Scooterbob has come out of winter hibernation!

ScooterBob at Esquimalt Lagoon, we just happened to look down and found the heart shaped rock!

 

 

Last summer when I received ScooterBob it was high summer, and I was busy teaching, and  off on some riding vacation jaunts where there wasn't a lot of space to carry SB along.  I also was struggling a little bit with the emotions of it all.  So to that end ScooterBob has been hibernating the winter away beside my helmet in my cozy basement, but I could hear stirrings downstairs and it was SB saying "Hey I want to go on adventures!" 

Off we went to Esquimalt Lagoon, Colwood, BC, Canada, with pink crocs in toe :)

 

There are some amazing beach art sculptures popping up along the beach, each  made with driftwood and goodies found on the beach.

 

 

 

I was so lucky last night, I happened upon the artist Paul Lewis. he was building another creation.  He was so gracious and we chatted a bit.  There are several of his pieces of art adorning the beach.  ScooterBob and I checked them out!

 

I love the raven, ScooterBob posing in the nest in with the eggs.

                                                           Blue Heron

 

Esquimalt Lagoon is a bird sanctuary and it is teeming with blue heron, trumpeter swans, Canadian geese, eagles, and of course everyone's favourite the flying poop machine - seagulls.

 

                  Trumpeter swan

 

 

 

Enjoying the view out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca towards Port Angeles in the waning sunshine approaching twilight.

The majestic bald eagle.

 

 

 

Canadian Goose

The incredible raven

 

 

The flying poop machine aka seagull - Most Victorian's have a love-hate relationship with seagulls.

 

 

Hanging out with the eagle

 

Hitching a ride with the Trumpeter Swan

 

Nesting with the Canadian Goose

 

Our last shot of the evening was back in the wee bit of sunshine left at the Blue Heron nest.

 

ScooterBob will be going on a few more adventures. 

ScooterBob goes sight seeing at City of Murals - Chemainus BC

 

About a month ago Scooterbob and I went on a rip up the island, I was aiming for Chemainus to go have a cup of tea at the Twisted Sister's tea room, but much to my chagrin when I got there is was shuttered. 

So we set about rambling around Chemainus looking at the murals, taking in the sights and happily clicking away taking photos. You will notice in most of my summer posts it is pretty cloudy, it is due to the forest fires that plagued BC the entire summer, this was the worst wild fire season on record.  The smoke moved from the Central Interior and blanketed the Province for weeks.

This beautiful little town is located in the Chemainus Valley on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island. In its heyday was a sawmill town for MacMillan Bloedel logging company.

Chemainus was founded in 1858.

It is the ancestral lands of the Stz'uminus First Nation.  The town's name was derived from the first nation shaman "Tsa-meeun-is" which translates to broken chest.  Legend has it that Tsa-meeun-is survived a massive chest wound and became a great chief of his people.

The Province of British Columbia is rich with First Nation Culture, and it is woven through the tapestry of our history, a history that is sometimes dark and one where we are working on reconciliation with our indigenous people to correct the wrongs of the past. We thank them for their beauty and allowing us to dwell on their ancestral lands.

The railroad arrived in the 1880's and the timber boon started.  I have a feeling if this train had been operational, ScooterBob may have hopped on  a box car for an adventure all his own.

 By about 1920 the town grew to have a population of about 600 people, which made it quite a growing concern.  The current population of Chemainus is estimated at about 3,000 people and is not the timber hub that it once was. 

Chemainus is a lovely tourist friendly town and it is known locally as the 'City of Murals' , there are approximately 39 murals painted on the buildings of the township. 

Chemainus is a quaint town, and gives you the feeling of yesterday, as you are wandering around looking at the town's history unfold through the murals.  

The town's main industry is now tourism and they were very successful at the transition from a single industry based economy after the recession in the 1980's which struck the timber/pulp/paper/mills

Remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1.

Scooterbob and I arrived late in the afternoon on a Sunday which was great, because we wandered the streets and were able to get some great pictures.

Some the murals are inspired by BC's most famous artist Emily Carr, she is one of our most iconic Canadian artists. 

 

Walking around Chemainus is like taking a trip through time and is well worth the stop on your Vancouver Island adventure.

 

 

 We even went for icecream, before making out way back to Victoria and over the Trans Canada #1 Malahat, and this little guy was very curious and having a little chat, while snarfed the icecream!

 

I nestled wee ScooterBob in the frunk for a snug secure ride home over the Malahat. 

ScooterBob Visits Farkle Garage!

On my left is co-host Clive Iron Butt Brown on my right is Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame member Steve Drane.

ScooterBob came to visit the cast and crew on the set of Farkle Garage and a short segment will be featured on episode 11!

I told the story of our dear friend Bob Leong and how the travels of ScooterBob came to be and the wonderful many places or memorial scooter has been.

All of the memorabilia is placed on co-host Clive 'Iron Butt' Brown's vintage Ural, affectionately known as Comrade Chang.

I even managed to find a pair of pink crocs!

When its ready I will post the link!  If you'd like to check out the show click this link Farkle Garage TV

ScooterBob Goes Vintage in Victoria

Every summer during riding season in Victoria there are vintage motorcycle shows.

ScooterBob and I went to check out Andy's  Classic ad vintage Motorcycle show & Swap meet.

Scooterbob made some acquaintences of some of the Farkle Garage Crew's vintage bikes, This belongs to Farkle Garage Host Steve Drane.

The bikes at the show span several decades.  Every brand, make and model.  Once a bike lover always a bike lover.  The bikes at this show are ridden by their owners and many have been restored and some still show the rusty patina of age.  

ScooterBob also met Comrade Chang, a vintage ural who belongs to Farkle Garage's other host Clive Brown.  

ScooterBob was itching to be beside this beautiful old Indian.  

Basking in the sun!

ScooterBob was admiring this beautiful old BSA

It was a great day in the sun checking out all the old bikes!