Week ending Jan. 4, 2004
You'll never guess what I was doing New Years Day.
Here's a glimpse of our place at sunrise on the first morning of 2004. The whiteness is primarily frost, not snow. The sun brought enough warmth to melt all the water crystals. And by mid-day it was warm enough to go out and plant tulip bulbs.
That's right. On New Years Day I was planting tulip bulbs. For Christmas, Marit had been given 6 packages of tulip bulbs (5 bulbs per packet). And they had to be planted or thrown on the compost pile. So I planted. Spring will be an interesting season.
Erik came back to the island on New Years Eve and spent a few more days with us. This was probably one of the quietest New Years he has ever spent. The only sound we heard at midnight was a blast from the ferry's horn at the dock.
Marit has been taking down the Christmas trimmings. Last to go was the Christmas tree, but it finally went out the door just before lunch today.
Earlier this week, Marit seemed to be recovering well from her cold, but three days ago suffered a relapse. She's not too happy about this prolonged ailment.
Recently it has been very cold, but not as cold as it has been in Vancouver. Last night we only went down to -7. And no snow. Here's how the yard looked this afternoon. Somewhat barren and frozen, but no snow.
When I drove Erik to the ferry yesterday, we didn't find any significant snow until we reached Parksville. (But I'll have to admit I didn't enjoy the conditions into Nanaimo). The forecast is for colder temperatures tonight, as the arctic air finally reaches us. And lots of snow on Tuesday before reverting back to west coast rain.
Thanks for helping cut up all those tree branches Erik. That firewood warms a person twice when its cut by hand. Hope your trip tomorrow back to Toronto goes well.
And happy 2004 everybody. I wonder if we'll ever have a "normal" year again?
Week ending Jan. 11, 2004
After sub-zero temperatures of -8, it had to come.
A major snowfall. This picture was taken on 3:00 PM Tuesday. 15 cms of snow had fallen before the temperatures started to rise. We went to bed that night with the comfortable knowledge that rain would be washing most of it away before morning.
Next day, in the early daylight we were shocked to find the layer was twice as deep. Not that we mind snow; it's often very beautiful. But our driveway is quite long. And it appeared obvious that I had to start shovelling if we were ever to get out in the next few days.
For the first few hours, the snow was still fluffy and light. But as the day progressed, each shovelful became wetter and heavier.
This second picture was taken 24 hours after the top scene. The driveway and pathways were finally cleared. Even the snowplow had been by to clear the street. (The driver even stopped to apologize for blocking my driveway).
But then the snow left just as fast as it came. I could almost watch it shrink away. A day later it wouldn't have mattered if I had cleared the driveway or not.
During the brief two day spell of deep snow, we were extremely popular with the local bird population. Every Red-Winged Blackbird on the island must have flocked around. Approximately 150 of them swarmed around my feeders.
Now we're into traditional west coast winter weather; grey and wet. Both Marit and I are suffering cabin fever.
Despite the drizzle, I went out with the chain saw and started to cut up the logs that were left from our earlier tree falling. It felt great; bruises aches, and all. But when I started getting too clumsy, I knew it was time to put the saw away. There's at least a couple more days of fun before this logging operation is completed.
Marit's health is improving, but she's not completely well yet. She's been using the loom a lot now that the guest room is free again.
And that's about it. Mid winter is a rather quiet time here.
Week ending Jan. 18, 2004
No snow! No ice! Not even frost!
This must be the only corner of Canada that isn't in the deep freeze.Even at night, this week it hasn't reached zero. Just lots of cloud, rain, and sometimes a little wind.
Because of the weather last Sunday, we had to postpone the monthly waterfowl count. The ducks may not have minded the rain and wind, but it's too hard to see them in the high waves and through rain streaked lenses. During a break in the weather, we went out on Monday. The weather was ideal to start, but two hours later when we reached final site the rain and wind had settled in again.
Another bird is causing me a problem lately. A Guinea Fowl came yesterday raiding the seed at my bird feeders. When I chased it away it flew off into a nearby tree. However the bank drops quickly toward the water and the Guinea Fowl found itself sitting over 30 meters above the beach, (middle tree in the above picture). It didn't seem to like that height and sat braying like a donkey for over an hour before daring to fly down. Today it came back with a friend, and they both did the same thing again.
