Summer Golden

We took a short stroll down to the outer harbour then past the small campground overlooking the water. We needed to stretch our legs and shake off the disappointment of England missing out on a golden opportunity to make it to the World Cup final. Beaten in extra time by a determined and more skillful Croatia team, we could only commiserate and also celebrate the tournament success of an England team most thought wouldn’t get as far as they did. Maybe next time…fullsizeoutput_60f

Anyway, our little stroll found us ending up on the outside deck of the Eagle’s Nest pub, Mrs PC’s first visit up there, with a fine view across the water to Mount Ozzard. Often, the low mountains opposite Ucluelet are swathed in mist and fog reaching down to just above the first layer of trees. There are days where if you didn’t know, you’d swear there were no mountains. Not this past week, where the weather has been fine, and the evenings summer golden.fullsizeoutput_60b

Summer golden? That calls for a glass of Tofino Blonde ale, and we couldn’t ignore the call. A perfect match, unlike the game earlier. Mrs PC seemed slightly bemused by Scout knowing her way about the place, the way the bar staff seemed to know her, almost as if she’d been to the Eagle’s Nest many times before. That’s a mystery to me…

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“This is empty. Can we go to the Eagle’s Nest again? Oops, should I have said that? We’ve never been there before, they don’t know me…”

We sat and sipped, enjoying the beer and the view. A pair of bald eagles circled overhead, occasionally swooping down and disappearing behind Lyche Island, and we’d wait for them to reappear above the trees, their cries clear in the calm evening. A few folk were busy on fishing vessels below, finishing up the day, preparing for the next, and in the deeper channel, a larger boat or two chugged past slowly. Nearer the shore, colourful kayaks paddled by, and they were a pretty sight in the soft light. A good evening to be on the water.

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Tofino Blonde – a golden ale for a golden evening

A small glass of Okanagan Spring pale ale (not as good as the Tofino Blonde, but we had to see) and then back to the outer harbour to catch the last of the sun falling behind the trees up channel.fullsizeoutput_60d

A very pleasant stroll on a summer evening. Well done to Croatia, here’s hoping for an exciting final this coming Sunday, and because it was our home for a few years, Allez les Bleus!

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

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Mount Ozzard on the left, Lyche Island on the right

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plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

13 thoughts on “Summer Golden”

  2. Your beautiful photos and thoughts of a refreshing beverage are almost enough to make me forget about another loss by England today! On second thought, I may need to look at that sunset photo for a little while longer before I’m able to let go of the disappointment and praise Croatia and Belgium. In both games, I still felt that England had so many opportunities that they did not take advantage of and wonder how much the fact that they were the second youngest team in the tournament played a role. They should be more than ready by the next tournament. Glad to read that you had a reliable designated walker in Scout prior to Mrs. PC’s arrival and your description of the beautiful scene you guys enjoyed while sipping your beverages sounds breathtaking. Looking forward to a great match by France tomorrow and thanks for letting me know the right cheer for tomorrow’s match!!

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    1. Thank you! Yup, a young England team might be better prepared, and like you said, the next tournament, Euro 2020, is just around the corner…I hope your mother will be ready for another long festival of football!
      Very happy for the French team today, they deserved the win overall, and the game was entertaining. Aiming to be a bit sport free, viewing wise, for the next little while, although I find it hard not to keep up with the CFL – my Stampeder season ticket hasn’t been renewed for a few seasons, but I like to keep an eye on them. Have to keep that quiet, being in BC right now…
      Enjoy the coming week!

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  3. When I read about Scout knowing her way around as if she’d been there many times before a phrase popped into my head, “where ever you go, your home.” I can’t remember where I heard that. A movie I think, but I find that it is quite true for dogs…at least all the dogs I’ve known before. They never seem to be in a strange place. As always, enjoyed the post. Have a great rest of your weekend!

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    1. Thank you! It’s a bit worrying that Scout is so at home in pubs and bars, but I think I’ll blame my brother and his recent visit for that…
      I hope you’ve had a pleasant weekend, and enjoy the week ahead!

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  5. Adam, it’s fun trying to catch up with you by reading through your recent posts and drooling over all those misty or golden photographs. I’m glad your brother enjoyed his visit, bears and all, and that Scout didn’t spill the beans, exactly, about your pit stops with their inspirational views and craft beer tastefulness. I’ve been off the grid for 3 weeks in the Rockies and back to find that I have internet problems barring my communication and posting abilities for a while, but I’m slowly catching up. Thanks for sharing your experiences in lovely western B.C.

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    1. Walt, it is good to hear from you, and that you’re safely returned from your mountain trip. It’s easy to do without internet etc. out in remote country – a positive, overall – but then you get back and discover you might need it…
      Yup, Scout is a good dog, but not clever enough to outsmart Mrs. PC! Don’t tell him, but I’m missing my brother, and his complaints about no bears and crap weather. He’s good company!
      Looking forward to reading about your fishing and mountain adventures out west, been missing a rivertop ramble read – but only when modern life decides to cut you a break, and you’re ready to report!

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  6. This was a delightful post, pc. Your words and ease captured the joy of summer, and the photos were lovely. Although I have never been near Mt. Ozzard, I know well the phenomenon you describe of being near a mountain that you rarely see due to its surrounding weather. And then when you finally have a day when it all clears and you get to see the mountain and revel in its presence, how special that is. Sitting down with a golden ale to admire it sounds heavenly. Thanks for taking us to this golden spot.

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    1. Thanks, Jet! Lovely to hear from you, and we hope your summer is going well, and progress is swift and meaningful on getting your home sorted out.
      Your words are spot on about being able to revel in seeing a mountain normally shrouded in fog. We’ve been blessed with many sunny days here in the past couple of weeks, but have exercised restraint in celebrating with a golden ale each time the sun appears – we’d never get anything done!
      Thanks again, and enjoy a golden (or misty?) Bay day!

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