Got back yesterday from a fabulous couple of days up at Carole's cabin in Qualicum. Arrived to find black oystercatchers on their beach! Wow...none of us westcoasters and Gulf Island goers had ever seen them before. We had to look them up in a book. They are so attractive with their long orange beaks. They certainly seemed to be finding lots to eat along with hundreds of seagulls that were also hanging around until an eagle swooped in and chased everything away temporarily except the seals.
We had a super time painting, shopping, eating, drinking and baking. Qualicum and especially Ladysmith looked terrific with their Christmas decorations. We stopped on the way up and back at the Sunflower Cafe in Ladysmith and had the most yummy and imaginative soups...roasted red pepper pesto and carrot one day and chicken and hazlenuts the next. Thanks Fern and Carole...it was a great time!



Oystercatchers and seagulls on the beach




This is the "lonestone" in front after which the cabin is named




Beachfront with seagrass




Fern and Carole with our baking!