Paul decided he wanted to go to Rosewall Creek so we did!

A lot more overgrown than last time we went and some of the river bank was being undercut by the river so not easy. Lovely scenery though.

The trip was worth it as we did see a couple of dippers on the way back to the car.

This looked more like a cartoon version!

And then this snake.

and this number plate

Back to Qualicum for a lovely iced coffee looking out over the sea.

The weather had cheered up by then.

Finished off with a trip to stock up on groceries at Qualicum Foods.

Off to Nanaimo this morning. Felt it was time to renew our acquaintance with Buttertub Marsh first. The squirrels were busy eating brunch.

Then managed to see a hummingbird- no colours as against the sky unfortunately.

At last we saw the red winged blackbirds we’d been hearing going round.

And this varied thrush needs to sort his feathers out!

Then off to Harewood Mines as it was so close. Ended up walking further than we needed but a lovely walk around the lake.

And saw this pine siskin

Thought this log looked like the Sphinx

Needed a coffee so headed into town for refreshment at Javawocky and then headed to Beachcomber to see what was happening.  Baby was up but no sign of Mum or Dad.

Then off home for dinner.

Up early as an hour and a half drive to Mill Bay to pick up the ferry. Need to be early as it only takes around 16 cars and isn’t very frequent. Caught the 10.25am . Really overcast sitting out on deck and the wind was cold. Nice scenery though.

Leaving Mill Bay.

Found my way from Brentwood Bay to Sidney and had a lovely walk right from one end of the promenade to the other although it was a cold wind so ended up wearing both my fleece and my coat.

Osprey didn’t mind having his pic taken.

Black oystercatchers

Gull having his lunch

Lizard enjoying that the sun had appeared

Jellyfish

A lovely fish and chip lunch in the Bistro before a quick look around the shops and back to the car.

Had problems finding our way back to the ferry but a really nice lady drove down there so we could follow. Got there with 10 minutes to spare but were at the end of the queue. Didn’t think we’d get on but they did squeeze us in.

As we were passing on the way home we popped into Morden Colliery Historic mine but didn’t see anything except this tree which appeared to have hanging baskets all the way up the trunk!

Not too far today. This is a beautiful walk.  Did the Cutthroat trail all along the river which suits me. Love being able to hear the water rippling along  the riverbed.

Paul was a bit dubious about using this bridge and after trying it so was I but did like seeing the tiny fish and the water boatmen

Lovely scenery

Merganser mum with 7 babies.

After a quick stop in Qualicum for a coffee we finished off our outing at Rathtrevor Beach.

Lots of action going on in this nursery but unfortunately the mums were just too quick for me to catch them.

However, this White crowned sparrow had a  mouthful of some thing delicious for her babies.

Now back to our cottage for dinner.

Made it over to Port Alberni today. Glorious weather again.

Walked along Kitsuksis Creek.

and then back into town to the Clam Bucket for lunch.

Fishermen – human

and not so human waiting for a shoal of fish to make it upriver from the sea.

Took it easier today. More glorious weather.

Started off at Little Qualicum fish hatchery.

Welcomed by the obligatory robin.

Watched some tiny fish trying to jump up a weir.

The river with a merganser in the distance.

Then back into Qualicum for a walk along the prom.

Plenty of eagles and people.

And even a seal keeping an eye on things

Enjoyed an iced coffee and then walked along to the Shady Rest for lunch.

Fab day – again.

Another glorious day in paradise.

First was a visit to Englishman River Falls. Such a beautiful place and the colour of that pool – spectacular!

Then on to The Goats on the Roof shop. Only one goat visible but lovely ice cream.

And yet another waterfall Little Qualicum Falls this time.

Finally a trip to Rathtrevor to see if we could catch a glimpse of any baby birds. No such luck but did see a Flicker so must have her nest nearby.

And then back home.

Off for a wander around Protection Island today. Glorious weather. Saw a Flicker, a snake and these beauties

This house finch needed to do a bit of tidying up.

This island is ready in case Trump decides to invade!

Beautiful views.

A very posh tree house

Noticed a woman staring at us as we walked along but turned out she’d seen two big raccoons crossing the road behind us! Drat – missed them!

I was really ready for a beer when we got back to the pub.

View over to Nanaimo while we ate lunch.

Got the ferry back to Nanaimo, had an iced coffee and then headed for Beachcomber. So glad we did as we watched Mum feeding baby.

Just caught Mum flying onto the edge of the nest.

The size of those wings already!!
So glad we decided to pop in on the way home.

Glorious day and headed for Westwood Lake. Plenty of people enjoying the good weather and the water. Perfect length walk although I could do without the climb up at the end. Worth it though.

Painted turtle

Plenty of apartments to choose from in this tree

Glorious views

Needed a coffee after all that walking so found our way back to Nanaimo harbour and Javawocky for a treat following up with a walk along the marina.

Such a pretty bunny.

Didn’t sleep so well for some reason and then the water went off. And last night the tv signal was crap! Not a good start to the day.
Started off at Rathtrevor Beach. Didn’t catch a pic of Mum going into the nest to feed her babies but did see a Flicker on the next tree so presumably one of the apartments is hers.

A bit further back down the beach saw this cute Chipping Sparrow

and, of course, a White crowned sparrow which seem to be singing their hearts out everywhere

Next went to the Englishman river estuary and saw our first Mergansers

Kingfisher

and American goldfinches

Then it was a quick trip to Beachcomber to check on the eagles and managed to see the eaglet for the first time. He was just finishing his lunch and then settled down for a nap.

We finished off our outing with a late lunch at the Black Goose Inn just across the road. Nice food and a beautiful view.