We’ve heard that parts of North America and Europe have been unseasonably cold in the last little while. I’ve also read that Australia has been unseasonably hot, even by their warm summer standards. I’d love to write about how the west coast here has been mild, with a weekend ahead of gentle sunshine, but that wouldn’t be true. If the forecast is correct, we’re due a relatively chilly snap, with a suggestion of snow. I’m rather looking forward to it…
We get out and about whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so, and this almost brave and rugged outdoor approach is, understandably, reflected in my appearance. Why, not so long ago, a delightful young chap I’ve been working with heard it was my birthday, and he asked if I minded looking so old? In fairness, I believe he meant to say rugged, but it isn’t a word in his vocabulary. He then asked if hair loss hurt, and could anything be done about it? After putting my toque back on, I replied, with a quaver that gave the lie away, that I didn’t mind going bald. After all, aren’t bald eagles majestic? He agreed, they are quite something, but they aren’t actually bald.
Last weekend ended up being far more overcast than had been predicted, but young dogs need to take rugged humans and run them ragged on long walks. Off we went in search of adventure and a bald eagle or two. As promised in my previous post, I remembered to bring along a camera with a better zoom than the phone, and I’m glad I did. We nimbly leapt down from the trail into a rocky area, and with an easy and let’s say spry spring in our step, moved to a sheltered area to enjoy our coffee and admire a bald eagle perched slightly away and above. Once again, the eagle remained in place for our entire visit, and at one point it tipped it’s head back and sang out when another eagle flew past. What a thrill!
The following day was also grey, and the wind had a bit of bite to it. Undeterred, we set off to stretch our legs along a beach to a distant set of rocks where we’d spotted oystercatchers on a previous trip. No oystercatchers this time, but when we clambered (I mean skipped) up the rocks, we were treated to a fine collection of weathered and storm tossed logs. The greyish glow of the light seemed to bring out the shape and texture, and I messed around with taking some monochrome and silver shots.
I’m almost tired now, so I’ll leave it here for this week. Perhaps a quick nap, then I’m off out to enjoy our forthcoming little chill, hoping to see some local snow, and also hoping my toque keeps the bald spot warm…
Thanks for reading, have a wonderful weekend, and whatever the weather throws at you, I hope you get to be outdoors!
OldPlaidCamper 
You guys are zooming into pleasant weather patterns, where even the majestically bald but feather-headed eagle poses as if in comfort. Here the deeply sub-zero temps are starting to abate and giving me the call to come outside. I hope you get some of that pleasantly chilly white stuff to complement the wonderful beach scenery!
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Walt, it turned out the warmth was passing, and we’re now in the midst of a cold snap – relatively speaking! Nothing like the polar temperatures you’ve had recently, and mild by Canadian winters overall, but snow did fall, and it’s even hung on a bit on the ground. Doesn’t seem to have ruffled the bald eagles in the slightest. Tough old birds…
I hope you’re doing well, with sub zero temperatures on the way out, and a chance for you to be enjoying your rivertops!
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Another stunning week of photos along the coast!! Happy Birthday and I hope you enjoyed a craft beer or two while you were enjoying the recent or more distant memories of skipping and nimbly leaping through the days! Love the silvery shot and majestic eagle and it would be a thrill to enjoy a cup of coffee with that scenery. I hope you’re keeping warm and enjoying the snow and I still think Scout would really love a plaid jacket for the chilly days as she easily drags you along the logs!!
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Thank you! We aim to keep skipping nimbly, even if the leaping isn’t quite what it once was…
Just before Junior departed for Scotland last year, she and Mrs. PC went out shopping and returned with a tartan dog coat. Scout wore it for about three seconds and then shrugged herself out of it as fast as possible. She wasn’t amused, and fortunately enough, there seems to be just the right amount of husky in her considerable genetic mix, as she’s yet to show signs of the cold bothering her. Although we haven’t had Alberta cold since being on the coast, we did get some snow over the weekend, much to Scout’s delight. I thought about digging her tartan coat out, but decided best not.
Didn’t bother watching to the end of the Everton game this past weekend – it got too painful. Did enjoy England’s glorious win over Ireland in the Six Nations rugby. Probably my all time favourite sporting competition, almost never fails to deliver excitement.
I hope your week is off to a good start, with a bit of a thaw!
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Beautiful, moody landscape and nature images, PC. Great eagle capture. Remember, we are only as old as we feel… which is pretty old for me at times. 😀
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Thanks, Jane! Yes, as old as we feel, which is usually young enough, once the knees stop creaking…
I hope your week is off to a good start!
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Nice of you to give the young chap a break on his unfortunate choice of words. And how excellent that you remembered a camera with a zoom, for that bald eagle is stunning, what a catch. Loved hearing about your spry, outdoorsy, rugged adventure, pc, and I hope your new year ahead is jammin’ with loads more. Cheers, my friend, to both you and Mrs. pc.
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Thanks, Jet! Athena sets a pretty high bar for nature photography, and I’m guessing she’s skilled and organized enough to have her camera at the right time. I’m always happy when a bald eagle sticks around long enough for me to get a shot – it can take a bit of time!
I hope your weekend went well – a Super Bowl party? – and that this week is a good one!
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Another wonderful post PC that immersed me into your world. Thankfully our intense heat has subsided here and summer has become bearable again. Keep smiling and enjoying the great outdoors you rugged man 😊
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Happy to hear your summer is bearable once more – those recorded highs were incredible! We once spent a few days in Needles, California where the summer highs are up in the 40s, and we floated about in the shady parts of a pool and went to one of two cafes with AC for ice cream – didn’t do much else except wait for the sun to go down then sit out drinking beer. Ok for a few days on vacation, but not for every day life. You have to be tough – rugged even – to live in those temps for extended periods!
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Yes, I couldn’t agree more. It’s fine when we’re on holidays and have the luxury of pools, beaches and cold beers but I’m not sure I could live in those extremes of heat everyday.
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