quote prominently placed on the wall that says, “Casino Royale, Ian Fleming, 1953: "Dry martini in large champagne glass, three measures of Booths, one of vodka, one measure of Kina Lillet... shake ... then add zest of lemon.” Lillet Blanc (formerly Kina Lillet) is one of the prime ingredients in the Vesper Martini, an aperitif wine that was created in 1887 as a tonic for whatever ailed you. Lillet is still made at, La Maison Lillet, in the town of Podensac, South of Bordeaux, France, where the original distillery and cellars have been located since 1872.

The exact recipe for Lillet Blanc remains a secret. In all, the drink is 85% wine, and around 15% fruit liqueurs which include a base of sweet oranges from Valencia in Spain, green oranges from Morocco and Tunisia, bitter oranges from Haiti and cinchona bark (or quinine) from rainforests in the Peruvian The recipe is relatively straight forward.

"James Bond Vesper Martini for Two."

6 parts gin
2 parts vodka
1 part Lillet Blanc
Lemon Twist

And, of course, shaken, not stirred.

Damn fine!

Dialogue from movie, "Casino Royale"

James Bond: "I think, I'll call it a Vesper."
Vesper Lynd: "Because of the bitter aftertaste?"
James Bond: "No, because once you've tasted it, that's all you want to drink." 

WTF? The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour Cancelled!? Business reasons!??? Really!???

The official statements from Dolenz and Tork both say, "Remainder of tour cancelled due to business reasons."  Business reasons!??? Really!??? Man, I was looking forward to this trip down Nostalgia Lane. Ahhh well, one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows at Roger's Arena may just have the Britnell's in the audience afterall.

Shaken, Not Stirred: I Have Perfected The French Martini!

Nailed it!  Kathryn first tried a French Martini during our wedding anniversary dinner at Vancouver's luxurious French restaurant, Le Crocodile, last April. I decided I would try to master blending this fine martini. Well, tonight, after a few marvelous attempts during the past month, Kathryn stated, "Wow, that's it!"

Watch as we now set our sights upon the famed James Bond martini, "The Vesper".  I just need to source the French ingredient, Lillet, an aperitif wine that is a blend of Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueur.

Life is sooooo good!

Two Tickets To Rusty Rockets: Russell Brand Is A Stand-up Guy!

(Russell with his incomparably beautiful, young wife, Katy Perry)

From the moment that outrageous British comedian, Russell Brand, strutted on stage at the Boulevard Casino on Friday night he owned the room.  From our 4th row, centre stage, seats (one of several birthday baubles I recently bestowed upon my own deliriously attractive young wife.) we could plainly see Brand’s swagger, mischievous smile and the glint in his eyes.

Brand openly admits “My life is essentially a string of embarrassing and shameful incidents punctuated only by telling people about the embarrassing and shameful incidents." His discourse on his sexual prowess and escapades are clearly the cornerstone of his hilarious shtick.

Having seen Don Rickles, Conan O’Brian, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, Lewis Black, Dennis Miller, Dame Edna, Cheech & Chong, Joan Rivers and Jon Lovitz to name a few, it is abundantly clear there’s no one quite like Russell Brand in stand-up comedy. Tonight, we were thoroughly entertained and laughed the night away with the "Jack Sparrow of Comedy!"

Tomorrow Night At The Red Robinson Theatre In Coquitlam!

Northwest Dive News Magazine Published Our Story: "Ghostly Depths - Exploring Alaska's S.S. Princess Sophia Shipwreck."

 

Our story, "Ghostly Depths - Exploring Alaska's SS Princess Sophia Shipwreck" appears in the August issue of Northwest Dive News. One of my pictures was selected for the magazine's cover and I'm thrilled to add that this issue also marks Kathryn's official mention as a Travel Writer on the magazine's masthead!

The link to the online edition is: http://www.divenewsnetwork.com​/home/northwest-dive-news/nw-d​igital-editions.html

INXS ~ The Original Sin Tour July 16, 2011.

 

July 16, 2011 -  River Rock Casino, Richmond, BC: “Ahhhhhhhh, elegantly wasted.”  Today was just another rainy day on Canada’s wet coast. Dropped off some dry cleaning, got some scuba tanks filled and picked up my new Liquivision Xeo dive computer.  Afterwards, we enjoyed an intimate dinner for two at a French bistro in Vancouver that garners great reviews with a beautiful wife whom I’m engaged in a torrid inter-marital affair, Then we rocked away the evening at the River Rock Casino with, INXS, one of Australia’s most successful rock exports.

