Happy Father's Day! Kristi comes to visit and then Amelia for an overnight. Fun times at the lake! June 15 - 18

Thursday morning, Ray, Kristi and I were up by 6:30 am.  A great sleep in our own bed after a week away. 

All of us sitting having coffee and playing on our computers. No one actually moved very much until 8 am. Kristi commented that she had not sat down that long without having to move for a very long time. It was fabulous. lol 

While Ray walked Zeus, I showered and started laundry and Kristi went out for a run. After they were back I made a big breakfast, featuring the bacon that Darryl from next door, had recently smoked. Delicious.

After everyone was showered and dressed, Kristi and I toured Lake Cowichan's little stores. Kristi managed to find a few items to purchase. Next up coffee at Ed's before meeting up with Ray at home.

Time for Coffee (paintings behind are from same artist who painted Freya)

After unloading her purchases we all climbed back into the car and headed to Cowichan Bay in Duncan for lunch at the Cow Bay Pub before picking up our fresh prawns from the wharf.

After picking up the prawns we walked down the street looking at all the shops. Here is the Mudroom where I get all my pottery from. I had to replace a bowl that had broken.

Street and water views:

Art Vickers Studio

1970 Mercedes (worth $250,000)

Next destination, homemade ice cream for Kristi and Ray. 

Kristi bought some of these for Jason lol

Back home the rest of the afternoon we spent sitting on our deck with the 3 of us reading our tablets. At 6 pm Kristi with a little of Ray's help, made a coconut, pepper Thai Curry for the 2 of them for dinner. I was still full from our late lunch. :)

Friday morning really cloudy and windy. While I caught up with some house chores, Ray and Kristi headed out for an e-bike ride on the trails nearby before the predicted rain starts at noon.

Our new gate mechanism for the strata was completed this week. It will be nice to be able to lock the gate again for security. The entrance post has been moved back and allows more room for large vehicles to come through the gate, especially our motorhome.

Jason and Amelia showed up about 4:30. Great seeing them both. Amelia helped me pick the tomatoes for dinner.

I cooked up prawns and steak for dinner. Jason and I barely got any as Amelia ate the prawns like crazy and we spent the time shelling them for her! Her favourite. Jason is suffering from a bad headache, so decided just to go back home for a night by himself in his own bed.

Lots of fun in "Big Blue".  Its a good workout for her left leg, bending and pushing to move.

Saturday morning Amelia and I made pancakes. 

One of the family walk times with Zeus.

After everyone ate breakfast and dressed, it's time to go to the Duck Pond Kids Park. We parked beside Ed's Coffee and walked over the bridge to the park. Saw this Red Winged Black Bird drinking from the river.

This guy was in the marsh on the other side of the river.

After half an our or so it's time to walk back over the bridge to Ed's Coffee Shop for a snack. No I'm not sharing! lol

We stopped on the way back to the house at the old Train Museum. 

Amelia had to try to climb up all the ways you could. :)

Back home it's time for lunch and then Amelia went down for her nap.

Snack time after nap.

After her nap Kristi took her down to the lake which receded enough so we have a bit of a sandy beach showing.

Zeus went in and got wet so of course Amelia wanted to. :)

The wind came up so we moved to the driveway in the front of the house. More snacks. :)

I barbecued chicken legs for dinner and of course Papa and Amelia had ice cream for dessert.

I got Amelia into her PJ's while Kristi packed up the car. They headed home at 6 pm. A great visit. For Father's Day, Kristi bought Ray an authentic Turkish Hand Towel for his bathroom. It sure is thicker and softer than usual towels. Dad says Thank You Kristi!

Sunday, Father's Day, Ray and I decided to go explore Bright Angel Park in Duncan on the Koksilah river. What a gem of a Regional Park. Ray found out about the park with his usual trick, Trip Advisors 15 best things to see in blank area.

Walking along tranquil, forested trails with the stunning Koksilah River flowing under the Cowichan Valley’s most popular suspension bridge, it’s not surprising that Bright Angel Park, located in beautiful Cowichan Station, is one of the most popular well-visited parks attracting 80,000 visits annually. Families with young children enjoy the playground and open grassy areas while park visitors wanting to cool off on a hot summer day can find a shady spot along the river.

Peek a Boo!

Amphitheatre seating with climbing trees for kids.

Huge trees along the trail, one Cedar is 10' diameter

Here is a short video of how quiet it was there, no noise other than the water, wind and birds and Ray fiddling with his camera. We were surprised not to find a lot of people there with it being Father's Day.

We had a great hour or so wandering the trails. Back in the car to downtown Duncan to Fresh Kenny's for lunch.

An old truck Ray spotted.

Back home we sat out on our sundeck under the gazebo with the heaters on and watched the rain move in. A great day. Ray's choice for dinner is Seafood Newburg, scallops and the fresh prawns we purchased on Friday. Yum.

We certainly had a busy 5 days home after a weeks travel :)