Daybreak

Daybreak at Bowser on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

 .... and an often present Bald Eagle

Most days - morning and afternoon - groups of sea lions would drift by on their way up to Comox Harbour and beyond, with flippers above water 

(almost waving, I kid myself, but read that their flippers absorb whatever warmth - in winter?! - is in the air and this helps to regulate their body temperature).

Some days I counted up to 30 sea lions, and their approaching

"voices" as they neared the front of the property regularly brought me running

A couple of times I braved sitting on this well-positioned bench seat

but as temperatures were often below 5C between Dec - Feb, it wasn't a regular choice !  On this day rain/fog/mist hid the wonderful view across to those magnificent Coastal Range Mountains on the BC mainland.

Wishing all a safe and happy weekend as I link in with

Skywatch Friday

Adventures in Canada

Arrived home (Adelaide, South Australia) a few days ago, after another wonderful adventure on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in Canada - this time for an amazing 3 months.

Since it wasn't easy for me to post photos to my blog site, thought I would begin playing "catch up" now. 

It was Summer when I arrived in Comox - 26C 

 Sunset from Goose Spit a narrow waterfront park at one end of Comox Harbour

 Comox Lake and Glacier

 Entrance to nearby Lazo Marsh woods

 One of several trails through the woods

 Another section of the trail

 I continue to be fascinated by the erectness and height of the trees!

 Signage at the entrance

 A pair of Bald Eagles adjacent to Lazo Beach

 A pretty growth of Poppies on a property fronting the beach

I anticipate resuming regular blog posts again, so you too (hopefully) can share in the delights of Vancouver Island, BC

With appreciation to the faithful team who keep

Our World Tuesday

up and running !

Sand, Sea & Sky

The homeward journey to South Australia from Victoria - 

along the magnificent Great Ocean Road.

Looking across Bass Strait towards Tasmania.

 Wishing all a wonderful, safe and blessed weekend

as I join up with Skywatch Friday

Missing Canada

It's now nine months since my return from a 2-month house sit in the Comox Valley

on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia in Canada.

The experience has left an indelible imprint on my heart. While being very grateful for having had the opportunity to enjoy the island and its beauty on not one, or two, but three occasions,

it continues to beckon (especially at this time of the year when they are heading into Winter and here in South Australia we are bearing up under temperatures in the high 30sC!).

Until my next visit in the middle of 2018, sorting, reviewing and preparing a photobook of that last trip will feed my yearning to be there!

If you've not travelled to that part of the world, perhaps the following shots will give you a taste of life in the land of the maple leaf ......

A juvenile bald eagle

Just one section of the Vancouver Island Ranges

Just a rural barn

A place for contemplation at Lazo Beach

The rugged shoreline along the ocean side of Goose Spit

A magnificent mature Bald Eagle

Englishman River Falls

This scene takes my breath away every time I see it - Vancouver city is dwarfed by the spectacular Rocky Mountains

This young deer was grazing in my friend's back garden

Don't think the owner will be taking the boat out any time soon!

The place to buy fresh fish and prawns

Great meals, inviting ambience and fabulous views from this pub!

An American Robin

Well, that might suffice for today - hope you enjoyed the journey.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and

Outdoor Wednesday with grateful thanks to the hosts of both sites.

Herring Run

I'm told that, once a year Herring come into the shores of Vancouver Island's east coast to spawn, resulting in this amazing transformation of the sea colour to emerald green.

(Sadly, strong winds and no tripod resulted in this far from good shot, but at least you can get an idea of the colour! - and yes, I will get rid of that date imprint!)

 

Of course the seagulls arrived in their multitudes too, to capitalise on the opportunity

of food (the fishing boats provide a feast at this time!)

 

 2 days later with calmer conditions

Below you can see the sea lions waving flippers above the water's surface:  I am informed that, in doing so, their flippers absorb warmth from the sun and so regulate their body temperature - amazing!

and here are scores more sea lions doing just that

A keen photographer!

Joining up with Our World Tuesday,

thanking the team for hosting

and also praying for those around the world impacted by terrorist activities.



Day's End

Escaping the day's heat at a local beach in time to catch the sun setting

 

The ever-changing sky painted an extraordinary canvas of swirling colours

 

 Hordes of people were similarly cooling off - families having picnics on the lawns, others strolling at the water's edge, still more playing beach volleyball and some

just walking the dog

 

Although the wide variety of amazing treats inside this establishment were very tempting,

a delicately flavoured ice-cream did the trick!

. . . while on the other side of the sky, the melon-shaped moon was making

its presence evident

and a week or two ago I spotted this from my garden  (is it any wonder I continue to have the "travel bug" !?)

With continuing thanks to the respective hosts, I am joining the throngs contributing to

Skywatch Friday and

Weekend Reflection

Sunrise in B.C.

Sunrise in Trincomali Channel, taken from the ferry running between Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on mainland British Columbia

 

 while in another part of the sky, the moon was clearly reluctant to leave !

 

 

 

Thankfully we didn't need to use this craft !

 



Passing scenery

 

 

Joining in the fun at Skywatch Friday

with thanks to Yogi and the team.