Winter in Queensland? What winter?

It may be winter here in Australia, but here in SE Queensland we have been spoiled beyond belief with endless days around 20 degrees, chilly nights (5 degrees) and a tolerable Ocean temp of 18-20 degrees. Did I mention plenty of soothing sunshine? It has been the perfect weather for fitting in outside jobs around the yard and getting in tonnes of fresh air while the sun is up. If these are the 'dark days of winter', then I can't think of a better place to call home. Get up, get out & don't forget your camera. Hopefully we will see you out there...SUP :)

gt

Summer & Currumbin Beach, Qld Australia

As February slips away as quickly as a high school crush, I can't help but ask myself if I have made the most of this summer. Granted there have been epic days, such as the morning this young dolphin escorted me up Currumbin Creek, and made me smile for hours, but it hasn't been a 'summer-to-remember'....at least not yet. In a bid to savour the last couple of months of the Australian summer I am making a conscious effort to ask myself EVERYDAY, 'did I do at least one thing today, that made me smile?'....something to remember, something to cherish? I know that before too long, the cooler autumn months will be upon us and I very much want to look back on this summer and take solace knowing that I lived everyday to the fullest. You should join me....

gt

Melbourne Christmas 2010

There is something magical about getting lost in an unfamiliar city. Melbourne was just the elixir I needed, and impressed me to no end. I stumbled upon Tilly and her man in the back alleys of Flinder's lane and they very kindly allowed me to photograph them (thx you two!) The graffiti, people and cafes do not disappoint. I wish you all an incredible 2011 and may at least one of your 'near & dear' dreams come very true!

gt

2010 wrap up...

I would like to wish all of my friends and family a safe and Merry Christmas. 2010 has been a memorable year for so many reasons. I was rocked by a car accident, touched by the kind nature of the Burmese people and inspired by people I don't even know from all corners of the world. I haven't quite settled into the predominant 'communication by technology' era and find that I often yearn to have face-to-face catch-ups...but alas, it seems that it is the way of the future as we all collectively wrap ourselves up in our technological cocoons and bid adieu more and more to daily social interaction. There is something to be said for a spontaneous meeting over a well-steeped cup of tea and I gently suggest that all of you find more time to do this. Make someone's day: ring them, meet them and inspire them...it will make your heart soar and the person you made time for will not forget it.

May 2011 be full of magic and peace. L.O.V.E.

gt

Burmese Days

Mingalarba!

I have just returned from some time in Burma. The country and particularly the people, far exceeded any expectations I may have harboured prior to going. If you have the opportunity to go, I can't recommend it enough. Should you feel as though your 'tourism' dollars are only supporting the military junta, don't. External tourism dollars represent less than 5% of revenue streams and if you are a savvy traveller, then your hard earned money goes straight into the pockets of the 'ma & pa' business you just supported. 3 weeks would have been best. (Brisbane to Bangkok, to Rangoon, to Bagan, to Mandalay, to Heho.....and return).

gt

Spring is in the air...

As the sun does it's seasonal shift to the southern hemisphere we are starting to enjoy warmer mornings, stunning sunny afternoons and of late we have been treated to some awe inspiring star-filled night skies. Mornings have been spent at Currumbin Alley enjoying the company of some great new friends, inviting water temperatures and mastering the art of the oh-so-tricky SUP. Often as I arrive at the Ocean in the wee hours of the morning I think of the provocative (and my personal favourite) quote that was shared with me so many years ago.

"“All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea -- whether it is to sail or to watch it -- we are going back from whence we came.”

-John F. Kennedy, Speech given at Newport at the dinner before the America's Cup Races, September 1962

Peace, gt

August already!

...when your heart speaks to you, pay really close attention...

last day of Autumn....

June 1st tomorrow, and the weather is certainly reflecting that! It has been going down to 10 at night and struggling to hit the mid 20's during the day. Now, 10 degrees at night might not seem too cold, but when you dont have central heating or baseboard heating, it gets pretty nippy. Here's to a safe and happy June to you...................gt

As we put March 2010 into the history books, I must say: 'what a month'! On March 2nd around 2200 I was hit head on by a speeding driver. My car was a total write off and I am only now, almost one month later starting to feel as though I am making progress. One day at a time, be grateful, stay well....
gt

Gold Coast skyline 2010

The Gold Coast in SE Queensland is Australia's version of Florida. An endless series of canals, waterways, ocean, sunshine and sand............beautiful one day, perfect the next! Come visit! The weather is superb and lots of focus on health and fitness :)
stay well, gt

Aussie Open 2010 !

