Expedition Canada

Humpbacks Return Thu May 18th Orca cruising just past the start line I was sailing last Sunday after a break of two weeks and it felt as though summer had arrived.  We had good wind and a warm 30c, though a windproof jacket was still required.  In the previous race, we were in winter wet weather gear.  My brain-related knee injury, which had prevented my appearance for the last two weeks, is on the mend and it has reminded me that I should engage the grey matter before doing anything so stupid in future.  Bruised bones rather than anything more serious.  For those that missed the last blog, I'd jumped off the back of a stationary pick-up truck.  Doh! As well as good sailing weather we enjoyed watching a pod of Orca put in an appearance as we motored out to the start line.  They were heading out to the Salish Sea from West Howe Sound through the Shoal Channel which runs between Keats Island and The Bluff, a large outcrop that sits above Gibsons Marina....

Rain a week away Thu Sep 22 After the smoke smog - Twin Creeks Mill in Langdale W hen I started this update on Sept 12  Vancouver Island had not been visible for several days due to smoke from multiple forest fires in BC and across the US border in Washington state.  There was a faint hint of smoke in the air.  Environment Canada issued a ‘poor air quality’ statement, recommended no outdoor exercise and closing doors and windows.  Sunday 11th, our usual racing wasn’t happening as the boat owner was away.  One of the regular crew and I took out a club boat with the aim of sailing up West Howe Sound.  As we left the harbour the end of Keats Island was barely visible in the smoke haze, we could not see Gambier Island only five and a half kilometres away.  Our plan to sail around Gambier was abandoned as the wind dropped right off and we motored back into the main channel and in the end, back to Gibsons.  We both went home with sore throats. Stage 4 W...

...... Long Live the King Mon Sep 12 CBC's Latest Coverage Eight hours behind the UK, we wake to the early afternoon news. Not having access to the domestic UK news output, we are dependent on BBC World and the North American equivalents, and not so equivalent!.  There is no Sky or ITN. The announcement on Thursday by the Queen’s medics of concern over her health, had just been aired as we surfaced.  The understated nature of the statement added to the gravitas of the moment. BBC World, the Canadian news networks (CBC, Global, CTV) as well as the US news networks all carried the same stream of the gates of Balmoral and grim-faced Royals being driven into the estate.  After years working in a news environment, I spent several hours hopping channels Mid-morning locally and the news everybody seemed to be expecting, but did not want to hear, flashed up on the screens and presenters made the sad announcement.  Whilst I was unsurprised by the Canadian networks continuous ...

Distinctly Chilly Thu Jul 1st With temperatures back down to near normal on the coast (17 C), we were able to enjoy a long walk this morning, just over 7k.  Jack and I walked up through Blueridge to the Hyannis trail, via a couple of connecting trails to Fishermans Trail, which runs alongside Seymour River.  It was a public holiday, so the outward journey was quiet, a few more walkers and runners were out by the time we walked back. Inland, temperatures have remained high and  contributed to more forest fires.   The town of Lytton  was evacuated only fifteen minutes before being largely destroyed by fire.   ' According to the B.C. Wildfire Service , there are 82 wildfires burning across the Province Thursday, with 52 of them starting in the past 48 hours. Lightning strikes, gusty winds and high temperatures have contributed to already intense conditions.' Camp fires, fireworks, lanterns and all other fire risks have been banned across ...

And Floods Tue June 29th The heat bubble is moving inland and though the morning walk was already 23c  at 0630 , temperatures were noticeably  cooler today on those occasions when we weren't in a store or air conditioned car. The Hyannis trail is a lovely mix of 'old growth' trees and not so old.  Many are covered with Spanish Moss, which gives the forest a slightly primordial feel, or at least what I imagine it to have been like. There were more early walkers out trying to avoid the "midday sun".   Today the Disco had been booked into Land Rover in Richmond, to have the auto stop-start fixed. It has not worked since we bought the vehicle, coupled with a persistent low-battery sign.  Three years old!  We were offered a Jaguar loan car, which we declined as we were off to Ikea to get some bits and pieces for the new rental.  The almost new Discovery Sport was quite fun, head-up-display on the windscreen, all glass instruments an...