Week ending April 4, 2004
Here's an example of the accomplishments possible when local residents organize.
The roadside is not a safe area when, every hour, the traffic races across the island from one ferry to the next. With no police on the island, speed limits are often ignored. So the residents decided to develop a series of walking paths parallel to the road; not just for pedestrians, but for bicyclists and horseback riders as well.
On Saturday a large group of volunteers gathered. With shovels, rakes, (and a few really great tractors), we built the first leg of the pathway from "Downtown Denman" to Lacon Road. Here's a sample of the beginning of the path.A sand/gravel mix has been brought from a local island quarry and spread throughout the pathway. With the application of this mechanical compacter, the gravel develops the consistency of most driveways on Denman. I understand it will subsequently be surfaced with rock chips. Sometime!
With lots of volunteers, many stretches of the path were being developed simultaneously. But there was only one mechanical compacter. Poor Dennis, shown in the picture, probably still felt his body shaking when he went to bed that night. He was severely vibrated!
We were well fed with produce donated by local vendors, and by homemade cookies and brownies. And by mid afternoon we finished the project, (almost). There's still a short stretch that needs more gravel, (we ran out), but that will be completed soon.
The next phase will not be as simple. I have no idea how the walkway is going to proceed up the Denman Hill. The road is basically a ledge carved into the face of a sandstone quarry. Yet the organizers assure me it's planned and possible. So I'll be back for the next effort, to experience "mission impossible".
Back on the home front, an equally impressive clearing has been done. A massive collection of lumber, building scraps, and garden remnants has been "disappeared". This view of the north corner of our house will be unfamiliar to any previous vistor. It's clean and almost ready for landscape planting. (Incidentally, the massive pile of firewood is just around the corner).
Despite the warm sun-filled days, the past five mornings have brought the reminder that it's still too early for the major gardening effort. Frost has been present every daybreak. But even though the plants are reluctant to commit themselves, the animals have decided they're ready.
Garter snakes are out soaking up the sun's warmth. (Its too bad Marit doesn't share my enthusiasm for them.) The violet-green swallows are back and have been investigating their nesting box every day. (Maybe they are just nostalgically visiting the old home where they were born.)
And on three separate days this week I have been attacked by our resident chickadee. It charges down and lands on my head; it scratches through with its feet and pulls on the hair, then flies off with a few strands to weave into its nest.
I guess this means two things:
1. I need another haircut; it's far too bushy.
2. I stand still, far too much.
Week ending April 11, 2004
What a week, like the middle of summer.
Record high temperatures have been set today. I don't know what the highest was here but I noticed a reading of 21 degrees at noon. These blooms in front of the kitchen window may be spring flowering bulbs but the weather definitely has a summer flavour.
The birds know it's still spring. In our front yards, four species have been doing some very private acts in public places.
On the ocean, the birds are coming into their breeding plumage. In our monthly waterfowl survey this morning we noticed large flocks of Surf Scoters gathering in preparation for migration to the northern nesting areas. Last month, after the herring spawn, there were almost no scoters appearing in our survey area. Today we counted almost three thousand. I'm sure they'll be gone by next month's count.
Both Lise and Erik, along with Keith Dunne, came to join us for this Easter weekend. Keith and Erik have been close friends since early childhood. It was like old times, eating outside on the back deck.
Erik and Keith carried the boat down to the water and went fishing and crab trapping. After a coffee break today, the tide was so low that the crab trap appeared to be almost at the sore line. Instead of using the boat, Keith decided to wade out to the float attached to the trap. He should have removed a few things first, like his cap. He was swimming before reaching the float, then couldn't raise the trap. After sending him back for a shower we had to use the boat after all.
When the boat was finally stored back above the high tide area, I noticed an exciting phenomenon; an unfamiliar bird on the shore. A goose, that towered above its Canada Geese companions. It had the dimensions of a Greater Snow Goose but not the appropriate colouring of the breed. After studying it closely with a scope, I could only conclude it was some kind of escaped domestic fowl, or a hybrid with some barnyard breed. I've sent off a description to a biologist friend for clarification.
In the development of the landscape this week, the major project has been the construction of a patio sitting area in Marit's cutting garden. I used paving blocks to create a level area at the intersection of the pathways. With the addition of a bench and appropriate plantings, it will be a suitable area for the empress to sit and survey her domain.
Well that's about it for this Easter weekend. With luck, we'll get back to more traditional spring weather for the rest of April; cooler and wetter. Maybe if the weather hadn't been so good, the "summer weekend" neighbours wouldn't have had an outdoor easter egg hunt for some very noisy kids at 6:30 AM this morning.
Yes, bah, humbug.
Week ending April 18, 2004
Remember New Years Day?
January 1st I had been out in the garden planting several packages of tulips; Christmas presents that had been given to Marit. Here's what came of them. I don't know if this is the appearance they should have; rather short and wrinkled instead of tall and stately. But all these groups of five did survive despite the late burial.
Yesterday I gained a new perspective on plants, especially weeds. The Denman Island Conservancy arranged a field trip by Sheelagh Mackenzie-Salas, one of the prominent herbalists on this island. Although the two hour workshop was only a brief introduction to wild medicinal herbs that grow in this area, it kindled a great appreciation for the plants all around here.
Just think of the vegetation I have been diligently plucking from the garden beds and throwing on the compost pile; over half of these "weeds" were not only edible but contained health giving properties that are particularly useful in todays stress-filled and chemical-ladened environment. It was so fascinating that I resolved to take a more complete course later this year. And meanwhile, to weed my garden more thoughtfully.
Last week when Keith was visiting, he begged for the opportunity to dig. Manual labour would be therapy for him. So we initiated a new project; a major long term project that I call "Operation Mount Birkeland". The remnants of a once huge dirt pile, amassed during the early construction of the house foundation, will be moved to provide a sloping contour from the lawn to the lower pathway area.
I don't expect to complete it this year, but Keith made a good start at it. I've already groomed some of the resulting slope, and we're preparing to plant an ornamental flowering plum in that area.
Unless I get more therapy-seeking visitors this year, the mountain may be slow to move. There are too many conflicting activities. Next week's project is a paving-stone walkway along the south side of the house (overlooking "Operation Mount Birkeland").
I need more bricks! Sometimes a Toyota Corolla isn't quite adequate when going off-island for supplies.
Sometimes you just have to take time to smell the roses. Or in this case, admire the flowers. These are a variety of simple botanical tulips; not a cultivated hybrid developed by the Dutch but a basic species capable of naturalizing in our rockery. Its fun watching the reappearance of these various plantings each year.
In the main garden, the vegetables are slowly forging ahead. A few of the potatoes have broken ground. Half of the asparagus have now appeared. Red onions are well on their way, keeping company with the garlic. And off to the side, even though some mornings are still experiencing light frost, dahlias are emerging; dahlias that we had left and forgotten, have survived. I've become so optimistic I even tried sowing some carrots last week. We'll see.
And speaking earlier of projects, I've been invited back next Saturday to help complete the first lap of the community pathway project. We ran out of gravel earlier. I must have done well earlier on the project; there was talk of doubling my wages. Sounds good, even if it is volunteer work.
Week ending April 25, 2004
Thank goodness our regular ferry has returned. It began service this morning.