Federer versus Murray! This should be one for the ages! I hate seeing Roger lose, but with that said, I am going for Murray to win his first major in this one. Go Andy!

Australian Open 2010

Go Jo-Wilfried Tsonga!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Australia Day!

Wishing everyone a Happy Australia Day and I hope you are having a great summer! Too bad about Lleyton Hewitt last night, but Federer is just too good! Stay safe, grant

Happy New Year!

May 2010 bring you only the best. Raise a glass to our health, wealth and happiness....and always, always be grateful.

grant

Season's Greetings!

Hello! As we close in on Christmas 2009, I can't help but be taken aback at how quickly this year went by. Cliche? Yup. But really it did. 10 years have passed now since the uber-hyped Y2K scare even. Seems hard to believe!

Indeed the years start to freefall away. We barter our youth for wisdom in a never-ending pursuit to stay young, healthy and active. But in the immortal words of the Rolling Stones: 'time waits for no one'. So, if excuses and fear have held you back in 2009, or in the last decade- then make 2010 a BIG year. The start of a new decade and a clean canvas to create. Dont wait, 'cause time's not!

Go on......give 'er!

Merry Christmas and Peace

grant

Bruce Lessor

Bruce passed away at 11:15am MST on Monday, August 17 in Golden, B.C.
Godspeed Bruce, you were a legend long before you died and will live on in our hearts forever.
Miss you.
Grant

godspeed bruce....we love ya man

A Letter to Bruce Lessor as his courageous cancer journey comes to an end

Dear Bruce,

I read the news today. oh boy.

My heart is heavy and I can’t stop the slideshow in my head. When we first met in the Alberta Room in 1981, I was a server and you were running the bar that serviced all of us on the floor. I had come from Vancouver and you from Ontario. You had been through a lot already in life. Many things come to mind but most certainly your accident that left you with two broken legs and the inability to walk comes quickly to mind. I sometimes ponder if that near catastrophic, life-changing disaster is what made you the man you are. What made you not say ‘seize the day’….but do it. Day after day after day. Best day ever. To become the extraordinary skier you have become after that accident is one thing. But to become the son, husband, father, friend, mentor that you are, is quite another.

You took us under your wing from day 1. Man did we use to laugh as we broke all hotel rules and ‘loitered at the service bar’ listening to your crazy stories about crazy friends and even crazier times-growing up in the shadow of Toronto in the 70’s. You remember Bruce…Murdoch, Ed Wells, Kevin Knickerbocker, Grant Mononen, Peter Gray, Jimmy Ward, Kenji Katayama and on and on. You had us as your captive audience shift after shift- and we loved you Bruce. You were smooth. You were a true, old school gentle soul with tact and strategy few of us had ever seen. In your black and whites, bow tie and, of course trademark moustache-you were a king, in the castle called the Banff Springs. Throughout the Springs’ in the 80’s everyone knew and loved you. It didn’t matter if it was Ralph the garbage man or Pierre at the bell desk -you had time for everyone. A solid case for why you were ALWAYS late. Those days at the Springs’ in the 80’s were the best. It’s when Donny became 'Bobo', Dave became 'the Weeb', Mark was christened 'Whacko', the late Denny Bartlett was very 'Bitchin', not to mention Dano, Buzz, Skid, Punker, Lenny, The Big Guy, Zippy, Openhead, Bunhead, Ray, Pumpkinhead, Heavy, Mo, Coop, Youth and hundreds more...simply epic times they were.

The Badcats emerged-led by 'sweet pete ouellet', we modified our annex rooms reminiscent of an episode of ‘pimp my ride’, tray-boganned, had fire circle parties, formed lifelong friendships, celebrated Christmas in July, rode, skied, hiked and partied-like it was 1999-every day. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

It’s like it was yesterday Bruce, and all our troubles were indeed so far away.

