Tag Archives: Travel

Adventures in Monterey County: A Month of Pet Sitting

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Yesterday was my last day of taking care of Woody the Cat and Rocky the Dog. The Mistress of the house returned on Friday evening. Just like that my one month stint as a Pet and House sitter came to an end.

I love being in the Monterey county area. There is so much to do and see. A friend, Zee, came and visited for about a week. We paddled the Elkhorn Slough. Though there was wildlife it was a quiet day on the Slough. Two weeks later I returned to paddle it again. It was obvious that migration had begun.

“The word slough, which rhymes with “grew,” refers to a type of wetland. It winds its way through marshy, swampy ground. Like most sloughs, Elkhorn Slough is a quiet backwater to a larger body of water—in this case, Monterey Bay.”

The Slough is home to several sea otters. It is fun to take friends there and see how excited they get when they see these sea creatures. I know they look cute but they are wild and big. They have recently been having issues with a few in Santa Cruz who are taking surfers surfboards.

When I get to know an area better I can show it off to visitors. I became a tour guide for Zee. Each day we took a new and different sight seeing journey.

The Lone Cyprus

It took most of the day to travel the Seventeen Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. It is known for its stunning coastal views, famous golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. For $12.25, yes there is an admission fee, we had the day to explore along the Pacific Ocean.

Another day we drove through the lovely little town of Carmel and ended at the Carmel River Beach. We met a kitty and her owner on the beach. It was the kitty’s first outing and oh my she was having a blast.

One of my highlights of her visit was the day we drove north to Capitola Village by the Sea. It is one of the oldest vacation retreats on the Pacific Coast. It was easy to spend time exploring this quaint town. It was very picturesque, a photographers dream.

Oh I almost forgot to mention the day we spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This Aquarium is world class. I love going places like this and let my child come out. It gets tiring being an adult all the time.

After Zee’s visit, I settled into my friend’s lovely home and enjoyed spending time in one place. When I am stationary like this I get things done on my rig. This was no exception. Jeff a friend of mine taught me how to repair my running boards and bumpers on the rig. They, from time to time get banged up because of high sidewalks or that occasional rock that I don’t see. This past winter I drove over something on the freeway and it cut up into one of bumpers. The trick is Surf Board Repair Kits. I still use them. Over time I have learned more and now use other kits too.

Looking Good

This time I had two to repair. It involves a lot of hand sanding and repeating the process many times. The people in the neighborhood got used to seeing me sitting on the ground, sanding. They would stop to talk. I was praised when I finished side A. It made me feel proud that I can take these things on. Then I finished side B. I am not going to share with you what I did to that side. Currently, my running boards are looking like new. Each time I look at them, I feel a sense of pride. I also feel accomplished seeing a job well done.

I value the time being in one place. I have an opportunity to be more involved in the local community. Each Saturday I explored the Salinas Farmers Market. I found a yoga studio near where I was staying, so I signed up for classes. I began to know the neighbors a little. It wasn’t until Mandy came home that I learned who was bringing the garbage cans in.

One day I met up with Charlotte, a friend and the minister who married Jim and me. It was good to have to time to visit my friend who lives a distance from me. It is a joy to have that time and not feel rushed.

I enjoyed having the animals around. I loved having them sleep with me at night. Dogs and Cats are two very different animals. Cats are more independent. Rocky asked for more of my time. I was more than willing to give it to him. I enjoyed taking Rocky places. He was a nice little companion.

Personally, I will always be a person of the feline persuasion. I have had cats off and on through-out my whole adult life. They have always been a joy. They are more independent and I am used to their needs, and maybe they fit my lifestyle better. They have different needs than a dog. And, I am used to them.

Would I take care of Rocky and Woody again? Definitely. I enjoy helping my friends and I like having some animal time. Would I return to Salinas and Monterey County again? Absolutely. It is such an amazing area to explore. And I need to get out on the Elkhorn Slough again and again.

As I make my way south to San Diego, I have had time to reflect on this month. I am glad I took the opportunity to stay in one place and be entertained by the dog and cat. Today, I am glad to be hanging out at the beach north of Santa Barbara. I enjoy being on my own again. It is good to have different options in my life.

Today I am thankful for a little dog with a big heart. Today I am thankful for a cat that is a warm and faithful bed warmer. Today I am thankful to embrace a different and unique lifestyle.

On to San Diego.

