Winter Walk in Crofton

Calm waters on a winter's afternoon

There isn't a day goes by that I don't think how very lucky I am to live in Crofton.  As I watch news reports from around BC and across Canada, and see highways closed and communities flooded, I'm thankful I spend my winters in the most moderate climate in Canada.  Even within my own geographic area, we are in a little micro-climate - twenty minutes away there will be snow, sometimes lots of it, while we have had less than an inch of slush this winter, gone within hours.  ( Touch Wood.  I don't want to jinx things!).

No snow here!

Most winter days, we do get a bit of rain and lots of cloud, but we also get bursts of sunshine on a regular basis. It is rare that I have to walk the dogs in pouring rain -  light drizzle I can handle.  The saying  "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" has been very true here this year.

Yesterday, for only the second time in a year, I decided to skip the second (afternoon) set of dog walks - it was driving rain, sleet, dark, and cold. The dogs had gone for a lovely long morning walk and they were as reluctant as I to head out in a storm.  But today dawned bright and dry and away we went.  This afternoon was even nicer.  Calm waters, mild enough to wear my gortex jacket instead of my winter coat - I grabbed the dogs and my camera and headed off for the beach again.

The marine on a January afternoon

The birds prefer the drier days to pouring rain too, and there were lots along the shoreline today.

Bufflehead duck

Mallards along the shore

A poor photo, but I've been trying  all week to capture
this kingfisher who lives along the shoreline by the new seawalk.
(She's on the railing!)

Oystercatchers catching oysters

I was enjoying the way the light appeared through the pilings of the ferry dock,

Late afternoon light shines through the pier

when suddenly a heron flew straight up from the bank below me, practically knocking me over with his incredible wingspan.  I recovered only just in time to snap these shots as he flew away.

And as the sky turned pink with the setting sun, we headed home - another winter's walk that feels like spring,  tucked away in our memories.