Japanese Maple

A tree that Karen has always wanted, yet difficult to grow in Ontario, appears to be quite prolific here on the coast. Here is a fine example around the corner on Hillcrest Road.


Where : Hillcrest Road, Gibsons
When : October, 2007

Gunnera

We thought this was rather large to be rhubarb and found out that it was a Gunnera. Absolutely huge (as demonstrated by the lovely Karen) this plant thrives on British Columbia's "wet coast" and usually, the growth you see is from one season.


Where : Hillcrest Road, Gibsons
When : October, 2007

Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority

The Government Wharf in Gibsons Harbour, this is the area where the river otters made their home in the winter, the Kingfisher frequents the many masts of the boats docked here, and of course the pigeons, seagulls and other marine birds spend most of their time above and below the wharf.


Where : Government Wharf
When : March, 2008

Gibsons Marina

There was slight confusion when we first moved here, as Gibsons Marina, and the Government Wharf are two different things, but coexist in Gibsons Landing Harbour. In a sheltered channel between Keats Island and Gibsons, Shoal bay.

Entering between the breakwaters of the inner harbour, straight ahead is the Hyak Marine fuel dock and ways, to the left is Gibsons Marina, and to the right the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority (GLHA) floats.


Where : Gibsons Marina
When : June, 2008

Canada Geese

No House points for spotting these guys, however, here are a couple of baby geese, goslings or gidgets, whatever you want to call them. The Canada Geese are usually found lazing at the shore near the bluffs at the marina, they're quite tolerant of the beachcomber types like the pair of us. I was quite close when I took this picture without any hissing fits from the mother.


Where : Gibsons Marina
When : June, 2008

Double Crested Cormorant

Always milling about down by the Government Wharf at Gibsons Landing, the Cormorants compete with a variety of marine birds for the various fish. These guys actually swim like fish, often diving down for a minute or more to reappear 30 or 40 feet from where they started. They can be often seen drying themselves in between feeding (like the fellow on the left).


Where : Gibsons Landing
When : December, 2007