Remembering Jim: Love, Loss, and Lifelong Adventures

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“I talk about him because I’m proud.
I talk about him, because he deserves to be remembered.
I talk about him, because even though he’s not physically with me, he’s never far from my mind.
I talk about him because he’s part of me, a part that I could never ignore or disown.
I talk about him because I love him still, and I always will. Forever. Nothing will ever change that.”
I Talk About Him/Scribbles & Crumbs

On October 9, 2012, Jim, my husband entered the hospital for the last time. Neither of us knew that he would not leave and come home. Neither of us thought that the end of his life was around the corner. Neither of us knew.

Thirteen years ago on October seventeenth my husband of 21 years died. He entered the hospital the day before his birthday. Almost two weeks later, he died the day after my birthday. Yes October is a emotionally mixed month for me.

Oh, and wait a minute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that some people who have had breast cancer are dedicated to this month. I thank them for that. I, though from the beginning of having breast cancer in 2010 have wanted nothing to do with this month. I don’t want pink anything. I want to move forward without the celebration and thinking of myself as a survivor. I want to live.

Welcome to October
Always an action packed emotional month.

It seems strange to think it has been thirteen years since Jim’s death. Sometimes it seems like it has been that long. Other days, it feels like it was yesterday. Sigh.

I spent most of my younger adult life thinking that I was going to be single my whole adult life. I made it to 38 and then Jim showed up and my life changed forever.

Each year I take time to remember Jim in writing, in thought and in love.

Jim & me dancing Contra Dance

Many relationships were made and dismantled on the dance floor of the New England Contra Dance community. If you have never tried this form of folk dance I suggest you try it. It is so much fun and it is certainly a way to meet people and make friends. And, oh the music! One night, this tall blue-eyed man showed up. That ended the idea of being single for the rest of my life.

Scottish Country Dance Ball

Jim followed me to other dance communities. He became a fine Scottish Country Dancer. We ballroom danced and chose to try several other forms of dance in communities around San Diego. It was fun. He did a mean waltz and polka. It was so much fun to have a dance partner.

The connection was strong and within a year we were a couple. I moved from San Diego in the fall of that year. I became a traveling nurse with Albuquerque as my destination. He didn’t want a long distance relationship. I said “How do you know if you don’t try it?”

Four months passed. Jim and I made several trips between Albuquerque, NM and San Diego, CA. I returned to the west coast and Jim. We moved in together and became a life couple. Was he my soul mate? I don’t know. I do know that even if it wasn’t perfect it was pretty darn close. From the moment we started to date we were close.

Everything was shared. Each month I would hike into the mountains to contemplate whether this was still a relationship I wanted. He would roll his eyes and waved me off. I would come back for another month. When I asked him if he had any doubts. He looked me in the eyes and said no. Eventually the monthly journeys move to every six months and then every year. I continued to hike and contemplate this wonderful relationship once a year until his death.

I have always been an explorer and adventure traveler. He joined me.

We took the train to Oregon. We climbed old growth Douglas Firs. and camped in the top of the trees. Did you know that there are no mosquitoes 25 feet above the ground? Since we were camped over 100 feet off the ground we were never bothered by those pesky little creatures.

Tree Climbing & Tree Sleeping

One year we kayaked the Nā Pali  Coast off the coast of Kauai. The only way to see this coast is by helicopter or boat. On one of the short kayaks, we sailed through the air on the backside of a wave. Other travelers kept saying, “this doesn’t look good.” It wasn’t but oh the fun. We survived. When we finally kayaked the 15 miles down the Nā Pali coast, we went into caves. We greeted sea turtles swimming by. We got to see firsthand this amazing and remote coast.

Another Hawaii trip found us inner tubing through the sugar cane fields and kayaking the rivers on Kauai. This and the Big Island were our favorites places to visit in the 50th state.

On Tour of the Galapagos Islands

Other adventures included Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We Winter Camped and snowshoe hiked in Yellowstone National Park. We camped and explored Canyon de Chelly in Arizona by horseback. Jim had never been on a horse in his life. When a friend invited us to join her for a long weekend in Alaska. We enjoyed a long weekend of cross country skiing, yoga, and contra dancing. Always dancing. We explored our country, the outback and the cities.

Due to Jim’s love of astronomy we finally saw the total solar eclipse over Angkor Wat in Cambodia. During the summer months, the California desert becomes too hot. He would load all his astronomy equipment in the car and we headed to the desert. We camped in the remote areas of Anza Borrego State Park. There, we would stare at the heavens and talk into the early hours of the morning. The key to summer visits is to arrive after 5 pm. Be ready to leave by nine in the morning. Even in the summer the evenings are cool and pleasant. And…there is no one else out there.

Then there was the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Jim and I hiked it a couple of times. The real life changer happened when we decided to take a river raft adventure. It lasted 15 days with friends from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.

