Lots of Walks

Our new favorite hobby is walking.  On Saturday we found a new area that has many walking trails on Crown Land (owned by the Federal Canadian Government and ok for everyone's use with exception of no motorized vehicles/bikes on these particular trails) only a mile from home.  We started out walking and it immediately started to rain.  I had to stuff my digital camera under my coat to protect it until the rain stopped - with the lens it made me look a bit like Alien..  Finally, the sun came out so I was able to snap a few pictures.  This is what the Pacific Northwest Rain Forest looks like on Vancouver Island.  Lots of moss!  

It was extremely peaceful and quiet.  We heard a squirrel and woodpecker and saw a couple of small finches. 

Steaming grass in the sunshine.

There are no predators on Vancouver Island except Cougars that you have to watch out for.  There have been several attacks on humans and animals so we made sure to be aware when walking (which means hubby found a stick to carry - the protector) as one was recently spotted in town within the last two weeks. 

Saturday night we went out for our monthly dinner date and tried out a new to us  Greek Restaurant.  The food was great and there was a senior Greek man playing the most beautiful folk songs on his guitar.  Unfortunately I am often disappointed by restaurant meals - this was an exception and we will definitely be back as the food and atmosphere were both excellent.

Sunday the sun came out again which is unusual in Winter two days in a row.  We went down to the Ocean (sorry no pictures) and walked two  miles on the beach as the tide was out.  Hubby has a special watch he uses for working out which monitors heart rate and caloric burning.  He estimated we burned about 250 calories each as walking in sand is quite the workout.  We definitely will find more new places to walk and hike as this seems to be a very healthy and inexpensive hobby!