Thursday, April 9, 2015

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...

We have double-digit days and nights above zero on the way according to the weather station. We are at least two weeks ahead of last year so I feel like this is a real treat. The crows landed in our 'hood yesterday and the robins are already here. A crocus even opened on our front lawn this morning!

Gardening in the Great White North is an exercise in patience and fortitude. Luckily, I did get to cheat these last days of winter with a trip to Victoria, BC. (OF COURSE I went almost directly to the Butchart Gardens to find my bliss!)

And, yes, Victoria was blissful....


We were outside all day, every day, and soaked up all the good sea air. We travelled up to Tofino for a few days of nothing but surf and seafood. Our lodge was right on the Pacific with gorgeous views.



Our little son (well, eight now and almost to my shoulder!) was thrilled when a local guide took us out in a boat to the pristine wilderness of Clayoquot Sound where we saw wolves, sea lions, eagles and a pod of grey whales feeding on spawning herring. It was actually quite moving to be in what felt their territory.

The nine days of spring break flew by, and now we are back awaiting our own spring.


In the meantime, this lone crocus, the bravest of the bunch, is getting a lot of love. :)


Let's all virtually hold hands and chant for spring to hurry up!!

6 comments:

Marguerite said...

What a fantastic trip. How lucky to go up to Clayoquot, I've never been but have heard much about it. Your photos are stunning, I can just imagine how the sunny south must have felt. We are still waist deep in snow and some beach time would be seriously appreciated around here.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Ms S can you hear me sighing all the way from here ? .. I missed visiting these wonderful places when we lived on Vancouver Island .. our son was just 2 and I was nose deep in husband's career. I wasn't a gardener then so I missed out on such beautiful places.
I love your pictures .. it gives me such a sense of being there, thank you!
We are finally getting a bit of Spring .. it went up to 14 yesterday!! Now that was a miracle, haha ... soon it will be head down and work, work, work !!
Hope your weather stays true too girl!
Take care
Joy : )

sweetbay said...

You do such a long wait for spring where you live. I don't know how you find the patience! I'm glad you were able to go to Victoria and get a preview of spring there.

Victoria looks like paradise. The flowers and the ocean are gorgeous.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Had to drop by and say hi again girl!
Yes .. we are funny people aren't we ? .. happy to be sore because we get so much done in the garden .. and those treasure that are peeking through the old leaves and what not are wonderful to find .. makes you smile all day! LOL
Joy : )

Anna said...

Hope that you are continuing to enjoy spring. Your holiday destination looks and sounds idyllic!

Anna said...

Hope that you are continuing to enjoy spring. Your holiday destination looks and sounds idyllic!