A Weekend Away

 

Along the highway curving up our Island, daisies wave in the wind among the long grasses lining the road. In a few places, purple lupins stand tall, just beginning to bloom. And everywhere is green, from chartreuse to emerald, all joyous in the sunshine. 

Our anniversary isn't until next month, but this was the weekend that worked for a family getaway. Sadly, one family had to cancel at the very last minute because of illness. Oh, how we missed them. They are recovering well, and we are thankful.

Above is the view from our hotel. At low tide the beach was exposed almost to the point of the nearest bit of land on the right. We walked out one afternoon, over a kilometre, wading through sun-warmed tide pools and squelchy sand. 

Along a log visitors pile up stones and leave them all in a row for others to add to. 

The weather was not terribly warm, but we did manage both beach time and pool time. Here are the littlest ones enjoying the mud on the beach. I love their hats that protect their delicate skin both back and front. 

Tide pool art. There is so much life to observe - tiny crabs, sand dollars, determined snails, waving eel grass - it's a miniature world. 

There was a visit to the wonderful playground in Parksville - definitely the best playground I've ever seen. So many activities for kids of all ages. And an ice cream truck. Grandpa treated the grands. This picture makes me both happy and sad, as one grand is missing. 

We ate well, slept well (mostly), and enjoyed each others' company. I cut a bouquet of peonies before leaving home to place on the table of our suite. How beautiful they are, so elegantly ruffled and fragrant. 

School is now finished and I have completed my reports. I still have to tidy up my room, and attend graduation on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to spending more time in my garden, and at my sewing machine. Our weather is still rather cool with much cloud. I keep hoping for sunnier, warmer days, but will have to make do with what we have. Experts say this system might break mid-July! That seems very far away.