Yearn to Wander

Goodby to Gabriola for now. Our second summer ended and we left for Seattle.

A summer on Gabriola is one of life's joys. The peace and tranquility amid the towering cedars, spruce, and maples, with frequent peeks at the sea and mountains make the little island an idyllic place to call home, even if the time is brief.

During our second summer we learned how different its summers can be. The weather before and during the summer account for that. This summer was cooler -- daytime average in the mid 60s (high teens C) and always blanket-weather at night. It was drier, too. The 'No Fire' signs were posted in mid-August, unlike last summer, when they were never posted. The locals kept asking when summer was coming. It finally did ... for about a week on August, well after fall seemed to be in the air.

The songbirds behaved differently this summer. Robins and chickadees nested later, so their fledglings entertained us. Barred Owls and Pacific Tree Frogs serenaded us nightly -- what soothing sounds to doze by. Contrast those with the Sharp-shinned Hawks' piercing screams that put everyone pn edge, especially the little songbirds and their fledglings. No Bald Eagles cruised overhead, since the salmon seemed to be scarce. All in all, we enjoy reflecting on another delightful, peaceful summer.

... pictures to come, maybe ...