Tag Archives: Pacific Ocean

Richmond

On our way back home from Victoria, we stopped in Richmond which is just south of Vancouver. M grew up there and we took a little tour around to his old teenage haunts.

The seafront has an eclectic mix of fishing vessels, sail boats, restaurants, coffee shops and townhomes.

After the wind storm that walloped Victoria and Vancouver had died off, the weather was gorgeous with a flat ocean calm and clear, sunny skies.

The weather was so good, in fact, that I spotted someone paddling an ocean kayak (the small red vessel toward the mid-right of the photo).

Sunny December days are a gift and we certainly enjoyed this one, especially after the weekend’s storm.

Happy Monday.

Windy Victoria

We awoke to a very windy day. The ocean was extremely churned up and lots of surf was being flung about.

With the gale gusting to about 80 km (50 mi) we definitely needed raincoats against the wind-whipped spray.

Although it was windy the temperature was about 9C (48F) and it wasn’t raining, so in a good windbreaker/raincoat, I was comfortable.

I found a group of periwinkle flowers growing in a rock garden next to the ocean, but despite being soaked by seawater they seemed completely unperturbed.

I very much enjoyed watching the surf and listening to its pounding roar – the heart of all life on earth.

Happy Sunday.

Victoria Ferry

We are taking a mini-break holiday to Victoria which is on Vancouver Island, an hour-and-half by ferry from Vancouver. We had the most beautiful day for the drive through the mountains and then for the ferry trip.

Wintery trees through the mountains.
Getting underway on the ferry.
A view of Vancouver and its mountains.
Heading west toward the Gulf Islands and Victoria.
Passing the Gulf Islands as the sun sinks.

Happy Thursday.

Ocean Thoughts

Haida Gwaii beaches …

… are fascinating places. Eagles that hunt in the ocean …

… for crabs and other delicacies …

… large cables of kelp that look like prehistoric creatures …

… massive stumps that have been pummelled by waves and then thrown up on shore …

… the birthplace of all life on earth. The salt is in our blood.

Beautiful North Beach, Haida Gwaii

North Beach on Haida Gwaii is incredibly beautiful. We went for long, long walks and saw many more bald eagles than people.

A juvenile bald eagle looking for snacks at the ocean’s edge.
Beach grass.
In the distance, Tow Hill, an outcropping of volcanic rock at the shoreline.

Although it was an overcast day, the temperature was very comfortable, especially as it was around 38 C (100 F) at home!

Near Prince Rupert …

… the city from where we took the ferry to Haida Gwaii …

… the huge numbers of resident bald eagles love to soar …

… through the dense forests, marvellous inlets and passages around small islands, and to swoop past decks and balconies and perch anywhere near the life-giving ocean.

And a beautiful ocean it is.

Happy Thursday.