A smaller ferry, half of the capacity, has been substituting while our regular ship has been drydocked for maintenance and repairs. The smaller ferry carried only 27 vehicles: I know, because I was number 28 in the line yesterday afternoon.
The perspective is very distorted in this picture taken from our beach at 3:00 PM today, but that's our freshly painted ferry sailing its regular route.
Last Friday, the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort held a seafood buffet; an event that occurs about once a month. It's spectacular, with over 70 gourmet selections, both cold and hot. Marit and I attended; a slightly deferred anniversary - birthday celebration. And we were not disappointed in our anticipations. (But we did have to wait three ferry sailings to get home.)
With the warm weather that has arrived, it's hard to stay ahead of the weeds. And it's a great time to add new plantings, expand, and rearrange the landscape. We've been busy.
This afternoon, in the picture to the right, Marit has been adding four new Carpet Roses, two red and two white, to her garden. The six we planted last year at the edge of the back deck have been very successful. Earlier, she planted a hybrid tea, "Fragrant Cloud" at the back of her new garden patio. We're hoping the fragrance lives up to its reputation.
At the side of the house, where Keith's digging created a new area, we planted a purple ornamental flowering plum. And earlier this week, just when I thought I was getting hopelessly behind in all my projects, a neighbour called to give us a free Clematis Montana that had been dug from their garden. "Just come and get it". We now have a clematis preparing to scale the heights of the old maple stump.
Last week I mentioned a paving stone walkway; this week I built it. Here it is. I suspect this will be a "work in progress" for some time too come. I'll have to create a branch to the left, up the slope. More bricks.
And the Denman community path project on Saturday morning? Well, we ran out of gravel again before finishing the final stretch. It's good to see I'm not the only one who never has enough material.
In the world of birds; the Bonapart Gulls are back for the summer. And the violet-green swallows have been busy bringing nest material to the bird house.
And today I had to chase two large wild turkeys out of the yard. They're even bigger than the guinea hens. What next; Emus?
Week ending May 2, 2004
No, that's not Denman Island, but it's close. And the lady beside Marit is Ann-Kristin, a friend from the lower mainland who is visiting with us for a week.
This picture was taken on Thursday at the "Kitty Coleman Gardens", just north of Courtenay. It's a 42 acre woodland garden featuring a massive collection of rhododendrons. In two weeks the gardens will be even more spectacular when the period of bloom is at its peak. It's well worth the visit.
Earlier last week I made an increasingly rare excursion into Vancouver. It was for a cause; Erik's last birthday as a twenty-something. And to my astonishment, I also received a gift. For my recent birthday and anniversary, Lise, Gary, and Erik surprised us with a DVD player.
Even though our TV is an older model, and only capable of an s-video connection, the picture was very clear and sharp last night as we watched our first DVD movie. Thanks kids.
Back on Denman, this is the view from the beach. On the slope, the shrubs (Oceanspray) will be covered later this month with beautiful white foaming flowers.
If I could make one change in the design of this house, it would be the roof line. In retrospect, it should have been modified to slop downward on the back 5-6 meters of the second floor portion. The structure would not have had such an imposing appearance from the water.
Here's "Eddy", our flowering dogwood planted two years ago as the feature tree in front of the house. He hasn't grown much, in fact not at all. But he's providing a decent floral display this year. And I hope the pruning I did on the mass of top twigs will allow a leader to develop and start some upward growth.
Almost time for the major activities in the garden. Last year the final frost was May 18. However this year, the climate has been drastically different. At the end of April, our main concern was watering. Yes, watering, in April, on the west coast of BC. What's happening?
And a final comment on birds: Today was the annual spring bird count on Denman. I accompanied a group of the top birders on the island as we walked through woodland trails to the north tip of Denman. Sixty species were identified. All the various warblers and flycatchers that normally inhabit this area were detected: not by sight, but apparently by sound. These experts could identify each species by its call or song. And not only did I fail to see any of those birds, I couldn't hear a darn thing!
Very frustrating. Maybe Marit is right. I am getting hard of hearing.
Week ending May 16, 2004
Outdoor plumbing!
That term usually evokes an image of primitive toilet facilities; the traditional outhouse. We used to have one, back in the days of the old yellow cabin that stood on this site. (The outhouse door still stands as a fence gate.)
But today outdoor plumbing refers to the plastic tubing that is being extended out into the gardens to ease the task of watering. Dragging the hose and snaking it through the garden paths has become a very awkward operation. Instead, we'll have taps installed at convenient locations.
Finally I'm using the plastic tubing that I bought over twenty years ago for such a purpose. I had hoped to show a picture of water spraying from one of the taps, but unfortunately I discovered this afternoon that one fitting was the wrong size. So the christening will occur tomorrow.
Yesterday the Denman Conservancy hosted a trip to Sandy Island (also known as Tree Island). It's actually an extension off the northern tip of Denman, and is only an island when the tide is in. Sandy Island is now a Provincial Marine Park.
It has a unique, but fragile, eco-system with vegetation adapted to sand dunes and arid conditions. It is one of only three sites in Canada that is home to an endangered species of moth. The moth depends on the unique plantlife in the area.
Our guides provided a fascinating tour of the area including plant identification, shore bird sightings, and historical comments. I was astonished at the size and diversity of the area.
Today was the second sunday of the month; time for the regular waterbird inventory. Since high tide was early, we were on the shore soon after sunrise. (I felt a bit guilty; not staying to make breakfast in bed for Marit on Mother's Day).
The waterfowl population was drastically different this month. We were only able to tally about a hundred birds among the dozen species found. Last month the population was in the thousands. In the last few weeks almost all the winter "tourists" have flown north to the breeding grounds.
The picture to the left is Mike Morrel, a professional biologist and expert birder. I've learned an immense amount by accompanying him.
Back home while I've been tinkering in the garden, Marit has scraping and painting areas that require maintenance around the house. She is also the one who watches the hockey playoffs and international tournaments. Somehow I sense there's a role reversal here. If I feel an urge to start knitting, I'm going to seek counseling.
Week ending May 9, 2004
Don't tell CNN but I've been waging a campaign of genocide in the garden.
Spittle bugs! They've invaded the garden and have been attacking any plant they can pierce to suck its juice. Even roses. They disfigure the leaves and weaken the plant. I've spent several hours the past few mornings, searching through each plant, extracting every individual insect, ...and squashing them.
With my campaign of "zero tolerance", they're under control as long as I continue to patrol daily.
The picture above is Marit's garden at 3:00 PM today. (I was earlier allowed into her kingdom to de-bug the plants.) She feels there should be more plants blooming, but despite the summer-like heat and dryness the plants obey their own internal calendar. Incidentally, the California poppy on the far left of her garden is a volunteer. It likes conditions in the gravel on the edge of the driveway.
The roses are just beginning to display their first blooms. This one on the side of our garden shed is "Josephs Coat"; a hybrid tea. We're anticipating a good show from these plants this year.
The vegetable garden is progressing. Our tomatoes are now planted. Most of mine are "Early Girl", with a few other surprises tucked into the salad bed for interest. And the race is on to see whether Marit's tomatoes, planted in pots at the side of the house, or mine in the garden will be the first to produce. She usually wins this race each year, but I claim it's because her plants are so stressed they struggle to produce before they succumb.