When it hasn't been raining, my prime project has been to clean up the fallen trees. Like all projects, it has taken longer than expected. All the wood has been cut and split. There are just a few major branches left in one corner, but they should be processed with one more days activity.
The garden is rather drab at the moment. Many of the flowering cabbages have not survived, and the winter pansies did not thrive. But we have hope for these Helleborus plants. We're not sure what kind they are but suspect they're H. foetidus. It'll be interesting to see their flowers.
In general, its rather quiet this time of year. Several of the properties around are vacant; some of the owners are temporarily in southern climates. I think his would be a great time for a Caribbean cruise.
Even the swans have stayed away from the marsh that I visit every week. Last Tuesday it was free of ice. An eagle was watching the great blue heron, the and the various ducks that had returned. But the trumpeter swans have shunned the spot.
Maybe next week the sun will return, and the trumpeters will visit again.
Week ending Jan. 25, 2004
Finally a little variation. Some sunshine yesterday, and some light frost this morning.
Our activities have been so un-noteworthy that I'll take this opportunity to show some of the neighbourhood. This first picture is the house of Rudy and Anne Lehnert; a German couple who moved here in the late 70's.
Rudy designed and built the house; modeled somewhat in the design of a German mountain chalet. Their immaculate yard is deteriorating slightly now as their age increases and their health declines.
This second property, belonging to Nick and Karen Anglos, is directly across the street from us. The house is Nick's design and features large covered verandas on both sides. They made extensive use of "natural" materials, especially cedar, in its construction. The exterior is cedar shingles and the interior has extensive cedar planking on the walls and ceilings. Very attractive, but I sometimes think of it as a house of kindling.
Unlike many properties, this does not have a fence to keep out wildlife. Deer are welcome, and are in fact fed apples every evening. The local wild turkeys, guinea hens, pheasants, and any other kind of fowl feel very welcome there. Even stray cats looking for a home show up at their door; not here, or at any other neighbour. They know!
Directly across the street from Rudy, this third home belongs to Bill Hanson. Obviously it was built before Bell Express Vu and Star Satellite TV came into existence. The original owner first built a large garage/workshop which served as living quarters while the house was constructed. Very sensible.
All three pictures were taken from the road. Bill is one of the few residents here not sheltered by a barrier of Himalayan blackberries.
Back home, Marit has been doing some garden cleanup when weather permits. We're planning to transplant some trees to the area where the maples used to dominate.
Today I helped upgrade her loom by installing new stainless steel heddles; 125 heddles in each of four frames. I'm learning a lot about looms. Today I learned that each heddle has a front and back; and every one of them was supposed to face the same direction. Oops.
What's a heddle? Look it up in the dictionary. And remember to be wary of challenging a weaver when playing scrabble.
Week ending Feb. 1, 2004
It wasn't forecast, or expected. It rained all afternoon and it was raining when darkness fell.
When I opened the garage door at 6:15 Thursday evening, my sanity was momentarily challenged. A snow blizzard? For real? With some serious misgivings I traveled off-island to Fanny Bay anyway. By 8:00, driving home was an adventure. The highway was well hidden under the snow and we hoped the tracks in front of us were in the right place.
The wet snow eventually overpowered the susceptible lines, trees and transformers. Our electricity failed around 10:30 that night.
Here's the scene that greeted us Friday morning. In the upper picture, the garage door is open to ventilate the carbon monoxide from the gasoline generator that's running inside. Thanks to the generator we still had running water, lights, freezers, fridge, computer, and TV. Just no hot water or stove.
Our Jotul wood stove is great for heating, but poor for cooking. So a propane camp stove was brought out of storage. We brought some hot coffee and homemade soup up to Rudy and Anne. They were bundled up with blankets to keep warm; electric baseboards are their only source of heat
Both Hornby and Denman were completely without power. And there were a lot of repairs to be made on both islands. Our power came back at 8:15 Friday evening. But thanks to our generator, Marit didn't have to miss any of her favorite soap operas.