When work ended, the real fun began. Akin to the pied piper, we would depart our annex rooms and do the nightly walk downtown. Without fail, people would stop you EVERY time. To chat, have a yarn, say hello. We use to tease you that you could have been Mayor. And you always said the same thing: ‘guysssssssssss, be nice’-jeez.’….and we’d all burst out laughing. Silver City for a tray of black Russians, the King Eddy to see Steve King for a tray of draft, the Cascade for some perogies in the back and a tray of draft from ol’ bruce, Mels to see Church & Ralph and later Sidestreet to see PK, Chang, Longhurst & Stanley.

On skis you were graceful, rhythmic and confident. You were home. I am certain that you have spent more time in ski boots than in all other footwear combined. I think one of your proudest moments in skiing was making the cover of Powder. It hung prominently in your home, your Olympic gold. You were so proud and we were all so proud to call you a good friend and to ski with you every day. You discovered your passion and talent early on and more importantly shared it with all of us. I will never forget you leaving the Barbary Coast for a quick break to run and pick up ‘tomorrows skis’ from Gus. You came back with a pair of ‘tuned to perfection’ 225’s that towered over you like trees and you said: “gt, check these bad boys out”, and your smile beamed as bright as can be, as you imagined the schooling you would give them the next day.
And Bruce, boy could you ski. From your work with Ray and Billy ski modeling, numerous Powder 8 competitions, every fun race one could ever sign up for (race for the sun, dash for cash, mountain smokers, bozo cups, kahlua cups and many more)- through to thousands of endless days of free skiing with all of us- you loved to ski and did so, seemingly effortlessly. Thank you for brightening up so many car rides, traverses, chairlift rides, and the best ride of all: the run down. You left it all on the mountain each day. We know because you were usually asleep before we got to Laggans! Best day ever Bruce. Best day ever.

You loved soccer too, and you were an amazing player and mentor. For almost 20 years you were the ‘minister of defense’. Usually partnered with Pete 'lenny' Gray, you never missed a game. Some of my fondest memories are of all of us playing soccer. From the late Mikey Saunders, to Walti, Marcel, Benny, Higgins, Big Lou, Dave Smalley, Harv, Tommy 'freight-train' O’Connor, Timmy-Joe and so many more- soccer was how we spent many Sundays together. World Cup every four years was a special time for you too…as you, the tv and the couch would reacquaint yourselves with the love of the game.

But you also loved motorcycles… almost as much. I will never forget being a passenger on your bike when we went for a quick trip to Castle and back. As we passed yet another vehicle, the bike’s tires ‘shimmied’ as we crossed the slick white lines and I thought we were goners. I held on tight-er and you went even faster. When we arrived at the quarry, you were beaming with adrenaline and I was just glad to have made it. That is how you lived Bruce. You rode a fine line, it is where you said you felt most alive.

You also were so passionate about dogs. In the many apartments and houses we shared- you always had a dog. The most vivid memory though is of Dano and I babysitting Kita when she literally became frozen in a ‘lovemaking’ position with another dog in our front yard on Marten St. Dano and I panicked and called you at work. You said: ‘ ya,no biggie guys....happens all the time. Just get a bucket of water and pour it over them. That should melt the frozen link and the dogs should be able to separate’. We hung up the phone, executed your instructions, and were overjoyed that it worked! We laughed for days about Kita’s mayhem she had caused!

But most of all you loved your family and friends. I recall clearly a winter day in the 80’s when you were super excited. Your parents were coming for a visit the next day! The excitement and pride in your eyes was enormous. The next day as we worked, you toured your proud Mum and Dad around the Springs, stopping to introduce them to your many many friends. You were dressed in nice trousers and a button down shirt because it was a very special occasion for you to have your folks visiting. So for hours and hours you slowly made your way around, showing them every nook of the castle and of course stopping to introduce them to everyone. It is hard to tell who was more proud- your parents seeing you ‘so settled’ or you having the parents you loved so much with you, meeting all of your friends.

Many years later, the precursor to your marriage became the day you said to me at the Barbary: ‘gt, wait til you meet Lucie’s friend, M.F. -she just arrived from Quebec, she’s a little hottie bud’, and you made a sort of ‘grrrrrowl’ and smiled- like only you can. When M.F. started working at the Barbary, history proceeded to write itself. You are the perfect couple with the perfect daughter and you live a life steeped in love, authenticity and friendship.

