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!
Embracing Tradition
From Cascais, Portugal to Nanaimo, B.C., farmers markets connect communities, celebrate local artists, and keep an age-old tradition alive.
Roystons Ghost Ships
It’s not very often that we get the chance to see shipwrecks without diving. Something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid is to get my SCUBA certification and hunt for treasure in lost ship wrecks. There’s always been a financial barrier for me but I still hope that one day I can get around to that. Until then, I’ll settle for the above water shipwrecks. Fortunately for me, there’s some just over an hour up the road…
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.