Beach walking...weekend highlights.

Last weekend we motored over to South Pender Island.
The weather was positively gorgeous and we were snug and cozy nestled in our bunks for several nights of sweet slumber, gently lulled by the action of the tide.

The sunsets were amazing...

I finished The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry which I really enjoyed and have started reading Meg Wolitzer's new novel, The Interestings.

I'm impressed by her writing style and must remember to read some of her previous novels.

We savoured some succulent oysters in a mignonette sauce on the outdoor patio.

The Pender Island vineyard Sea Star Ortega was the perfect pairing...

so good in fact, that we purchased a few bottles to take home.

Keeping cool was a challenge...

the daily dips in the pool were essential.

Canada Geese and their goslings swam to and fro...from boat to boat hoping for a handout.

This cannon sits near the Canadian Customs dock...

I wonder if it a warning.

One of the most relaxing things to do when one gets off the boat is to saunter leisurely on a beach...
beach combing with hopes of finding some smooth sea glass or a shell.
Looking at Mother Nature's handiwork never gets boring...

The beach is made up mostly of clam shells...generally referred to as a midden.

The First Nations people would have eaten the clams as they were plentiful and easy to harvest.

The ocean would have provided a rich diet of seafood and the many small protected harbours would have been easy to reach by canoe for the hunter gatherers.

Archaeological digs are quite common on the Gulf Islands.

Arrowheads can still be found if one knows where to look.

The local Arbutus trees have a red bark that peels away like paper revealing a limey green wood underneath.

Seaweed and barnacles

The ocean is cold so I rarely swim in the sea.

There were people swimming and I am sure it would have been refreshing given the heat.

One big Barnacle!

Put to use as a place to store change...

toonies for the marina showers.

Hope you've enjoyed this wee peek into our latest boating adventure.

It's back to work for Mr. HB and I'll be catching up on the domestics and gardening 

here at The Humble Bungalow.

Cruising...

We recently took out boat out for an extended weekend and I captured some snapshots that I wanted to share.

We are headed north of Maple Bay and have been under way just over an hour when I took this shot.

I am quite pleased with my new Tommy Hilfiger watch which is water resistant.

Mr. HB got water in his "good" watch and we had to have it rebuilt which turned out to be pricey so...

we both have new watches as we didn't want to risk it.

We decided to go up to Thetis Island as we have numerous friends and acquaintances there which we like to visit.

The Marina has been in business for a long time and Mr. HB remembers going there as a youngster.
He found a picture of himself on the dock wearing a captains hat when he was sorting out his parents photos...

Telegraph is a favourite spot for us too as we have spent many a week tied up to the dock relaxing, reading and walking on beautiful and pristine country roads.

There is a Farm Stand quite close to the Marina where fresh produce and frozen island grown lamb is sold.

Howling Wolf Farm 

We eat very simply onboard...

salads and meat or fish make up the bulk of our dinners.

Our cockpit area is cozy and snug.

Keeping everything ship shape is important.

We are having Berber carpet installed on the deck as it is easy to snap into place.

You can see two of the snaps near the right side of the door.

It is much cooler underfoot than the fiberglass and will be easy to vacuum to keep it tidy.

The weather was good for the most part but we experienced several squalls bringing warm showers.

I chose one of these periods of downpour to take my walk!

The Pot of Gold Coffee Company has been a Thetis Island institution...

we used to buy our coffee from them and they shipped it to us.

Memories of chocolate covered coffee beans and roasted peanuts still hold us...

The cheery entrance beckons...

you can visit here.

I was surprised and delighted to see a heart shaped puddle on my walk...

a beautiful reminder of the rain.

Next the waterfront Thetis Island garden estate that I was fortunate enough to tour with a friend...

~ Finding beauty in the ordinary makes life much richer. ~

Hostess

Beach Bliss continued...

Point No Point Resort is nestled in the trees on a point of land along a rugged rocky shoreline.

The paths that weave their way throughout the property are well marked.

Bird song and the crashing of the waves are all one can hear for miles.

Wandering silently along the path 

with the warmth of the sun to keep us company

we are deep in thought

taking stock of the beauty and bounty of nature.

Despite the fact that we are off line I took the opportunity to create some blogging images.

The Humble Bungalow Blog is very close to my heart...

it is a personal expression

a creative outlet

a hobby if you will...

I put my heart out there and have faith that someone will read my words.

Many readers drop by and I'd like to reach out to more people.

Lisa from A Mid Life of Privilege has been instrumental in my presence here in the blogosphere.

She encouraged me to get started and I consider her a friend...

she generously linked my blog on one of her more recent posts

and she kindly emailed me with a few pointers as I would like to expand my audience.

I got a "bee in my bonnet" about collecting rocks in the shape of hearts

and proceeded to spend the next hour searching...

the time was not spent in vain

slowly scanning the rocks beneath my feet

I looked closely at the details and shapes.

three hearts...

and a new collection is born!

time spent relaxing is an investment in good health

quality of life is a delicate balance of work and play

These snow leopard printed Polar Feet sox are keeping my feet warm...

if you have not discovered the joys of cozy fleece you might want to head on over and treat yourself to a pair.

I have several pairs of these sox and they are great to wear on the boat or when hiking.

Speaking of cozy...

you might like to spend a few days in the peace and quiet of Point No Point Resort.

We like the Hummingbird cabin...

It's got everything one needs to put together s few simple meals...

though we dined at the restaurant twice during our stay.

The duck confit at dinner was beyond belief 

and I would be remiss if I didn't mention the grilled salmon served with salad that I ate for lunch.

My heart collection came home with me...

I'll be looking out for more as I meander along the beaches.

You might see me on the shoreline with my head bowed...

I'll be happy to chat with you if our paths cross.

I'm so grateful for your comments and emails...

I savour the connections that I continue to make here in cyberspace.

Until next time...

Be Well.

XO

Beach Bliss....

Mr. HB and I recently took a few days off and went to Point No Point where we enjoyed several quiet days.
The rustic resort is comfortable and quiet. Hot tubs on the deck, a restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner, well appointed cabins and nothing to do but relax. We turned off our cellphones and IPads as there is no Internet or cell coverage...beach walks, good books, a fire in the fireplace and delcious meals = bliss!

 
I love the beach and beach combing...

 the surf is strong and powerful
waves crash and recede as the sea flows with the tide

we were able to step over the rocks to the cove

the smooth damp sand was waiting...

writing in the sand...
which was erased without a trace with the next wave

mussel shells and kelp are scattered along the rocky shore

I arranged a few rocks
chosen for their colour
as a message left for another beach guest
should they look this way

other guests have left their mark

someone forgot their shovel
a bright spot on a grey background

splashes of bright red dot the resort

High above the beach the sound of the surf as it crashes on the shore is surprisingly soothing.

one can spend hours gazing out to sea
soaking in the sun
savouring
the rhythm of life

as the sun sets and we retreat inside to cook dinner and build a fire

I am reminded of how important it is to take a step back

quiet the mind

slow ones pace

and reflect on all that is good in life....

Be Well

until next time...

Hostess