Written and Photographed by Toby Snelgrove

Leaving the Gulf Islands

It was yet another stunning west coast day. I was returning to Vancouver on BC Ferries after taking a break from the heart of the Olympics, Vancouver, and the exuberant crowds. As frantic as the Olympic venues are, so is photographing and writing about the myriad of activates. It was nice to take break from the Metro Blenz News Team. A break? No, that wasn’t to be.

Feeding the gulls on a BC Ferry

I was wandering about the deck of the Spirit of Vancouver Island when I notice a young boy watching the seagulls. Upon closer inspection I realize that he was actually feeding salty chips to mooching gulls. Through a causal chat I learned that he was on his way to the Vancouver Olympics. ”I really want to be a part of the activities”, he stated as he fed one more fry to a greedy gull. I learned that he was interested in joining the sea cadets. That’s it. Not much of a story but some great shots of feeding gulls.

Steve, Doug and Mack enroute to the Olympics

Seeing those fries soon found me in the cafeteria ordering my own unhealthy carbs. While in line I noticed a young man silently videotaping the two young men in front of me in the food line. As the incessant reporter I had to ask, “What are you guys up to?” Well, it wasn’t going to be a break from the news team. There was a story here.

It was Calgary 1988. The city was hosting the Winter Olympics. Three young boys were about to be born. The magic was beginning. Little did any of them know that not only would they be best friends but they would also have a passion for the Olympics. Now 22 years later the three of them are on the BC ferry, Spirit of Vancouver Island, taking time away from their studies in Victoria to take in the Vancouver Winter Games. Steve,their videographer, said, “We were born when the Olympics were held in Calgary and we want to see experience it again before it leaves Canada because we may never get the chance again.” “We’re going to see the madness” added Mac.

Steve capturing the antics.

I glanced back at the trio as I returned to my car. They were already chatting up the women. It looked like the madness had started.

Toby's Photo Blog