Nootka Island, Part One

After a long dry spell, wouldn't you know it, rain fell as we left Vancouver Wednesday morning to board the ferry at Horseshoe Bay.

As with all things, practice is the key to success, so although we are no experts on ferry crossings, this time we knew the pitfalls to watch out for, making darn sure we were in the right lane this time.

I have no idea if there was a handy sign on our previous trip, but we sure knew to look for it this time! We kept double checking ourselves and sure enough as we drove on the ferry, this sign indicating Naniamo confirmed we were doing everything just right.

Ferry travel is the bomb folks, with wide comfortable seats, along with huge windows for gazing at the passing scenery. While I'd looked forward to having brilliant blue skies for the crossing, it was not to be as we left the mainland.

Looks pretty ominous to a Floridian, but the further we rode on the Queen of Oak Bay,

the skies began clearing, if only for a little while. This journey of 90 minutes was not nearly as windy and chilly as our previous crossing to Vancouver Island two weeks ago.

There was smooth sailing and we arrived in Nanaimo, disembarked, and had a very short drive to the Coast Hotel where we were really surprised to be booked into the honeymoon suite on the 14th floor, overlooking the harbor.

The crazy jetted bathtub, and cozy robes, were both put to use once we returned for the day and why not? Although not newlyweds by any stretch of the imagination, every girl loves a bubble bath, don't they?

Bruce took a little nap after we dined at the hotel restaurant, and you don't have to guess what I did, do you? It involved a rain jacket, which was maybe not the smartest move on my part because even though I was wearing a hood, it did a number on my hair that I'd counted on looking good for days. It did not.

I won't show you much of what I saw because this post would go on forever, but I can report that what I saw was cute, with loads of artists shops, and even a fabric store! Neither of us can remember who told us the hotel restaurant was good, but whoever it was, does not seem to have the same standards, that is for sure. What did happen though was that Bruce asked our server for recommendations for dinner, which we followed, leading us to a cute little restaurant called The Nest. Upon hearing the name, I was sold! Because we'd eaten a late lunch, and found the restaurant in the early evening, we did not order much, but what we did was delicious, including this dish of filet with baby Yorkshire puddings.

Thursday morning we awoke early and decided to head out for our drive to the float plane. This involved a major highway, 19, which runs North and South on Vancouver Island. We'd been told that the journey to Gold River, where we would board the float plane, was 140 miles and would take 3.5 hours.

Math wizards amongst you will recognize that 3.5 hours to cover 140 miles is a mighty slow pace so something must be up. What was up was, once we got to Campbell River, we went west on Highway 28 where there is not a stretch of road that is straight! Oh my gosh was it something! Here's a video that someone else took if anyone has extra time on their hands, and wants to see it in action.

Not for the feint of heart, that's for sure! As there were so many twists and turns in the road, and no place to pull off I might add, I can't be sure, but I think it was soon after this bend that we spotted a BEAR alongside the road!!

Oh my goodness, my first ever bear sighting!! What next? Well, I'll tell you what next, or better yet, I'll show you what we saw when we finally came to the town, had lunch at a pottery studio/cafe, and got back on the road for the final stretch.

Whoa Nelly!! Beautiful, right? By now, Bruce was more than ready to just get there, and who can blame him? Certainly not me, so when we passed by a view pullover I did not beg him to go back, however, soon enough, there was another spot where I shot the photo below of a beautiful waterfall rushing down into the river below.

Did I tell you that there are millions of trees? Same goes for rocks, more of which I saw on this trip than I have in my lifetime. Are you enjoying this so far? I hope so!

I will admit seeing the fog in the mountains before takeoff was a little unnerving,

however, I reminded myself that they are more than familiar with their landscape and how that affects their ability to fly.

Waiting for the other passengers to arrive was made easy because there were dozens of hummingbirds to watch in the interim. Never have I seen the likes of this before.

Are you keeping count of the new experiences? All of them unexpected, making them even more exciting, and I'm leaving out the elk Bruce saw in the woods on the way!

Six people fit in the plane, including your friends, the Pecks, who sat in the back row..