Both pole beans and bush beans have now been seeded. So has the butternut squash and the zucchini. Beets were seeded this afternoon, and tomorrow I'll have to re-seed the carrots (the earlier try didn't germinate well.)
This image is just to prove that my plumbing project really did work. We now have water taps in the garden areas. Now I need more hoses.
And surprise; the property in the background of this photo is for sale. Again. After less than a year, my next door neighbour is leaving. If anyone is interested in the property, you can contact me for further information, including his acting price.
But really, I didn't realize that I was so difficult to live beside. I'm developing a complex.
And our latest avian idiosyncrasy; the swallows are harassing Marit in her garden. They "dive bomb" and squawk at her when she is too close to their nest. (They've taken residence in the bird house below the satellite receiver on the power pole. You can see it if the top picture is enlarged).
Those birds have not learned gratitude.
Week ending May 23, 2004
This is about the closest we came to rain this week. The heavy rains that fell in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley did not materialize north of Nanaimo.
Well, actually we did get a 10 minute light rain shower around midnight on Friday, but it dried up quickly at sunrise. We're still dry, still watering, and still using SPF 30 sunscreen.
Several times while I've been watering with the hose this week, the local song sparrow has hurried over to hunt through the wet soil for insects. It's so fearless, it has even been walking between my feet in its search for food. And it has learned to hop into the spray of the hose and bath itself in the puddles that form. Actually, I have more fun playing with the sparrow than I do watering the plants. I'm beginning to consider it a pet.
Saturday evening we were invited across the street to the neighbours for dinner. Nick and Karen are great hosts, and Karen is a superb cook. There's always some new ornamental settings decorating her table.
The main course for dinner was roast duck with orange stuffing. It was great. (I thought be more appropriate to roast one of the wild guinea fowl that they've been fattening up at their bird feeding station all year. But they have their own classification of pets).
On Denman this weekend, the main event has been the annual pottery tour. I didn't participate, but Marit made the rounds of most studios and came back with a few specialty items.
Partially because of the pottery tour, and partially because of the long weekend, there's been a lot of visitors on the island. I've really noticed a significant increase in traffic on our street. It's particularly noticeable since we're almost at the end of a dead-end street. Normally nobody drives by.
Wednesday morning we went with the Denman Island Gardening club to visit Haida Gold, a home based rhododendron nursery in the heart of Courtenay. A spectacular place; a two acre private garden consisting mostly of various species of rhododendrons. The owner, as a hobby has been propagating plans from his garden stock, and selling the potted specimens to visitors. Marit and I picked out six species that we brought home.
But even without the garden, we have a surprising amount of floral display all around the property. Wild roses are beginning to bloom all around. And the wild honeysuckle shown in the side picture, is growing in several locations along the path to the ocean.
Note at 8:28 PM: Marit just came in moments ago to tell me of the song sparrow that flew up to her and bathed in the puddles right beside her. She has discovered my pet.
Week ending May 30, 2004
This weekend I was evicted from the house. There wasn't room for me when many of Marit's friends (Norwegian ladies from her Vancouver "sewing" club) came for a visit. So I spent a three day holiday camping in the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park.
This is a view from the north end of Buttle Lake. The provincial campground where I stayed is a short distance behind. There weren't many people at the campground, probably because of the poor weather. Yes, rain. But a good camper doesn't let that spoil the fun.
One older couple had a good blaze in their fire pit every evening and sat around it in folding chairs, wrapped in blankets, and holding umbrellas. Not me; I used a butane camp stove for cooking. But I had to eat my meals standing up; it was too wet to sit down anywhere.
Fortunately I remembered that my old sleeping bags, even though rated as effective to 0 degrees centigrade, have been losing their insulation properties. I used two; one inside the other. Just right!
Week ending May 30, 2004
This weekend I was evicted from the house. There wasn't room for me when many of Marit's friends (Norwegian ladies from her Vancouver "sewing" club) came for a visit. So I spent a three day holiday camping in the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park.
This is a view from the north end of Buttle Lake. The provincial campground where I stayed is a short distance behind. There weren't many people at the campground, probably because of the poor weather. Yes, rain. But a good camper doesn't let that spoil the fun.
One older couple had a good blaze in their fire pit every evening and sat around it in folding chairs, wrapped in blankets, and holding umbrellas. Not me; I used a butane camp stove for cooking. But I had to eat my meals standing up; it was too wet to sit down anywhere.
Fortunately I remembered that my old sleeping bags, even though rated as effective to 0 degrees centigrade, have been losing their insulation properties. I used two; one inside the other. Just right!
There's a lot of great hikes surrounding this 40 km lake and there was only time to explore a sampling. Many of the interesting treks involved waterfalls. Here's a picture of one of the lower Myra Falls. There's several cascades in the series. Apparently they were caused by massive earthquakes in the past, shifting the earth's crust up to 70 meters in elevation along a fissure.
Another site was called Lupin Falls which I reached by hiking Lupin trail. Naively, I expected to encounter a display of Lupin flowers, which are currently in bloom. Not one! But there was the best collection of Western Coralroot that I have ever seen. Western Coralroots are a saprophytic orchid; they derive their nutrient from decaying plant matter. They have no chlorophyll and do not use sunlight to manufacture their own food. (And they have no green colour).
Here's another I visited along the way. This is Elk Falls, along the Elk River. Interestingly, a short way upstream were two more falls; Deer Falls and Moose Falls. (Hey, I didn't name them; I just viewed them).
Attempts at fishing were unsuccessful. I didn't spend a lot of time trying, even though the rain was fairly light.
Back at the campground, there were none of the usual Jays that we often encounter in the mountains. Just a Northwest Crow came skulking around to see if any food had been spilled and left. I wasn't very charitable and yesterday he showed his displeasure by perching in a fir tree above by tent and leaving his mark; soiling my tent canopy. I'll have to try cleaning it off tomorrow when I set the tent up to dry.
And back on Denman, I found this magic corner of the earth had not shared the same weather. It continued to remain dry. Once again forgotten by the storm clouds.
Week ending June 6, 2004
Sixty years ago today, "on the beach" had an entirely different significance. D-Day must have been hell for all those involved.
This year's beach event was a far different occasion. On June 5th, the low tide of the year occurred; an extremely low tide, the lowest in many years. This picture was taken from the water's edge, in the midst of the ecologically important eel grass bed that is usually always submerged.
From this low tide mark, our house is an insignificant grey speck among the trees on the horizon. (You may have to click on the image to enlarge it just to see the speck).
This view of the ferry (yes, there is one on the horizon) is taken from the shore below the lighthouse. I searched around the seaweed-covered rocks trying to find some of the lost fishing tackle in the area, but none was evident. There were some interesting anemones, and a strange concentrations of moon snails. Some large horse clams warned that they didn't appreciate me walking over them. Their siphons can squirt a lot of water surprisingly high.
Initially there were a large number of bald eagles, blue herons, and northwest crows at the waters edge hoping to discover some new morsels. But they left when a large population of enthusiastic children from Elkhaven Camp came exploring on a beach walk.
