Nanaimo harbour, early morning 10 August 2022.
Category: Exploring
Parksville Sand Sculptures 2022
The theme for this year’s Parksville Sand Sculpture competition is The Roaring Twenties (or Twentys perhaps), and each visitor is given a token with which to make their selection for the People’s Choice Award. All the sculptures are well designed and well-executed so it is a hard choice.
Water Birding
I heard the gaggle of Canada Geese before I saw them. A goose’s call is very distinctive, and when there are many of them is it impossible to ignore. I saw the splashes as they landed in the channel beside the marina and then I watched as they paddled towards the shore between the docked […]
Hello, August
As I walk alongside the harbour, I greet other walkers at least a couple of dozen times in my 2k walk. I have been interested in the differences between “Hi,” “Morning,” “Good Morning,” and “Hello,” each said with varying inflections. I have also noticed that only people who make eye contact will greet me, and […]
Just Before Sunrise
It has been too hot to walk during the day this week, so this morning I set out as soon as it was light but before the sun came up. What a delight!
Today I Called 911
Today I called 911 for the first time in my life. At least, I think it was the first time. I called because I came across a woman who had fallen and couldn’t get up. Yes, just like the ads for emergency pendants. Actually, this is all down to Ark, a reader of this blog. […]
Five O’Clock Boats
You know what it is like when you visit a different country or culture, even if you speak the same language, there is so much you don’t understand? It is a moment, or a month, of realization that you are an outsider. When I first immigrated to Canada, I was bewildered by much that was […]
Moving Day W(h)ine
White wine has helped to soften the rough edges of moving from Edmonton, Alberta to Nanaimo, British Columbia. It was one heck of a two-day journey. Actually to be fair, the scenery was magnificent, and the vehicles (a U-Haul truck and my aging car) performed brilliantly. The trouble we had was entirely down to Rogers […]
Flying Into San Jose, CA
As my plane flew into San Jose on Friday, we travelled over the south San Francisco Bay. Some of the geographic features and human constructions made some interesting shapes. I wondered what some of them were, but mostly I just enjoyed the unusual formations.
The Fishers’ Pier in Nanaimo
On the last day of my visit to Nanaimo I once again enjoyed the harbourfront walk. This time I made a point of having lunch at a floating restaurant called Trollers Fresh Fish and Chips where they served me some delicious fresh-caught halibut. I noted that they had both white and malt vinegar on each […]
Orchid Garden, Coombs
One of the gardens associated with Butterfly World in Coombs is dedicated to the growth of a variety of orchids. Here are some that I enjoyed seeing when I was there this week. And here is the Japanese garden.
Butterfly World, Coombs
In Coombs, British Columbia, is a magical place. Butterfly World provides environments that replicate several natural habitats for butterflies, turtles, frogs, orchids, and insects. I tried to get as many pictures of the butterflies as I could, but they don’t sit still very much. When I was there, the beautiful Blue Morpho butterflies were mating. […]
Unapologetically, More Nanaimo
Yesterday it rained relentlessly, but today the sun shone and I was once again able to enjoy the harbour in Nanaimo. With no apologies, here are more pictures of this lovely place. And, get ready for take-off.
A Tour of Cowichan Artisans
A few days ago, some friends invited me along on a tour they were making of the studios of various artisans in the Duncan area. It was a delightful day meandering around the countryside, looking at some very interesting arts and crafts, and catching up with each other. I was presented with a lot of […]
Snowbird of Paradise 