A morning walk with Oliver

A couple of months ago, on the advice of my new vet, I put my dogs on Recovery SA instead of the glucosamine hydrochlorate supplement they had been receiving. (Recovery SA contains glucosamine hydrochlorate in addition to other supplements which aid joint movement).

Oliver is not the most arthritic of my dogs - that would be Belle - but he did show signs of stiffness and a reluctance to walk very far.

That all changed within about two weeks of starting him on Recovery.

He began to look forward to his walks. He used to manage a block or two at a Very Slow Pace. We slowly increased both the distance and the pace, and now he is trotting right along beside me, and walking further every day. Today at sunrise we found ourselves at the far end of the seawalk - almost as far as Charley and Sadie routinely go - and Oliver, for the first time, stepped down onto the beach to explore the shells and seaweed and salt water.



We could not have asked for a nicer day - crisp, clean morning air filled our lungs as we watched the sun rise on the water and the world awaken once again.

A new ship pulled into the mill yesterday, ready to accept its heavy cargo, and the sun shone on its white face:




As I watched the commuters disembark from the Saltspring Island ferry, I couldn't help but notice the rising sun reflecting on the mountains of the mainland's North Shore:








And looking to the south-east, I see Mt. Baker rising from the horizon in watercolor hues of pink and purple:



I wonder how many places afford views of such beautiful mountains in two different countries at the same time?

We wandered some more, noting how the high tides had changed the landscape. Yesterday, this large log, an escapee from a boom, was perched precariously on the berm going out to the private wharf










But today it was level, floating in the water as the high tide ebbed. Will it float away on the tide, or will I find it perched precariously once again when the seawater that surrounds it has receded once more?

On the way home I caught a glimpse of orangey-red in the bush - a robin! Though I suspect they live here year round, traditionally they are considered one of the first signs of spring. I had little luck capturing him with the camera, but if you look closely you will see the the brown and red blur amidst the leaves:




And more signs of spring - the first primrose blooming in my garden!



So far, it has been a mild winter, and some flowers have never stopped blooming, like these orange ones whose name I do not know. I suspect they are weeds as they multiply so profusely!!



And now the sun is fully up in the clear blue sky. A good morning to take down the Christmas lights. It will be a perfect afternoon for our Wednesday Walk.

Amazing day. Amazing dogs. Amazing life.