Thursday, July 31, 2014

Date On The Water


Tuesday night we decided we needed to get out on the water so we rented two kayaks in the late afternoon and went for a 2 hour tour.  The wildlife was out in force.  Click on any picture for a closer shot.  First, a heron who seemed to have no concern over us.  He was clutching a stick and gazing at the water for fish down below.  A mere glance or two in our direction and he just remained where he was.  Normally these birds are very shy, this one not so much.  We got within five feet and just sat and watched him then eventually paddled off and left him to his supper.


There are Canadian geese who live here year-round as well as some who just winter here.  I was REALLY hoping these guys didn't make any "deposits" while flying directly overhead.  We were lucky this night.

I only had my small waterproof point and shoot or would have gotten some amazing shots of the wildlife that night as there were at least 7 seals within a 200 meter stretch that kept bobbing up around us.  I still get water on everything when I kayak so the DSLR camera that I have made a hefty investment in shall stay safely on land until I can kayak with no water spray.

Sea monster! Nope, just a seal

Seal between hubby and I
 There are two domestic geese that believe they are part of the Canadian Geese clan.  In winter they stay in a farmers field with thousands of other migratory birds that come here for warmth.  In summer they cross the road and hang out in the estuary with their friends.

I should have just given hubby the camera as it seemed like he was a seal-whisperer.  This little seal popped up right in front of his kayak.



And these two, which I believe were mother and baby since the second was so small popped up right next to mine. In addition to the heron and the seals we saw kingfishers, bald eagles, ducks, grebes, and sandpipers.  The estuary is certainly a birding paradise.

 It was a lovely evening topped off by a beer and burger at a local pub - because that's how we roll.

Had a nice evening out lately?  What do you do for fun?

18 comments:

  1. What gorgeous photos, and such a treat to see your countryside - thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you Morgan, I can truly say I love where we live and feel so fortunate that we get to do these kinds of things whenever we want to. If we have a stressful day we often just hop in the car and go sit by the water - the Ocean is so peaceful.

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  2. I've never seen a seal in the wild,despite having been to the places they hang out in the UK.
    Day out? Nature tops them all!
    Jane x

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    1. We see seals almost every time we go to the Ocean. This night though was unreal, every 50 feet another seal. I love them. They are often as curious about you as you are about them.

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  3. That is amazing! You got beautiful shots with that camera. It was the perfect date!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, but my other camera is so much better. I just don't want to chance it, maybe after my skill is better.

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  4. Nice evening indeed! When we want a special night out, we stay in town after work and go to the museum of fine arts and then a bite to eat. Or a long walk and an ice cream cone....

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    1. A walk and an icecream cone, that sounds like us too. It was a great night, the weather was just perfect and we had a great time. These days make you feel like it is good to be alive!

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  5. I'm so jealous, I often think as I'm driving by the estuary after work ( 2nd floor St Joseph's) that it would be so nice to kayak there. So glad that you and hubby did. Gives me the push to try it too. I'm lovin your blog, keep up the good work!

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    1. We took a lesson last year from Comox Valley Kayaks and then did it a couple of times on our own. That was the first time ever. This night was our 6th time kayaking. We think we need to take a refresher though as forgot a few things so likely will take that when my stepdaughter is up so she can take a lesson too. We love the ocean, it is the reason we moved here!

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  6. Awesome! I just don't think that I have the balance to sit in one of those things. I would spend my time upside down and angry. LOL
    You have such a handle on everything. It's inspiring.

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    1. The only hard part is getting in and getting out. Once in balance is not really an issue. I am only pretending to have a handle on things lol.

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  7. Sounds like you had a great kayak trip. Yes, our heron must have been citified for sure. It was so funny, sitting there on the bike as we passed. Like yours, he gave us no mind. We are having a terrible time with Canadian Geese poop at the Powell Lake park. They are going to conduct a "study" and see what to do about it. Doesn't that sound typical? - Margy

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    1. Krikey, a study to see what to do about bird poop. Like it is the first time a Canada goose pooped. I am sure there have been other such studies - what a waste of money!

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    1. It was a beautiful night, fortunately we get plenty of them here, just as you do.

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  9. What a wonderful ride. I've never seen a real life seal before, I'd probably have capsized the boat in excitement. x

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    1. Well, I nearly trying did trying to get pictures of them. So glad we had the lifejackets :)

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