Loaf Evolution

The breadmaking continues, we have refined the original product, which sometimes had a height problem if the dough was too moist during rising, the loaf has evolved into what our parents would describe as a large "unsliced tin" a definition I struggled with when I was young as I had no idea that bread was cooked in tins.

Here is the evolved model, five cups of wholewheat flour in this one, the key thing is that the ratio of everything is important, so my slap happy bread making days are behind me.

Oh yes, must always mention it makes cracking toast.

Snow Day

The temperature has warmed slightly, so the usual late November rain is replaced this year with snow, and quite a bit. I walked to the post office this morning and snow is dropping out of the sky like it was Ontario. This will not stop the long trek to the Blackfish pub this afternoon as we have a responsibility to be customers whatever the weather.

Varied Thrush

The cold weather has hastened the liberal application of wild bird food on the feeders in the back garden. The usual suspects are appearing.

Deep Freeze

No paddling today of course, it was minus sixteen on the water thanks to the Arctic breeze we have been enjoying, bringing unseasonably cold temperatures, but bright blue skies. North Shore mountains a week after the other photo.

Canada Geese

The blast of Arctic air may encourage the large flock of Canada geese we have in Gibsons to move South sooner than later. A couple of them, enjoying the more tropical temperatures of a week ago.

Novembrrrrghhhh.

A week ago, the North Shore mountains looked like this, perhaps if the minus temperatures expected tomorrow allow the camera to operate without freezing (and I feel like going out) then I will add the "much dusted" visage that we viewed today.

Duck!

A few of the more attractive aforementioned ducks. A very high cuteness factor here.

Spot the Pigeon

I don't actually know if that was it's name, caught in focus down at the marina, fighting for food with a rabble of ducks.

Derek Smith

Saturday was a busy social day and in the morning a surprise Gibsons visit from an old friend, Derek Smith, last time I saw him was probably 17 years ago. We watched his boys team beat the Sunshine Coast minor hockey team at Brothers Arena.

Autumn Walk

The walk back from the landing, a steep trek up School road, along Sargeant and up the path to Abbs, a look down towards the marina and the bluffs, Keats Island in the background and way in the distance a sneak peak of Bowen Island.

Bonus Friday

The phone rang and I was bleary eyed as Karen asked "do you want to paddle" and my first thoughts were of snuggling back under the quilt, but then I agreed and we went off for a 10.30am jaunt. The Hopkins landing float provided a mid point break and we saw our first sea lion in Howe Sound who seemed very interested in his first sighting of an outrigger.

Lest We Forget

To commemorate all those who step into the light to push back the darkness.

Photo taken in Victoria, Vancouver Island, 2003

Cormorant

Typically the water was like a millpond today (because we were supposed to go paddling yesterday) and the bay was busy with Cormorants fishing. They have a habit of predicting when you are about to press the shutter button and then dive, here is one that did not get away.

Fox Sparrow

It is easier to sneak up on these little blighters when you have a decent zoom lens on your side.

Bald Eagle

The rain fell hard yesterday, turning a paddling day into a shopping day. Today the weather is totally different, bright blue skies, sunshine and excellent walking temperature, so we set off on an extended walk down to the shore. Here a bald eagle at maximum camera zoom, riding on thermals over Granthams.

Biffday

Today it was Karen's birthday, spent in the big city of Vancouver, craft beers and good food, some more paddling gear as fantastic prizes and a big wedge of Cheshire cheese and chocolate from Whole Foods to contemplate, it was a good day. We made it by the skin of our teeth to the 5.30 pm ferry home and in the kitchen a huge bottle of Californian red awaits to be consumed before bedtime.

Karen, 1964

(And I was under the impression she was 39)

November

Tuesday Paddle. It was a great day today, especially considering we are in November, the winter rules of the paddle club are now active and our excursions will be kept in a narrow corridor between Gibsons Marina and Hopkins Landing. That may sound boring but safety is paramount at this time of the year.

Today a total 70 minute paddle, 35 minutes down to Hopkins for a half time respite from the cardio, a chat about house buying and the joys and perils of real estate as we held court at the Hopkins float, then a 26 minute sprint back to Gibsons in what felt like "slow" water.

As usual, there followed a mug of hot coffee as the survivors discussed future plans at the Black Bean coffee shop on Marine drive.

Autumn

Nature has a way of filling in the blanks.

Natural landscaping, mushrooms hiding behind the post box on Tricklebrook Way.