Wearing headphones to block the noise, the 15 minute flight was easy as pie. Looking down there are dozens of islands and more trees than can be counted.

We were shown to our comfy room, along with the other 14 guests that were there for this grand adventure.

Wondering why I've made such a mess on the empty bed? Before leaving I mentioned to Bruce that never once have I gone anywhere without forgetting something. And what did I forget this time, pray tell? My extra camera battery!! Never a good thing for someone who can't keep her finger off of the shutter button!

Dinner was to be served at 5:00 in the communal dining hall, followed by fishing. Yikes, we are really doing this! The food was very tasty, and throughout our stay, more plentiful than anyone could possibly eat. Prior to dinner, the afternoon was spent in getting to know the other guests, as well as a tiny bit of exploring for me. Tiny is the operative word here because it is mostly trees and rocks, rocks, and more rocks.

That said, that's one hell of a tree, isn't it? The curious thing here is that it really is all rocks and how trees grow from it with virtually no soil is one of life's great mysteries.

What does the lodge look like? Pretty cool is what it looks like, sitting on deep pilings in the volcanic rock.

During dinner the guide assignments were announced, so after bolting down our food, we clothed ourselves in rubber and met Dan on the dock.

Neither Bruce, nor I, have been on a boat in the ocean before, knowing nothing of what to expect. The 23 foot boat has a big engine and goes darn fast is what we found out pretty quickly, leaving the lodge behind in short order.

Good grief, what a landscape!

When I asked how far we would be going, Tim, the owner, said not more than six miles. As we blasted through the waves, bumping around, I kept wondering, "are we there yet?, just like a kid. It was surprisingly quiet so we could hear Dan perfectly as he pointed out some landmarks, one of which are these caves. (fishing pole in photo!) You have to wonder what Captain Cook and his men, the first Caucasians to come to Nootka Island, thought when they saw this.

Bruce has had some fishing fun in the past, twice going to the Boundary Waters with a group of friends, but that was always freshwater fishing. Ocean fishing is a whole 'nother ballgame. Once we had mostly stopped, and I say mostly because the entire time while trolling, the boat was moving, not to be unexpected, or so I learned, as that is the definition of trolling! Anyway, eventually Bruce caught a fish which turned out to be a Sea Bass. As I did not have a fishing license, and no interest in fishing, I was merely a spectator. Following the first catch, he soon brought in a Rock Fish, the likes of which look like this.

Dan, who I came to call "Dan the Man" before we left, deemed these too small for eating, at least by us, however he suggested that he throw them back and he was 100% sure an eagle would come swooping down for the treat. Now we are talking!!!

Because we were on the West coast, I felt sure we would have a killer sunset, which did not really materialize, however, it was nothing to complain about as we finally headed back towards the lodge.

True to his word, as we drew nearer to the lodge, he spotted an eagle in a tree and tossed the fish over while I had my camera ready to shoot like mad. Except, on first try, the eagle missed it! Then missed it again. This was all happening around 9:30 PM, so not ideal as far as light is concerned, but I was able to get one decent shot of the action.

Then onward to the cove, ending a VERY memorable day.

Small boat and a big ocean and somehow I was not afraid. Who knew?

This will continue.....

yours truly,

Gail

Leave the Light On

Remember those great Motel 6 commercials with Tom Bodett? I couldn't help but think about them when the UPS driver left this on our dark front porch the other night. This time of year, I definitely need to leave the front porch light on.

Hearing the doorbell ring, I did turn the light on, but rarely is the front porch light on simply because people always come to our side door. I remember when we first looked at this house, being pleased with the nice roomy foyer. Little did I know, back then, that people would walk straight into our kitchen space. Nor, did I know, that strangers would not realize that it is the same house when they leave fliers, and such, on both doors. I cannot tell you how many extra phone books we've received over the years! Yup, front door, and side door. Then there are the trick or treaters...ha ha!

I realized that I've spent a lot of time being busy this holiday season, and yesterday was no exception. I made some awesome sugar cookies in the morning, as well as something that was fondly labeled, "Christmas Crack." That's actually a pretty clever title when you think about it. Anyway, about two weeks ago, Publix had my favorite Premium Saltines as a BOGO, and while in line with my two boxes, a young woman, next in line, also had two, as well as a bunch of chocolate chips. She reminded me of this Christmas treat, although I'd never made it before.

