Dylan Phillips Photography
Blog
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So what is a picture AND a thousand words worth? My blog posts detail some of my favourite outdoor adventures with historical anecdotes, photography tips and tricks and the stories behind the photos. Sign up with your email to get new blog updates!
Twisting Metal
“Disaster struck as the locomotive, Union Colliery No. 4, crossed over the Trent River. The trestle, only ten years old, gave way under the weight of the locomotive, hurling it into the canyon below. The loaded coal cars and passenger car were dragged along behind it killing six people and injuring many others.
The disruption to the coal market was felt by James Dunsmuir immediately. He tasked engineers to find a lower point to cross the Trent River and within a week a new trestle was in service. “
Gazing Into The Abyss
There’s a lot of speculation as to whether the Abyss is caused by seismic activity or has something to do with the blasting that took place in the coal mine below. Like anything mysterious there is many rumours and stories connected to the Abyss.
“It has no bottom” - Not true.
”It’s connected to the mine tunnels” - Also not true, and if it were, you’d have to be a moron to attempt it.
I followed the dirt path towards the Abyss for the first time in over a decade. As I got closer I started to encounter warning signs put up by the City of Nanaimo.
Still Standing Tall
The church is small but sturdy for its age. There are no doors or windows left and the inside is plastered with graffiti - as most abandoned things are. We approached slowly entering through what was once the front door. Wide eyed I began to snap photos of the graffiti on the walls. Almost immediately I was startled by a commotion above my head. A great horned owl had taken exception to our presence and hastily exited the church.
Hanging in There
We hiked the winding and steep trail up to the face. These two guys did it effortlessly while I took many breaks, desperate to catch my breath. “You alright?” they called down to me. Just dying… I eventually caught up, legs on fire and heart pounding. I’ve definitely got some work to do in regards to getting in shape.
I pulled out my camera gear, excited to send the drone up. Colby geared up himself and prepared to climb with Tom on belay.