Stormy Weather

This time of year our weather swings from stormy to sunny. At the beginning of the week it was wet and windy. Looking towards Grief Point you could see the clouds building to a climax.

And the ocean was responding with rough seas not fit for man or boat.

Take a look at my post from Wednesday to see how this tug struggled with his load waiting for better weather. -- Margy

"To bed, to bed," says sleepy head;

"Tarry awhile," says Slow;
"Put on the pot," says Greedy-Gut,
"We'll sup before we go."

I loved it when my dad would tell me this nursery rhyme at bedtime. Well, it was time for my garden to go to bed for the winter. On the few sunny days I had at the cabin last week, I worked hard to get the last of my produce out (potatoes and garlic) and seeds saved (carrots and beans). Once that was done, the herbs were trimmed and the asparagus ferns cut down.

My raised beds on the garden float are only about 10 inches deep. I worry about my asparagus roots freezing and getting damaged. So each year when I cut the ferns down, I save the feathery tops to place on top for mulch. In addition, this year I pulled up part of my old strawberry bed (it needs to be replaced with younger stock), and spread the leaves under the fern tops for extra protection.

So far mulching has worked well, and in late May the new asparagus shoots are ready for a tasty meal.

This has been a record year for my floating garden. It made the news in:

• Sunset Magazine's Facebook contest
• Duane Burnett's website
• Our Canada Magazine

It'll be a hard (but fun) year to follow. -- Margy

Saving the Load

Last Monday, Wayne and I were getting ready to take Pacific Coastal Airlines from Powell River back to Vancouver. It was quite a blustery day, so we weren't looking forward to a bumpy ride.

When I got up at about 8:00, I saw a tug with it's large load heading south when I got up. I assumed they were going to tie up near Grief Point and wait out the storm. When I looked out again at 11:30, the tug was struggling with its load. We had to leave before the resolution, but here is what I saw.

The tug was the Pacific Fury. The Pacific Fury was built in 1969 and is 19.32 metres in length. With her 1,440 brake horsepower engine, she can handle a gross tonnage of 118. She is one of seven vessels operated by Pacific Cachalot Ltd. out of Campbell River. -- Margy

YVR to Powell River on Pacific Coastal Airlines

When time is short, and we want a fun travel experience, we fly between our home in Powell River to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Pacific Coastal Airlines. When we are traveling north from Bellingham, we catch our flight at the South Terminal where parking is plentiful and easy. It is only a 25 minute flight up the coast, but the views of Vancouver Island, the Strait of Georgia and the glaciated Coastal Range are superb. Come fly with me and see.

Pacific Coastal Airlines serves many Vancouver Island, Coastal BC and Interior communities. One place I want to fly to someday is Masset on Haida Gwaii. Maybe I could even meet Carolyn of Living on the Edge. She makes her island home seem like a great place to visit and live. -- Margy

Simple Seed Saving

Yesterday you read about my carrot seed saving experiment. It was two years in the making. Here's a more simple seed saving experience.

If you've been following my blog, you know my garden space is limited to four raised beds on a cedar log float and containers on the deck of our cabin. Even with that small configuration, it provides Wayne and I will quite a variety (if not quantity) of fruits and vegetables.

One of my more successful plants grown in a pot is green beans. I've chosen Scarlet Runner Beans for several reasons: 1) they climb tall, 2) the beans can be eaten or canned fresh, 3) the large seeds are good in soups and chili, 4) the seeds can be dried for storage, and 4) the lovely red flowers are attractive to humans and hummingbirds.

Wayne doesn't cook many vegetables when he's alone at the cabin. So, when I returned, there were lots of beans dry on the stalks. The hard pods crack open easily to release the large seeds inside. To make sure they are completely dry before storage, I leave them out for a week or so on shelf in the warm cabin. Then some will go into paper envelopes and labeled for planting next spring. The rest will be used (after soaking) for hearty winter meals.

Do you save seeds? What are some good ones you collect and keep? -- Margy

Carrots Gone Wild: Saving Seeds Part 2

On my July trip to the cabin, I found that my carrots from 2010 had gone wild. Normally I leave my carrots in the ground through the winter to pick as needed, but last year I didn't get back as anticipated. Consequently, my remaining carrots completed their two year cycle and went to seed.

