English Bay Beach
June 17, 2006 | 8 p.m.

I actually took this shot myself and I'm pretty proud of it, even if it's crooked and so dark that you can't make out my face. I was down on English Bay Beach in Vancouver on the eve of my birthday, watching the sunset when I decided to experiment with my camera's self-timer. I raised and steadied my camera on a small pile of rocks I'd gathered then let the timer rip.

This is one of the spots that makes Vancouver a most magical place. In the distance, tankers are anchored in English Bay awaiting their turn to enter port. You can't see it, but not far offshore is Vancouver Island, the biggest island on the west coast of North America.