Expedition Canada

Wolf on the Loose Tue July 30 Pet not predator Just back from a week in Whistler where we took advantage of not having Jack with us and were able to spend a lot of time up the mountains and in bars, where dogs are banned. Promoted as 'dog friendly', compared to the UK it is anything but.  More of Whistler later. Morning walks along Bonniebrook beach almost came to a halt a few weeks ago, before we headed North, after I came face to face with a large wolf gambolling along the road heading for Jack.  What do you do when a wolf heads towards you?  I had no idea.  It had, what I assumed was a tracking collar, but turned out to be a domestic dog collar.  His name I discover is Rudiger and he has a reputation for escaping from the compound his owner created for him with 12' high fences with an overhang. He wanted to play with, rather than consume Jack, but it was still an initially unnerving experience.  Rudiger has been the source of much social media commentary...

RAIN & Snow in Whistler!  Thu Sep 16 Fri Sep 17 If Wednesday's sunrise was marked by a stunning red sky, Friday's was marked by the absence of a sunrise.  The rain bought visibility down to less than 2km due to the heavy rain, Gambier Island barely visible across West Howe Sound. Early weather warnings were that we could see 50mm of rain by Friday evening, later raised to 100mm.  It's set to rain most of the weekend. Whistler The warnings now extend to potential power cuts with trees  or loose branches  weakened from the summer drought expected to fall taking out power lines.  One candle may not be enough! The rain down at sea level does mean it has started to snow in Whistler. Whilst the village is enjoying the same weather as us, alpine levels are seeing their first snow of the year both on Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. It might only be a few inches, but is only mid-September! Blackcomb Five weeks ago we were walking around the top of Whistl...

Jack to Vet, Toads on the Move Fri Jul 30th Sat Jul 31st Friday Today it's a 34 C day and no sea breeze.  Tonight it will cool to 23 C.  We have another day of it tomorrow before the weather returns to seasonal norms, whatever that is these days.  Threats of rain and lightning over metro Vancouver will probably not reach us.  The rain would be welcome, though lightning brings with it a greater  risk of forest fires, a double edged sword. This  sign adorned the vet's surgery.  We think Jack might score 10.5 out of 15 on the attached.   He loves rolling in the mud, the forest floor, beach/foreshore, carpet, lawn (dry and brown) and in recent days to 'scratch' his ears.  Hence the visit to the vet.  A yeast infection in both ears, common in dogs that like swimming!!!  You try keeping him out of the water Dr Vet!   I'll leave you to judge the 4 - 5 fails!  He rather took to the vet, which is unusual.  She had hi...