Looking out at the Mighty Colorado

At first Jim wasn’t sure he wanted to go. It was too long. What would he do if he got bored? I made one phone call to a long time friend, Sharon, who had rafted the canyon several times. After his conversation with her, he hung up and we made reservations. After that trip we always talked about “Before Grand Canyon” and “After Grand Canyon”.

This is a description of some of our travels. There were so many more adventures than listed here. We were always looking for the next new adventure. It was such a great experience to have someone to share the unique and normal with.

Now I carry on alone but not really. I carry remembrance of him and our life with me. I move forward toward the next adventure. And I carry the joy of those 21 years with me as I grow and change and remember. Some people have said that I should let him go and move on. I am not sure what letting him go means. How can I do that? Those 21 years changed my life. They made me grow into the person I am today. I carry my growth with me always.

I continue to adventure by myself. My friend in our soft adventures is gone. I wonder sometimes how different my life would have been if he was still here today. Yes, I have no doubt I would still be with him. I would still be taking the hike into the mountains every year. I would watch as he waved me off. And then another year would unfold.

Today I am thankful for Jim, for our positive and wonderful relationship. I am thankful to move forward and be so much more than before I met him. Today I am thankful for Jim and all those years of adventure and wonder.

Hmmm…Where to next?

Meet Woody and Rocky: A Cat and Dog’s Tale

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Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof. Janet is here!!!!

Hi we live in Salinas with our owner and friend Mandy. Who are we? Woody the Cat, Meow. Rocky the Dog. Woof.

Rocky the Dog here. A few weeks ago Janet showed up at our door. I was so excited to see her. She has been here before. I like Janet and it is fun to see her. She takes me for walks. We walk near and far. I get a chance to sniff and check all the many dog mailboxes in the neighborhood and beyond. It is fun to have her here.

I don’t know why Janet shows up. This time she showed up and Mandy disappeared. She said words like vacation and Australia. Mandy talked about Melbin (Melbourne). A few days after Janet arrived, Mandy left. Now, here we are, Woody, me, and Janet. I miss Mandy but Janet is fun and she is a good substitute for my person.

Janet plays with me. I get the “zoomies” and run around the dining room table and leap on and off the couch. It is so much fun. It ends with hugs and pets. I really like ripping around the house. I also like my treats, a lot. And food, I like food too.

A few days ago another person showed up. Janet calls her Zee or Mary. She was here for a few days. I liked having a second person here. I got more attention and love. And, now today, just like that she is gone. I don’t know where everyone goes. Mary said she wanted to take me with her. I have a new fan. That is what happens when one is cute and spunky. That’s me.

Janet is still here though. Hopefully, Mandy will come through the front door at some point in time. I will be so excited to see her. She is my person.

Oh, and tomorrow Janet says she is going to give me a shower. Well that is going to be fun. I am up for just about anything. I will end up smelling pretty and all my beautiful fur will be fluffy and clean. Yay.

Meow. Woody the Cat here. I know you have met me before. I am the cat with the grand tail. I live with Mandy and Rocky. I am an older kitty now. I spend a lot of my life under Mandy’s bed. It is quiet and safe and I can stay away from Rocky when he gets too rambunctious. He is just a young spunky thing.

I may spend a lot of time in my safe place. But, I do like to come out. I enjoy getting pets and treats. Usually I show up in the evenings when the sun has gone down. I like it when the humans are comfortable in their easy chairs. I can hang out with them. I get a lot of attention and pets.

Check Out My Grand Tail.

I am allowed to be on the dining room table. Why? Rocky chases me and likes to jump on top of me. I can only handle his play for so long. Then I need a safe spot to view the living room world. So the living room table is my spot.

I have found my way to Janet’s bedroom. I like sleeping with humans at night. I share the bed with Rocky and Janet. We all like to hang out together at night. It is fun to have sleep buddies. I am always nearby for pets and hugs.

So here we are. Janet, Woody and Rocky. Janet is pet-sitter extraordinaire. She also does a good job with the house and yard. She keeps all things running. When Mandy returns, everything is in order. Mandy can pick up on her life with Rocky and Woody.

Today we are thankful for Janet coming to take care of us. Today we are thankful for food, fun, loves, pets and “zoomies”.

Today we are Thankful.
Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of California’s Central Coast

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A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.

A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.

After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north to Pismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.

I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.

For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”

Woody
Rocky

I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Slough is about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.

Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.

I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.

Otter in the Elkhorn Slough

If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.

After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.

Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.

Today I am Thankful.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Point Roberts, WA

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Just south of Vancouver BC is a point of land known as Point Roberts. Point Roberts is surrounded on three sides by water. It is bordered by Canada to the north. It is part of Washington state and the United States. The only way to get there is by car crossing the International Border or by private plane or boat.