As the tide started rolling back, I returned to my current project on the property; cutting firewood. It's time to cut up that huge pile of slabs that I've accumulated; slabs of logs that are a waste product of lumber cutting. It's an even bigger task than I had expected; the pile was so large. The Husquavarna is getting a good workout. But there's at least two more days effort required before it's completed.
Unfortunately I uncovered a bumblebee nest underneath one bottom slab. They made their displeasure very clear. I think highly of bumblebees and regret the disturbance. I'll have to leave a few boards in place until this winter when the colony disappears.
In the strawberry patches, Marit has been collecting a large harvest every couple of days. Birds love these berries too. I've had to cover the beds entirely with fine netting; actually some salvaged beach netting that used to protect the clam beds. One juvenile robin has been finding new ways to get through. Most recently it found a few small rips it could slip through. But once in, it couldn't find its way out. It never learned. We had to dismantle the netting each time to release it until we finally found the opening and patched it. That silly youngster doesn't know how close it came to being "roast robin".
For anyone within travel distance, remember the Denman Home and Garden Tour in two weeks; June 19 - 20. More of Denman's fine gardens and unique homes open for display. And to those who have asked; no, we are not one of the tour sites. Our garden and landscape is still in development; a "work in progress". Displaying it now wold be like showing our dirty laundry.
Maybe in five years or so.
Week ending June 13, 2004
When the Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) is in bloom, our shrub-covered slope takes on a fairyland appearance. It becomes a sea of white spray; a beautiful backdrop for the other blossoms off our deck.
In this picture the ribbon of white flowering shrubs shown is only a fraction of the blossoming woodlot that surrounds us towards the shore. Marit's selection of carpet roses along the deck edge was a masterful choice to complement the natural display. Its no surprise that this deck is one of our favorite spots, and not just when we have guests.
These shrubs, and all the plants are a lot happier today. We finally had some rain. Showers yesterday and last night amounted to 1.3 cms. Not enough to help the drought or lower the fire danger, but at least we don't have to hose the plants today.
My major project this week has continued to be that massive pile of slabs stacked near the gate. When I finished the cutting at 5:13 Wednesday evening I think the neighbours were almost as glad as me. The roar of the chainsaw can become extremely annoying.
Sorry Erik, but I couldn't wait for you to come, wheelbarrow it down to the house and pile it all. I was driven to finish. Even the sawdust has been gathered and piled for use on garden paths.
The entire north side of the house is now protected by a barricade of piled wood. In total, I now have over 9 cords of firewood; enough to last the next three winters. So I guess I can retire my Husquavana until the summer of 2008.
The view from the road has radically changed. Even Marit remarked on the empty hole where the woodpile once stood. And our lone rose bush that was protected in the lee of the woodpile on the fence line, is suddenly exposed. The challenge will now be to keep its wild brethren (who are massing on the side), from overwhelming it.
Incidentally, that bumblebee nest is still there protected by a few remaining pieces of lumber. I hope it's adequate.
Marit's been very busy with the early harvest, picking strawberries and making jam, as well as harvesting, shelling, and freezing peas. And keeping her flower garden watered is a major chore.
Soon the swallows will stop giving her a hard time when she's in her garden near their nest. The babies have grown and are reaching out the birdhouse hole for the parent to feed them. Soon we'll have the fun of watching the parents coax them out of the nest and fly off. And incidentally, the hummingbird feeder has finally become a communal feeding station. Up to three females at a time have been using it. The dominant male still seems agitated but he can't keep all the others away.
Next weekend, the annual Denman Island Home and Garden Tour. Looks like the hot weather will be returning. It should be quite a show.
Week ending June 20, 2004
It's been quite a week. Summer has exploded upon us with temperatures up to 32 degrees. That's 89 degrees in the Fahrenheit scale, and it's very warm for this oceanside area. On Thursday it as almost pleasant to spend some time in the dentist's office; it was air conditioned.
Earlier in the week, Wednesday, I had the opportunity of learning about and experiencing the repair of a deep well pump. Not mine; a neighbour called and asked for a hand to retrieve the pump and piping that extended 70 feet straight down. We had a successful day. The pump was repaired, the pipes were reassembled, and by late afternoon the toilets could be flushed.
But the highlights of the week were the Denman Home and Garden Tour and the Denman Garden Club plant sale which was held at the same time.
On Friday my offer to help set it up turned into an all day marathon of setting out and pricing over 2000 donated plants, and frantically watering and shading them to keep them from wilting too severely. Fortunately I was neither alone nor in charge. A lot of good gardeners contributed their time, effort, and plants. Especially Jimmy Taite who organized the entire project.
Lise came out for the weekend, to join us on the Home and Garden Tour and to spend Father's Day with me. Unfortunately I couldn't join them on the tour Saturday morning; I was working as a cashier at the plant sale.
Maybe it was the location of my table, or maybe it was the scowl on my face, but most customers went to one of the other two cashiers at the sale. I was not overwhelmed with buyers.
In the afternoon I joined Marit, Lise, and a neighbour Jan, continuing on the tour.
There were some terrific gardens and fascinating homes on the list. And some interesting people, like the ones shown on the left. Not only were the homes and gardens open for display, but various artists displayed their craft at some of the sites.
The image at the top of this posting shows the home of Des Kennedy, always a perennial favorite. Des is well known through his books, magazine articles, and television appearances. And his garden is always a magnificent sight at any time of the year.
The middle image depicts not only an interesting home and garden, it is also the Denman Island Chocolate Factory. (Many of you may have eaten their bars). Tragically, cancer has very recently claimed the life of the lady of the house. This year her garden, shown on the tour, was the result of scores of volunteers on the island who each adopted one of her beds for development and cultivation. A tribute to Ruth Terry's life.
Many other unique and fascinating sites were open for view on the tour. A message to anyone who has never attended; plan on coming next year on Father's Day weekend.
And the plant sale: I don't know the final total, but over $2,300 was raised for the organizations involved.
Week ending June 27, 2004
Time out!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to join two neighbours on a hike in the Beaufort Mountains. Naturally I dropped my tools, left the wheelbarrow, and joined them on the 7:20 AM ferry. Our destination was Mount Joan. The peak is 5,108 feet (1,557 meters) and I believe it's the highest in the Beaufort range.
We were able to drive to approximately the 2,000 foot elevation. We gained another 1,500 feet in altitude walking along a steep logging road. Then after crossing some logging slash we bushwacked along a ridge, following some intermittent marking tapes to the summit. The top picture was taken along the ridge, showing Denman and Hornby Islands (vaguely) in the far distance.
Clouds engulf us on most of the upper part of the mountain. Occasionally they parted to allow interesting but brief glimpses of the surroundings. The two hikers I was with are shown on the right; my neighbour John, and my "weekend neighbour" Rob from Campbell River.
The climb was rugged and there was no established trail. But at the peak, powered by solar collectors, was a conical tower for cellular telephone communication.
The return trip was rather hard on the knees, (and the toes). Glissading down the snow fields added a bit of fun. It also reminded me how poor a skier I am.
Before the trip I was rather concerned about my ability to keep up. I know John is considered quite an "antelope". After returning to the truck I was pleased, and a little surprised, that I hadn't held them back at all (except for an occasional picture). And they were kind enough to tell me they were as tired and sore as I was. It had been a great trip. But last night I was also in bed the earliest I have been since mid winter.
