Expedition Canada

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...

Full on Day! Rough-Skinned Newt Tue Jun 1st This morning's walk was the more peaceful part of the day as apart from the Rough-Skinned Newt creeping across the path to Mixal Lake, there is not much to report.   That said, as I write this at 2100 local time, the black circular tire marks on the local roads are explained by the petrolheads having their night out doing 'donuts' in their overcharged vehicles some kilometres distant.  When it is so quiet the sound echoes around the valleys. This morning Fred disappeared off to the local supermarket to stock the fridge before Nick's arrival.  Jack spent ages on the edge of the lake looking for a ball he'd dropped between some rocks.  Found several hours later. Then I worked out how I would acquire a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate), the ticket one needs to hire (or own!) a boat.  Test tomorrow! While Nick spent the morning on work conference calls, Fred and I disappeared off on the Lion's trai...

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 g...