Piling on! (Don’t panic, it’s a love fest…)

Uh oh, is this a rant?! It is primary season, and it does seem there has been plenty of political piling on, in New England, around DC, in post-Brexit Britain (where Brexit “got done!” – Really?! Oh please…) and elsewhere in the infernal news cycles. No, no rant, if I stop this paragraph now.

Love is in the air! How about a list of loves? Yes? OK!

Canada (a small corner – the piling on the right is a kingfisher hunting spot)

Friends and family, Canada, camping, the natural world, beer, camping with beer, coffee, camping with coffee, books, movies, Scout! I could go on, but we’d all grow tired.

Beer (good for camping)

This week, I have loved seeing a belted kingfisher ruling the inner harbour here. I spy him on gangway railings, perched on a hemlock bough, and best of all, up on a piling and ready to dive. He truly is a king fisher, an absolute champion, and a regular delight on recent harbour walks.

Kingfisher (old photo, but it’s the same bird – I can tell by the hair!)

I’ll keep it brief, only adding I love that you’ve taken the time to stop by and read this. That is always appreciated! Alright, it’s getting awkward now. All far too warm and fuzzy this week – I’ll aim for a tougher stance next time. Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!

Scout! (Good and ready for any adventure!)

Published by

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...

24 thoughts on “Piling on! (Don’t panic, it’s a love fest…)”

  1. I would definitely take a stern stance with Scout~any dog that looks that lovable must be up to something!
    The delight you take in life there really lifts my heart. We have kingfishers here, too, and I’ve always loved them. Seeing him perched on a hemlock though…that setting really does make look kingly.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you. It was a bit of a tough one with Paul in the hospital but maybe we’ve turned a corner. Fingers crossed! He wants to relocate to BC! Don’t know that it is possible…

        Like

      2. Thank you for the note of welcome. It looks the way I remember Seattle looking, several decades ago.

        Like

    1. Thanks, Jane! We were happy to see a longer view, one without the rain!
      Yes, Scout is an excellent companion when we’re out and about. Keeps us moving!
      I hope your weekend is going well.

      Like

    1. Yes, I like watching the kingfishers, always active.
      The brewery opened on Friday! Planning to drop in sometime soon – been under the weather, so no point trying beer if I can’t taste it, but I’ll let you know what the scores are in eagles and salmons. I’ve high hopes and expectations!

      Like

      1. I know some people like a wee shot of whiskey laced into hot drinks to fight bugs, but I’m not convinced! Plus, I don’t like spirits. Maybe enough shots and you forget you’re feeling crappy?! Or it’s a different crappy?
        Looks like we might be getting a few clear days ahead? I hope you can get out for a bit. It’s all been rather cabin feverish the last few weeks…

        Like

    1. Thanks, Walt! Yes, kingfisher on cedar, not hemlock. Oops! The West Coast Campout was pretty decent. On matters beer related, the long delayed brewery opened a couple of days ago. More to follow…
      I hope your weekend is going well!

      Like

  2. I’m glad you transitioned quickly away from political news to your wonderful list that had me laughing at the necessary inclusion of important beverages! I’m in the middle of a few good books right now, but I’m still in my movie slump with no end in sight except for watching old favorites. Just as exciting as the Tottenham finish today was reading the news yesterday that Amazon is developing a Jack Reacher series!!! Wonderful photos this week, always enjoy seeing Scout, the harbor and a kingfisher!

    Like

    1. Thank you! To climb out of your movie slump, can I recommend the latest Shaun the Sheep movie, Farmageddon?! I laughed from start to finish, it’s full of sci-fi in jokes and references that don’t get in the way of the (admittedly slight) story. A real delight, on Netflix right now. I won’t mention that I’ve got the fifth and hopefully final Rambo movie saved up for later. Guilty as charged…
      I hope the Amazon Jack Reacher series gets up and running! I didn’t mind the Tom Cruise attempts, but he wasn’t quite the physical presence necessary to be Reacher! I read that Lee Child is handing over writing the novels to his brother? He’s had a good run. I’m reading Adrian McKinty’s series of novels set during the late 70s and early 80s Northern Ireland. Pretty good.
      I hope your weekend is going well, and the ice cream flavours have been better than their names!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Great pics, Adam – makes we want to go for a stroll in your neck of the woods! I have to ask: what’s the plotline of the McKinty series?

    Like

    1. Thanks, Bob! The McKinty series features a young Catholic police officer, Sean Duffy, working for the RUC. His loyalties are divided, having grown up and almost joining the IRA after Bloody Sunday. He knows people on both sides of the divide, and McKinty does a great job of describing the paramilitary and political tensions. The police cases are mostly a hook to hang fictional shenanigans onto a number of real events and characters. Duffy loves music, and his record collection is interesting, as are his opinions on music! He’s a cocky little so and so, and this lands him in the shit all too often. The humour is dark Irish, all very welcome given the often grim circumstances. I’ve read three of the six published to date, and enjoyed them.

      Like

      1. I’ll have to check them out. I’m always interested in the goings-on in that part of the world, my great- grandmother being from County Antrim and all. Speaking of, have you ever watched the movie “1971”? It’s about a British soldier caught behind the “peace line” and his attempt to make it back to his unit with unexpected help from both unionists and loyalists. It’s a good watch.

        Like

  4. Your list of loves was a joy to read, PC, and for me it can never be too awkward. I enjoyed hearing it all, and can completely relate to finding a kingfisher in a favorite spot, and watching him skillfully hunting. This is the only way for me, too, to forgive the politics and the nonsense, and grab onto a life filled with loves. Cheers to you, my loving friend.

    Like

Leave a comment