A Busy Weekend

After our tour of Andi's new property we tried a bit of local sightseeing - including the market at Coombs which is called 'Goats on Roof' because they allow the goats up on the grassed roof to graze down the grass - not tempted by any of the arts and crafts but we did get some great fresh fruit. Good lunch at the pub in Qualicum Beach followed by a leisurely walk around the harbour.
By the time we got home it was time to sit on the deck with a beer or two before dinner and then have another go at the Black Bush.
Church on Sunday morning with Stan while Linda and Andi did some essential shopping (more beer and wine) and then home for a BBQ with my second cousin Ryan - who I was meeting for the first time - his wife Laura and their two little girls.
On Monday we headed south to Ucluelet for a spot of whale-watching - a 2 1/2 hr drive through some amazing scenery - including Cathedral grove with some 400 year old Douglas Firs. Found some accommodation when we got there and just had time for a coffee and snack before we checked in for our boat trip. Just one short shower as we boarded but then the sun came out and kept us warm - and slightly sunburned for the rest of the afternoon.
We saw three Grey Whales up close while they were feeding in the shallows of one of the islands

and had a quick sight of the fin of a passing Humpback alone with some Harbour seals sunning themselves:

and a host of Bald Eagles which have learned to follow the fishing boat in the hope of a free meal.