INXS continues to perform to sold-out audiences worldwide. With the release of their latest album, Original Sin, the band reinvented their biggest hits with guest vocalists. However, J.D. Fortune was again front and center as their lead singer for this tour. 

While I never saw INXS perform with their founding lead singer, Michael Hutchence, I have seen them twice now with J.D. who does a wonderful job fronting the band.. Seeing INXS in a venue that seats approximately 1,000 is pure joy. This band ROCKS live! My wife, Kathryn, was all smiles. Thanks boys, that was a great gig!

Here are some images I shot along with a You Tube video that someone else shot during the show:

Say No To Shark Fin Soup: We Will Never Dine Again At Wah WIng Restaurant In Port Coquitlam, BC.

I’ve been fighting a flu bug the past few days and Kathryn got home late from work tonight, so we decided to go out for a bite. She was craving something with noodles so we decided on Szechuan at a local dining spot we had dined at before. Usually, we just order without looking at the menu. However, tonight Kathryn perused the menu and was disgusted to find various shark dishes on the menu.  “We’re outta here,” she said. As soon as she said that, I thought, “That’s my girl!”

Reducing demand for shark fin soup is the most important thing we can do to protect sharks from being driven to extinction.  For more Information go to: www.sharksavers.org

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER on WAR.

April 16, 1953: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."

Underwater Photographer At Work.

August 1993: During an overseas diving editorial assignment for Canada's DIVER Magazine, another underwater photographer made this picture of me as I was composing an image of this lionfish.  If you look closely in the diver picture, you can make out the lionfish against the reef. Good times!

The First Time Ever I Saw Her Face.

My wife is such a hard worker and one who always gives unselfishly to others. A day never passes without me thinking how blessed I am to seize the day knowing I am married to this marvelous woman. When I was driving home today, I heard Roberta Flack singing, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." A simply lovely song that made me instantly think of Kathryn. I will always remember... the first time ever I saw her face.

Folk singer, Ewan MacColl, wrote this song in 1957 for Peggy Seeger, who was later to become his wife. She was in a play and phoned him for suggestions on a song for a romantic scene. MacColl wrote this on the spot in less than an hour, playing it over the phone for his future wife to use in her play.

The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
To the dark and the empty skies.

The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt your heart beat close to mine
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command.

And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love.

The Great White Shark: Our Ford Edge Gets Us There.

As a scuba diving duo / underwater photographer / underwater model team, I needed a vehicle that had enough cargo space to transport all our dive gear and underwater photography equipment. In the past, I owned a Ford Explorer, but the gas guzzler got to be too expensive. In 2007, I switched to a black Ford Edge. Loved it!

Three months ago, it was time to upgrade. I chose to go with another Ford Edge, only this time a white model. I named it the Great White Shark. Kathryn said, "Get it, loaded!", so we went for the digital dashboard, leather seats, sunroof, etc. The car's ride continues to impress and the interior is roomier than the previous model. Luv'in it, even more!

Hendrick's Gin – Certainly Not Your Average Gin.

Wow!, we recently tried Hendrick’s Gin – a Scottish small-batch spirit made by William Grant and Sons distillery, a Scottish company world-renowned for its acclaimed Glenfiddich and Balvenie single malt scotch.

What makes Hendrick's Gin unique are hints of coriander and citrus and a very pronounced cucumber taste. Some of Hendrick’s unique flavour is owed to its vapour-infusion process. The distillers revived a 19th century gin-making process using an antique 19th century Carterhead still that has been restored. Rather than boiling the raw botanicals – elderflower, orange and lemon peel and juniper, to name a few – “bathes ” the raw botanical in vapours. Bulgarian hand-picked rose petals and Dutch cucumbers are distilled and added after the bath. The gin’s dark bottle is modeled after a Victorian medicine bottle. From first glance you have some notion this isn’t your average gin.

Hendrick’s Gin is a fine spirit and one that my lovely wife now prefers over that ole stalwart standby, Bombay Sapphire Gin.

Northwest Dive News Published Our Story - Splendor In The Pass: Queen Charlotte Strait's Seven Tree Island

Northwest Dive News Magazine, July 2011, Editorial Comments nicely said:

"We will also take you out to Queen Charlotte Strait’s Seven Tree Island as Jett and Kathryn Britnell explore it. Harboring a rich assortment of marine invertebrates, Seven Tree’s bountiful feast of undersea shapes, textures and colors provide a visually stunning backdrop for underwater photographers and videographers; the Britnell’s do a great job painting a picture of the area for our readers."

Rick Stratton, Editor / Publisher, Dive News Network