Up and out by 9am so that we could catch the 10am ferry from Nanaimo dock to Newcastle Island. Perfect weather – not too hot.

Took 4 hours to walk around the island with a few stops along the way for refreshments (and painkillers). Disappointed not to see any raccoons but we have been very lucky before so probably about time we missed out.

We did see bald eagles

a northern flicker

some Canada geese goslings going for a swim

some hummingbirds (not a very clear shot)

and a heron.

Glad to get back to the boat and Nanaimo. That’s when things livened up. I decided I fancied an iced latte so we wandered around the harbour towards the coffee shop. On the way we saw these beauties.

Paul went to get me a coffee while I sat in the sun. Unfortunately he decided to throw my espresso over me and I wasn’t quite quick enough to get out of the way! Luckily it only went over my trousers which are now in the wash – again (I only washed them yesterday!) The man in the coffee shop was very kind and immediately did Paul another espresso and didn’t charge him!

Think we’ll have an easier day tomorrow after the excitement (and over eight miles of walking) today.

Decided to do a shortish walk today as thinking of doing the walk around Newcastle Island tomorrow. Drove up to Qualicum Bay and managed to find the start of the southern trail. Beautiful walk through dense forest. Hadn’t realised that they had joined the two trails so ended up doing the full 8km.  Very peaceful apart from the birds tweeting. Did begin to wonder when we were around half way through the walk whether it was likely we’d see a bear but luckily we didn’t.
Did see a frog

and a Pine Siskin though

Popped into the Shady Rest for lunch on the way back. Looks like new owners have taken over and lots of refurb going on.

The other night we had no internet so no tv and tonight all the electric went off. Luckily we were just going to bed but at midnight when it came back on I had to get out of bed and go and turn off some lights which we’d left on. A real nuisance and meant I didn’t manage to get to sleep till after 4am.

Wanted to see the sea lions which you can only do on a Sunday as the road is shut for logging the rest of the week. They are so noisy!! No wonder you can hear them at Beachcomber.

Spotted this guy in the trees. Not sure but the beak made me think he was a grosbeak?

Then heard lots of noise and saw this Killdeer

He was telling this one off!

As we were close dropped in on the eagles and glad we did as they out on an aerial display for us.

before they both landed on the nest.

Lots of chatter at first but then they sat amicably side by side

Then off to Top Bridge. Quite busy as it’s the weekend.

By this time we were hungry so went to Ricky’s for lunch. Really nice atmosphere amongst the staff. Paul enjoyed another plate of poutine.

Finally dropped in at Rathtrevor Beach to see if there were any baby birds visible but don’t think any are quite big enough to be peering out of the nests yet but did see a mum flitting in and out of one nest so we’ll have to go back again next week.

Another white crowned sparrow singing his heart out.

Then it was back home for some rest and relaxation.

Pouring with rain this morning so decided to have a day off and just chill. Spent the morning reading and went to Smitty’s for lunch. Then did some food and wine shopping before returning to the house to relax for the rest of the day.

Decided to bite the bucket and drive a bit further today. Went to Jack Point , the other side of Nanaimo.  Lovely walk although there were a few spots of rain. Saw and heard loads of eagles and saw the backside of an otter just disappearing under the sea.

Nanaimo across the water.

This little fellow was singing his heart out.

Then on to Nanaimo harbour for a coffee and piece of Nanaimo bar.

Wouldn’t want to be him – didn’t look safe as he was clambering up and down.

Dropped in at Beachcomber on the way back to see if there was any action. There wasn’t.
However we did have a nice chat with a lady who was brought up in Ipswich and spent every weekend in Felixstowe. Her parents still live there! What a coincidence. Most people haven’t got a clue where Felixstowe is.

More restful day today. Slept much better thank goodness.

Drove to Qualicum Beach and had a walk along the prom. Looks beautiful but we could hardly walk against the gale force wind!

Popped into the town for a look around the shops. Lefties had closed down and so had the lovely knickknack shop we loved. Shame. Found somewhere else for coffee so we could get out of that wind and then stocked up in the grocery store.

On the way back stopped at Parkesville boardwalk. Disappointingly the hotel bar we used to be able to sit outside for a drink was now closed off. Such a shame as it used to be lovely sitting outside with a drink and people watching. Never mind, at least I got to see my first Northern Flicker of the holiday.

