Tag: Life/lifestyle

The Ferry Back to Brentwood Bay and North Saanich

Late Monday morning. After visiting the incredible Kinsol Trestle, it was time to board the Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay ferry, and then drive back to cousin Lynn’s place in North Saanich.

On the ferry from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay with Penny and Dave

Senanus Island and approaching Brentwood Bay.

After lunch at Lynn’s place in North Saanich, it was a fond farewell to Penny and Dave, who headed back to Duncan and Maple Bay (Mount Tzouhalen) …

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Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

The Tourist Has a Rest Day

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Lady O and the O’men

Sunday we drove up the coast, not too far away, for lunch and live music at the Osborne Bay Pub. And I meet a group of Penny and Dave’s friends, Nancy & Joe, Joy, Jane & David, Pauline & Patrick, and Hermann. (Yep, they all received one of Ivor’s poetry cards)

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The Tourist Has a Rest Day

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Where else would I want to be?
On a rainy Sunday afternoon
But at the rustic Osborne Bay Pub
Overlooking the opal blue bay
For my Canadian tour’s rest day

There, listening to live jazz music
From the talented, Lady O and the O’men
Enjoying the Irish Guinness beer on tap
Then sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon
From Smoky Bay, South Eastern Australia

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Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

Gabriola Island

From the delightful township of Nanaimo we went by ferry over to the picturesque Gabriola Island, where I had arranged to meet up with my fellow WordPress pen-friend, Louise Gallagher. We had previously met via Ali Grimshaw’s, ‘Writing Circle’ Zoom meetings. Meeting Louise in person was very exciting for both of us. Our shared love of words and nature made Gabriola the perfect backdrop for a memorable meeting, now captured in the images that follow.

Cousin Penny and Louise. Louse’s lovely sunflowers

Louise and Ivor together with Bau, David, and Penny on the sundeck

The view from Louise’s sundeck

On the beach in front of Louise’s house

Louise: https://dareboldly.com/ and, https://sundayswithbeaumont.com/

Ali Grimshaw: https://flashlightbatteries.blog/

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Gabriola Island

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Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

Aspiring to Spiral Higher

Today we drove to downtown Victoria

There were many inspiring spires

We had lunch at the Flying Otter Restaurant

Victoria’s Inner Harbour area

The shopping mall and my purchase at Russell Books

My photos of some fascinating street art murals

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Aspiring to Spiral Higher

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Higher than the hovering bees,
I am gazing beyond the towering trees.

Wondering:
Does all that sky ever feel at ease
Hanging above our polluted seas?

Wandering,
Through life on blended knees,
I am like yesterday’s mountain breeze-
Aspiring to spiral around the big freeze.

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Wainwright, Alberta Prairie, without Frankie

Featured image Above: Frankie, looking happy and relaxed back at my brother’s house in Ballarat. Victoria. Australia,

Cousin Maureen and Ivor

The sun sets over Wainwright and Maureen’s doggies. Co-co and Z-z

The Wainwright township

Wainwright

The town clock tower and my sleeping quarters at Maureen’s

Walking the doggies at sunset

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Sidney and Tanner’s Books

Today, cousin Lynn and I went to the lovely seaside town, Sidney

My cousin with the ‘Statue’ outside Tanner’s Books

The Sidney waterfront

Apartments overlooking the sea and the cafe on the pier

Statues at the waterfront, and me and Mungo

My purchases at Tanner’s Books

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Ivor Steven (c) August 2025