All posts by Gill Lilly

Wednesday 8th June Saysutshun/Newcastle Island

Woke to a beautiful day and these two herons fishing in the creek.

Off to Saysutshun with our picnic to encounter this fella blocking the road. Thought this morning I hadn’t got a pic of a culture and here he was!

Just for you Laura!

Some views from the Island.

These 3 juvenile bald eagles were enjoying soaring in the wind.

Float plane landing

Some wildlife

This ant’snest was enormous
Banana slug – yuk
Anna’s hummingbird

Just at the end of the walk saw this otter

Bit disappointed that we didn’t see the raccoons digging for their lunch while we had our picnic but maybe next time.

Tuesday 4th June Parksville, French Creek, Beachcomber Park

Not a good end to the day yesterday when the internet wasn’t working and then next door complained about the noise of our chairs on the balcony. I worried we wouldn’t be able to use the balcony without upsetting them. Needless to say I got no sleep.

Beautiful morning. Managed to sort out yesterday’s blog by using the Pacific Shores internet in their comfy and spacious lounge.

Then off to the pharmacy to get a new battery toothbrush as mine was broken. Also bought some chocs for the couple next door to apologise for upsetting them. Next stop Doehle Road where we were meeting Jeannie to see if we could see any eagles fishing.

100 steps leading down and a beautiful view

Whilst waiting for Jeannie enjoyed watching these 2 juvenile bald eagles interacting

Down the steps and we  saw these two seals relaxing

Plenty of fishing going on

After a lovely meal at the French Creek pub I finally managed to get a shot of a killdeer

Before going home popped down to Beachcomber to see what was occurring. Nothing in the Eagle nest unfortunately but did see these sea lions so not a wasted trip

And these two cuties

Now back home. New toothbrush bought. Internet sorted and chocolates and apologies given to next door. Paul has also fitted felt to the bottom of the balcony chairs so hopefully no more noise.

I’ll be ready for bed tonight.

Monday 6th June Westwood Lake and Morden Colliery Park

Grey day but needless to say dry until I started putting on my shoes to go out! Went out anyway and as we pulled into the parking lot by the lake the rain stopped. Somebody loves us!
Lovely walk around the lake, just wish there weren’t so many people running and biking. Kept having to get out of the way. Beautiful scenery though.

Love the trees here
Couldn’t believe how many Cedar Waxwings were on this bush

Then it was on to Morden Colliery where we spent ages watching these two Sapsuckers

She was having a spruce up
Her fella kept returning and telling her to hurry up

She took absolutely no notice but carried on

Loved all the growths on this tree

Then off into Nanaimo for a coffee.

Finished off by popping in for a natter with Jeannie before heading back to the condo to find the internet wasn’t working. Not just us apparently. Hope they get it back up and running as it’s a real nuisance being without it.

Sunday 5th June Parksville Port Alberni

Poured down during the night and again first thing but decided to chance it and drive to Port Alberni in the middle of the Island.
Wet as we drove past Cathedral Grove and over the Port Alberni Summit but cheered up as we arrived in the town.

Did our usual walk along the Kitsuksis Creek.

This little sparrow was singing his heart out.
More tree art

Clam Bucket for our lunch and managed to pick up a case of Shock Top. Definitely worth the 55kms drive!
Now back at the condo enjoying the peace and the view.

Parksville Saturday 4th June

Weather’s a bit gloomy today but we decided to go to Top Bridge Regional Park and hope for the best and we were glad we did as there were only one or two spots of rain and it really is a lovely place. These pics should give you a flavour of our walk.

 

The eponymous Top Bridge
The Englishman River
These trees are amazing

Someone enjoys putting these carvings around

The scenery here always makes me feel like things haven’t changed since the Stone Age – including the natives
Interesting fungus

Then it was back to our condo for a coffee before heading off again this time to Moorecroft Regional Park. Started raining as soon as we put our noses out of the door but went anyway and so glad we did.

First sight of this bald eagle
Bit of trouble on landing
Eventually settled

Then realised he was supposed to be bringing something home for tea

So off he went to the beach
Spent ages waiting for a fish to swim by
Not quite the right spot so moved on a little
Gave up and flew to a tree for a rest

Then realised he was late home!
Boy did his missus give him a mouthful!
Eventually they settled down
Sorry but couldn’t resist this pic of him relieving himself! 😂😂

Parksville Friday 3rd June

Oh boy has it been raining. A nice excuse for a lazy morning reading.

This poor cowbird got soaked and was resting trying to dry off

The rain eased off at lunchtime so we drove into Qualicum for lunch at the Shady Rest. The clouds were very interesting.

A quick walk along the prom and back before heading for home.

Not often you see this outside the house in Felixstowe

Parksville Thursday 2nd June

Had a bad night as my stomach couldn’t decide what it wanted to do but the weather today was glorious and we had a perfect day. We started off in Neck Park, the first Park we ever explored on the Island. Very busy but still very peaceful.
Everyone enjoying the sun

Seals
Anna’s hummingbird
Towhee
Juvenile Robin
Seal

Then we moved on to Pipers Lagoon

Love this arbutus tree
White crowned sparrow
Couldn’t make out what all the noise was until I saw this Flicker. She must have had a nest nearby and was trying to frighten off other birds

Then it was off to Jeannie’s for tea and cake before heading home.

Glorious weather. A perfect day.

Parksville Wednesday 1st June

So lovely to wake up with the view of the inlet and to be greeted by this Flicker

After breakfast dropped into Beachcomber to see if the eagles were up and about.  We were so lucky to see Mum feeding babe.
Then off to Jack Point, one of our favourite walks.

Beautiful flowers

Tree and rock art

This tree reminds me of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree
Herons a plenty

And another Eagle. Think this was Mum shouting to Dad but he was definitely cocking a deaf’n
This will be the ferry we catch when we go over to Newcastle Island
Some pics of our condo

Some pics of our condo

These hummers are little buggers. They fly around but when I start to get the camera out they stop in front of our balcony , do a little dance, and then fly off before I can take a pic. I swear that they put their tongue out at me!!

First full day in Parksville Tuesday 31st May

Woke up late after a blissful evening just relaxing on the balcony.
Off to Qualicum Beach to do some grocery shopping. First we stopped off at Lefty’s for an early lunch. So nice to sit outside to eat. Rain had been forecast but we only had a few drops while we were in the car.

After putting the shopping away felt we had to pop down to Beachcomber to see the eagle’s nest. No adults at home and presumably the babe was tucked well down. Good to reacquaint ourselves with it though.

You can see how deep the nest is.

This faun was in the middle of the road until I wanted to take a pic

And then there’s the unexpected

Only ever seen a raccoon on Newcastle Island but today this one was meandering across the road.

Now sitting back on the balcony

Took a pic of the bunny from the balcony and was surprised to find I’d captured the junco too!

A few pics from last night’s sunset

 

Whistler to Parkesville Monday 30th May

Long long day. Left Whistler just after 8.30am in plenty of time to get 10.40am ferry but it left late and was very full so had to wait for next one which eventually left about 1.20pm. Late again. Not sure why.

Arrived on the Island and drove straight to our friend Jeannie’s for tea and delicious cake. Very civilised! Good to catch up with her and her lovely dog Brynn again.

Then off to our home for the month at Pacific Shores. It is fabulous.

View from the balcony and bedroom.

Even if the weather is bad it won’t be a problem living here for four months!
Just seen my first hummingbird of this trip. So exciting.

Almost as exciting is having our own washing machine – how sad is that! 😂😂