Kayaking the City Walls

We took a kayaking tour of the city walls yesterday. Our guide Josep gave us a history lesson as we paddled. These impressive walls were still in use during the 1990s war of independence. They guided us to a lovely cove for a swim. It was a fantastic start of our trip
 

Dubrovnik Villa

 

For our week in Dubrovnik, we will be staying at the Villa Aus. We have a garden apartment beneath the home of a gregarious Australian, Bob. The garden is watched over by a tortoise named Houdini. Pomegranate, mandarins, olive trees and rosemary permeate. The large jasmine bushes scent the air. 

Checking the Pots

 

While in New Hampshire, I went along with my brother to check his lobster pots. 3 pots, 3 lobsters. They were turned into lobster salad the following day

Low Applegate

Last week's paddle was at Applegate Lake.  The end of the summer and it's 40' below its springtime high.  The bridge we can normally go under and continue on for another mile was high and dry.  The lack of water created a bunch of meandering canals that we had never seen before.  Once we got out onto the lake proper, there's still enough water to make this a spectacular kayaking day.

Green Pea First

I got my first ride in Sweet Pea yesterday.  The girls and I decided to try out a new pizzeria in Wilderville.

It was fun to motor around the countryside in a vintage VW.  And the restaurant's location was gorgeous.  Situated along Slate Creek. 

Steve's BDay

Another trip around the sun for Steve M.  Celebrated at our favorite GP restaurant with the gang.  Looks like Bruce is trying to help with the candle blowing.....

Shelter Blues

Last Friday the local paper ran a front page story about our local animal shelter.  It detailed the continuing battle against underfunding and the aftermath of a defeated property tax levy to update aging buildings. Below was my letter to the editor on Tuesday.

 

Cloudy Days

A storm blew through Southern Oregon last week.  Our normal bright sunshine was covered by clouds and cool weather. It made the sunken forest at Galesville just a little more ominous. Back to 85 and sunny today.
 

He's Gone

 Aged 11.....

Mountaineering

One of our local turkey packs has taken to hopping up on our neighbor's roof in the mornings.  They leap/fly from the cars in the driveway to the roof, walk along the ridge and drop into the backyard.

So Weird

Friendly Ducks

A smoky day in the valleys gave way to a beautiful scene up in the mountains.  The Lake of the Woods ducks have gotten overly friendly and tame. Unfortunately none of my treats were duck approved.....I'll have to up my snack game next time.