I suspect some of you know where this is going, don't you? Perhaps you've made it with graham crackers? A gazillion years ago, when Matt was taking piano lessons, his teacher made them for the Christmas recital with graham crackers, so of course making them brought back some very fond memories. So, I made the caramel...

which is oddly colored in the photograph because of my stove lighting, but you get the idea. It was just coming to the desired simmer. I was thinking to myself, I am thrilled not to be a food blogger because I would go crazy taking photographs at every stage. In fact, the above is all you're getting. They turned out just, okay. We'll see if Jonathan or Alissa like them when they arrive TONIGHT!

Next up yesterday was the wrapping, and good grief, there was a bunch. What if we had grandchildren? Yikes!!!! I had to dredge up my latent bow skills because you know who was working at his desk.

It took me about five hours, and while it may sound silly, by then I was tired. I'd been listening the whole while to Christmas music on Pandora when finally,  about 5:30, I sat down in our cozy living room and really enjoyed the moment.

As is most often the case, sadly we have no outdoor lights. But, other people do!! You will not believe the house we drove by last night which immediately required stopping for pictures. I will be showing several as there is enough lights for at least five other houses!

Crossing the street, I just had to get a better look. Guess what? You can too!

Heaven only knows what it looks like in the daytime! So, these folks, using their corner lot, covered every single bit of it with "Christmas cheer." Plus music!

Perhaps they were competing in the Great Christmas Light Fight? In any case, we will be sure and take Jon boy and Alissa over there!

I've been slacking on my bike riding. I was going to offer excuses, but really, that's all they would be, excuses. Every time I am riding though, I hope I get lucky and see one of the eagles; today was one of those lucky days.

The last time I was there I had a good chat with the owner of the house where the eagles like to hang out and fish. Their nest is across the lake a bit, and even if I do see one in the Pine tree above, I still ride over to see if the mate is there. Back to the chat...she explained to me that at one time, their back yard was filled with trees, not just two Pine trees. Apparently, Hurricane Charley hit them hard and they lost 10 big trees! I cannot even imagine what a mess that was! Anyway, she is as sweet as can be, and always allows me to roam around in her back yard on Lake Conway. :)

So, we saw some pretty darn extravagant  Christmas decorations above, but to my mind, sometimes simple is best.

I wish I could say I'd been as productive today as yesterday, but that's not true. I did manage, however, to get the vacuuming done, so there's that. It has been a beautiful weather day and my boys will be glad to hear that their Papa finally watched his favorite Christmas move this afternoon, "Love Actually," and he is officially, now in the Christmas spirit! If you haven't seen that film, you might want to because it is so funny and heartwarming.

Only a few short hours and this will all be just a memory...

Warming up again..

Merry Christmas to all,

Gail

February is Flying By

Do you agree?

I suppose the folks in Boston would be the first to disagree as this winter certainly must be testing even the heartiest New Englander. So far it seems as if we will go another winter without a freeze, although technically there is still time left for that foolishness. What we have had is more rain than usual, another inch fell yesterday, beginning in the afternoon, and continuing into the night. I laid in bed finishing All The Light We Cannot See listening to a small rain outside our window. All I'll say about that is there is a reason I waited a month for the library to deliver it!

Yesterday afternoon while drying off after a shower I heard the sound of many birds calling. I love it when the windows are open; the new ones are so airtight during the summer I feel such a disconnect with nature. Anyway, earlier the crows were feeding like mad out front, so I thought it was them, however, much to my surprise it was the ROBINS! I wish this were better, but it is not.

As you may be able to tell it was drizzling--I actually threw on my robe and went outside quickly with my camera to get this shot! In the middle of the afternoon no less! Because they were everywhere, I did go inside to get dressed, returning to the rain with an umbrella this time. I followed them down the street to the house in the middle of the cul-de-sac where they were feeding in the yard.

Perhaps they will return today?