On a sunny early summer morning I decided to visit Point Roberts. I drove from Richmond (south of Vancouver). I crossed the International Border and spent a late morning and afternoon touring this unique area of the United States.

Point Roberts was created in the mid-19th century. At that time, the United Kingdom and the United States settled the Pacific Northwest American-Canadian border dispute. They resolved the issue with the Oregon Treaty. The two parties agreed that the 49th parallel would define The boundary between their respective territories. The small area that incorporates Point Roberts is south of the 49th parallel.

During the 1858 Fraser gold rush, prospectors from Victoria, BC attempted to avoid tax collection. They briefly settled Point Roberts. Their settlement was called Robert’s Town. It consisted of six wooden buildings, including a store and saloon. It lasted less than a year.

In 1949, there was talk about Point Roberts seceding from the U.S. and joining Canada. In 1973, a drought that caused the wells to run dry created tensions between Point Roberts’s U.S. and Canadian residents. The Americans threatened to cut off the Canadian residents’ water supply. They also hung up signs saying “Canadians Go Home.” This was unless the Canadian municipality of Delta agreed to supply water. An agreement was signed on August 28, 1987. It requires the Point Roberts Water District to buy raw water each year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Roberts was acclaimed as the “safest place” for avoiding coronavirus. This was due to its isolation from the mainland United States and Canada. The very low case numbers also contributed to this reputation. Limited access to the rest of the United States and Canada was a factor. Additionally, border closures into Canada kept the case numbers very low.

As the pandemic worsened in both countries. In 2020, a study found that Point Roberts had lost 80 percent of its business. It also lost hundreds of seasonal residents. This was a result of the pandemic and border shutdown. The area was described as a “ghost town” by the local chamber of commerce director. It had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of September 2020.

The Port of Bellingham set up a temporary ferry in August 2020. It connected Point Roberts to the mainland. The Canadian government waived its mandatory COVID testing requirements for Point Roberts residents in 2021. The decision followed negotiations with Washington state. The border was fully reopened for non-essential travel in August 2021 and the ferry service ceased the same month.

The City of Delta installed a chain-link fence at the end of English Bluff Road in 2025. This was done to deter accidental crossings. An elderly man accidentally walked into Point Roberts. The fence was poorly received by local residents and at least one Delta council member demanded its removal.

The Marina

Approximately 1300 people live in the 5 square mile area of Point Roberts. The big attraction is the nature and the wildlife. Point Roberts has it all. The community has a golf course, a marina and two restaurants.There are four parks and coastal beaches to explore.

Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre park on the Salish Sea and my first stop. Park amenities include a boardwalk, picnic areas,playground, trails, boat launch, and 30 campsites for weekend of camping. I chose to walk the beach trail to gaze out on the water. I hoped for whales but a seal was all I saw.

Mt Baker from Lighthouse Park

On a beautiful day I saw Mt Baker on the mainland, in Washington State. The beaches are like the beaches in Washington, Plenty of drift wood was scattered along the beach. The beaches are rocky and wild.

Monumet Park

This park is known for “Border Marker Number One”. It is the western most border marker between the U.S. and Canada. The park is a canopied forest of cedar and fir trees.

Lily Point Marine Reserve Park

Lily Point Marine Reserve spans 275 acres of forested upland and beaches. It is known for its towering sandstone bluffs. When beach-side, pilings can be seen running out into Boundary Bay. These pilings are remains from the Alaska Packers Association cannery. This cannery once operated here in the late 1800s.

Maple Beach

This beach is a popular spot for beach combing and swimming. It sits on the northeastern corner of Point Roberts. It is known for its sandy beaches and tidelands. At low-tide the tidelands stretch for a mile or more.

After a morning and early afternoon exploring I stopped for lunch at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. The food was good and the view from outdoor seating was exceptional as I looked out over the Salish Sea.

Somewhere along my travels I read about Ollie-Otter’s Baker Box. I decided I needed to go find this interesting local landmark. There is a cottage bakery there Ollie-Otter’s Bakery is in a cottage behind the bakers box on the curb side. There were wonderful goodies waiting to be bought.

The Hungry Hound Barkary had a small box next to the street side bake box. This business is owned by Ollie Friedman. Ollie may have some growing to do but he has big dreams.

This is what is written on the sign in the photo.

“Hi I am Ollie. I own the Hungry Hound Barkary. Yep I’m 11 but I have BIG dreams. Someday I want to be an astronaut and work for NASA. To make that happen I need coding classes. So to raise money I’m taking over the dog treat business. Thanks for stopping and supporting my dream. I hope your pup enjoys the retreats.”

