Going back through my library of photographs from 2017, I was able to truly discover how memorable it was. This 2017 Photo Essay will will take you along with me through the past year. We will experience all the outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes captured through the lens of my camera.

Year In Review : A 2017 Photo Essay of Outdoor Adventures

From California to Vancouver Island the year was full of stunning views that I hope you will enjoy. Special thanks to Campbell River Tourism, BC Ferries, Tourism Tofino, Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce and Black Ball Ferry Lines for the marketing projects . Additionally it was a fun year working with Altitude Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, CV Collective Mag, Mill Bay Marine Group and Nanaimo Hospitality Association.

Vancouver Island

The diversity of Vancouver Island is what makes it so spectacular. Tofino’s world famous beaches, Strathcona Park’s magnificent mountains and Carmanah Walbran’s ancient old growth forest were highlights.

Canadian Rockies

Defining the border of Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are an iconic landscape. I didn’t get to climb any mountains this year that I had hoped in the Rockies but still managed a few photos. Black and white photos to me is the best way to showcase these giants for my 2017 Photo Essay.

Mountain Biking

One thing I don’t share much of is all the mountain bike riding I do. Next to hiking and climbing mountains this is where I spent the majority of my time. The local Cowichan Valley mountains of Mount Tzouhalem and Maple Mountain are my go to spots. Trevor Thew is a fast local racer and one heck of a trail builder too. Nanaimo offered some cool trails and images on a visit in the spring.

Then comes Mark Matthews (Check out his website) , a talented professional adventure mountain biker. This year I spent a good amount of time with Mark and we had an incredible riding roadtrip in Port Angeles and Bellingham, Washington. Thanks to local rider Mitch Lee of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for showing us the amazing Bellingham trails.

Mountain Bike 2017 Photo Essay Round-up

United States Road Trips

For it’s proximity to Vancouver Island and ease of getting there I made several trips to the Olympic Peninsula. The most memorable trip for my 2017 Photo Essay was a Tourism project with Black Ball Ferry Line and Olympic Hiking Co. We were able to experience everything the Peninsula and Olympic National Park had to offer.

Mount Baker was a crazy adventure with some good friends who are always up to a challenge. We decided we would travel by car and then ferry to reach the trailhead, summit the 10,000 plus ft peak and then return to Vancouver Island all in one day.

California was a whirlwind trip with a great climbing partner and included a very long non stop drive from Vancouver Island. Eastern Sierra granite and mountains was the objective successfully climbing 4 peaks in 4 days. My very first 14,000 foot summit was achieved by scaling the East Ridge of Mount Russell.

Olympic Peninsula – Washington

Mount Baker – Washington

Eastern Sierra – California

 

Where Do We Go Next

After going through these images to create my 2017 photo essay I can’t wait for what 2018 has in store. I know I will do my best to #ExploreBeyondTheUsual as always. Returning to California’s Eastern Sierra is planned. Due to poor weather we didn’t get to climb Mt Whitney. In October I have a big mountain biking and hiking trip planned for Moab which should be a blast.

You can follow me throughout the year on Instagram at @Stasher_BC to join me everyday on my adventures.

What is your favourite memory from this year?

What do you hope to do in 2018?

I would love to hear what you have to say in the comments below.

 

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