Butchart Gardens in the Late Summer

Last week, Andrew, Penny, Clare and I headed out to Butchart Gardens and, once again, it certainly didn't disappoint! Dahlias (and bees) were the main attraction but there was so much colour everywhere! 

It's been so different each time we've gone and it makes me realize what a massive undertaking it must be to change displays and keep everything looking so beautiful all the time. They really do a wonderful job of it! 

 

Kayaking at Thetis Lake

After several days of devastating rain on the Island and lower mainland BC, that left many people without power, stranded due to mud slides and washed out roads, and many homes flooded, today turned sunny and warm. 

Andrew and I had been looking ahead to the forecast and hoped it would hold for us to try out our new folding kayaks at Thetis Lake. 

It was a beautiful day! Thetis Lake Regional Park is just a few minutes drive from our home and, in addition to the lake, has over 40 km of hiking trails. 

Thanks to Andrew for this photo!
 

The kayaks start out small and are just 20 lbs. 

First time for me setting them up but it didn't take long at all.

They're definitely not ocean kayaks but our main goal is just to meander around,
enjoy the scenery and for Andrew to take photos.

Even I took a few reflection photos today!

I always bug Andrew to wear brighter colours so that my photos look better!  :-) 

And a beautiful sunset to end the day.

Running Through Vineyards, Walking Along Shoreline

In our travels west, we treated ourselves to a stay at Burrowing Owl Vineyard near Oliver, B.C.  Even on a cloudy, damp and grey day, it's a beautiful place. We arrived early and took advantage of a break in the rain and the less-cold-than-Saskatoon weather to go for a run. It justified knowing that we'd be having wine with supper. :-)

There is an ecological reserve next to the winery but the trails were a bit sporadic we didn't last there long. The trails/roads through the vineyard were better.

No, I didn't try to keep up with him! 

Beautiful fall colors

One of 10 rooms in their guest house.

Our next stop was Port Moody to visit my niece, Julie, and her boyfriend, Kurt. After driving through pouring rain all the way from the Okanagan, we were anxious to enjoy a walk along the Shoreline Trail.