If you would like to support Ollie’s Dreams here is the link to his Go Fund Me Page. Ollie’s Path to NASA. I believe, much like my husband did, that it is important to support these young people no matter their dreams.

After a lovely morning and afternoon, I approached the International Border. I crossed back into Canada for a few more nights. Before I made my way back to the United States.

I enjoy exploring the unknown. I definitely would return to Point Roberts again. I could easily see camping there and taking a leisurely tour of the area.

I am grateful for my friends. They guide me to unusual places. This year I can add Point Roberts to places that are unique.

Today, as every Day I am Thankful.

.

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My Adventure in Ucluelet: Kayaking and Aquarium Insights

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I am sitting in the Mercedes Benz waiting area in Medford, Oregon. I pulled up my WordPress Dashboard and discovered I have not posted since the third week in July.

I realized I needed a break from posting on my blog. I wanted to just enjoy my travels and visits with friends. Yet it feels like it is time to catch up. I will create several posts over the next few weeks. I will share with you some of the interesting places I visited. These include Vancouver Island, The Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest.

Kayaking Secret Beach

I have been on the move. I left my house sitting gig at Qualicum Bay behind. I moved to the west side of the island and the Pacific Ocean. I spent three days kayaking out of Secret Beach near Ucluelet. It was rainy and misty and very quiet.

Ucluelet Aquarium

The Uclulet Aquarium was my next destination, to explore a small but mighty Collect and Release Aquarium.

Ucluelet Aquarium

In 2004, the Ucluelet Mini Aquarium was opened as a pilot project on the Ucluelet waterfront. Philip Bruecker conceived it as an alternative to large modern public aquaria. Its focus was solely on local species, interactivity, and open display of infrastructure. Most importantly, it employed a “collect-and-release” model. This approach released specimens back to their home habitats each autumn. This pilot project proved popular and the not-for-profit Ucluelet Aquarium Society was formed to oversee and grow the aquarium.

The new Ucluelet Aquarium opened its doors in May of 2012. Designed by Blue Sky Architecture and built by local tradespeople, the aquarium has proved popular with residents and visitors alike. The aquarium now attracts international attention.

Collect-And-Release: How it works

1. Application for a Permit

Before we begin collecting, we must first apply for a collection permit from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The permit dictates which animals we are allowed to collect, how many, and where from.

2. Collection

Our exhibits are recreations of habitats from Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. We collect with a mix of scuba diving, seine nets, traps (crab, prawn), snorkeling, and low-tide gathering. Weather can be pretty unpredictable in February so collecting can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to over a month. The GPS location, species, water conditions, and weather conditions are all recorded so that we can return the animals to the right place when it’s time to release them. 

3. Transportation and Acclimation

A major benefit of collecting locally is that the transportation time from the collection site to the aquarium is minimal. Once at the aquarium our staff compare the water conditions from the collection site to the conditions at the aquarium and make sure that the animals are properly acclimated.

4. A Brief Visit

Most of the animals in the aquarium visit for around 9 months. Others, like our giant pacific octopus, spend 3-4 months. Still others, like most of our perch species, stay for roughly a full calendar year. The time spent in the aquarium varies between species depending on their unique needs, seasonal migrations, and growth patterns.

5. Veterinary Inspection

Before any of the animals can be returned to the wild they need to be inspected by our veterinarian and declared healthy. And it’s not just the fish that get a check-up – crabs, urchins, sea stars, even scallops get inspected too!

6. Release Permit and Release

A special permit from DFO is required before we can let any animals go back into the wild. Once approved, we take the animals, rocks, sediment, and seaweeds back to their collection sites.

Flow-Through System

The water in our exhibits is drawn from right outside. This makes the transition to and from the aquarium easier for the animals. Any changes in oxygen, temperature and salinity that happen outside will be happening in the aquarium as well.

The water pumped through the aquarium is full of life. From microscopic algae to sea slugs and baby crabs, these tiny animals are a key part of the aquarium. Some of this life (plankton) feeds our filter feeders (barnacles, scallops, plumose anemones and more) and some of it settles in our tanks and grows. These settlers include urchins, scallops, hermit crabs, shore crabs, tunicates, anemones, tube worms, and so much more. At then end of the year our release list is much longer than our collection lists.

Ucluelet Aquarium Story Page

This was an amazing stop on an interesting summer. There was a Giant Octopus in the Aquarium. It had been in the aquarium for four months and had tripled in size during its stay. I visited on a Friday and they were planning its release the following Sunday. The water in the Bay and the Aquarium tanks would slowly become too warm for this cold water creature.

