Victoria, British Columbia

Posted on June 10, 2023 by Paul

Last week we were in Victoria, BC, one of our favorite destinations. Our first day we went to Beacon Hill Park, a must see in this city. Of course we made a return visit later in the week. The flowers and birds are just splendid.

Peacocks are a big attraction and they know it.

We also sat and did some sketching in the park.

Another day we walked to Ogden Point and out to the lighthouse. This is the entrance to Victoria’s harbor.

The annual Race to Alaska began during out stay. This is an unpowered race from Anacortes, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska. The first day goes from Anacortes to Victoria as a qualifying trial. We watched them come into the harbor past our condo. They are allowed no power other than wind or human. Also they must carry all provisions for the trip from Victoria to Ketchikan. The entrants range from a 45 foot monohull sloop with a crew of 8 to a single kayak. Here’s an example of the humans pedaling into the harbor.

We are following them on the internet via the Race To Alaska website.

Walks around the harbor provide views of more flowers and birds.

A wonderful week in a terrific city.

Paul and Jean

Posted in B.C., Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC, Retirement, Travel, Uncategorized, Vancouver Island, Victoria BC | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Beautiful Birthday Week at the Beach and a Sad Goodbye

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Paul

Last week we traveled to the Long Beach Peninsula in SW Washington. This has become an annual tradition to celebrate Jean’s birthday. Our condo had a great view of the ocean.

We spent several afternoons walking on the beach. There are three possible walks: on the sand, on a dune top boardwalk, or on a paved trail that winds among the dunes. Each has its own attractions.

  • Looking toward Cape Disappointment
  • Our ocean view

And at the end of each day a sunset. This is not common in mid-December.

One afternoon we crossed the Columbia to visit Fort Clatsop, the winter quarters for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Having landed first on the north (Washington) shore, they decided that the south shore presented better opportunities for the winter. So they packed up and crossed the wide river.

Fort Clatsop, Lewis and Clark Expedition Winter Camp in Oregon

These are some pics from their canoe landing on a small river that empties into the Columbia just before it reaches the Pacific.

  • Jean at Lewis and Clark’s Canoe Landing
  • The Birthday Girl

After five days of sun and sand we had to rush home for a very special and somewhat sad event. For 12 years we have traveled many miles to beautiful camp sites in our beloved Picasso. She has been a very comfortable home on wheels from south Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and all around our lovely state of Washington.

  • Picasso at Long Beach
  • Three T@DAs Remain
  • Picasso Emerges

Our aging bodies no longer adapted well to long car trips or to moving about in Picasso. It was time to move on. Therefore, Saturday morning Paul got up early to prepare Picasso for delivery to her new owners. There is a big bare place in our yard and in our hearts.

We will continue to travel and post on this site when we do. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Paul and Jean

Posted in Retirement, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

New Discovery Close To Home

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Paul

While looking for some new places for our daily walk I found a name on a map of our area. Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is just a couple of miles from our home. While not large in area, it has a good trail system and beautiful plants and birds. I enjoyed a walk there on a sunny Friday.

In addition there are surprise sculptures Such as this owl.

Wood Wave by Bruce Johnson

Wood Wave is made of redwood and copper. Go and check out this wonderful little Shoreline park.

Paul

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Long Beach Washington

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Paul

We spent last week in Long Beach. It was very stormy, but that is part of the appeal to visiting here in the winter. The waves are incredible. The storms roll in off the Pacific. And we had a ring side seat. We usually found a dry hour each day to walk on the dunes.

  • Although we were standing on an elevated dune the waves were high enough to cover the horizon.
  • Jean bundled up against the storm.
  • Lewis and Clark found a large sturgeon on this beach over 200 years ago.
  • Small creeks cut through the dunes.
  • Clark is looking for new places to explore.
  • Typical waves in this stormy week.
  • Red Tail hawks flew beside us in the dunes.
  • Most of the dune trail is blacktop, but there is a half mile of elevated boardwalk.
  • Large waves and a rare (for this week) blue sky.
Posted in Retirement, Travel, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Finally Mt. Baker Emerges From the Clouds

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Paul

After five days we awoke to sunshine and warmth. It was time to go up the mountain. Artist Point is one of the most beautiful scenic places we have ever visited. It never fails to take our breath away. Mt. Baker is the erstwhile star of the show.