It may not be obvious on either of the pictures but there was a great deal of floating ice on Baynes Sound. The ice was not thick, but strong enough to support a bird. Large portions of the water were covered with these floating sheets. I found this very surprising because this was not evident earlier this winter when the temperature was much colder. I'd appreciate anyone e-mailing me with an explanation.
But we're back to normal now (whatever that is). The snow is still here. The car is at the road side. (I'm not clearing the driveway this time). And its interesting to see the tracks of wildlife around. Last night a deer apparently came down beside the car and checked our front gate to see if we had left it open.
Fortunately we have enough interests to occupy us inside. I'm doing an update of another website for the Denman Island Conservancy (I'll provide a link next week). And the seed catalogues need studying so that selections can be made and ordered.
>And two treats tonight; a great rib dinner and an interesting Superbowl Game. I haven't followed American football much but like many viewers I watched for the great commercials. My personal favorite; the Budweiser commercial with the candle and the horse that passed gas. Intellectually I know it was crude, but I was unable to suppress my laughter. I forget who won the game.
Week ending Feb. 8, 2004
Tuesday morning I trudged through the brush to the marsh where I count Trumpeter swans. Here's how it looked this week. There's a thin layer of mushy ice. And the snow covered mound in the middle is a beaver lodge. Their dam is responsible for this marsh. (Click on the picture for an enlargement). There was only one lonely swan swimming in a small patch of open water at the northern inlet of the lake.
Yes the snow returned. Another deep layer of very wet stuff. We woke Monday morning to about 10 cms and it kept coming. It broke branches, and brought down some more trees. But thank goodness it didn't take out the electricity.
On Friday I discovered some damage on the path to the beach; a small clump of willow trees had been overpowered by the weight of the snow and uprooted, falling blocking the stairway. So yesterday I was out with my Swede saw cleaning it up and adding even more logs to my collection for next winters fires.
Fortunately the temperatures have been rising (up to 8 degrees today) and the snow is almost gone again. Little hints of spring are starting to show.
The garlic is starting to emerge in their raised beds. The daffodils are beginning to send green leaves peeking out of the soil. And our snowdrops, shown in the photo below, started blooming even before the snow temporarily buried them.
For many years, Bo Filter has been our next door neighbour. He recently moved off the island, but returned last Wednesday for a book launching of his newly published work that has been 14 years in development. His first of six planned volumes is called "The Cause of Wars and Aggression". His web site is
Before the book launching we had Bo over for dinner. It was nice to see and talk with him again
And today is Lise's birthday. I won't say how old she is. But Marit left today to celebrate the evening with her. Happy birthday Lise.
Marit will be staying for the week, visiting old friends, attending other birthdays, and shopping at stores that don't have branches in Courtenay. She's catching up on all her plans that were cancelled last December when the ferry strike ruined her planned visit. She'll be returning next Saturday.
I think.
Week ending Feb. 15, 2004
The colour of the week has consistently been grey.
Not all the days have been filled with clouds and rain but when the skies were clear, fog rolled in covering the water and shore.
This was the scene from the shore a couple hours ago, back to rain and wind. The tide is still high enough to cover the rocky shoal on which the light beacon stands. And in the background, our ferry is making its hourly run off the island.
Marit's been away all week in the Vancouver area. She just got back Saturday afternoon. Without a car, I've been using the bicycle a great deal. And walking. I'm in great danger of becoming seriously healthy.
One of the foolish things I did while she was away was to cut the top off one of the maple stumps. I'd been advised by more than one person that the stumps would be more attractive if they were not the same height. One should be lowered about two feet.
The diameter was too great to cut with a Swede saw. And it required a ladder to reach the top. Now I'll admit, it wasn't too wise for me to stand on the top of a 12 foot stepladder with a 21 inch Husquavarna chain saw, and try to cut a horizontal slice off the top of a large tough maple. I did it. I survived. But the result looks as if I sliced it while falling over.
I don't know if it looks any better. But I felt a great sense of relief when I climbed intact down the ladder.