The staff both volunteers and paid staff were amazing. Their wealth of knowledge and their willingness to share it with the public was amazing. I will never see barnacles or rock fish the same again. I learned so much about the sea life while I was there. The enthusiasm of everyone there made me want to return again and again.

I enjoy the discovery of the unique and unusual. I really like visiting museums and aquariums. The Ucluelet Aquarium surpassed all my expectations. The next trip to Vancouver Island will give me the opportunity to visit this aquarium again. Each visit will be different as the release and collect each year. How fun.

Today I am thankful for good friends that live in beautiful places in this world. I really enjoy the local recommendations and this one did not fail to meet expectations. Today I am thankful for the wild oceans. I am thankful for all the large and small things. These things keep our world a lively and wonderful place to learn.

Today I am thankful.

The World of Stanley and Sitka: A Cat’s Perspective

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Meow, Meow

Hi. Today we found Janet’s computer and decided we wanted to say hi.

We are Stanley, the Orange One and Sitka the “Water Boy”.

We live in a house with our friends. We are Canadian Kitties. One day a long time ago (or so it seems) our friends disappeared and Janet showed up. We don’t know where they went and we don’t know where Janet came from. Just like that, there was a change of people. This change was made to guarantee that our lives go as uninterrupted as possible. And, we are good with that.

I am Stanley. I am an orange boy. I have heard people say that I am different because of my color. I would like you to know that I am different because that is how I was made. I am a mush. I like to be petted and skritched. Sometimes I follow Janet around. This way, I can be sure to get enough of everything I need at any given moment.

Janet appears bothered when I try to chew on this machine. This also happens with other machines that she has around. I know I wouldn’t chew on them if she paid more and more attention to me. Today she had a serious talk with me about my chewing on her hands and arms. I laid there and looked at her with defiance in my eyes. Ha, I will show her. (I do like her….just don’t tell her that). Excuse me but I have to go curl up next to her.

Oh, one more thing, I have the best whiskers. They are long and curly and strong. It is one of my best features well, except my belly and my color. I am a handsome boy.

I am Sitka and I am a White Water Boy. I love water. I really, really, really love water. I like it in the sink, shower and toilet and anywhere else I can think of finding it. Water is my life blood. When Janet turns the sprinklers on outside, I go and sit under the spray. I stay there until I am wet all over. I really love water. Janet told me the other day that she had to ring my tail out before I can come in side. Hee Hee.

My coat is always clean and white and I bet you know why. Water. It keeps me so clean and fresh. When one is a white kitty this is important.

I like being aloof and independent. I will never be like Stanley, he grovels way too much. For the first several days I let Janet let me in and out. I even let her pick me up to come into the house. I don’t like to come in when I am outside. Other than that I stay out of her way because I am aloof. I am a kitty.

Now that Janet has been here for a while I am warming up to her. She is actually pretty nice. I found out that if I lay on my back on the sidewalk she will rub my belly. It feels really good so now I let her do that more often. I also like when she talks to me in her kind and soft voice. OK so she is not the bad. One day she brought us treats from the Farmers Market. Even though I usually don’t like treats, I found that I like those treats. Janet is not that bad to have around.

I like to walk the neighborhood. It consists of three houses and a walkway to the beach. Everywhere I go I meet up with water. I am glad I live next to the ocean.I love water. Sometimes if I wander too far the crows find me and harass me until I get back to my house. They can be such a bother.

From both of us…we are pleased to meet you and tell you a little about our life in the north country. Janet tells us our friends that live here all the time will be back soon. That will be fun to see them again. In the meantime, it is nice to have Janet here. She ensures we are loved. We are also taken care of in the manner to which we are accustomed.

We are after all, Cats.

Exploring the Northwest: Travels and House-Sitting

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I have not been very faithful to this blog lately. I have been traveling and enjoying experiences. Lately, people ask me where I am. I decided that it is time to let you in on my current spring and summer plans.

I drove north through Oregon and Washington, visiting friends along the way. It was nice to catch up with friends as I continued to Whidbey Island, WA.

I spent two summers house sitting for good friends on Whidbey. They went off camp hosting in the beautiful wilds of this country. I took care of their lovely home overlooking Puget Sound. Night after night the sunsets never let me down.

I met this little brown song sparrow while I was there, Birdy Boy. We have maintained a friendship over time and distance. We met on the deck in 2021. I have never had a friendship with a bird before. I returned in 2022. There he was, still waiting to resume our friendship. We picked up where it had left off the year before. Two years later, 2024 I returned and there he was just like I had never left. This year I spent two nights with Sandy and Jim and, yes, Birdy Boy. He greeted me with singing. He hopped onto my feet, knees, arms, and hands. He sang away and caught me up on the past year. I am amazed that this has persisted over time and distance. My heart delights in this unique friendship.