Back home, the clematis is blooming on the trellis and sharing the glory with the Albertine and the New Dawn roses. From the vegetable garden we've been eating new potatoes, garden peas, snap peas, and strawberries. The raspberries are now coming on strongly.
Marit has been doing a terrific job harvesting all the produce as it ripens, and processing it as jam or freezer packages. And she's kept up the watering on most of the flower beds; an important challenge this year.
And as if she wasn't busy enough with the garden, weaving, and the other activities she's engaged in, she decided to repaint the kitchen. (She found a tantalizing colour during the home and garden tour). Today, with almost no assistance from me, she has prepared and painted the entire kitchen, first coat. Looks good; I'll have to show a picture when she's finished and the room is restored.
In other activities, I've made the first feeble start at moving the earth pile at the side of the house, and changing the contour of the area. But diversions have arisen with higher priorities such as planting all the specimens we acquired at the Denman plant sale, and rearranging the existing beds to accommodate the additions. The dirt pile will be a long term project.
The swallows have fledged. This year they all left the nest promptly; none hung back to be coaxed into flying. And almost immediately they disappeared. Gone. Left. The ungrateful little visitors didn't even stay around to help with the mosquito patrol. I guess I'll have to depend on the dragonflies, or rely on the night shift; our resident bats.
Week ending June 27, 2004
Pests! Big time!
On Friday morning while working in the flower garden, I looked up and was startled to see two deer standing nearby munching on my vegetables. They were very indignant and reluctant to leave as I ran over waving my arms.
Two heads of broccoli and one row of carrot tops were the casualties. I don't like keeping the gate closed during the daytime, but apparently I'll have to do that now.
Today they were back. Marit called when she saw one trying to squeeze through the gate boards. It almost fit. I walked up with my camera and took this picture from about 5 meters away. Apparently our veggies are very tasty. Naturally; they're organic.
Yesterday afternoon, another surprise, this one more pleasant; Erik came over for a visit. We went up this morning for the annual Denman Island Firemen's Pancake Breakfast at the fire hall. I think the attendance at the breakfast exceeded the population of Denman. This feast of pancakes and bacon, with strawberries and whipped cream is put on every year on the Canada Day weekend. But next year, I just hope they can fry the flapjacks a little faster; the lineup and the waiting was a bit too long.
The second photo above shows a glimpse of Marit's paint work (as mentioned in last week's posting). The colour is probably not totally accurate on your screen, but it gives an indication of the hue. The same tint has been painted over all the kitchen walls that were previously yellow.
Outside, most plants are thriving in the warm sunshine. These roses have just been pruned back to stop their encroachment onto the deck area. I'm astonished they are doing so well in the poor clay soil on the bank.
But keeping all the plants watered is becoming too major a task in this continuing drought. And our hosing method wastes a lot of water.
So this week I've been installing a drip irrigation system in Marit's flower garden. We're installing the "Rain Bird" system from the Denman Hardware store; 1/2 inch black poly pipe with 1/4 inch tubing connecting to drip emitters at each plant. It's not yet completed but the portions we've tested appear to be very efficient.
In a couple other areas, soaker hoses appear to be more appropriate. That's next week's project.
Out on Baynes Sound, the call of a loon has been heard this week. They are the first of the waterfowl to return from the breeding grounds. It seems very early to me, but this has been a strange year. The monthly waterfowl count next Sunday may be interesting.
And one last comment; it earlier appeared that this update was not going to be possible. Throughout the years we've had numerous power failures. But today was the first time the telephone system has entirely failed. Most phones on this exchange, almost the entire island, were dead. Fortunately it was fixed by late afternoon. We've come to take it for granted. But when our internet access is cut off we feel lost. (But we don't miss voice telephone calls at all.)
Week ending July 11, 2004
Another mountain hike.
On Saturday, two neighbours and I went hiking again in the Beaufort range. This time our target was Mount Curran. That's the centre peak in the picture to the left; 1,478 meters, or 4,849 feet.
The hike was quite strenuous, although I probably wouldn't have thought so 40 years ago. The view was poor; we couldn't see much inside the clouds. But on a clear day the sight would have been spectacular.
Erik has been with us throughout the week, and we put him to work. We gave him a tough assignment, pruning all the bushes that are on the lower slope behind our deck. As is evident in the picture on the right, they've been grown quite tall and are blocking our view of the beach.
Erik not only had to cut them, he had to carry the branches out and pile them up front so that I can chip them up later.
Today I drove him down to the Nanaimo ferry and tonight he's back in Port Moody.
This shot on the left does not have great artistic merit. But it shows my latest project; a shade garden under the cedrus deodorus. (I wish that tree had a simple common name). The soil is rather poor and rocky. And very dry. After digging out all the grass and weeds I covered the area with sawdust.
A lot of good compost was used in the holes when we planted two small rhododendrons and several hostas that were bought at the Denman plant sale. We'll have to add more later, but we're starting slowly.
There's one problem; it's very dry under the tree and the area will have to be watered very regularly in the summer. This may be a REAL problem. You see, I forgot to turn the tap off and left a soaker hose running under the raspberry bushes while I drove Erik to Nanaimo. When I came home, the well was dry.
It was slow to recover. By 8:30 this evening there was enough water for Marit's bath. But we'll have to be careful and frugal for the duration of the season.
As to other happenings, our monthly water bird count today was extremely low. All the waterfowl are still out on the nesting grounds. The highlight of today's count was one Caspian Tern, and a flock of White-Winged Surf Scoters which are rare at this time of year.
The deer that I mentioned last week have been around again. This week they snuck in through the back gate which Erik had opened while he worked. Fortunately Marit spotted them just after they came in. I think the fourth rock I heaved bounced off the rump of the last deer leaving. They're still around, and still unafraid.
Week ending July 18, 2004
The brilliant red colouring was starting to fade when I stepped out the door with my camera this morning. Still, it gives a good image of daybreak on Denman.
I had hopes that it was an omen of the rainstorms that were forecast. But no, the sunshine persisted and the temperature outside the door was the same as yesterday; 29 degrees centigrade. Maybe tonight there will come some showers.
Yesterday I was back in the mountains. Rob brought his 4-wheel drive truck and he, John, and I bounced along a decommissioned logging road to the trailhead. Our destination; a three mountain traverse: Mount Joan, the Squarehead, and Mount Curran.
Each of the three mountains are connected by a high ridge called a "saddle". There's no established trail, but the route is fairly easily found, (usually). I was rather uncomfortable at one spot between Squarehead and Curran when I found the route passed about a meter from a chasm that opened into the centre of the earth. (I don't "do" exposed heights well.)
John and Rob are in excellent condition. Keeping pace with their uphill scramble is very difficult. And it's even harder when they head downhill. Instead of begging for a merciful rest stop, I found it easier to ask them to wait while I took a picture.
This time there was no cloud and the view was excellent. But with the sun and heat, there were more insects. One horsefly managed to bite through my shirt on the shoulder. But it paid the ultimate price. Ptarmigan flew up beside us on the trail. And we scared off a black bear on the lower road; a very shaggy yearling who appeared to have a bad haircut.
