Week One - January 22-Jan 31 2021
Project, stream information: projects.evdokimoff.com
During the work-week, the morning chorus begins about 7:00 am with the rise in traffic noise and the beginning of construction near the south-east corner of False Creek. The operator of the first ferry of the day arrives and opens the gate to the neighbouring dock. Over the course of the day we hear their motors as they pass, followed by the splashing of their wake against the dock.
Birds begin to arrive as the sun comes up: Canada geese, gulls and crows. Flocks of crows arrive from the east to spend the day in the trees directly across the water. Gulls or geese may perch on the deck house roof keeping a watchful eye on the activity below. Sea ducks also frequent the area.
We've had a lot of rain the first week of the residency, heard falling on the roof of the deck house as well as the deck of the dock.
The traffic and construction noise, punctuated with sirens and aircraft, can be oppressive at times.
The number of people passing through the immediate area seems to be regulated by the weather. If its raining, its quiet. One hears the ferry coming and going, mostly empty of passengers. When the weather clears, people begin to flock to the seawall. They often stop by the small parkette directly to the west of the cabin.
Nightfall comes early to Vancouver this time of year, presently around 5:00 pm. The crows begin to vacate the trees as dusk approaches. The evenings tend to be quiet. Nevertheless, various groups of rowers and outriggers use False Creek as a training ground in the early part of the evening. Occasionally we hear the calls of a coach boat encouraging the paddlers. Street people, often in couples, may look to the parkette as a place to spend the night.
On the weekend, we enjoyed a break from the construction and traffic. With the lower noise floor it seems that there is more waterfowl activity. Even with the cold rain, joggers, walkers and cyclists came to the seawall. On Saturday, surf skiers followed by rowers raced and trained on the water. On Sunday I set up a test mic inside the cabin while I was assisting Pippa with the piano set-up.
