To celebrate my 71st birthday my Wife took me to the Golden Dragon Buffet for dinner (she paid).
As we entered the restaurant vestibule I noticed a sign.
While waiting to be seated I whispered to my wife, “What do they mean, ‘Smile, you are on G-D Damn camera?/”
Her reply was, “They mean ‘Smile, you are on Golden Dragon camera.’” That sums up being 71 to me.
The VV (Vespa virgin) and I are still going around Port Alberni, taking photographs with my magical 10–20-millimetre extreme wide angle lens.
In the meantime we have been travelling to the new beach periodically to take photos of the slow process to convert
My favourite all-time place in Port Alberni is our jewel called Harbour Quay. The quay never disappoints: there are always things going on, the clock tower, tourists, the regulars sitting outside the coffee shop, Judy’s Mexican Restaurant, the new Centennial Pier breakwater, and of course the view down the inlet.
Next on my non-existing list was Clutesi Haven Marina where thankfully there were only a few people around (I say thankfully because there is nothing as annoying as someone asking “what are you photographing” while I am focusing the lens).
I got some wonderful shots of water, wharf, and boat.
In my VV travels up Kitsuksis, I got invited to see an incredible handmade Second World War anti-aircraft carrier model.
The elevators with the airplanes work, the guns swivel, all due to numerous electric motors in the four-foot-long ship. The veteran I visited said that it took him five years to create this remote controlled model.
(I do not want to mention his name because I haven’t asked him if he wants the publicity.)
When I stop , park,and padlock my VV there is usually someone around with comments and questions like “Nice scooter” (it’s an Italian Vespa), “How long can you travel on a charge?” (the VV is gas powered)), “How fast can you go?” (about 90 kms), “What size engine?” (150 cc) and “How much to fill the tank?” ($6 and I get about 70 miles per gallon).
I travelled from Richmond to Port Alberni for a tank of gas and of course I had the choice on the ferry to be first on and first off. The fare was $25 for the VV and nothing for me (seniors rates--- free); Lesley had to pay $52 for the Ford Explorer.
Lesley thinks that I should call these columns with the VV “Man about Town.” Ha, ha!
Any questions? E-mail me at nsilverstone@telus.net or see me online at www.silverstonephotos.com.
Norman Silverstone teaches photography through North Island College and Eldercollege in Port Alberni.