And now for a restful afternoon.

Thought we’d have to be off early to sort out the internet but in the end it must have come back on overnight. Big relief. Did make me sort out the 2g of free roaming that Canadian Affair had given us. I had tried to download it onto my phone but couldn’t but I managed to put it onto Paul’s thank goodness. At least we have something to use in an emergency.

Going to be hot today apparently so decided to make the most of it. Started off at Neck Point Park. It was the first park we ever visited in this area and it never fails to impress. The views are amazing and we saw seals.

Next on the list Moorecroft Park. Again the views are spectacular.

The first snake of the holiday.

Hungry heron

Spotted towie

Just checking us out.

Finally our first visit to the eagles at Beachcomber. Just Mum on the nest. No sign of babies and I think  Mum was getting a bit annoyed waiting for Dad to appear. She sent him out for a takeaway but I think he ended up in the pub!

While we were waiting to see some action spotted some seals.

Lovely day.

Slept better last night thank goodness although this blooming cough did keep waking me up.

Off to meet Jeannie to see if the Eagles would be busy catching the Midshipman fish on the beach . Bit of a mixup with communication but we eventually found each other thank goodness. Wonderful to catch up.

Couldn’t believe the number of eagles about. Here are just a few of the pics I took.

• Paul doing his own thing

One heron all alone

Then goodbye to Jeannie for a couple of weeks as she’s going to visit family and off we go to French Creek for a spot of brunch. Apparently the pub has changed owners but was still good.

The first Killdeer we’ve see this trip

A good wildlife watching day. Looks like the weather’s going to be good for tomorrow too.

The internet went down just after I wrote this post so no tv or interaction with those at home. Work is being done on fibre optic cables so I presume this is the reason. Problem is that without 5e internet we can’t contact the owner to see what can be done so decided we’d have to go for a coffee at Starbucks in the morning and use their Wi-Fi to sort it. Not the relaxed night I envisaged.

Another night without sleep. Hope I can settle down on the Island. Vacated the apartment by 10am but we’re allowed to leave the car in the reserved space till 11am thank goodness so went for a coffee to kill some time. Pouring with rain. Glad it wasn’t like this over the weekend – would have been miserable.

Drove to Horseshoe Bay and took just about the right amount of time – you’re not allowed to arrive more than one hour before the sailing but must be there half an hour before it leaves. When you don’t really know the roads it’s not that easy to judge.

Rain stopped by the time we got on the ferry and the weather was lovely once we got to Vancouver Island. Found this new accommodation easily. Really nice. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two sitting areas. We’ll be fine if we get fed up with each other!

Did a food shop on the way as I knew I wouldn’t want to get in the car again tonight. A nice chicken salad, followed by bath and bed. I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight.

Terrible night’s sleep. Very hot last night so left balcony door open. Big mistake. Lots of people talking really loudly and cars beeping and some sort of siren going off. Balcony door will be firmly shut tonight.

Purebread for breakfast but again learnt my lesson and chose the smallest thing I could find – a cookie. Hopefully my stomach won’t rebel against it too much.

Finally got the Checkin details for tomorrow. The host said she’d sent them 2 days ago but didn’t receive them. Anyway a relief to have them now.

Needed a walk so did the Lost Lake loop. Beautiful. Not quite as sunny as yesterday but still nice.

Varied thrush presumably with lunch for his babies.

Back to town where I had a lovely bowl of salmon chowder and Paul had some breakfast poutine with a beer.

Now back in flat getting things ready for packing. Have filled one case and, against my better judgement have let Paul take it to the car. Hopefully he’ll find his way back! He did but took a long time. He had to ask 2 people to help him find the car and then he went to reception and complained about the parking. Turned out we’d been parked in the wrong 61 parking space. How ridiculous to have more than one. We both went down to move the car to the correct space but needed the fob to open the gate so Paul had to go back to the flat to fetch it but couldn’t’ remember the key code for the door. Luckily reception lent him a card so we could get into the right space. I will be so glad to leave that bloody car park!! Mind you we still have to find the car again tomorrow morning. Wish us luck.