Thursday, July 22, 2010

"Big" Garden


Our backyard veggie garden consists of a few pots, grow bags and cedar boxes. But, boy do we get some big plants.

At the lower left there are potato plants and yes, we've had some already. There is a huge tomato plant in the centre and, yes, we've had fresh tomatoes. Then, climbing the trellis are Pole Beans that are blooming but not yet bearing beans.
Sweep peas are climbing through the roof.


Finally, another cedar box containing potatoes and more Pole Beans climbing the fence.
There is a huge crop of Blackberries ripening on the other side of the fence.
Grandma loves her garden!


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Monday, July 12, 2010

Thar She Blows





We went back to Grief Point about 7 PM this evening. A tug boat had a line on the still grounded barge and was busy pulling it side to side to slowly work it off the rocks. The wind was still blowing from the North West which meant the tug had to buck the wind as well as keep a taut line so the barge could be pulled away from the beach as soon as it floated clear. The plan worked and about 7:20 both tug and barge were on their way. Not sure where they were going but we have a feeling the tug boat skipper would be glad to get as far away from Powell River as he could get. A pair of eagles came along to watch the proceedings. There were lots of human birds there as well.

Barge Aground

Strong winds developed overnight causing a barge to break free of its moorings near Grief Point. This weather event was in conjunction with a 0.8 foot low tide around noon leaving the barge in its ebb! There will be a 17 foot high tide this evening that should float the barge enough for a tug to pull it into deeper waters. The pictures show the barge sitting almost level on the beach with what could be taken for a wheel on each corner. These "wheels" are in fact large rocks. It's almost like the barge was picked up and sat down in this position. According to a tug boat worker we spoke with there is the risk of the hull being "holed" as it rocks and scrapes on the rocks before the tide comes in sufficiently for it to float free. We'll see!


Saturday, July 03, 2010

Yellow Jacket Wasps



John, our neighbour across the street, noticed this huge Wasp nest buried in his hedge outside his front door. Of course, he called me to see if I could deal with it right away! NOT! He called an exterminator who arrived after darkness had fallen. He sprayed stuff into the nest until it collapsed. The wasps died in the process! He told John there were 2 entrance/exit holes which was pretty unusual. The next morning John was out on his step having a look when he heard some rustling around in the yard below where the nest had been. A small racoon was there cleaning up! Begs the question, "What happened to the 'coon if it ate the poisoned Wasps?"