It was a bird kind of day because earlier, during my bike ride, I once again saw my eagle who seems to be getting bigger, or maybe it is another one?

By now we are kind of used to this sort of thing, however, I lived most of my life never once seeing an eagle in the wild. So, I'm still excited every time I come across this scene. While waiting patiently, well, as patiently as I'm able, I turned around to see a mockingbird chilling on a hedge.

I once heard someone say that when you hear a bird call in Florida, chances are it is a mockingbird!

I have some good news for you.....Ken is miraculously better! In an act of God, or fate, however, you choose to interpret it, when the stroke occurred they were having company, one of whom knew what to do for a stroke victim! Stabilizing him, he called the ambulance, and in the nick of time he was given that new miracle drug that reverses the effects of a stroke if given soon enough. Soon enough indeed, he was at the market Sunday!!!

Looking as cute as can be! I needn't tell you how their recent marriage made all the difference as far as his hospitalization went.

The market was super busy again, with gorgeous weather bringing folks out in droves. Generally I don't post the market photos, however, this one showcasing two of my favorites is kind of pretty.

Oh how I love radishes! Recently I saw a recipe for roasting them, which I've yet to try, but everyone knows how delicious roasted cauliflower is. The darker the better in my opinion.

Oh what the heck, here's another one from Lake Eola, not technically at the market, but at the park anyway. Can you even imagine feeding this dog?

Those of you who have been with me for the ride, know that when I began the market, there were about 15 vendors, certainly in the summer for sure. Unbelievably, on Sunday, there were 102!!!

They just keep spreading! And the city wants it to keep growing! Bruce had just left the market when Dana called him asking if he would return--she had an emergency. Well, although he had planned to go home and work on some frames, he can never say no to Dana. Long story short, he spent about an hour and a half making the rounds with the city electrician finding ways to improve the power for all of those vendors. Eventually he showed Dana how to make a conference call, so he could be home when the sofa was delivered. (!!!) Conference call ensued with Bruce, the head of the Downtown Development Board, and Dana. Problems solved!

He did find time to get them primed, then Monday he did the painting at his new station on the side of the house.

Amazingly enough I sold three more on Sunday leaving me with only four framed canvases which people are just loving. You can imagine how I love telling people what a wonderful husband I have. :) You can also imagine what I say when people try to talk me down on the price--go to Ikea if you want cheap.

Here's a little look at our winter flower garden which looks worse than this in person!

Weed city! While I'm writing this, Bruce is out mowing the lawn, using the bagger to pick up the copious amount of oak leaves, fallen from our trees, and our across the street neighbor's seven big oaks. One thing about working for a company based on the West coast is the time change--people in the office are still sleeping.

While on the subject of landscapes, I have two very different photos showcasing pink. Here's something I've never seen before...

and here is something I have seen before but it never grows old.

Heavens to Betsy--those trees are beautiful!

In some family news:

• Sister Nancy will be moving to Bristol, TN next week for her store manager job at the new Marshalls.
• Sister Maureen is having Herbert work his magic in her bathroom. As I type he is over there installing a new toilet, vanity, and light fixture--honestly, he is the absolute best.
• We had a nice pizza over at Bill and Fallon's on Saturday while we over there for Bruce to draw a layout for his bedroom closets. A year later and the closets will soon be getting the Herbert/Bruce treatment.
• Son Matthew spent last week  in Seoul, Korea and Tokyo, Japan on a business trip. I've lost count of the cities he's been to but it is a bunch. Never in our wildest dreams...

Finally, and I know you thought I'd never get here, Saturday night we went to the movies (gasp!), with Cheryle and David, as well as some airbnb guests from Maine. What did we see? The Imitation Game. What a film! See it soon if you haven't--you will not regret the decision.

I said finally, however, I've one more thing to share before I forget! More new friends, Bill and Roxanne, live nearby. During a party at you know who's house, he and Bruce were discussing how time flies (see title). Bill likened life to a toilet paper roll. When you first put it on it seems like there is too much, however, the closer you get to the end of the roll, there's not much left. Actually that is a poor telling of the analogy--maybe you can figure out how I could have written it better!