The Sunday Schnauzer – Reminiscing

On June 8, 2025June 7, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer20 Comments

My daughter reminded me that this past week was the 3rd annniversary of Bowser coming into our lives. So here are some of the many, many photos on her phone of that first month with our favourite little rascal.

Mommy and Daddy think I am going to be happy to stay in this crate to sleep. HAH!

In the clover with my then-favourite toy – the turtle.

I ~~survived endured was tortured with~~ had my first bath.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these photos of Bowser as a puppy as much as I have. We hope you have some fun reminiscing of your own to do this weekend.

Elbows up,

The WB

The Sunday Schauzer – Pssst!

On June 1, 2025May 31, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer17 Comments

Can I tell you something, Oma?

Now I need to recover…

Paws up,

The Bowz 🐾

Five Years on the Island – A Celebratory Trip

On May 31, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures in Retirement, Camping Adventures, Goals & Dreams, Move to Vancouver Island, Roadtripping, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors, Travel Badassery22 Comments

End of May 2025 – Hard to believe, I have been in my new home province for 5 years already! What better way to celebrate than with a long-dreamed-of trip to explore the north of the island. When Donna (Retirement Reflections) emailed me their itinerary for doing just that and asked me if I wanted to join her and Richard, there could only be one answer: Hell, yes!

No matter that the weather was projected to be cold and rainy. No matter that there was a huge power outage planned by BC Hydro for the entire north island on Sunday, from 8am to 7pm. No matter that I hadn’t perfected my car camping set up yet, nor had I ever taken my electric vehicle that far before. No matter that we would be without wifi or even cell coverage for a major portion of our stay. No matter!

Donna and Richard had arrived at Link River Municipal Campground near Port Alice the day before. When I arrived there was a delicious chili dinner waiting for me, at their camp kitchen.

After a very comfortable and cozy night sleeping in the back of my car I helped Donna and Richard pack up their camp and we went to the Port Hardy RV Resort, to drop off my car for the next leg of the journey. On to Holberg in their vehicle, to stay the night in bunkies (the Scarlet Ibis’s Adventure Huts) at this island-famous pub. Very comfortable cabins, with a fridge, heat, and access to power. *Until there was none, on Sunday morning!* But first, off to Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay!

En route to Cape Scott and stopping at this famous landmark. Prepare for the unexpected? Hmmm…foreshadowing much?

At first, the path to the ocean seemed flat and easy.

There were some obstacles along the way, but nothing like what we *unexpectedly* had to deal with.

Unfortunately no one thought to take pictures of the huge log that completely blocked part of the path – we were solely focused on how to get around/over it – but here is a similar sized log in Port Hardy, for comparison. Also unfortunately, where the log landed on the trail was where it dropped off completely on the one side and where there there was a steep incline on the other side. Also unfortunately, this log and the surrounding forest was covered in boot-sucking slippery mud, bark, slimy moss, roots, and branches – not clean and dry like the one I am posing with.

However, we managed to get around the log – taking the low route on the way out and the high route on the way back. We had mud everywhere on our bodies as a result. I had packed 2 raincoats for this trip, thinking at the time that that was most certainly overkill. *Be Prepared for the Unexpected*, indeed! Ultimately I was very happy that I had the extra raincoat with me, so I could stuff the dirty one away in a garbage bag until I could wash it at home!!!

But getting to San Josef Bay and seeing the famous sea stacks was absolutely worth it. Note: if you go, be mindful of the tides. It is best to go at low tide, or the sea stacks will be unreachable unless you want to swim!

Here is Donna, next to a sea stack, for size reference.

There were also some sea caves, that we took refuge from the rain and wind in, while stopping for a snack.

Leaving our very temporary mark on San Josef Bay. Then back onto to the trail, back to navigating the log obstruction, and finally back to the adventure huts to spend the night. The power was cut right at 8am as promised, and we headed into Port Hardy where our final North Island night was booked at the Port Hardy RV Resort.