Outdoor progress was rather minimal this week. I managed to finish off one more raised bed in the garden (I started it four months ago). My original intention has been to grow asparagus in at least two of these raised beds. I feel these structures will be easier to keep free of perennial weeds, which are disastrous to asparagus production.
Even in this dormant season, the native weeds are trying a sneak attack. They've started to emerge and establish themselves firmly and tenaciously before the traditional gardening season begins. It sounds strange, but in the middle of February I've spent a lot of time weeding.
And on Valentines Day I was so glad to get my cook back home, I even cooked dinner for the event. Yes, I remembered a card too. It must have worked, because the pork roast dinner she made tonight was absolutely delicious.
Week ending Feb. 22, 2004
Cloud and fog haven't been the only weather pattern, I think I remember at least one day of sunshine. But its already a distant memory.
At least it has been mild. Not even a frosty morning. Spring is definitely underway. According to my sinuses, spring started 10 days ago. Pollen is in the air.
The number of large logs that have been washing up on the beach is quite surprising. Some of them still retain most of their bark and appear to be escapees from some logging operation. I could try harvesting these for firewood but if too much salt has impregnated the wood, the stove and chimney pipes could be corroded during the burning.
Since we have already enough seasoned wood from other sources, I'm not willing to take the chance.
Logs are not the only objects littering the beach. This was discovered Friday morning; a freshly cleaned skeleton of a deer. Several legs are still intact. It probably drowned and was washed here with the tide. If this grisly image intrigues you, click on it for an enlarged version.
The last time this occurred, I was alerted by six gluttonous turkey vultures sitting in the large fir tree at the bottom of the property. They're migratory birds and haven't returned yet this year. Technically it's still winter.
We're in denial about the season indicated on the calendar. The garden beds are slowly being weeded, dug, and prepared for use. It's almost time for the peas to be sown.
Marit has strongly hinted she would like me to prepare an area that we long ago planned for perennial grasses. The backbone of the bed will probably be some tall clumping species of Miscanthus to provide a screen of this view. The requirement is obvious. That structure incidentally, is on the other side of the fence.
There's a lot of digging and clearing to be done. And I'm sure I'll still be whining next week about the difficulty. But after taking this "before" picture the project was started. Progress will depend on the weather.
And on word on the cultural life of Denman Island: last night at the community hall there was a performance by the Uzume Taiko Ensemble. Vibrant, energetic japanese drumming was the core feature of this group, but they incorporated other musical instruments in creating a unique sound.
And I must admit that it was the first time I've heard a Scottish bagpipe that sounded like an appropriate instrument.
Week ending Mar. 1, 2004
It's almost time!
Sometime in the next two weeks, the annual herring spawn will take place. And for a few short hours, the yearly herring fishery will frantically try to harvest them before they lose their roe.
Last year the extravaganza was performed right in front of our house. We have no idea where it will occur this year. Already the sea lions are active. Although they are not obvious, there were two lions swimming on the far right of the sound when I took this picture.
Strangely, I haven't seen any seiners patrolling the waters checking their prospects. Perhaps the main action is gathering on some other shore of Denman Island.
Back in the garden, the season for planting is rapidly approaching. Although the ground is still quite cold and damp, I have to dig under all the fall rye that has grown since last September. It was great as a ground cover over the winter, but it needs about six weeks to adequately decompose before the ground can be planted again.
Unfortunately, this area which grew potatoes last year has not received any deep cultivation. It's still hard packed under the top 20 cms. So I've been taking out sod to the depth of one spade full, plunging a shovel another full depth into the hole and loosening the subsoil, and then replacing the sod turned upside down. At my present speed, it'll take a full week to finish this small section, if the weather holds, and I work full days.
As I had forecast last week, the new bed on the side has not been completed. But I have an excuse; I spent several days down on the mainland last week. I finally finished installing the moulding in Lise's office, and then visited my sister, Sonja, for an afternoon.
There has been over an inch of rain while I was away, and the new bed area was too wet to cultivate when I returned.
Another area that desperately requires salvation is the strawberry patch. The runners and encroaching weeds have intermingled to form a dense jungle.
