Back in 2020 I published My Desert Island photos, a post inspired by the the institution that is BBC’s Desert Island Disks. In the time between that post and now I have taken many photos that I would happily include in an updated list of my eight favourites. To make my job just that little bit easier, I have limited my choice for this post to photos taken in 2025. The main inclusion criteria, aside from the pictures being aesthetically easy on the eye, is their capacity to elicit fond memories for years to come.

So without further ado…

Sunset at Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, BC

In September my girlfriend and I spent three days exploring Ucluelet and Tofino (you can read about our trip here). While there, we took a late afternoon walk on the white sands of Wickaninnish Beach, and were rewarded with an amazing sunset. We both took lots of photos that afternoon, but this one is definitely my favourite.

Cascade Crest 100: Nearing the summit of Thorpe Mountain, and The Finish Line hug

I was one of the lucky few to be drawn from the lottery to do the 2025 edition of the Cascade Crest 100, a beautiful and tough 100 mile race centred around the Cascade Mountain range in Washington State (You can read my race report here). Being able to finish this iconic race and share it with my dear friend Sharon meant an enormous amount. I’m incredibly grateful for Takao Suzuki for taking the photo of my dishevelled self near the top of Thorpe Mountain (what an amazing view!), and to Ben Wentz for capturing what was an incredibly emotional finish line moment.

Japanese garden, Royal Roads university

At least once a day you will find me either running or walking among the centuries old Douglas Fir Trees in Royal Roads University, which sits within the grounds and gardens of the Hatley Park National Historic site. This particular photo of the Japanese Garden was taken on a mid-afternoon walk in early fall. Rather than reflecting any photographic talent, the beauty captured here was more simply a case of right place, right time, and maybe even the right smart phone camera : )

.Winter surfing at Long Beach, Tofino, BC

I imagine when most people think of Christmas in Canada they think of freezing cold winter days and lots of snow and ice…not surfing! This picture, taken at Long Beach on Christmas Day, captures the moment when I and members of my girlfriend’s family take our first few steps into the bitterly cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. While I got nowhere near to standing up, I had an absolute blast catching waves in what is a truly unique west coast experience.

Winter at Scafe Hill, Highlands, BC

One of my favourite training runs is the 7 peaks run, which includes sections in the Thetis Lake, Mount Work, Gowlland Todd and Goldstream Regional parks. This shot was taken at the top of Scafe Hill, where the views are always a just reward for the steep climb up. A rare snow day in early February made the vista just that extra bit special.

View of Sunshine Beach, Noosa National Park, Qld.

It was just meant to be a lazy, short afternoon walk on the sandy trails of Noosa National Park to the wide open expanses of Alexandra Bay beach. It turned into a four hour hike that finished just before dusk at the always magnificent Sunshine Beach. Just one of those really special summer afternoons.

Sunset on Saturna Island

In July my girlfriend and I spent a weekend biking around the beautiful Saturna Island. At the end of what was a hard, but very fun first day of exploring, we treated ourselves to a drink and dessert at the Saturna Island Lighthouse Pub. We spent over an hour sitting on the deck outside reflecting on our day’s adventures and indulging in yet another beautiful west coast sunset. Take me back there now!