October 15th, 2017
WOW! We literally got overrun with simply impressive photo and video contest submissions. THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPANTS for capturing all those special moments that show the uniqueness of the places we are fortunate to discover, explore and paddle each summer.
With so many incredible entries, we asked for some outside help in deciding the winners. Our thanks to local photographer Phil Stone of Wildisle Publishing and photographer/videographer David Hartman of Hayfire Media for their guest judge appearances! Everyone involved found a few images (or more!) that spoke to them, so even with professional help from Phil and David it wasn’t easy. There were great wildlife sightings, amazing landscapes and so many personal moments with stories to tell.
Below are our selections for winners this year. Thank you for a sharing an amazing 20th season with us & please enjoy looking through the winners’ photo and videos below! Stay tuned to our Facebook page and Instagram feed as we post other finalists and special mentions over the coming weeks.
PHOTOS
Grand Prize Winner
“Moonstar” by Mike Patten (USA)
“… As we rounded a corner we encountered this magnificent humpback lunge feeding. The whale gave us a “tail wave” as it prepared for a deep dive. Water cascaded off its tail producing a brief but amazing waterfall. We were able to identify the whale as ‘Moonstar’ after comparing its tail markings with the MERS catalog back at camp.”
*Wins a credit of $1000 towards a next tour with us.
Second Prize Winner
MT. Denman by Chris Susel (CA)
“The majestic beauty of Desolation Sound. Chris managed to capture the dramatic peak of Mt. Denman in a way that few have before.”
*Wins 1-night accommodation & dinner for two at the Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island.
Third Prize Winner
Reflection by Tom Bartlett (UK)
“The reflection, the clouds and being in the middle made the photo on our Johnstone Strait Expedition.”
*Wins 1-night accommodation at the Heriot Bay Inn for two on Quadra Island.
VIDEOS
Grand Prize Winner | Johan Rampen (CH)
“My special Moment? There were too many to name so, I made a video!” 🙂
*Wins a credit of $1000 towards a next tour with us.
Second Prize Winner | Karen Fritz (CA)
“Sister Trip 2017. My sister and I live in different countries. My home has snow. Her home has fog and salt air. She works on an island making it look beautiful. I work in a power plant to keep the lights on. We meet up once or twice a year to hike, swim, surf, kayak or sit beside a pool. This trip was special as it was honouring my dad, who passed away in 2014. He loved the outdoors and wildlife. Thank you, Spirit of the West Adventures for making this trip perfect and special for us.”
*Wins 1-night accommodation and a dinner for two at the Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island.
Third Prize Winner | by Liana Prouzos (AUS)
“My special moment was while kayaking at sunset in Johnstone Strait, no boats, no noise just the serenity. As the sun went down we were fortunate enough to experience Bioluminescence.”
*Wins 1-night accommodation at the Heriot Bay Inn for 2 on Quadra Island.