I will also never forget mountain biking out around Minnewanka. You and I were the last 2 out of 6, very spread out and as I rounded a bend a cougar stood on the trail staring at me. I dismounted and kept my bike between me and the huge cat. I called your name out loud, over and over. Sure enough as you came around the corner the cat bolted and you stopped. I was white with fear and you said, ‘hey bud, you didn’t have to wait for me’. I proceeded to tell you the story and after a few minutes we burst out laughing, again, grateful to be alive. Bruce, you were passionate about cycling and while all of us lazed away our time on Maui you did things like race to the top of Haleakala on the hottest day ever, (with a borrowed bicycle no less) and versus world champion cyclists. It wasn't ever about the bike though, was it Bruce?

You were right on the edge, and you could not have been happier.

No one in all of Banff had the ability to fall asleep anywhere-anytime like you Bruce. From the many many couches you happily rode, to thousands of car rides back from the lake- you could sleep amidst any amount of noise, music and talking. You were so at peace with yourself and left everything on the mountain, soccer pitch and dance floor that when it was time to sleep, you simply slept. It didn’t matter where you were.

You loved your music too. Almost as much as your love of sport. How many thousands of times did you return home from skiing, only to find a motorcycle race, soccer game, movie or album on that glued you to the couch for hours. We used to laugh so hard when we would come to get you to go out and it would be 11pm and you would be out cold on the couch- still in your ski gear. ‘Lets go Lessor!’… We would taunt. 'Beeeeee nice guyz. I am coming…..just wait'

So, yes I read the news today Brucie and I am heartbroken and sad. You are a king to us and always will be: in our hearts, memories and thoughts. Your ability to love and be loved transcended all and you are the kindest man we know.

Each and every friend of yours has a similar slideshow that they cherish. Take solace knowing we all hold those memories forever in our hearts.

Thank you Bruce, we will never ever ever ever forget you, love grant

“We’ve been through some things together,
these trunks of memories I still recall,
we found things to do in stormy weather,
long may you run”

“Long may you run,
although these changes have come,
with your chrome heart shining
in the sun,
long may you run”

Neil Young, 'Long May You Run'

way too soon…………………………………………….August 10, 2009

Facebook or blog??

hello!

My apologies for not updating the blog for over a month. The reason is that I have been enjoying the capabilities of Facebook to showcase my photos. It is much easier, faster and presentable. I resisted for a very long time- not really a fan of the 'social' websites but I am often frustrated by the program that drives this blogsite, particularly the size of the photos that they display after I upload them. They are just too small and I feel it often doesnt do the photographs justice. I assume the reason being is that blogs are really more of a vehicle for text, not graphics. So if you havent joined facebook- you should. I can be found be typing in grant.trammell

I will still update my blog, but the length of time it takes to put photos on here is about 20 times longer than on Facebook, so I will constantly change my welcome photo but at this point cant see uploading multiple photos on this blog. But............never say never.

Stay well.

See you on facebook

gt

Biggest Queensland Storm in 35 years!

Hello!

