A Sunday stroll with my queers art collective

 July 6th, 2025 — A Day Painted in People, Color, and Light

By Olivia – The Hikers Photography

This morning started off in a way I didn’t quite expect—but exactly how I needed. I woke up a little later than usual, letting myself lean into the rest my body was clearly asking for. As I brewed my first cup of coffee, the sky outside was grey and heavy with cloud. It looked like it might be one of those moody West Coast days, but there was a calmness to it that I welcomed.

Still, something shifted. Maybe it was the caffeine kicking in, or maybe it was the quiet excitement of knowing I’d be wearing my brand-new shirt—embroidered with The Hikers Photography logo. That one small thing gave me a real lift, a sense of purpose and pride that today might just be something special.

I headed into town with French toast on my mind, gathering eggs, milk, cinnamon—everything needed to make the perfect batch for the Queer Coffee Morning at the centre. And while we shared warm food and warmer company, I got some amazing news:

✨ My website is officially LIVE and searchable on Google! ✨

No tricks—just search thehikersphotography (all one word, no spaces), and there I am. A real, deep-breath moment. This dream I’ve built is growing roots. And with your help—your clicks, shares, and visits—it can reach even further.

If you’re reading this blog, thank you. Keep coming back. Spread the word. Share the beauty. Maybe even take one of my photos home—something that reminds you to slow down and look closer at the world beneath your feet.

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Just before noon, Landon arrived and helped whip up even more delicious food, sharing good vibes and even better company. Afterward, I was determined to find the Collective Art mural event I’d heard about. I’d been told it was on Harston, so I treated myself to a stop at Bigfoot Donuts—a well-deserved pizza pretzel and a curler donut (a rare sugar moment for me!).

But Harston turned out to be a wild goose chase. I drove in circles, totally lost, laughing at how me it was to be off track while chasing down a creative moment. Eventually, after reaching out and getting the correct info, I made it. And wow—what a gift that was.

The energy at the event was electric. So many beautiful, expressive queer people gathered—painting, creating, existing so freely. I snapped photos while they worked, watching their art and their stories unfold. In some cases, their brush strokes were inspired by my photos—and in turn, my photos were inspired by them. Art meeting art. Soul meeting soul.

The heat of the afternoon begged for water, so we wandered down to Puntledge Park, cooled off in the river, and just floated. It was medicine. A moment to reset. Then, of course, I went and  stopped for a quick guilty-pleasure McDonald’s run—fueling up before diving back into the creative whirlpool.

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And after dinner, something even more special unfolded.

I got the chance to really dive into the heart of the art community here in the Comox Valley—and let me tell you, it’s a beautiful world. I met more passionate, kind, and wildly talented souls who are creating just for the love of it. And that’s where I met Leah rosehill—an artist whose work I already unknowingly admired.

She’s the creative behind the stunning fired mushroom mugs I’ve been dreaming of having in my future home. Even better? I found out she’s also the one who makes those fired ceramic snails that have quietly captured my heart and many others as well. Learning that felt like finding the artist behind a favorite song. And now, I get to call her a friend. Leah is genuine, warm, and one of those rare people who feels like light.

And then—like watching a story come alive—I got to stand and witness the mural in motion. Landon, Rachel, and a few other talented hands and hearts were bringing it to life, one vibrant brushstroke at a time. Seeing it form—layer by layer, color by color—was deeply moving. It reminded me why I document what I do: because these moments are magic, and they deserve to be remembered.

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On my way home, the day still wasn’t done giving.

Driving the old highway toward Black Creek, the sky started showing off. The sunset tugged at my focus—deep reds and purples washing across the trees. I pulled over near a school, grabbed my camera, and began to shoot. First with my smaller lens, then—when the moon rose—I switched to my 600mm to catch its bold glow, high and silver above it all.

Turning back toward the horizon, I changed my settings and shot the sunset as it reached its peak: the clouds turned fiery and fierce, casting a red so vibrant it felt unreal. The trees glistened in that final light, and I stood there, fully present, heart wide open. This is what it’s all about. Catching the second that would otherwise pass by unseen.

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As I sit here now—tired, grateful, and more grounded than when I woke up—I realize just how full today was. Full of meaning. Full of detours that led to connection. Full of people who gave me something just by being themselves.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you.

If a photo of mine ever stirs something in you, I’d be honored if you brought it home. That’s how I keep doing this work. That’s how the stories get shared, and how the next adventure begins.

Until next time,

Olivia

The Hikers Photography

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