Summer arrived this week. She might leave for awhile, but then she'll be back. Record-breaking temperatures over the weekend made our first overnight trip on the boat this season a great success.
Mount Baker appears to be floating on clouds beyond the Salish Sea.
Fat seals lounged on sunny rocks and looked up indifferently as we motored past.
We took our two granddaughters for their first overnight on the boat. Port Browning was our destination, on Pender Island. There's absolutely nothing like a beach, even a rocky one, for entertaining children.
Gulls cried and swooped across the water and we watched one pick a crab from the sea, bang it on the rocks, and devour it in front of us.
A curious river otter (they live in the sea, too) watched the girls playing near his fishing ground. He studied them, then flipped his tail and dove, several times. He, too, caught a fish and ate his dinner there.
I spent most of my time on the beach watching the girls. How quickly one forgets the energy it takes to parent little ones. By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted. It's not that they were demanding, but that I'm no longer accustomed to that "always watchful" mode in which parents operate.
I took a few photos of this rock just below the water level. I didn't notice that I'd caught those three tiny bubbles until I looked at it on my computer. For some reason they tickle my fancy. How perfectly round they are, and for all their transparency, look at the shadows they cast.
Here's another one of the same scene, this time as the rushing waves receded into ripples that caught the light in beautiful patterns.
Our summer weather is supposed to continue through the upcoming long weekend. Hooray!
Is spring warming up to summer in your corner of the globe?
It's warmed up quickly, hasn't it? The girls look as though they're having fun. Your photos are lovely, Lorrie. It's always a good day when you can see Mount Baker.Enjoy the long weekend.
ReplyDeleteOn our little Island Spring is only just starting to emerge. Sounds like a great break away enjoying your beautiful Grandchildren. They are indeed very tiring but I am so looking forward to seeing family next week, we can rest up when they have gone. Beautiful photos, like you I was fascinated with the bubbles.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures...love the one of the girls best as it captures their busyness. I know that
ReplyDeleteexhaustion whereof you speak. Beautiful warm weather...77°F...is to arrive tomorrow. Enjoy
your summery days!
What a glorious weekend. It is slow to warm up here, too. Had a fierce rain at midnight, but who minds rain. The girls surely had a great adventure and will be begging for another trip. The grandchildren do wear us out, but a good tired. We can always send them home to their parents to recharge for the next adventure. I predict that you will have a few over the summer.
ReplyDeleteHello, Lorie... beautiful pictures and the colours are amazing. Your grandchildren look so very playful on the beach. I also know what type of exhaustion you are referring to. But it's also very enjoyable. I really like the photo with the gorgeous rock. I love beach rocks. Here in Toronto is moving from winter to Spring very nicely and slowly. We had a few days that felt like early summer but then went back to spring weather. I really enjoy your photos all the time. Have a nice long weekend.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I feel like I've been taken along with you on an adventure, Lorrie, and this time with your two granddaughters. I can certainly relate to the energy required in caring for young ones! Thank you for sharing the beauty and happiness with us!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how much you love your boat trips in such a beautiful setting. Great to have the added bonus of granddaughters for company. Despite being 'on duty' all the time it must have been great fun. B x
ReplyDeleteHasn't it been glorious?! We're off tomorrow, and I'm dragging my feet just a little wanting to be home taking advantage of the good weather just a bit longer. . .
ReplyDeleteOh what fun and such beautiful skies...and that water is SO BLUE! Yes, children most definitely love the sea shore and the otter is just too adorable!
ReplyDeleteYes, it totally felt like summer this past week. Today...not so much. Fun times and beautiful pic's out on your boat!
ReplyDeleteas a grandma I identify with that watchful mode / I actually think we are more watchful / worried than when we were young parents...
ReplyDeleteit's worse :) The worry....
Such wonderful sea views, Lorrie... and such happy granddaughters. The first photo is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWe too have had some warm days now (max. 28C) and after the last night's rain the trees and grasses start to look really cheerfully green.
Have a blessed weekend!
How interesting your visit looks with both sky and sea so blue. Your photo of the three perfect bubbles in wonderful:)
ReplyDeleteYour little boat is bringing you wonderful adventures. And now with the girls going along even more so. They do drain some energy off us, don't they. Summer is here as well, with a week of rain and mugginess.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have the granddaughters out on the boat. I bet they were exhausted too!
ReplyDeleteI giggle every time I see seals sunning themselves - fat and happy - not a care in the world. The picture of the rock under the water with the light patterns - stunning!!! What a treasured time with your grands … yes, especially when near water, extra vigilance is needed - I am not surprised it wore you out - perhaps more mentally than physically! We had warmer temps for a few days, but it has gone cool again, which I don't mind as long as the sun is out!
ReplyDeleteLovely seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteThis really is a super time of year.
We too have enjoyed some sunny days - just great.
All the best Jan
It's decided it will be summer, and that is that! Yes, we have had multiple days in the 90s this week. A bit warmer than ideal, but we did have an awfully long and cool spring so I shan't complain. We are having a church picnic today and will all have electric fans to keep cool by. Such are the seasons of life. I love the photo of the rock and the 3 bubbles... and also the one of your grands. So carefree at that age. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, your photos are so lovely! I love the one of your grandchildren in the sea. They remind me of my two when they were little. They are lucky to have you to take them on adventures! :) Kit
ReplyDeleteYes, it is warming up here too. And yes, it does take all our energy to spend time with grand kids.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Lorrie! I agree that as much as we enjoy spending time with our grandchildren, they can be exhausting! Their energy is boundless. Thankfully, they seem aware that we need to rest more than they do, and can be quite helpful too.
ReplyDelete