It was a great adventure, and I enjoyed the expedition. But wow, it was hard to climb the stairs to the bedroom last night.
I've mentioned our neighbours Rudy and Anne many times in the past. Anne had us over for coffee last Tuesday. Here's a view from their sundeck with Anne and Marit seated comfortably in the shade. Unfortunately I wasn't able to include her large collection of hanging baskets and potted geraniums along the railing. It's very attractive.
Rudy was unable to join us on the deck; he's basically confined to his bed now with very week legs.
As to other activities, Marit has been extremely busy. She has taken the major responsibility for harvesting the crops and processing them for storage. She was given a large quantity of plums early this week and has prepared several batches of jam. She found a recipe for one batch that used up the remains of a very old bottle of Gran Marnier. (Great tasting jam.)
And the deer; today I watched three of them at noon on the beach below the house. They waded far out on the muddy sand at low tide, into the water, and actually sipped some ocean water. I know they like licking salt blocks just like cattle. I guess this was a way to get their salt as well as some water.
Week ending July 25, 2004
This week I have found two things to be very important to me, even indispensable; my broad rimmed Tilley hat, and my SPF 30 Ombrelle sun screen. It's been hot.
In nearby Comox a new record was set Friday; 33.8 degrees centigrade. Here, right beside the water, I never saw the thermometer go over 31, but I decided the afternoons were just not suitable for an old retired guy to do manual labour.
In the picture above, my neighbour Nick and I are relaxing in Marit's garden patio. (I'm the one peeking through the petunias).
The garden has required more water in this heat. To ease the chore, I've installed a "drip irrigation" system throughout Marit's garden. Just plug in the hose and let it run. We've emptied the well twice.
Here's a wider view of Marit's garden; just like the top picture, just taken from a few feet further back.
Twice this morning, different groups of complete strangers walking by, stopped on the road and commented on our yard. They asked how I managed such a fine garden. I simply told them "I have a very hard working wife".
The vegetables are also growing with vigor. I didn't grow corn, but I bought some today from the farmer down the road. In over 40 years, he has NEVER had corn ripen in July. The climate is definitely changing.
Our onions and garlic have been harvested, braided, and hung in the garage. The beets are ready, but Marit isn't. There's no time on her busy schedule until late next week to prepare and pickle them (our favorite method with beets).
One final picture, taken a few more feet further back (over 5000 feet further back). It was taken last weekend on the hike in the Beaufort Mountains. Denman is the distant island in the haze. (You may have to enlarge the picture by clicking on it). If I'd brought binoculars I probably could have spotted our house on the near shore.
And I have a new bird to report today; a Willow Flycatcher. I had lots of time to identify this elusive little specimen because it trapped itself in my garage. Like many other birds that have (for some reason) entered this garage when the automatic doors are rolled up, it headed for the high rafters for safety and couldn't find its way below to the open door. Left alone, even a bird-brain stumbles on the exit strategy. This one required an over-night opening.
Week ending August 1, 2004
I guess we'll declare Marit the winner. Again.
We always compete to see who has the first ripe tomato. She raises hers in pots, along the south wall of the house. I raise mine conventionally in the main garden. We were almost tied; I picked mine just a day after hers. But she has more.
We were delighted to have more guests at the beginning of the week. Our friend Aasa from Coquitlam came with her mother and brother who are visiting from Norway. These visits are great. We not only have the enjoyment of pleasant company, we also take a vacation from the labour intensive projects that usually fill our days.
However I had to leave the hospitality to Marit and excuse myself for most of Tuesday. A bed had become available and our neighbour, Rudy, was taken to Sunshine Lodge in Campbell River. With his wife, Anne, I drove behind the ambulance to help settle him into his new surroundings.
The lodge was very nice. It's adjacent to the local hospital so medical care will be available. The staff all appeared congenial and professional. I could only see one minor problem. The rooms are shared; Rudy's roommate is very hard of hearing, and has a TV. We'll be going back this Tuesday to visit and will see how they're getting along.
Instead of showing the drama of an ambulance transport, I thought I would mark this event by simply displaying the home that Rudy built over a quarter century ago, in which his wife still resides.
Another move is also occurring this weekend, but not as traumatic. Erik is moving in to a new suite and Marit has driven to the mainland with a myriad of supplies and furnishings, many of which he left in storage with us over 5 years ago.
My spare time project is progressing slowly. This third picture shows the status of the removal of Mount Birkeland. I've dug with pick and shovel, and carried by wheelbarrow more loads than I care to count. And there are at least several more weeks of effort remaining. In fact, I could easily stretch this project until the end of the year. You can expect many more innovative shots of this pile of dirt.
And I must report a new bird siting; Purple Martins. Many of you in other parts of Canada may find this to be no big deal. But here on the coast, and this far north, it is quite an event. Nesting boxes were erected on pilings by the ferry dock at Buckley Bay. It worked. And it provides some interest while waiting in the ferry lineups this summer.
Week ending August 8, 2004
Finally! What a relief. A day of rain.
Friday morning began with a heavy rainfall, and even though the intensity decreased, the wet stuff kept coming all day long. When it was all finished, almost 4 centimeters lay in the bottom of some open buckets. It felt like a treat to get wet walking outside, and to be cold just wearing a T-shirt. But it was also a reminder of days to come.
Today the sun is back, and the heat wave is beginning again. The rain was not enough to raise the water level in wells on the island. But for a few days we didn't have to use the hose.
The rain seemed to affect things in different ways. Friday evening in the rain, the deer seemed to forget their caution and emerged on the roads, the yards, and even on the lawn of the seniors hall in the middle of the town centre. But in other creatures the effect was different; the pesky wasps seemed to disappear for a couple of days.
The gardens seemed to enjoy the refreshment. Marit's garden (shown on the right) was so luxuriant that she had to thin some of the exuberant flower stalks.
And in the vegetable garden, war has broken out. The butternut squash is now attacking the zucchini. The armenian squash (shown on the left) is attacking the pumpkin and is invading the territory of the asparagus. Tomorrow I'll have to assume the role of security council commander and establish a truce by wielding my shears.
For those of you who know Rudy; he is doing well.Marit and I took his wife, Anne, to visit him in the Campbell River home last Tuesday. We were surprised at his independence with the wheelchair, and his acceptance of the surroundings. He didn't complain about anything. And even thought the food was good. We left feeling quite happy for him.
Once again, today was the monthly waterfowl inventory. And I can report that the waters off the east coast of Denman Island were the emptiest we've witnessed yet. Nine red-necked grebes had returned from the nesting grounds, and a pacific loon made a striking display. But not even a gull was seen along the shoreline. Our biggest source of interest was a land bird that flew around the beach; a juvenile rough-winged swallow.
But we did encounter a record number of people and dogs; swimming, boating, and sun-tanning all along the beach. Could that have contributed to the scarcity of birds in the area?
Week ending August 15, 2004
FIRE!
As Wednesday dawned, I stepped out onto our deck and was startled to see this tower of smoke across the water on Vancouver Island. I quickly phoned the Forestry department, but it had already been reported. It was a 14 hectare blaze. And the city of Cumberland lay only 10 kilometers to the north.
