Celebrating Canada

There were parades and fireworks. We didn't see any of them. To celebrate this wonderful land of our birth we set out on the water. You'll probably see a lot of these on-the-water photos this summer. This day's destination: Russell Island, another of Canada's "Hawaiian Islands." 
 

 We paid attention to the signposts along the way - fixed aids to navigation, as above, and

floating aids to navigation, seen here. If you look closely you'll notice the fine spikes sticking up from the top of this buoy. Any guesses as to their purpose? Yep, to keep birds from alighting and making a mess of things. 
 

Once ashore we explored this tiny island. The easy trail is less than a 1 kilometre loop. We could walk it in a very short time, but why would we? There are beaches to explore, sea asparagus to crunch, tidal pools to study and wide vistas to admire. A little girl in her nautical print dress doesn't mind getting a little muddy. Life's too interesting to worry about staying neat and tidy.
 

The trail loops along the shoreline at sea level on one side and along steep rocky cliffs on the other. Dry arbutus leaves crackle underfoot and the lovely scent of sun-warmed forest rises from the ground.
 

We perch on the cliff edge, gazing southwards to the dozens of islands that dot this part of the map. In the far distance we see the still snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Peninsula. Miss S holds a brown leaf and with the power of imagination draws water from it that she pours into our hands. Water is scarce in the summertime on these rocky islands. Rain seldom falls and the grasses turn sere and golden. 

Tim takes the camera from me and snaps a photo of me with our eldest daughter. Is she really that much taller than I or are we standing on a slope? Hats and sunglasses are de rigueur on these excursions. 
 

A flower blooms on the edge of the cliff where water sparkles as it rushes upon the rocks below. I am thankful for this beautiful land in which I live, and for the freedom to believe and live as I choose. Happy Canada Day!