My friend Margaret here in Powell River suggested I try saving the seeds. She said covering the flower heads with muslin (I used cheesecloth) would contain the seeds. When I got home this week, the heads were all dry and ready to pick. There were more seeds than I could ever use, so I chose the biggest and best.

Removing the seeds from the heads was easy. All I had to do was rub them with my finger and then fell right off. I did find a few aphids, so I finished drying them outdoors on the porch. There's plenty for me and for Margaret to share.

Now the big question is, what will they produce? I'm not sure what variety I planted two years ago. I think they are either Scarlet Nantes or Chantenay. If so, they are probably non-hybrids and will reproduce true. If not, who knows what may result. I plan to plant the seeds in one of my four raised beds next spring and see what happens. It's worth a try to complete the experiment. -- Margy

Hummingbird Migration

Most birds migrate south for the winter. But this hummingbird flew all the way north from Seal Beach, California, to spend his winter (and all future seasons) at our float cabin on Powell Lake.

When I was in Southern California earlier this month, I played hooky from work and went to the beach. After an afternoon lounging in the sun, I found Up Up & Away Kites up Main Street. And inside, I found this wonderful whirligig. Doesn't he look great in his new British Columbia home? -- Margy

Wild Horses in the Sky

The end of summer has come with changeable weather. One indicator in the sky is mare's tails. They are wispy high altitude cirrus clouds that can be an indication that stormy, windy weather is on the way.

Cirrus clouds are made of water vapor that has formed into ice crystals. They are high clouds, about 8,000 metres (26,000 ft.) above sea level. Varying wind speeds at different altitudes cause the wisps to be pulled out in the characteristic horse tail configuration.

And at sunset, they paint the sky with a wonderful warm strokes. -- Margy

7 Awesome Things about Fall in Powell River

Summer's over and Fall is upon us, but vacations come in all seasons. I invite you to come visit the most wonderful place on earth, Powell River, BC.

1. A coastal cruise. When is the mainland an island? When you need to take a ferry to get there of course. BC Ferries serves Powell River. You can easily turn your visit into a Circle Route vacation. Check out the Experience Card for extra savings. On the Vancouver to Powell River route you will travel through majestic fjords and pass towering snow-capped peaks. It's an E-ticket ride for sure.

2. Romantic places to stay. Up and down the Sunshine Coast you will find signs directing you to great out-of-the-way places to stay. South of Powell River look for Kent's Beach or Garnet Rock if you have an RV. Pull off at the seaside Suncatcher B&B or the Oceanside Resort and Cabins, or immerse yourself in history at the Townsite's Old Courthouse Inn. If you are headed north, try a cabin in the woods at the Desolation Resort and grab one of their fall specials or even try a float cabin.

3. Outback adventures. Fall is perfect for exploring the back country. Logging and forest roads take you to trails, lakes and quiet forests. The Powell River ATV Club loves to help visiting riders. They even have a map book with GPS coordinates available at Guy's Cycle Works or Quality Parts. Some of our favourite destinations are Tony Lake, Edgehill Trail System and Elephant Lakes. You can read about more ATV adventures in Up the Main and Farther up the Main.

4. Historic Patricia Theatre. The Patricia is the oldest, continuously running theatre in BC. It started with silent movies in 1913 in an old mill building. In 1928, it moved into its current location. Walk in the front door and step into old time elegance. Catch the a first run film at 7:00 pm nightly or one of the Art Film series features. Adult tickets are $9.00 except on Monday cheap tickets night for $5.50.

5. Events and festivals. Powell Riverites love community events. Things not to miss include the Max Cameron Theatre series, Powell River Academy of Music series. September 24-25 Fall Fair, October 1 Salmon Celebration, November 22-27 Festival of Trees, December 3 Santa Claus Parade, and several holiday choral events. For more activities, read Around Town in the PEAK or PowellRiverDirect.com.

6. Hiking. Whether it's a stroll down historic Willingdon Beach Trail or the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail, we have a path for every ability. Inland Lake's circumnavigating trail is partially wheelchair accessible. Stop by Breakwater Books or Coles to get Eagle Walz's books (Sunshine Coast Trail Guidebook and Along the Edge of the Salish Sea) about hiking around Powell River or Wayne's Up the Winter Trail. Also, stop by the Visitor Centre for maps and information.