Marit is quite passionate about this area and has spent a lot of hours today trying to save this garden. She's very industrious and might complete this challenge just before I finish the digging. Sometimes I wonder; the continual cultivation, the netting to protect it from birds, the watering; are those berries worth it? Silly question.
March already! Just about time to put out the hummingbird feeder, and the mason bee boxes. Oops, I haven't made those boxes yet either. Spring is a terribly busy time, especially when I've procrastinated in the winter.
Week ending Mar. 7, 2004
Not yet! Probably next week; certainly within 10 days!
The herring are converging on Denman for their annual spawning extravaganza. Last Thursday, most of the schools were still distributed out in the Straight of Georgia between here and Texada, but they're on the move. This year is forecast to be one of the largest spawnings in the past 40 years.
This seiner is exploring and getting ready for the season opening. Last week it anchored overnight just in front of our house. (There was a curious seal near the boat but its head doesn't show on the photo.)
The fishery will only be open for a few hours, but in that time over 150 tons are expected to be caught.
Meanwhile, its still too early for planting seeds and often too wet for digging. Its time for a little fun; hiking and exploring the island.
On Wednesday, while walking along a road near Chickadee Lake I found an old logging road that led through an area of the island that is still heavily treed. Parts of it were still wide enough for a vehicle, but most of it had narrowed to a trail. Heavy snows this winter brought down a lot of trees across the path, making it impassable for even a bicycle.
There were several side trails that will have to wait until my next trip, but I did end up at the site of an old forestry lookout; a great view. Later, returning along the main back road, I spotted some Trumpeter swans in a small marsh among the trees. Maybe those are the swans that have been missing for weeks from my regular census area.
Speaking of birds, the island is suddenly flooded with robins. I don't know if they're here to stay, or if they are migrating through to more northerly areas. Herring and robins. It's definitely spring.
Marit's been very active in the garden this week, weeding, moving, transplanting, and cultivating new sites. I've been astonished watching her wielding a shovel while attacking a sod covered weed patch. I don't know how she can manage, with her damaged knee, painful foot, and strained arm.
Chronic stubbornness must be the driving force.
And the gardening challenge I faced last week? The picture above was taken mid-week. And I actually finished it Friday afternoon. Sort of.
The final few meters became very rocky, and the project ended in a major gravel field. But I discovered the cause: the mother of all those boulders. A huge rock is sitting buried at the edge of my potato field, and I believe its spawning all those smaller rocks. Its alive. I had to cover it up and leave it in place; I didn't want to try moving something that big. But maybe when I have a few more vikings visiting...
Week ending Mar. 14, 2004
Its all finished for this year!
The herring have spawned. But this year the herring behaved differently. They didn't concentrate just on Denman Island. There was a large spawning to the north at Cape Lazo, and one to the south at Nanoose. And the large seiner boats that last year fished in front of or house, were split between these two regions.
The smaller "gillnetters" fished the spawning herring along the east shore of Denman Island. But with spawning activity along the whole south-eastern half of the island, the boats were more spread out. There wasn't the same frantic excitement as last year.
In the top left picture, notice how white the water appears to be near the shore. That's milt from the male spawners. The entire coastline was covered by the synchronized release of milt by millions of herring, fertilizing the eggs that were adhering to seaweed in the shallow waters.
Here's one group of frantic participants however. A group of sea lions is gorging on a herring school that is trapped before a gillnet. The nearby fishermen don't mind because the sea lions are driving the fish securely into the mesh. (You may have to click on the picture and enlarge it to discern the sea lion activity.)
Another major predator, seagulls by the thousand, were also present. But when I took these pictures on Wednesday morning, most of the gulls were sitting fat and happy on the shore.
In this picture to the left, the nets are being retrieved by a specialized boat called a "shaker". The nets are wound around a large drum and the herring are being shaken free into the bottom of the skiff. Occasionally large concentrations of the fish seemed to be strewn everywhere.
But thats it until next year. Many of the same herring will return to do it again (they live up to 20 years). Maybe they'll pick our beach next time.
Back on our homestead, we're continuing with the landscaping and the garden preparation. The only thing close to excitement was some damage to Marit's tooth. (No, I didn't hit her). It required an emergency trip to her dentist in Coquitlam.
