Dawn Chorus Hails

Morning Visitor

Wed Jun 2nd

Capt Jack posing in front of Rockridge Cabin
Back from my early morning walk, I was enjoying my first cup of coffee of the day, sitting on the deck finishing Tuesday's blog in the quiet warmth of the early morning when I became aware of the local Robins collective alarm call.  

Seconds later my eye caught movement to my right, as a lone coyote slowly trotted past the edge of the smaller pond.  

No camera, again, but fortunately iPhone in pocket.  I managed to catch the last few seconds as he sauntered up the rocks behind us before disappearing up the mountainside.  Jack, slumbering behind me was unaware of the visitor.  I'm not sure what they would have made of each other.  Brief video below and best bit right at the beginning.


Having had the sighting confirmed by our resident Canadian and now woken from his slumbers, Jack decided it was time for a swim in Mixal Lake, and that I should go with him.  When we were down at the lake the day prior, I was able to claim that with my contact lenses in and no goggles lakeside, I couldn't go in.  Today any excuses would sound a bit lame.  The last time I went swimming was in a gin clear chlorinated pool, when that was possible!  The idea of swimming in an albeit reasonably clear lake and sharing it with fish, frogs and Snapping Turtles didn't fill me with enthusiasm.  But I couldn't be a complete wimp in front of my swim-anything-son, so in I went, with some gentle cajoling.  It was surprisingly warm.  Jack looked on from the dock wanting to get in but not being prepared to leap off the dock, but he did wade in and swim out towards us.  I may go in again tomorrow!

On the way back from the dock, a chap cutting his grass on the verge beside his cabin, switched off the lawn mower to chat.  Keith, is from Cornwall and has been living in Canada since 2007.  Funny how you can travel several thousand miles and your next door neighbour in the middle of nowhere is a Brit!

Nick was working most of the day I spent most of it doing my Pleasure Craft licence online course and tests ahead of the Transport Canada exam on Thursday morning.

We checked out some of yesterday's prawns for lunch.  Excellent.  I suspect the balance might be finished off on Saturday when our BC friends come over for a BBQ.  

After Nick drove off back to Vancouver, Fred, Capt Jack and I went for a paddle round Mixal Lake.

Jack sits in the front takin in the view, though gets excited if we pass bits of wood that resemble ducks that need to be retrieved!

I guess at some point he's likely to leap out.  We are going to have to practice our dog recovery exercises!!

For those interested the 17acres of swamp next to where are are living is up for sale at a cool $1.1m for division into half-acre lots.  I guess $32k per lot is not a bad land price, if you don't mind draining the swamp!








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