Salt Spring Island, week 2, August 10-16, 2025

 We drove to the north end of the island, and did the same hike down to the ocean that I did yesterday, walked the beach aways, hiked back, and then went to Sunset Farm and a few other artist studios, before heading back to our place.  We joined Harold and Sabine for conversation at their afternoon sitting spot at the ocean just up from our cottage.

I did a 9 mile paddle and Donna got organized in preparation for departure on Wednesday, along with a 4 mile local walk/hike.  While Donna made dinner (Ceviche), I drove to Burgoyne Bay road and picked blackberries,

On Tuesday we hung out at the boathouse. Wednesday, Donna flew home and I did a 12.5 mile kayak from the north side of the island, going through “the cut” for the second time, a shallow passageway between Thetis and Penelekaut islands.

I got organized in preparation for my Saturday departure and loaded most of our things into the car in the morning,  I went to Ruckle Provincial Park in the afternoon and did a 3 mile loop hike through the campground and around the perimeter of the park.  A very windy day…it would have been dangerous/deadly to be out in a kayak today.

Friday:    Wow, 2 orcas just swam by.  I almost missed it since it’s cold and rainy outside and I had the windows and doors shut.  Luckily I glanced outside at the right time.  They were right in front of the boathouse with a whale boat trailing them.  A mother orca and her baby!