And although there was one swan back in the marsh where I do my weekly tally, we noted 18 of them overhead flying north this morning. I expect the seasonal census of trumpeters will soon be over.
Week ending Mar. 21, 2004
This was the view at daybreak, before the worst of the storm arrived.
Actually, there's been very little rain, just some very strong west winds to start the week. But this time, the lights stayed on. Maybe all the problem trees have already blown down.
Erik came over on Monday to spend some time with us. And he's been given some major projects with our supply of firewood. After filling the woodshed, he's been hauling and stacking the wood from the maple trees that were felled last year. The picture below was taken a couple days ago; the pile is twice as big now.
< Our major activities have been in the garden. Marit has been weeding and transplanting among the flower beds. And she's developing the wild area in the vicinity of our new maple stumps.
My major passion has been the vegetable patch. Many of the beds have been dug, limed, and amended as necessary.
I've even planted some of the beds. The garden peas have been planted (Dakota). The sugar-snap peas have been sown (Sugar Anne). The potatoes are all planted (Norland, Red Pontiac, and Bintje). A couple rows of radishes were seeded. And 20 roots of Martha Washington asparagus have been settled into their beds.
In retrospect, maybe I'm a bit insane. After all, until yesterday it was technically still winter. But after all, it is the west coast.
But hey, look at our clematis armandii. It's started coming into full bloom and has a delightful perfume. And the European wood anemone from Norway, hviteveise, has started to blossom.
In other news, I've undertaken the maintenance of the web site for the Denman Island Conservancy. What's that, you ask? Well, take a look; I've included a link in the table below. It's a very worthwhile organization.
And while you're at it, check the Denman Island Home and Garden Tour and consider coming over for the event. The interest and the attendance has been growing every year.
Week ending Mar. 28, 2004
It finally came! The hummingbird arrived yesterday afternoon, and all was ready.
The feeder was full of sugar water when the hummingbird completed another marathon migration and returned for the summer. Today two hummingbirds have been quarreling over the feeder; a territorial dispute. The yearly cycle begins anew.
The beginning of the week was not hummingbird welcoming weather; clouds and rain. But a couple days of sunshine at the end of the week and the grayness is all forgotten.
< Erik stayed on for most of the week. He finished stacking all this maple wood along the side of the house. A very firm and stable pile that no wind is going to blow over.
But I didn't make him gather wood the entire time he was here. I shared him with the neighbours. He dug and cleared the gardens for Karen across the street. And the next day he cut the acre of lawn for Rudy.
On Thursday he went back to Port Moody, probably for a rest. I drove him to the ferry in Nanaimo.
The garden continues to be our main focus. No more seeding until the soil warms up in a month, but lots of cultivation, transplanting, and preparation.
Here's the current state of the perennial grass garden. (It'll be enlarged when the compost piles at either end disappear.) Six clumps of Miscanthus sinensis have been established towards the back of the bed. Later this summer, probably in August, I'll show this view again. Our expectation is that the view beyond the wire fence will be totally screened. Stay tuned to witness the experiment.
In the vegetable garden, a small promise of hope. One tiny spear of asparagus has peeked through the soil. And some of the red onions are showing green growth.
Marit has been busy orchestrating a movement of plants among the flower beds, transplanting and rearranging. Some that are languishing are being moved to new locations. And I'm quite sure she wishes she had a husband that was more in tune with her priorities and her concept of order in the garden.
I've been concentrating more on mundane weed suppression, path development, and bed preparation.
But enough about gardening. A word about culture. On Saturday night the Gryphon Trio performed at the community hall on Denman. A superb trio of violin, cello, and piano. I don't know how Denman succeeded in attracting such a talented chamber ensemble, but the full house certainly showed their appreciation for the performance. I was there early and sat front row centre, thoroughly enjoying every moment.
Now back to the garden: Last night our neighbour, Karen, failed to close the gate to her fenced plot. Even though there are no berries, the deer found the leaves of the strawberry plants to be very tasty. No foliage was spared. The harvest will be sparse in June.
For the diary of previous months, select the month below.