Oh Canada

May 20th I crossed the border into Canada. It was a quick and clear crossover. I was welcomed. Then, I set off to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. I will be spending the next few months here. First stop was a beautiful campground near Victoria, Pedder Cove. I managed to slip into the water and kayak in this beautiful bay. I love all the hidden bays of the northwest.

Two days later I met up with 40 other Roadtreks at Sooke River Campground. Not a Rally, a Meetup ensued. For three nights and four days we gathered as a group and enjoyed each others company. I even found people to kayak with. It was fun to be around all the positive energy of a group of people. I reconnected with those I had met before and met new friends along the way. It was a good weekend and I am glad I encouraged myself to join up with this group of people.

Since the weekend I have been island hopping in the South Gulf Islands. Pender Island was a small outdoorsy island. When you go to Pender you look for things to do outdoors. I planned to put the kayak in the water. Instead, I hiked to the high summits on North and South Pender. Neither hike was long. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter, incline does. It is nice to know I still can do these climbs. I am thrilled to see the wonders at the end of the ascent.

My campground on Salt Sorings Island.

Salt Springs Island. was a much larger island. There are more people here, including many artists. People come to this island for the art. I managed to attend the Saturday Market. It was not a farmers market as much as it was an arts and crafts market. Did I find things to buy? Yes.

This past year I joined an organization, Trusted Housesitters. Starting this week, I will be taking care of two kitties, Stanley and Sitka. I’m house-sitting near Qualicum Beach, close to halfway up the island on the east side. It is a beautiful area. The best part is that I have a good friend who is a fellow photographer and lives there. Guess what we will be doing?

I am still new to this idea of house-sitting for people I don’t know. So the jury is still out on how much I will be choosing to do this. I am still deciding if this is a good fit for me. I like the idea of staying in one area for a more extended time. This way, I can explore more in depth and get to know the area. Maybe I will join a yoga class and have other opportunities to explore the local area.

Some of you have asked where I am. If you have been wondering, this is my current update on my spring and early summer plans. I followed the weather north. I enjoy meeting up with friends and like minded travelers. I like exploring the unknown.

Today I will meet up with the family that I will be cat sitting. The next day the owners leave for a cross Canada trip. I get the kitties and a home to nestle in for a few weeks.

I am thankful for my continuing adventurous spirit. I am thankful that I push myself to explore the unknown. I am thankful for family and friends. Even if they question my sanity, they continue to support me and my life choices.

Today I am Thankful.

Exploring Community Living as an Older Adult

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Since the third week in April EmmyLou and I have been driving north for the late spring and summer. Where am I going? I am back in the land of ferries. The Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island. 

What is pulling me back to this area again? First stop is Sooke River Campground and a meet-up with Roadtrek (my rig) owners. These Rallies are fun. It is a good way to meet like minded people and enjoy a long weekend together. 

I have a cat sitting gig for two weeks in Qualicum Beach. This community is about halfway up the east side of the island. Much of my summer is unknown, and I am good with that. There is so much to explore in western Canada. I am not sure where my summer will lead me. 

Since my seventieth birthday I have been on a mission. What to do with the rest of my life. I never felt a lot of the common age markers, (30, 40, 50) really affected me. But my seventieth rolled in strong. 

I have been getting my papers in order. As a solo older woman I have begun to think of living alternatives. How do I want to live? Do I want to live in a community? What does that all look and feel like for me. 

Community has an appeal to me as I have discovered in my current lifestyle I get lonely. I miss a stable sense of community. This will certainly will be one issue that will pull me off the road, full time.

I have visited a few 55 and up communities over the past years. I went mainly because I have friends that live in these communities. They enjoy them and are involved while living independently in their own homes. Classes, trips, groups, travel are often included in this life style choice. 

I have been to one Continuing Care facility in Washington, a year ago. It was interesting but not a place that I think I would be interested in, at least not now.

One community, Enso Village was on my way north in Healdsburg, California. I have followed this community since its early planning stages. I decided to arrange an appointment to see it as I moved north. It was quite an interesting place and not inexpensive. It initially was introduced by the Zen Center in San Francisco. It is now affiliated with the Kendal Corporation and is the first Kendal community on the west coast.

“Kendal began in the late 1960s. A committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) sought “a better way in retirement.” Their search was based on Quaker values. The first community opened in 1973.