15 minutes after my call, the first "water bomber" arrived. And I mean ARRIVED; right outside. It landed in the water of Baynes Sound, taxied along the surface scooping up water. Then slowly (very, very slo.o.w.ly) rose, carried it to the blaze, and emptied it over the flames. (If you enlarge the picture by "clicking" on it, you may be able to see the plane disgorging its load).
The roar was tremendous as it passed in front of the house. It needed every horsepower available in it's four engines to lift the belly full of seawater. (Everyone else in the house was quickly awake).
The plane returned and repeated the procedure and was joined by a second identical water bomber. They continued all day with each round trip taking about 16 minutes. Baynes Sound was very busy, and chaotic.
Can you imagine the reaction of the skippers leisurely sailing their small yachts down from Comox suddenly facing a huge 4 engine plane screaming along the surface of the water directly toward them? Even worse: the ferry had to regularly traverse the water while the aircraft continued to taxi at full throttle. They had no radio contact and could only synchronize visually. Neither were very maneuverable. More than once they were very near to contact. There were some very tense and nervous crew members.
I don't know the exact volume of water that was scooped up during each pass but it was quite enormous. At the end of the day, after all those loads were taken, the water level was much lower in Baynes Sound. (What do you mean ... tide?) By dusk, when the bombers quit, no more smoke was seen.
Of Course, all this excitement and show was arranged to impress our guests who had arrived the previous afternoon. Jenny and Ezzat Fattah came to spend some days in our peaceful surroundings. We spent most of Wednesday touring Hornby Island; Helliwell Park, Tribune Bay, Ford Cove.
The bombers returned on Thursday to continue dousing the smoldering remnants of the fire, but we wisely had planned a trip to Mount Washington. The picture on the left shows Ezzat, Jenny, and Marit at Lake Helen-MacKenzie in Paradise Meadows.
Friday, while we were out exploring Denman Island (Fillongly Park, Boyle Point, and some pottery studios), the water bombers returned to finish the job.
Today something seems to be missing. I'm not sure if it's because Jenny and Ezzat left on Saturday, or because the fire is out. We really enjoyed the visit. The uproar of the bombers passing only meters in front of the house added to the excitement and interest.
Meanwhile, back in mundane activities, the harvest continues. In the excitement I didn't notice the cucumbers hiding under their advancing shrubbery. One cucumber had grown to 45 cm in length and was 7 cm thick. If it wasn't for Marit's solid support, I'd have been overwhelmed by this garden long ago.
Week ending August 22, 2004
Making a molehill out of a mountain.
The removal of the remnants of Mount Birkeland is slowly proceeding. This unflattering picture shows the status on Friday afternoon, and very little progress has occurred since then. I've been optimistically trying to convince myself that I'm halfway done, but I'm not a very convincing liar.
Digging is somewhat difficult as the lower half of the strata consists of heavily compressed clay and requires very strenuous work with a pick. Marvelous exercise, but I'm sure looking forward to next week's chiropractor appointment.
Some welcome relief from the sun and drought came this weekend; rain on Friday,clouds and showers on Saturday and Sunday. Not enough water to affect the wells, but the plants are very appreciative.
Great timing because the weekend was taken up with a major conference; "Islands of British Columbia 2004: an interdisciplinary exploration". I attended, and found the sessions to be fascinating and informative. We explored historical events, ecological and naturalist perspectives, sociological issues, and current concerns. The scope was not limited to Denman Island, but included all the gulf islands on BC's west coast.
And Saturday night, and added treat; a piano concert by Andrew West at the community centre. Great music played with equally great skill: Four Impromtues by Schubert, Four Preludes and Fugues by JS Bach, and Sonata in A flat minor by Beethoven.
Marit doesn't always share the same interests and didn't attend these events. Instead, she had an equally fine time harvesting, processing, canning, and pickling. Strangely, I detected a slight pique when returning at the end of the day.
But these enjoyable event were in stark contrast to the events of a previous week. No, not the fire; an ecological disturbance close to home. The owner of the property next door had some obstacles removed that obstructed her view. This is how a stand of century old fir trees now appears. Two lower trees have been "topped" and the others "trimmed". (You may have to click on the picture and enlarge it to appreciate the irony of these terms.) It was like losing old friends. And I believe the eagles, who used to perch in the lower trees, agree. I was not able to calmly report this last week.
But the view from the neighbouring porch is splendid.
Week ending August 29, 2004
Our long hot dry summer seems to be over.
The rainfall hasn't been significant but the clouds have kept the temperature cooler all week. The lawn has started turning green again, and the weeds have quickly blossomed in the grass giving it the appearance of wild meadow. (that's a poetic way of saying the place looks really messy). It's time to take down that hedge of pole beans, and to harvest the potatoes.
Digging the potatoes may be too difficult right now. The butternut squash have been very aggressive and have overrun several rows, burying the main crop. I did manage to harvest the early variety, "Norland", and found that this variety did not produce a large crop. Marit will not be disappointed. She claims that Norland does not boil well; it quickly turns mushy.
This was the view of the great excavation a few days ago. Forms for the footings have since been built, (with lots of rocks added to save on cement). But I haven't mixed and poured the concrete yet. The chiropractor wasn't successful in completely in undoing all the damage of the past few weeks. But I hope to be starting on the concrete block walls of the root cellar later next week.
And yes I will admit; sometimes I feel this project is bordering on insanity. (But don't tell anyone).
Another exciting project is beginning just three properties north of us. Our neighbours, Bob and Judy Armstrong, are having a house moved onto their lot. It is being barged up from Sannich on Vancouver Island, landed, and moved by trailer next Wednesday morning. They are just preparing the ground here for its arrival. After the house has been installed on blocks and beams, they will build a foundation underneath it, and have the house lowered onto its permanent base.
At least, that's the plan. Lots of potential excitement ahead.
And finally, some unfortunate news. Disastrous. Our neighbour across the street, Karen: animal lover supreme, benefactor of birds, devotee of deer (even hand feeds them apples every day of the year), forgot to shut the gate to her garden last week. The herd of deer that visits for the apple handouts stayed and enjoyed the delicious smorgasbord all night. By morning, even the jalepeno pepper plants were reduced to a chewed up stem.
Still, she wouldn't take out membership in my club, "Bambi's for Venison".
Week ending Sept. 5, 2004
September already, which means this was the weekend of the annual Blackberry Fair.
As a country fall fair, Denman's Blackberry Fair does not rank very highly. There's no exhibition or competition of food, flowers or produce. No theme around which activities are based. And no attraction that would bring anyone onto the island to attend.
But we do have our annual run, about 12k. And our short parade, open to anyone who wants to make a spectacle of themselves, was joined by the antique car club from Courtenay. A combination farmers market and flea market surrounded the park grounds. And there was some entertainment and races for anyone to enjoy. Very low key; the way we choose to keep it.
Erik has been up this weekend to lend his muscles to a few projects. These cement building blocks are being used to construct the root cellar. Unfortunately the project is not advanced beyond the cement footings and first tier of blocks; not enough to provide an impressive photo. Maybe next week.