7. Heading up the lake. Fall is a wonderful time to experience life on the lake. I love living in a float cabin up the lake in Hole in the Wall, sitting in front of the wood stove fire with a good book. You can rent a float cabin to experience life on the lake for yourself. You can also read about off the grid living on Powell Lake in Up the Lake and Farther Up the Lake by Wayne J. Lutz at www.PowellRiverBooks.com.

Stop at the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre in the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre next to Quality Foods on Mondays through Fridays 9:00-5:00. They will give you great tips about our wonderful community. Pick up a free Powell River Living magazine or buy a Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town. Need more reasons to come? Visit the Tourism Powell River website. I'll see you here soon! -- Margy

PRB Highlighted on BigPacific.com

Powell River Books was discovered online by Editor/Publisher Laurie McConnell of BigPacific.com. She was very gracious about offering our little Powell River publishing company a reciprocal link on their list of Powell River Travel Resources. Just click here and it will take you directly to the page. Wayne and I want to thank BigPacific.com for this great opportunity.

Locals and visitors alike go to BigPacific.com for a wealth of information. Learn more about the area, find things to do, select a place to stay, discover a new restaurant. And it's not just about Powell River (even though I think it is the best part of the Sunshine Coast), it also includes information about everything from Gibsons to Lund.

The amount of information available is astounding. In addition to the regular travel resources you will also find several special features:

• Big Pacific's Magazine -- This online magazine give you stories about the people and places all along the sunshine coast. There's even one about my online friend Duane Burnett.

• Sunshine Coast Social Network -- You can join for free. More active members are needed. If you'd like to communicate with other Sunshine Coasters, this is the place. Share stories, photos, videos and more.
  

There's too much to describe in a single post. You've got to go to BigPacific.com and see for yourself. -- Margy

Stick Speaks Out

Hi. My name is Stick Tail, but Mommy calls me Kitty Cat and sometimes Pepper. I came to live with her in 2007 when we all moved from Los Angeles to Bellingham, Washington. My relocation was touted as "retirement," but I've been on the job ever since. You can read more about it here.

One year ago this coming week, Mommy was rushed to the hospital for back surgery. For the week she was in the hospital and the following three weeks of inpatient rehab, I bunked in with Wayne and Margy. But I sent this picture to go on the wall next to Mommy's bed, begging her to get well soon. I really missed her!

I was so glad when I heard she was finally coming home to live with me again. Little did I know that things were going to be very different. Instead of walking through the door, she came in a big, black, scary chair with wheels. I didn't want my already shortened tail (thanks to a coyote in LA) to get stuck in that! But when Mommy got in her regular chair in the living room, I felt like she was really home to stay.

My "furby" kind of love has been crucial in Mommy's recovery. Recently she gave up the hospital bed and bought us a larger one so we can cuddle like the old days.

And I've gotten better about welcoming guests into our home. First came the visiting nurses and therapists, and now Home Attendant Care assistants regularly join us. And Wayne and Margy are around more often to make sure I get my "three squares" plus snacks a day.

Mommy leaves me home alone somethings to go to rehab with Kenny at the St. Joseph Medical Center South Campus. He's helping her to learn how to stand and walk again, so I'm OK with that. Mommy sure is a trooper for being 95 years young. I hope I'm as determined at that age.

Do you have a working critter in your home? I'd love to hear his or her story. -- Stick Tail (Kitty Cat)

Almost Full Moon

Last Saturday I treated myself to a girl's night out on our boat in Squalicum Harbor.

The moon was one day shy of full.

But it still gave me a natural night light just the same. For great skies from around the world, be sure to visit Skywatch Friday. -- Margy

Burlington Northern Caboose 10792

The history of Bellingham is linked with trains. At the end of the 19th Century, regional lines were built to encourage economic development and to transport natural resources to market. Head on over to the Bellingham Train Museum for more information.

Today, tracks run through downtown along the shoreline carrying passengers and freight from Canada to destinations south and east. If I leave my window open at night, I can hear their haunting whistles.

Last weekend when I spent the night on our boat in Squalicum Harbor, I saw an interesting sight. It was an old caboose on a siding. You don't see many of those any more. And this one had seen better days.

This is caboose number 10792 from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway. As you can see, she is in quite a state of disrepair. It made me curious to find out a bit about her history. Doesn't she look like she has lots of stories to tell?

I went online and found this picture of her in 1983 from the Burlington Northern photo archive. As you can see, she has changed a lot in 28 years. Her side windows have been welded over for some reason. And obviously the paint has been changed and patched over and over.

