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Things not to do Naked

Tue Aug 10th
Sunrise Wed AM
Wed Aug 11th

Our local radio station, CKAY Coast FM, ran a feature this morning on things one would not want to do naked.  

Picking blackberries was one of the suggestions.  Not that it would ever cross my mind.

I mention this as two young Black Tailed deer, worked their way down the steep bank of our front garden grazing on the still plentiful supply of blackberries and young shoots that grow throughout the summer.

They must have very thorn proof lips and mouths.  I was going to pick those same blackberries tomorrow morning - dressed!

What did you think my reference to nakedness was going to be all about?  



Coast FM serves the Sunshine Coast and eastern side of Vancouver Island, particularly around Nanaimo where many of the advertisers seem to be based.  They are a bit like Planet Rock in the UK, but do a good local news bulletin at the top and bottom of the hour as well regular updates of the ferry capacity on the Nanaimo, Langdale and Bowen Island routes.  To be honest they are the only local station but we rather like it.

We headed off from Whistler about 0900 yesterday, hoping we might get on the earlier 12.10 ferry as it was only 60% full.  It gave us time to have a look around Squamish on the way down the Sea to Sky Highway (Route 99) and make a few sightseeing stops.  The first stretch of road takes you down from Whistler Village at about 650m and runs alongside the railway and Cheakamus River, which flows in to the Squamish River just above Squamish.  The rest of the route follows Howe Sound, down to the Georgia Strait, the body of water that separates Vancouver Island from the Sunshine Coast.

The first stop was Tantalus Lookout, with views across to the Mountain of the same name which stands at 2,608m.



Next was on the Squamish River at a point which is described as the Eagle Capital of the World. 

We have dropped in there before a seen a few bald eagles. Yesterday was a bit underwhelming.  We only spotted a Turkey Vulture and loads of Glaucous-winged Gulls.  We have already seen a few of those.



The final stop was Porteau Cove where we gave Jack a run, and a swim!  The car park was busy but we weren't sure where everybody had gone as the beaches were not busy.  A ferry used to run up to the Cove to bring workers in for the Mill but though the terminal is still there, the service has long gone.


Ring-side 'seats', our favourite spot
We arrived at the ferry terminal and couldn't get on the 1210 boat so we had a two hour wait until our reserved crossing.  We checked in, parked up and went into Horseshoe Bay Village for lunch, sitting on the seawall enjoying the view.  Back at the car, being so early we were first in the queue, so first car on the boat and first off.  Great views from the front of the boat in our 'business class' seats.


A quick dash into Sechelt when we got back, to pick up my new paddleboard (SUP - Stand up Paddleboard).  To my surprise it had come all the way from Totnes, Devon.  It must have been paddled over as it has taken months.  There is huge demand at the moment and poor post-covid supply.

This morning a quick check and the sea was like a millpond.  Not so when we got to Bonniebrook Beach where the two foot swell was crashing on to the beach.  Undeterred, I marched down the beach board under arm.  

This was my first time in the sea rather than an inland lake, with no pontoon to get on and get off.  I had my first dunking on an SUP trying to get on, and the second when I got get off.   It was great, and the water warm.  Jack sat watching intently and howling on the beach as he was not allowed on (he's quite a sea dog now).  Once aboard it was easier on the sea than I'd anticipated when I saw the swell.  Nick was gutted he missed the dunking and Fred fortunately didn't capture the moment!


A kneeling day rather than stand-up.  Too bumpy - perhaps next time!






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