The other construction project in the neighbourhood is progressing. A house was barged to the island, and in the middle of the night with no other traffic, it was slowly brought by truck to the neighbouring property. I was out to watch it being maneuvered into place; at 3:00 AM. It's now sitting on blocks. And over the next few weeks a foundation will be built directly underneath it. I'll show the progress as it slowly unfolds.
And speaking of unfolding progress: A single blackberry shoot appeared just over the roof of my woodshed last month. It came from that "clearcut" area next door. Racing forward at a rate of 5 inches a day (12.5 cm), it leaped over the building, crawled onto my ground, and spawned additional tentacles to join in the assault. This was the picture last Tuesday, 21 days after it first peered over the roof edge. Sort of like a science fiction alien invader. Come to think of it, the Himalayan blackberry IS an alien invader. By today it's seized territory increased even farther so I'll be forced to undertake a rear-guard counterattack, a slightly illegal trespass, and cut the invader off at its roots.
In the better behaved blackberry bushes at the roadside, a flock of golden crowned sparrows has returned to their winter feeding grounds. I guess the seasons really are passing, and summer is closing.
And a final note to those of you who know our neighbour Rudy Lehnert. He has been transferred from Campbell River back to Comox. It will be much easier for his wife, Anne, to visit him. And incidentally, Monday Sept 6 is his birthday.
Week ending Sept. 12, 2004
Friday morning sunrise; 6:35 AM. Cheerful deception or fiery warning?
The day started normally, but gradually the clouds thickened. By afternoon the rains started. By evening the winds rose to 70 km and the rain increased in intensity. Shortly after 10:00PM the power failed.
This was great; just like the memorable storms of earlier years. Summer is over! The generator worked fine on Saturday morning, providing coffee, water, coffee, television, computer and Coffee. Power was restored at 11:00 AM; the rain had quit before dawn. How much rain did we get? Well, half a wheelbarrow full. (Actually 28 mm at Comox).
Fortunately the storm had been accurately forecast. The neighbour borrowed a few old sheets of plywood to protect some exposed open side wall on the house recently moved to his property.
This picture of the house was taken early Friday afternoon.Work is underway building foundation forms under the house. (The workers had a great dry place to work). Concrete will be poured next Tuesday.
Incidentally, the branches and tree debris on the roof were not blown on by the storm. They were the result of moving the house across Denman Island; too many trees in the way along the roadside.
In my own construction project, work is progressing. I've been back filling with rocks behind the walls of the root cellar. I'm hoping that this will provide a stable drainage area so there will be no pressure build-up to collapse the walls.
I intend to add three more layers of brick (which are sitting to the side) and bring the height up to 64 inches (160 cm). I'll still have to bend to enter, but not too far. Building this has been interesting. I initially bought bricks from two different suppliers. Then I found that one supplier (Home Depot) provided metric blocks; 20 x 40 cm. Other suppliers provided the standard 4 x 8 inch blocks. They're close, but not close enough.
I also mixed my own mortar from sand, cement, and lime. But I discovered that my sand had too many small pebbles in it and kept the blocks from contacting. Believe me, feeling through each trowel full of wet mortar, trying to pick out all the small pebbles, is neither speedy nor fun.
I'll save the rest of my whining (like the flat tire on the wheelbarrow) for some other time.
On the monthly waterfowl count today we found an increase in the Common Loon population as well as the Grebes, both Red-necked and Horned. And large numbers of Franklin Gulls were passing through. But the big populations of scoters have still not returned from their summer nesting grounds.
The birds I don't appreciate, those feral guinea fowls, have shown up in force again. All nine of them. And my animal loving neighbours have drawn up plans to pamper them; a shelter from the wind and rain this winter. If only they'd put netting round it when they're inside.
Week ending Sept. 19, 2004
Rain. Lots of rain. But not like Vancouver where yesterday they just recorded the most rain they have ever received in one day. Ever!
And cooler. Behind the clouds that are hiding the tops of the Beaufort mountains lies the first snow of the season; at approximately 1,450 meters. We haven't had a fire on yet. But we did get the chimney cleaned yesterday and we're ready to start the first fire in our Jotul stove whenever it becomes necessary.
Last Tuesday our neighbour poured the cement into the foundation forms under his house. Several of us neighbours pitched in to assist his hired crew and the job was completed in a couple hours.
In about two weeks after the cement has "cured", the moving company will return to lower the house onto the foundation, and to remove the immense steel beams that currently support the structure.
In my construction project, the walls are completed. Several of the columns in the building blocks have been filled with cement and reinforcement bar (rebar). I think I'll fill the rest of the columns with dirt, for insulation. The walls have been backfilled with rock. Next week; the roof.
While I've been preoccupied with these other interests, Marit has continued to productively harvest the crop, weed the beds, and rearrange the perennial plantings in our flower gardens. New additions are being added; including gifts and winnings. (I'm notoriously lucky on the Garden Club door prize draw).
All of these activities of course have been conducted under the increasing terrorist threat associated with the restless preparation of geese practicing for their migration flight.
Terrorist threat, you say? Well, those of you who are familiar with the hygenic practices of the Canada Goose will cringe when 300 of these honkers fly overhead at treetop level every day.
Even these birds are smart enough not to fly with their nose right behind the tail feathers of the one in front. That's the real reason they fly in a V formation.
Week ending Sept. 26, 2004
Not all my projects turn out perfectly on the first try. And this root cellar is causing a few headaches (and back aches).
The basic structure has been completed satisfactorily. But the mound of earth covering the construction is requiring too much of a sprawl, especially in front. I'll have to rethink the design; probably installing some wooden cribbing to constrain the dirt covering.
But not immediately. There are too many other projects to complete now as summer fades and the autumn cleanup begins.
Some areas are at their finest, like this bed of ornamental grasses that was installed just this spring. Next spring we're going to expand this bed and increase the variety of plantings. The existing specimens should be quite spectacular next year as they will be more established and mature.
But other areas are fading and offer the opportunity to make major changes. A familiar story for gardeners; some plants are in the wrong place and need moving, some need dividing, some need trimming, and ALL need weeding.
I'm not sure when it happened. We blinked for a moment when the rains came, and suddenly the weeds made a furious attack into every area of our cultivated soil. Marit has been extremely busy during this spell of sunshine doing most of the flower garden cleanup. I think secretly she wishes we could get back into the grey autumn storms.
Yes, just when I was considering starting the morning ritual of a wood fire, our "indian summer" has arrived. A few clouds, occasional fog patches, but mostly sunny. And warm enough to return to T-shirts. Great weather for harvesting.
I finally finished digging all the potatoes. Unless I've missed a row out there somewhere underground, the returns have been rather small. Not the quantities we experienced last year. Too much neglect, not enough fertilizer and water this summer. (Maybe I didn't need the root cellar this winter).
The cucumbers are over, the tomatoes continuing, the zucchini has a new burst of energy, the pumpkins are ready, and the butternut squash needs every day of warmth and sunshine it can get.
And our neighbourhood merlin (a small falcon) has either been taking vitamins, or drinking strong coffee. It has continuously attacked and harassed the crows, who in turn retaliated (since they're bigger). But the merlin never gave up. All afternoon today there was tremendous drama in the skies above. I didn't witness a fatal encounter, but any old or sick crow is not going to survive long in this corner of Denman Island.
For the diary of previous months, select the month below.
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