I also found a picture taken of her on the job in 1989. At that time she was seen passing through Greenland, Colorado. This was on the Colorado Joint Line that runs north and south between Denver and Pueblo. I found this picture at theBlueComet.com website. The next reference I found has her in located Vancouver, WA, in 1998.

The final reference I found was at www.RailcarPhotos.com. By 2009, Caboose 10792 was in the Balmer Yard in Seattle looking basically like she does today. At this site I learned she was built in 1973, is 41 feet 8 inches long outside, and 30 feet long inside.

As I walked past I wondered what it would be like to convert her into a home. Maybe living in a float cabin has made me think a little bit out of the "boxcar." Couldn't you just imagine making the cupola into a bedroom loft? Of course, it would be the best to find an old siding where you could set her up and be able to hear and feel the trains as they rumble past. What do you think? -- Margy

Rocky Leftovers

Sunday was International Rock Flipping Day hosted by Susannah over at Wanderin' Weeta. You can see my post here and the overall results here. While I was taking pictures for my post, I found a few other interesting shots.

Back under a willow it looks like Bigfoot found a cool spot for a nap on a hot summer day.

Farther down the beach he built a fort with driftwood. It must have been Bigfoot doing the lifting, because some of those logs way up on top look VERY heavy. I bet some Littlefeet now enjoy it for imaginative play.

And the power of Mother Nature was evident in the worn roots of the trees just above high tide line. The trees are healthy, but the roots have been rubbed smooth and embedded with rocks. In summer, Squalicum Beach is calm, but in winter it must really rage. -- Margy

Cozy Corner Books & Coffee

If you're driving southeast on Northwest Avenue (now doesn't that have a ring to it?) towards Bellingham, there is a great used bookstore just waiting to be found. They have recently moved to a larger location in the Northwest Shopping Center near the Village Inn restaurant and across the street from Yeager's Sporting Goods.

The Cozy Corner Books & Coffee is a treasure. It's now located at 3094 Northwest Avenue. There's plenty of parking in the large lot out front and lots of aisles of shelve of reasonably priced lightly used books inside.

As the name implies, it has coffee and other yummy things to drink and nibble. You can enjoy your latte as you browse the stacks, or relax by the fireplace. And that's not all they have to offer. They also have a Children's Imagination Area and free games for all ages.

Of course, there are books -- lots of them. They are conveniently organized by subject and author. Several cozy alcoves give you a feeling of privacy. Soft chairs and stools are scattered throughout the store to encourage you to stay and read. They even have a trade credit program to bring in your old books and get your "new" purchases at even better prices.

I went to visit the new store yesterday and got four great titles (including a great Square Foot Gardening book) for about $10.00. How can you beat that?

If you are a book lover, you've got to visit Cozy Corner. And they just opened a branch in Ferndale. Twice the fun! -- Margy

5th Annual International Rock Flipping Day

Today is my first Rock Flipping Day. I've wanted to participate for three years now, but I've always been in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles and it just doesn't work out. But this year, I'm up north with lots and lots of great rocks to flip.

I picked Squalicum Beach for my first rock flip. I figured along the shore there would be lots to see. The first section of the beach is sandy, but as you walk along the shore it turns to pebbles and then larger rocks. There were lots of wave smoothed rocks to choose from. And the presence of seaweed along the tide line made me hopeful.

I picked a medium sized rock at the water line for my flip. I figured critters would like the intertidal zone for a home.

But when I flipped my rock over, here is what I found.

What I found wasn't what I expected, a crushed beer can. I looked carefully but found no evidence of anything moving or tucked in a seaside home. I'm not sure what this says about my bay. It sure looked like good critter territory. Even though I found no visible life, I replaced the rock just in case there was someone down deep waiting for their roof to return.

Would you like to participate? There's still a bit of time left. I learned about Rock Flipping Day from the current organizer, Susannah over at Wanderin' Weeta, but it was started by Dave Bonta and Bev Wigney in 2007. Here's how it goes.

• On September 11th find your rock(s) to flip.
  
• Record what you find.
  
• Replace the rock; it's someone's home.
• Post on your blog, or load photos to the Flickr group.
  
• E-mail Susannah a link or comment on any IRFD post.
• If you're on Twitter, the hashtag is #rockflip.

It's flipping fun! - Margy