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.
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 hereCouldn’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 upHer 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.
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.
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 BridgeThe Englishman RiverThese 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 nativesInteresting 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 eagleBit of trouble on landingEventually settled
Then realised he was supposed to be bringing something home for tea
So off he went to the beachSpent ages waiting for a fish to swim byNot quite the right spot so moved on a littleGave 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 downSorry but couldn’t resist this pic of him relieving himself! 😂😂
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
SealsAnna’s hummingbirdTowheeJuvenile RobinSeal
Then we moved on to Pipers Lagoon
Love this arbutus treeWhite crowned sparrowCouldn’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.
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 TreeHerons a plenty
And another Eagle. Think this was Mum shouting to Dad but he was definitely cocking a deaf’nThis will be the ferry we catch when we go over to Newcastle IslandSome 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!!
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!
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! 😂😂