Camping at Ruckle Park

This is just after we set up camp. There are 78 walk-in sites at Ruckle Park and 8 you can drive into. At least half of the walk-in sites are on the waterfront and afford the most amazing views of the water traffic. In May and June I was told, there is a good chance to see Orca's and even the odd Grey whale.

Rain and a gift

Nice beer stein from my friend and co-worker Gregory. He and his family just returned from 4 weeks holiday in Poland.

Well, rain is a gift as well. July was VERY dry and hot, so this is most welcome.

Notice the word 'Klodzko'? That is Gregory's hometown in Poland. Apparently I can only drink Polish beer in this.

So glad we have this truck

Moving my bike to Gordon's to commence repairs. It has been off the road since April of '08 with an intermittent starter motor. With all the travel last year, I was not motivated to tackle the fix. The idea is to get the XN back on the road and then hopefully put it up for sale to purchase a dual purpose bike like the Kawasaki KLR 650.

Visit from a distant relative.........

Clayton, Everett and Rueben

Everett is visiting from Ontario (nephew of Ellie and Gerard). After he leaves Victoria, he is heading to Tofino. It has been a pleasure to get to know this fine young man and we wish him all the best in his future. If you are ever back this way again, you know where there is a place to stay.

Josh Lovell "Nella Fantasia" Victoria Symphony Splash

Fresh Oysters on the BBQ

Our neighbour brought them back from Denman Island. She got them fresh from the ocean and kindly shared eight of them with us. One opened and was yummy, the other (pictured) did not open and thus from what we understand, will not be fit to eat. The rest we will steam open probably tomorrow night.

Ah the West Coast life!! It is hard to beat.

On the way last night to the Symphony Splash......

There was a "hip hop" type of event going on at Centennial Square although this clip was more of a Caribbean beat. The DJ's were set up and doing their thing for a very enthusiastic crowd of revelers.

20th Victoria Symphony Splash

The 20th annual Victoria Symphony Splash

Nice night, warm temperatures, couldn't have asked for anything better

The crowd was estimated at 40,000

Getting nicely lit up Legislature Buildings

"Serenade" - Romberg, sung by Josh Lovell

A friend of Clayton's was one of two featured young soloists to perform with the Symphony. He is a tenor (the first ever for Symphony Splash) and sang two selections. It is quite the honor to be invited to perform. Congratulations Josh!!

1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky

Happy 50th Murr !

Our good friend Murray turned the big 5-oh on July 29th. A party was thrown to celebrate this momentous occasion on Sunday night. And what is a party without party decorations? Friends Gary and Monica and Debra and I decided to help out from afar.

Happy Birthday Murr, we hope you had a great party.

Victoria Rebels 34 - 21 Okanagan Sun

Junior football home opener for the Victoria Rebels

A very entertaining football game with lots of swings in the action. The Suns have a better passing game and are great on kick returns. The Rebels are strong on the ground and have a good kicking game with one of Clayton's good friends starting taking kickoffs and long field goal attempts.

This is Quinn setting up after Victoria's first touchdownHe kicks it accurately right to the goal line

This is me posing beside the Grey Cup (for you non-Canadians, that is the trophy awarded to the professional Canadian Football League champions)