Good morning and Happy Friday everyone! Hard to believe that the first 3 weeks of July are gone already. Yesterday was such a nice day, just like they forecast for us…almost. They did forget one thing. Thunderstorms. Those moved in late afternoon and throughout the evening. We are certainly getting a lot of rain lately.

Most every day we get some rain. Some days more than others of course. Makes it a bit hard to plan things though. Also keeps things a bit on the cool side. But, the added rain keeps things nice and green. And, it does keep forest fires away from our particular local area, which is nice. Overall, the number of forest fires in our area of the province has dropped from 77 last week, to 48 this week, so that is good.

Arriving at the river.

There are still some very large fires north of us however. I still have not been to the river yet this summer. Bears are not coming around the yard anymore, so they must be getting enough natural food now. Generally that means it should be safe to walk down to the river. I do miss that walk.

A beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Sitting beside the river. Watching the water flow past, either slow or fast, depending on the year. Listening to the birds singing. Watching the families of ducks swimming along the shore. Just enjoying the beauty of the river. Sitting under the large pine trees.

Enjoying the beauty of the many different species of wildflowers. Watching the amazing White Pelicans as they swim along or as they sun themselves on the rocky shore. I could sit and watch them for hours, they really are quite fascinating birds. And huge.

White Pelicans close to shore.

Some even got to be quite friendly and would come quite close to me when I called them. I would sit on the rocks by the shore and they would come swimming in close. Sunny, warm days by the river. Sometimes sitting in the sun, other times in the shade of the pines.

Looking across the river from my usual spot.

Darker, cloudy days were much different. It seemed to be much more wild and uncontrolled. Unpredictable. But sunny days were just beautiful. Solitude unmatched. I can feel it still. Have a fabulous Friday everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2023 Steve McLeod.