Eagle's Nest their young!

It is that time of year when eagles are nesting all over beautiful Vancouver Island. For several years now there have been web cams installed that give a very private view into the eagles nest. The photo shown here was taken on Denman Island and I was able to watch from relatively close distance. However, the web cams are almost up the eagles beak. It takes about 35 days for the eggs to hatch. If you go to the Hancock Wildlife web site you will be able to click on the videos and look at eagles nesting in Sidney by the Sea just north of Victoria and also on Hornby Island. There are some other interesting sites there as well. Don't forget to donate a bit so the cams can keep on clicking. Enjoy

Spring is finally coming

It has been a particularly long a cooler winter than normal. Spring however arrived on schedule (at least the calendar version of spring). It has yet to warm up to normal spring temperatures but the signs are all there. People were out walking on the beach, sailing and just enjoying the first breath of spring. In about two weeks, many of the flowering trees will be in full bloom. For detailed information about Victoria including weather, tides, transportation,etc. Click Here

Eagles in Comox - Apparently Alaska

It is amazing what happens when you set the table for dinner. You just never know who will drop in. A friend sent me this picture, so I had to share it with you, even though I cannot at this time give credit to the photographer. I am trying to find that person. Apparently some fish was put out near the water in Comox and here is what happened. Pretty amazing! Apparently these eagles are in Alaska....in any case a great shot!

The Blue Heron

One of the more interesting birds to watch on the west coast is the heron. Most often these birds are standing in shallow water use their stealth ability and quick action to catch fish. I was surprised when I found that they nested high in the trees. Their nests are enormous and they frequently nest with other heron. Eagles often attack their nests to feed on their young. They seem helpless to prevent this from happening. There is a large heron nesting area in Beacon Hill Park and last year an eagle almost single-handed wiped out the young. They are beautiful birds. A great place to watch them feed is in Esquimalt Lagoon, especially on a low tide. Fort Rodd Hill a National Historic Site is on this Lagoon.

Esquimalt views

Along the Victoria sea shore there are many exceptional views. This is just one of them. It is looking across the bay at Fleming Beach boat ramp towards a beautiful housing area. Enjoy.

If you go into Esquimalt and head down Lampson Street towards the water you will find Flemming Beach. There is a rock wall there that many people use to practice climbing skills. There is also a great picnic area here and also a nice walk. Check it out next time you are in Victoria.

Mile Zero Part II - The Terry Fox Memorial

Photo by Lisa Cole

Photo by Lisa Cole

At Mile Zero in Victoria BC, you'll find the Terry Fox Memorial.

Fox lost his right leg to cancer when he was only 18 years old. In an effort to raise money for cancer research, he began what was to be a cross-country run across Canada. He started in Newfoundland, and planned to finish in Victoria at Mile 0. Unfortunately, Terry never reached his dream. He made it halfway through Ontario before chest pains forced him to stop and go to the hospital. The cancer had spread to his lungs. He died on June 28th, 1981. He was only 23 years old.

Fox's "Marathon of Hope" has inspired many (including Steve Fonyo, who also has a monument here). This beautiful bronze statue was erected in celebration of him. He had visited Mile 0, and dipped his prosthetic leg in the nearby ocean.

Mile Zero - Where Canada Begins!!!

Victoria BC is the western terminus for the longest highway in the world, the Trans Canada Highway! You'll find a monument for "Mile Zero" at the corner of Douglas Street and Dallas Road.