Thanks so much @dswigle! The difference between the boulders and mountains is merely a matter of perspective. If the sea level were to drop we would discover that all of Vancouver Island is just a little plateau on the slopes of Cascade mountain chain.

That final shot is from a strange angle with a long lens that really distorts perspective. The distance from the lit-up dome on the left to the cranes on the right is several miles - and the ocean cuts across the scene twice between those two points, but it's completely invisible. Those cranes are on the navy base... there's an ocean there!

Thanks again for all your support, Denise :)