The Whiffin Spit, Sooke, BC

With filled bellies thanks to The Stick in The Mud, we decided to walk the trail at Whiffin Spit. A body of land juts out from beside the Sooke Harbour House hotel and restaurant. We usually bring the dogs with us for a walk, as Chance loves swimming there, despite the rocky terrain. But today was a humans only day, which we are thankful for, as we had some great opportunities for photos.

As we walked out to the point, a group of camera-totting visitors were congregated at the bottom of a tree, lenses focused on an eagle, posing for at least ten minutes. We couldn't believe it stayed for so long, considering the amount of clicking going on at the foot of the tree.

Well, we thought we had already had the perfect day, but next, to our surprise, we saw a seal. Then a few moments later, an otter swam past us and hopped out onto dry land, shook himself off and proceeded to groom for a few moments.

We couldn't have wished for a more perfect day.

The Stick in The Mud, Sooke, BC

The sun was shining and the sky was brilliant blue, so we decided to drive ten miles west of where we live to Sooke. There was a coffee shop we wanted to try ~ The Stick in The Mud. Coffee shops and breakfasts out are our weekend thing, so we are always on the lookout for new ones to try.

My better half had read a blurb about The Stick in The Mud, and we'd tried to make it there before now, but they were closed over the holiday weekend. It's off the main street, along a side street's side street in fact, and looks tiny from the outside. Four tables and chairs outside, complete with umbrellas had us tempted before we'd even stepped inside. There is seating indoors as well, but as the weather was so lovely, we didn't even consider staying inside.

The coffee they serve is 2% Jazz, for those of you who are familiar with it. We've enjoyed a few 2% Jazz's in Victoria before, so we already liked the latte before it touched our lips. There wasn't a huge selection of pastries, but what was on offer looked freshly baked. Between the three of us, we split two banana choc-chip muffins and a java chocolate square ~ both selections were deliciously mouthwatering.

We'd definitely recommend The Stick in The Mud, as I'm sure the constant flow of patrons would agree.

I Can't Believe It's Not...Monday

Where has the week gone? After our trip up-island to Nanoose Bay last weekend, this week has disappeared. Established a couple of new routines this week:

• I am now a compulsive treadmill user.
• The dogs believe they have to go to the lake every evening.

Chance likes to dive for rocks.

Jindabyne

The movie, Jindabyne, movingly depicts the story of an Irishman (Gabriel Byrne), who goes on a fishing trip in the wilds of Australia with three of his buddies, where they find the body of a murdered young woman. Jindabyne also stars Laura Linney, who gives yet another stunning performance. If I tell any more of the plot it will be a complete spoiler, but I will say that it is a movie that draws you in, has some fantastic scenery, and is a great example of complex characters. Emotionally, it is a bit of a roller-coaster ride, but well worth the viewing time. I'm really surprised it didn't do more at the box office.

Crocs

Love 'em, or hate 'em, Crocs are here to stay.

This household is a big fan ~ four pairs and counting. My better half was looking for a pair of the slip-resistent work Crocs for the food industry lately, but couldn't find any in the south island. She emailed Crocs Canadian customer service, to see if it was possible to order a pair, but Canadians can only order from the USA site. With the cost of shipping, they didn't quite seem worth it. We're still coming to terms in general with the cost of shipping to and from Canada, as well as the Canadian taxes.

Anyway, this is not a moan blog, and does not detract from our love of Crocs. We have the holey ~ or should that be holy ~ pairs, great for going in the water at the lake or beach after Chance's toys. Terrific for doing the yard, and for leisurely walks. And whatever you might think about how they look, in our eyes, they are beautiful, and comfy to boot.

Back on the Treadmill

I started back on the treadmill yesterday, but decided to wait before sharing. As I've made it to day 2, I'll share. We're really lucky living where we do. There are walking trails everywhere, and you don't have to crank up the car.

We have two dogs, the oldest loves to swim, the youngest loves to paddle and bark for her big brother to come back. Close by, there are lakes galore. The nearest is Thetis Lake, which has a few wonderful spots for dog swimming, as well as long winding trails around the lake and through the woods. As Chance has had two ACL injuries ~ both hind legs, one had surgery, the other healed naturally ~ swimming is his number one therapy. We're slowly building up his strength again, increasing the amount of times he swims out to retrieve his toys.

Anyway, back to the treadmill. As our outdoor time is swim time, it is easier, and quicker, for me to hop on the treadmill in the garage. Last November we bought a Nordic Track, 2.25 HP Folding Treadmill ~ mainly because it was on sale, but it did have all the specifications we were looking for:

• 4-window LED monitor displays speed, time, distance, approximate calories burned, incline, pace
• 20 x 55" treadbelt width, with 3-position adjustable cushioning on deck odometer
• 300 lb. maximum weight capacity
• carb counter
• music port for our MP3
• 3-speed fan built into monitor
• folds for easy storage
• continuous duty motor for speeds up to 10 mph
• power incline from 0-12%
• 10 programs including 8 preset and 2 user defined
• 7 x 10 workout matrix displays your workout intensity
• 10-year warranty on frame; 3 years on motor, and 1 year on partsand labour

It comes with an iFit program, but as I prefer to listen to my own music while I exercise, the MP3 port is wonderful. The garage is becoming a little stuffy as we near the end of May, so the fan has been most welcome. As we both have a bit of weight to lose, we wanted a treadmill that was sturdy, and wasn't going to bounce along the ground if we dared to jog. This Nordic Track is most definitely substantial enough for us, and as I'm 2 days in, I can safely say that I am now into a routine once more. I doubt I'll be down to bikini shape by summer, but it's a start!

Butchart Gardens

If you've ever been to Vancouver Island I am sure you will have visited Butchart Gardens. I have never been "into" gardens until my Butchart experience. Since our first visit last summer, we became season pass holders and have enjoyed just popping in whatever the season. The Christmas light display was amazing.

Our latest Butchart visit was spectacular. We thought we'd better grab the chance to see the tulip displays before they started wilting, and boy-oh-boy was it worth it.

If you ever get a chance to visit in the spring time, please take it ~ you won't be disappointed.