Last day in this part of the Island so began to sort out packing. Hoping to meet Jeannie for lunch but family emergency so she couldn’t make it. Sad

Lovely meal again at the French Creek pub. It’s the only place we’ve eaten twice since we’ve been here. The others have been a bit of a disappointment. Wonderful meal again. A real community pub and they even had Wimbledon on.

Beautiful sunset last night

Not quite so hot today but perfect for our last walk at Jack Point park.

Time for a quick iced latte before heading to Beachcomber

Then it was home for dinner.

Didn’t do too much today. Started off at Top Bridge and walked a different way along the river. So beautiful and lovely in all the shade.

Then off for a last wander along the beach at Qualicum

Really hot now so back to the condo to relax over an iced coffee.

First of all last night’s sunset. The most spectacular yet.

Feeling tired today so no hiking  up mountains just a stroll along Rathtrevor Beach. Glorious weather at last and lots of families enjoying the day. The beach is huge and the tide goes out a really long way. Reminds me of Southport and Blackpool but with slightly different views!

We spent ages watching these two Pileated Woodpeckers.

Walking further saw this deer who wasn’t at all bothered by all the visitors.

Now back to the starling nest to see if the little one was big enough to peer out.

So busy filming the birds almost missed this cutie

Back to car and on way saw this Eagle

and these two

All this clicking made us hungry so stopped off at Ricky’s where we had a lovely meal. One of the nicest since we’ve been here.

Didn’t sleep well last night as my sciatica was really playing up. Wondered whether to just have a rest day but glorious weather for once so pulled myself together and set off for Westwood Lake.

Decided to go clockwise so that the really steep bits were at the beginning of the walk. Good decision. Not so many people on bikes or running either so much more peaceful.

Then off to the Nature Sanctuary. A bear had been sighted there this morning so I kept my eyes peeled but didn’t come across him.

Home after a visit to Jeannie’s.

First of all last night’s sunset

Couldn’t believe the wind in the night – thought the furniture on the balcony was being pushed around!
Still windy this morning but at least the sky was blue. One last visit to Newcastle Island. Didn’t start off well with the ferry being full of schoolkids. Wouldn’t have been too bad but they were really noisy and when they started shouting, swearing and chasing a raccoon I was really angry. No point in trying to see wildlife with them near so waited a while for them to get ahead.

Thank goodness we did as we then saw another raccoon fishing further along the coast.

This Island has such beautiful views.

Heard a hummingbird and then actually managed to get a pic

Thought we’d call in at Beachcomber on the way back. So glad we did as Jeannie was there and we saw some action in the nest.

Another good day.

At least the weather looks dry and sunny today although the wind is strong and pretty chilly.

Started off at Neck Park. This was the first park we visited when we started coming to the island and one of our favourites.

Only been to the Beach Estates Park once before but remembered that there were an awful lot of steps and that it was like walking through a rain forest.

Called in at Beachcomber on the way back but no sign of Mum or Dad and Baby only poked his head out once!

Hope tonight’s is as pretty.

Not looking good so popped into Parksville to sort out yesterday’s bill from the hotel and to do some shopping. Back home and managed to talk to Becca and to Graeme and Raquel. Nice to catch up. Weather supposed to be dry for a few hours so decided to try a new trail we hadn’t done before.

As always it started raining as soon as we got in the car but luckily stopped by the time we got there. I have to say I hadn’t realised quite how steep the trail would be or I might have had second thoughts but we made it up to the lookout and the views were worth it.

On way back to drop in on the eagles saw this vulture obviously looking for his next meal.

Back to Beachcomber. Not much activity except for babe shouting

Weather looking good! You never can tell though. Started off the day at Beachcomber but only baby at home.

Next stop Moorecroft. Unfortunately a school party was there. Lovely for those kids who were having a whale of a time but not so good for anyone wanting peace and quiet and hoping to see wildlife!

Now off to Enos Lake for the first time this trip. Got horribly lost there last holiday so not going too far.

However the next 4 shot across the path nearly giving me a heart attack each time!

Drove around Nanoose Bay on the way back. Part of it is very Stepford Wives but some of those houses are incredible and the views breathtaking.

Our final stop was Parksville prom. Walked there a lot when we were staying in our previous flat but this is the first time this holiday. Plenty of people on the beach as the weather is sunny. Shame about the strong breeze though. What is it about the weather this year – we’ve never had so much wind before. And I mean this part of the Island hasn’t, not us in particular!

Last stop at the hotel we used to go to for drinks overlooking the beach. Shame they’d enclosed the terrace in a plastic tent but with the weather the way it’s been and having to have less tables I can see why.

Now back at the condo sitting on the balcony listening to an Eagle shouting.

Weather looking good. Can even see some blue sky so off we go to check out if the Sea Lions are still around. No was the answer but I did catch sight of this little chap.

Next stop was Colliery Dam. Needless to say by the time we arrive the weather isn’t looking so good and, yes, it did rain as we walked around but not too heavy so didn’t get really wet.

Decided to pop into Buttertub Marsh on way back to Jeannie’s.

Finally it was off to Jeannie’s for tea and rhubarb coffee cake. Scrumptious.