However, we love Mt. Shuskan that lies to the east. It looms in your face saying, “look at me!”

Jean conquered a nearby rock to get a better view.

It was a perfect day!

Paul

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Looking Closely

Posted on August 28, 2021 by Paul

I love to look closely at various natural things. Here are a few of my favorites from the Nooksack River trails.

  • Beauty in the forest

Although late in August, many flowers and colorful berries may be found.

Each walk was an opportunity to find new delights.

Paul

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

34 Years Together, 33 Years Married!

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Paul

We celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary with a trip to the North Cascades. Mt. Baker is one of Washington’s gems. From the lush rain forest of the foothills to the alpine tundra above tree line this area is a paradise with something interesting around every corner.

Unfortunately the first 5 days of our stay were grey and wet. Therefore, rather than venture into the alpine territory where the view would be limited, we spent our days hiking in the forests along the Nooksack River. The water ouzels entertained us and the river provided the soundtrack.

No phone, no TV, and few people. It was a quiet oasis during these trying times.

Paul

Posted in Mt. Baker, Travel, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Big Four Mountain

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Paul

Since the pandemic we haven’t traveled away from home much. However, we have gone on some short day trips. I decided that those should be recorded on Travels With Picasso.

We took a day trip to Big Four Mountain today. The river has bypassed the bridge so the ice caves are not accessible this year, the the views are wonderful. We ate lunch in the meadow, did some sketching and painting, and then hiked in a loop to the Stillaguamish River. Despite the dry weather there are some nice flowers. Of course I can’t resist artistic closeups of the beauty of nature.

  • Beauty in the forest
  • Jean with a beaver pond and mountains in the background
  • Stillaguamish River
  • Grass over reflections in the water
  • Fireweed
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Keys View

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Paul

We took a brief trip to Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park. That is, if a 5 hour trip can be so called. You see, Keys View is only 12 miles from our condo – as the crow flies – but it is 80 miles by road. We ascended from sea level to 5,200 feet. As we remembered from past visits the view is spectacular!

Our condo is behind the hill near my right elbow…12 miles away.

As seems to be the case everywhere we travel, humans love to leave a personal mark. These stone sculptures are always interesting and much more ecological than other types of graffiti.

The road to the mountaintop goes through the most one of the most impressive joshua tree forests in the park.

No trip into this park is complete without the ever present rocks.

With shadows lengthening we head down the mountain.

Paul

Posted in CA, Indio, Joshua Tree National Park, Photography, Retirement, Travel, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Lazy Days and Dates

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Paul

We have been a bit lazy the last couple of days. Doing lots of reading, sitting outside to enjoy the warm fresh air, writing and playing music, painting, and taking the occasional stroll. We have begun to take nighttime walks on the golf course cart paths. They are unlighted, but we have our cell phone lights if necessary. The stars are amazing and no one else walks out there! Daytime walks have been around our resort and they provide some interesting things to look at.

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This afternoon we decided to visit a local tourist attraction, Shields’ Dates. This date farm, roadside stand, and cafe have been in the same place since 1924. We watched the introductory video: The Romance and Sex Lives of The Date. Then we spent a short while in their gardens.

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Of course we bought some dates to attempt to duplicate the marvelous date/bacon skewers we had a Arnold Palmer’s the other night. We’ll let you know how they turn out!

Where ever you go in the Coachella Valley the mountains watch over you.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring.

Good night!

Paul

Posted in Art, CA, Indio, Music, Retirement, Ukulele, Uncategorized | 3 Comments