The Kendal Corporation began in 1989 and is an aging services leader providing support and skills to the Kendal System. Since then, new Affiliates have either been developed from the ground up or have chosen to become a Kendal Affiliate. The Kendal Corporation supports a System that is structured on what is called a federal model.  Each Affiliate is locally owned and managed with its own independent board of directors, as each Affiliate is independently operated. The Kendal Corporation and the System afford access to tools and practices that empower and support.

The Kendal System stays true to its roots. It continually evolves to meet the needs of residents, staff and wider society. This combination of tradition and innovation creates an environment that fosters learning, community and integrity. 

Kendal communities are designed to meet different needs and tastes. They range from park-like campuses in small college towns to apartment living near metropolitan areas. No matter the site, all share a commitment to lifelong learning, community service and wellness. They offer optional financial plans to meet individual needs. They also supply higher levels of care as residents’ circumstances change.

Several communities offer a continuum choice of moving directly into higher levels of care if needed. Others specialize in higher levels of care. One offers primarily an independent living option and another is a life plan at home model.”

Is this model of living for me? At the moment I am not sure. When the last units are full I will put myself on the wait list. It is an interesting choice not to be ruled out. Most people move into these places and love them. Some move in and leave again but that appears to be the minority.

I am also interested in another community model known as Co-Housing. These are more multi-generational housing with a community model in mind. Some of these are very specific so it is important to investigate these communities well before committing to one. The ideal way for me to try out these communities would be to rent a unit. Rentals are hard to find.

Before i can commit to the community models I feel like I need to envision the rest of my life. Not the small things, but how do I see myself living. What is important to me? I want to see how I would feel living in these environments.

I have tended to see some of these communities as a place where I will live and die. The dying part is macabre. Especially with the progressive care model my emotional mind sees it as a place where I wait to die. Now I know that is not what people that live there do. I need to encourage change in this scenario in my mind, to a place to live. So far I have not been one hundred percent successful in changing this. I am nevertheless willing to see these places as an optional lifestyle.

Another choice is to stay living independently in my own home, condo, flat, etc. Some people do live this way. They are quite comfortable being on their own. They have help come into their homes when they need it. I am not sure this is the best choice for me. I believe that socializing with other people will become more important for my mental health as I age.

I am exploring what I want to do with this next chapter of my life. I am also thinking and sorting through my options. I did not expect these life choices before Jim, my husband died. We had each other. Now I want to investigate my options so I can make informed choices, both mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

My life adventure continues. There is no need to make a decision today or tomorrow. But, I do see myself making a choice in the not too distant future. It is time to change it up once again.

Today I am thankful for confusion that will eventually lead to clarity. Today I am thankful for the choices I have to consider. Today I am thankful for my little RV that offers me a home on my current path.

Today I am thankful.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest: Into the Unknown

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Have you ever looked at the calendar and thought, “Whoa! Where did the last month and a half go?” I am in that state right now.

Wednesday, that is tomorrow, EmmyLou and I are on the move. We are heading north for the spring and summer with a few extra visits back to San Diego in August (more dental work).

Wait a minute, didn’t I just return from Hawaii? Well, no, I have been back for almost two months. How did that happen? I don’t know. I just really don’t know.

I am heading towards the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia for my summer. I love it up there and look forward to my return each year. As I move north, I hope to meet up with friends. That means you, Mary, Sandy, Mandy, Pat, Melissa and so many more.

Tomorrow, my friend Tina and I are climbing into EmmyLou and heading for Cambria on the Central Coast of California. We are on a mission and an adventure, which I look forward to. After five days, I leave Tina at the train station and will spend some time near Santa Barbara while EmmyLou gets her health check for the year.

Look out, my West Coast friends. I am heading your way. I love the trip north; it is such a beautiful drive. I find all these little side roads to explore. The ocean is amazing, and the Coast Mountain Range is gorgeous. The Redwoods are impressive. And I do know that by May 22nd, I need to be at the Sooke Campground on Vancouver Island. I am going to a rally. The Roadtreks are gathering. EmmyLou can’t wait to see her brethren. I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing friends.

I have joined Trusted Housesitters, a pet and house-sitting service. I hope to get a few pet sits in as I travel. Trusted Housesitters lists places worldwide where people are looking for someone to take care of pets and houses while the owners travel. So far, I have had three sits in the San Diego area. You met two of them in former posts, Max and Riot. Here are all three.

Maddie
Max
Riot

Please don’t ask me of my plans because I am taking it a moment at a time currently. I had to plan Hawaii and so I decided not to plan too much fo my summer. I still remember I planned last summer and then it all changed so this summer forget plans and just head out.

I hope you will come along on my travels and lets see what I can find to share with you. I am ready to move.

Today I am thankful for the unknown waiting for me to find it.