I trust this update finds you well and having a few laughs along the way. Winter is settling into the Gold Coast now. With that, come overnight temperatures of sometimes as low as 10 degrees, daytimes high never more than 23 degrees and BIG, BIG STORMS! This past week saw the worst storm in 35 years pass through. The beaches remain closed and the erosion is tragic. Spanning the entire 22 kms of this portion of the east coast of Queensland, sand was swept out to sea at alarming rates. Most beaches now have a wall of sand separating Ocean level from beachgoers by as much as 15 feet. You walk towards the Ocean on sand for a few feet and suddenly you come upon a huge drop, down to Ocean level. It is this wall that runs for kilometers in all directions. This was the result of massive 18 foot waves, pounding swell and king tides. It was HUGE. The winds were viscious and some souls were lost in a few bizarre accidents. Absolutely crazy. Rainfall amounts eclipsed records and it didn't stop for a couple of days. Many areas remain flooded and cutoff from civiliation and normal day to day living. So from my perspective the only good that came from all the rain is that local reservoirs are near full for the first time in many, many years. Along with that came official word from the government that the long, ten year drought is officially over- at least in this part of Australia. As you know from the recent bushfires, many areas of this great country are still tinder-box dry. It wasn't until the 4th day of the storm that I was able to venture out and take a few photos of it. Driving was tricky, and the salty seaspray ruins cameras! Anyway, enjoy the photos. They are a little to tricky to see, but the blog doesn't allow me to make them any bigger. (With that said, should you want to see the detail you can click on any of the actual photos and they usually go to a large format) You might want to do that to one of the kitesurfers shots as the waves were big and made for a cool background. The kite-surfers were flying sometimes 40 feet high into the air. They launch off of the waves and their kites lift them up and deposit them huge distances away from where they launched- sometimes hundreds of feet. It is AMAZING to watch and one can't help but want to try it. After watching the one kitesurfer lose his board in mid air tho, I decided probably best spectating this sport. The boards they use are mini surf board with fins and foot straps. I cant imagine being 30-40 feet up in the air and my board flying off. So then you land amongst the waves and currents attached to a very large kite and have to swim to your board, which you think you see, and try and keep your many lines untangled. Unreal. Kitesurfing is also an extremely photogenic sport. Their sails (kites) are very colourful and there is no shortage of action. On some days there can be up to a dozen out at a time and I wonder how they manage to not get tangled in one anothers sail lines. Good fun.

In the jet ski images, the shots that show it getting air, there are 3 people on board it! I couldn't believe that. I was shocked to see them launch off of a massive wave and lose all 3 passengers in mid-air! The Ocean was still very big and unsettled from the storm and the 3 seemed to really struggle to swim back to the jetski. After some purposeful swimming- not for the faint hearted- they climbed back aboard and did it again and again. That's it for now-stay well and take it easy.

Grant

Birds of Colour

Hello to all!

Hi and I hope you are having a great start to May! As the seasons change, (and due to the unavailability of bears!) I have continued my fascination with bird photography. One of the more dramatic and colourful aspects of living in Australia is the fantastic variety of bird life. With no frost or cool temperatures in much of Australia the birds are prominent year 'round. All of them appear extremely colourful and in great abundance. From the tiny honey-eater chicks I captured days after they hatched to the mighty king parrots that shock you with their trusting, intelligent nature, I am in awe of them all.

As graceful and mysterious as the great Osprey of Alberta were that I photographed a couple of years back, it is hard to not be impressed with the bird life here in Australia.

Stay well, I hope you enjoy the shots above.....Regards, Grant

Bears are Amazing

Hello!

At this time of year, as I sit in the warm sun of an autumn morning in Queensland- my mind wanders back to the magic of spring in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. For many years our favorite pastime in spring was to head out before dusk on what we deemed 'bear safaris'. We often found none. Sometimes though, we were treated to memorable encounters! The pictures above reflect some of these. There is nothing like coming across bears in their natural environment- particularly when cubs are 'in tow'! Usually we were in the safe confines of a vehicle, however one encounter left us shaken. We had gone to the great divide- running along the spine of the Rockies, where water coming down the mountains literally splits -some going west to eventually drain in the Pacific Ocean and some going east to make the longer journey to Hudsons Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. On this occasion there was no water running and I sensed something just wasn't quite right. As we turned to walk back down the path, a sub adult grizzly appeared silent beside us. I immediately told my girlfriend to go and get in the car. She replied, 'uh....we came by motorcycle hun'! Oh yah, I thought- what now!!!??? Thankfully the grizzly was not interested in us and walked in the other direction! We were shaken, speechless and silent. It could have been such a different ending to the story!

I hope you enjoy these shots.

Respect the planet......Grant

sunrise sunset

I have a thing for sunrises and sunsets. Lots of us do- you know who you are! There is simply something magical about them, particularly when accompanied by dramatic colours and cloud formation. From the praries of Alberta to the spritual magic of Noosa in Queensland, Kihei on Maui and on to the serenity of Orange, N.S.W., for as long as I can remember I have been inspired by natures start and finish to each day. It is such a fitting way to start each day and whenever possible bid it farewell.

Try and fit time in for one or both each day, it's worth it and you'll be glad you did.

stay well, grant