Jack Makes a Splash

A Splash Attracts Jack 

Mon May 31st

Morning over Mixal

Barred Owl

Today was a water day and it started just after 10pm last night when Jack was put out to be emptied.  A huge splash on the far side of the lake startled us both.  I guess it could have been a beaver as they are resident locally, though it sounded bigger.  This morning there was a large log floating around.  Somebody having some fun?

We shall be ready with a 'flashlight' and camera tonight!

This morning I took my camera on our morning walk and not only captured a stunning view across Mixal Lake with the clouds illuminated by the rising sun, but the reflections on the still water.

The local Barred Owl was close to a tree, I saw him on yesterday's morning walk and again was unperturbed by our presence, or the American Robins who were again sounding their displeasure at his presence.  It still has the bent wing feathers, but is able to fly.

The morning was taken over by the gardening company coming in to cut the grass and the water testing company to check the well water that the estate uses.

Jack used the time to check out the banks of the lake and has so far retrieved four balls of various types and a frisbee.  He must have spent the best part of an hour swimming this morning and amusing himself in the water.  

As we needed to find a way of getting post and deliveries to us over the next month, we headed back down to John Henry's in Hospital Bay on Pender Harbour to talk to Canadian Post.  Really helpful staff there have now set up a collection service, so that problem is solved for the next month.  

After checking out the seafood (and ice cream) at John Henry's Cafe (recommended) we headed back to base.  John Henry's has been our preferred destination for late afternoon beers, scenery and company since we arrived in Garden Bay.  At John Henry's we chatted to a chap who lives on his own island 12 miles out (pronounced 'oat') and pops over for a beer, on the deck in the harbour, most times we are there!  As we sat there enjoying the seafood a young Otter ran along the banks of the inlet.  Still brown rather than the older grey/black; lovely to see.

We decided it was time to see if we can get Jack on the water, rather than in it, so we gathered up the canoeing gear and headed off to Mixal Lake on our doorstep with the owners Canadian Canoe.  

Reluctant to get in at first, after a few small trips from the dock he was confident hopping in and out. In between trips he sat on the dock and howled, unhappy at being left behind.   All was going fine until he saw a small rock peeping through the surface, his Springer instincts kicked in and he readied himself to retrieve the 'duck'.  He was dissuaded from leaping in and seemed comfortable with the rest of the trip.  Tomorrow - it will be a family affair!  The next video is Long!

So a fun day today.  No house hunting, no moving lists, no rental discussions.  It was a restful day!