Tria

Tria is three and a half months old, and a very happy little girl. 

Lately she is smiley every time I go visit her!

Gowlland Tod Highland Trails

Even though this Sunday was rainy and overcast, we set out for a hike with Keora to beat a case of cabin fever.  Gowlland Tod trails are pretty close to home, and we spent a couple of hours exploring one of many trails in the park.

 

 

The landscape by the water was gorgeous.

Keora spent a while running around on the beach.

 

 We got to the beach at low tide, and got to see the hundreds of mussels attached to the rocks.

 Kyle and Keora had a great time playing fetch - She kept running in and out of the water like the cold didn't bother her one bit!

 

This waterfall was near the bottom of a steep climb back to the start of the trail.

This isn't even the steep part!  My legs were hurting pretty bad by the time we reached the top!

Blending into my surroundings.

Kyle gives Keora a quick pat down before we head home.

 I think she had a good time!

Birds of a Feather Bed and Breakfast

When I left the Ontario Hospital Association my colleagues gave us a gift certificate for a local bed and breakfast as a wedding gift.  We finally got around to using it for an anniversary celebration.

After hiking at East Sooke Park we headed over to check in.

This place caters to vacationers, and the room had a big selection of local area maps. This one was especially informative.  Kyle says "so THAT'S how to get to Whistler!"

There was a telescope in the room, which was actually really neat for checking out the great view of Esquimalt Lagoon and Harbour.

 

We checked in rather early in the afternoon, so we decided to splurge on a movie and dinner out at a local restaurant called My Chosen in a town called Metchosin. 

We enjoyed a bottle of champagne when we got back to the B&B - In the lovely plastic wine glasses that were provided in the room.

 Kyle took some long-shutter photos of the lagoon when it got dark - The view was gorgeous!

East Sooke Park

On a bright and sunny Saturday we decided to head out to East Sooke Park and hike part of their huge trail. The longest part takes approximately six hours, but we only hiked for about two and a half instead. Maybe next time we'll try the long trail!

The weather was so nice that Kyle didn't want to wear his coat. After deciding my vest was not going to work for him, he took off down the trail wearing only his t-shirt. 

 

 

 It was so clear, and the view of the mountains was amazing!

 

Looking around for tide pools.

 

Kyle got a little chilly but warmed himself up on a rock in a sunny spot.

 

A big draw for this trail is a rock carving called a Petroglyph. 

Can you believe it's early February??

 

 

 

Happy Kyle ready to resume our hike after stopping for a quick picnic lunch.

 

This part of the trail reminded me of the Lord of the Rings movies... Yes, I am a huge dork.

 

The trees in this park were huge, though not as big as ones we've seen in other parks on the island. 

 

 

 

Kyle taking a quick break on a fallen tree as we get near the end of the trail.

On the Farm

While the Visco's enjoyed a Disney holiday in Orlando, Kyle and I took care of their farm and animals.  Even though we still had to go to work each day, it felt like a little mini-holiday for us too. And made us want to get some animals of our own (though I think our landlords wouldn't like the idea of us having our own chickens!)

Howie stayed rather close to me the whole time we were there - I'm convinced he knows I'm allergic to him and thought it was funny to make me sneeze.

Brandy was always so happy to see us when we got home from work.  She was so good all week!

Yes, this pond is on the property! So pretty!

I made lots of muffins from the apples on these trees in the fall. I'm rather excited for the crop this year. Apple crisp is so yummy when the apples are fresh.

Four chicken roam around the property.  I definitely enjoyed the fresh eggs.

Part of the property is used to board two horses.