During the outage, we went into town where the local Pride Society was putting on a “Power Outage Pancake Breakfast – *10am until we run out*” outside, at the Thunderbird Mall. This bird decided my Hullavator made a nice perch while we were eating our delicious pancake breakfast in the parking lot. Thankfully, it didn’t poop. Also thankfully, the local Co-Op was operating on generator power so there was hot coffee/tea available!

The next morning: cleaned up and back at Port Hardy RV Resort in front of one of our luxurious cabins. Happy to have the power back on too! (It came back on at 7:20pm.)

Monday morning: Charging up for the drive home, in Port Hardy. Naturally, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out just in time for leaving this beautiful place!

Beautiful shoreline walking in Port Hardy, while waiting for my car to fuel up. I also visited Cafe Guido while waiting – a great spot to grab a coffee/snack/sandwich, and peruse the attached book shop and craft/art gallery.

I learned quite a few things on this trip! I learned that I can sleep warmly and comfortably in my car. I also learned how to find and use fast-charging stations along the route. I liked that these stops allowed me to take breaks from driving to stretch my legs and enjoy the local scenery, a meal, and shopping at local businesses. On this trip I didn’t have to wait to access a fast charger either. I am sure that won’t always be the case, but this time was quite successful in that regard.

Despite the weather, the power outage, and all the other little imperfections on this trip, I had a wonderful time and I think Donna and Richard did too. I already knew that Donna, Richard and I had been very compatible travellers in the past, and it’s gratifying to know that we still are. We already have another trip planned, for the summer.

I am calling this trip a glowing success and a lovely celebration of this anniversary of mine. I’m pretty sure Donna will be writing about this trip too, on her blog. Be sure to check it out!

Rock on, and Elbows Up!

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – More Spring Flowers

On May 25, 2025May 17, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer18 Comments

We had a rainy walk recently, and the conditions were perfect for taking pictures of the flowering plants and bushes we encountered.

A soggy but happy Bowser indulging my stopping to take photos.

The highly invasive Scotch Broom is flowering and turning the whole island yellow. You will see it sneaking into a lot of the following photos.

Here is another variant of the Scotch Broom flower.

Bowser pausing to lick the rain and whatever else off of his nose.

Close up of Thimbleberry flower (and…argh…Scotch Broom).

Still my favourite of all the flowers! And NO Scotch Broom in the background 😏.

I am currently camping with Retirement Reflections and will have little to no internet/cell service, so pardon me for being tardy in responding to your always lovely comments! I will, as soon as I am able.

Have a great Sunday!

Elbows up,

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – New Toy Bliss

On May 18, 2025May 3, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer22 Comments

I found something for Bowser at the local dollar store.

Apologies to any neighbours within listening distance. This went on for quite a while.

Elbows up,

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – Warmer Weather Brings This

On May 11, 2025May 3, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer24 Comments

After having the trail almost always to ourselves for months now, the warmer weather is bringing more humans out. How do I know this?

Not only flowers blooming on the trail, but also trash left behind by partiers. I had seen piles of trash – including returnables/recyclables – on the trail the day before, so I came prepared for this walk. Or so I thought…

To paraphrase a line from Jaws, I’m gonna need a bigger bag…

Anyways, back to prettier things.

And what I think is called a gummy gooseberry.

And of course, the *patiently-posing-for-a-treat* spring-flowering Schnauzer Berry.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!

Elbows up,

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – The Return Of The King

On May 4, 2025May 3, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer29 Comments

The patio furniture has reappeared in the Dragonfly Cottage garden and Bowser was of course the first to ~~jump up on~~ sit on it…as soon as the cushions hit the frame. After all, he has rightfully earned the sobriquet of Patio King.

He didn’t immediately go to his preferred spot, which surprised me.

*Best seat in the house* always has Bowser’s name on it, apparently.

And, of course it wasn’t long until his loyal subject was pressed into petting duty…sigh.

Long live the Patio King!

Elbows up,

The WB

p.s. Yes, I still have the dick pillows!

The Sunday Schnauzer – Toofies

On April 27, 2025April 19, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Uncategorized30 Comments

Bowser’s other grandmother was over recently and marvelled at the state of his teeth. “How are they so white? Do you have them cleaned? (No) Do you brush them? (No) Then why are they so crazy white?

This. It’s just this: