The Sunday Schnauzer – Last of the Spring Blooms

On June 27, 2026 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, See the Beauty12 Comments

Do you know what time it is?

Here are a few of my favourite shots of the last of the spring flowering we have seen on the trails lately.

The Himalayan Blackberry can’t compete in terms of showiness, but the fruit it bears can’t be beat for sweetness and flavour.

St. John’s Wort makes an appearance just before the Summer Solstice every year.

And of course we have the ever-present, adorable Dog Berry.

We hope you have an enjoyable weekend and are appreciating the changing seasons, wherever you are and whatever they are changing to/from.

Rock on, and elbows up!

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – Tofino in February

On February 22, 2026February 21, 2026 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, Roadtripping, See the Beauty17 Comments

Just like last year, Mommy and Daddy and Oma took me away on a long, windy drive to a place far away. They called it Tofino. I remember this room and the very, very, big dog bed.

Oma has her own ~~dog~~ bed in a separate room (that I get to visit), but we will let her hang out with us sometimes.

Is Daddy mocking me? I can’t help it if I’m comfortable this way.

Oma was taking pictures of the view and I was catching up on the local dog gossip left on the rocks.

There were other walks too, on long sandy beaches.

All this leisure time sure takes a lot out of a doggo.

I was so tired after all this fun, I didn’t want to leave the car once we got home again. I got taken out this way, doggo car seat and all. (I kinda liked it.)

What a life! Everybody should aspire to being a doggo.

Rock on, and elbows up!

The Bowz 🐾

The Sunday Schnauzer – Back To The Routine!

On February 8, 2026February 7, 2026 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, See the Beauty, Travel Badassery25 Comments

Oma is back!!!

She went away to see her friend Joanne (formerly of My Life Lived Full) in Toronto and then to meet her friend CJ and go to another island – Barbados – to read and relax in the sun and swim in the ocean. I don’t understand – she can do all these things RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. Well, except for seeing those friends.

Anyhow, she wants me to share some of her photos before we get to the star of this here show – ME!

Enjoying winter from the inside of Joanne’s sauna.

Enjoying winter from the outside of Joanne’s sauna too!

After experiencing a couple of snowstorms (just so she remembers what winter in Ontario can be like 😏), Oma said goodby to Joanne and boarded another plane to head down to the island of Barbados with CJ.

Are you even in Barbados if you are not enjoying a frosty Banks beer on your first night there? Oma thinks not.

Back to the morning routine of Oma walking the boardwalk and watching the sunrise.

If you get up early enough and there’s a full moon, you can watch it set.

Every night (just about), there’s a glorious sunset to enjoy.

Sometimes the colours are magnificent post-sundown.

Oma came back to wonderful weather here on Vancouver Island. Warm (13C) and sunny! Unusual for early February.

I convinced Oma to throw a ballie with me after our trail walk. But I don’t make it easy for her!

I stand guard over the ballie and grab it and run with it when she gets close. Oma is smart though, and throws other ballies so she can collect my favourite when I run after them.

I got hot and tired so I retreated to the cool ivy with my favourite ballie, to rest a bit before I convince Oma to keep playing this game.

Oma is back and all is right in Bowser World again!

Rock on, and keep your elbows up!

The Bowz 🐾

The Sunday Schnauzer – Walkies On A Hot Day

On June 15, 2025June 14, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, See the Beauty22 Comments

Last week we had our first taste of hot summer weather. Did that deter us from our regular walking schedule? Not on your nelly!

Bowser and I enjoyed a couple of salmonberries, each.

We saw the occasional Columbia Lily blooming in the more forested parts of the trail.

Back home again, and Bowser finishing off his *al fresco* breakfast.

And so ends our hot weather walkies! We hope you can get outside and enjoy your weather too, whatever it may bring!

Elbows Up,

The WB

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 – Spring Walkies

On April 20, 2025April 19, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, See the Beauty32 Comments

Our daily walks have been outright glorious lately. It’s such a treat to see the plants come into bloom.

Bowser is loving spring too, although he is not interested in any flowers unless they are flower-shaped dog treats!

The Oregon grape bushes are flowering and they are scenting the air most wonderfully!

Trilliums can be seen in the more wooded areas of our walks.

Bowser making a (somewhat unnecessary) water crossing – I choose to cross over a drier, more rocky path instead.

He may look stern, but Bowser is actually thrilled to have spring weather again.

We hope you are able to enjoy the weather, wherever you are.

Elbows up,

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – Tofino Weekend

On February 23, 2025February 21, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, Roadtripping, See the Beauty31 Comments

This past weekend was a holiday one in our part of the world: Family Day. So as a family we went to the west coast of the island, to enjoy its beauty. I had booked us a dog-friendly 2 bedroom suite in a place I have stayed at multiple times already – the Tofino Resort and Marina.

Bowser has his own car seat, which he doesn’t mind. It’s a 3 hour drive from our property to our destination.

Alas, the weather (amongst other things) was not in our favour this past weekend. It was grey, wet, and cold for the most part. But we made the best of it, regardless. Even when all of our snacks froze solid in the hotel room’s mini-fridge. Even when some takeout from a formerly great restaurant turned out to be a disappointment. Even when I couldn’t make the pour-over coffee I had brought taste good. Even when we couldn’t escape the drizzle and rain.

Keeping Bowsie warm while waiting for our tacos at Tacofino (which never disappoints!).

Doncha just hate it when all the seats and tables are taken? 😂 At the Tofitian Coffee shop. *Get the hot chocolate there – trust me!*

Fueled by tacos and hot drinks, we headed to our home for the weekend.

No rest for our resident guard dog, always keeping an eye on things going on at the resort.

The skies were mostly like this, for the duration of our stay.

Crow friend, just outside my bedroom window.

We didn’t let that stop us from enjoying the beautiful west coast trails and views.

High waves in winter bring a lot of visitors to the west coast of the island. This day the waves were marked as “considerable” according to the roadside signage. You can hear Bowser bark in this video. At the Amphirite Lighthouse on the Wild Pacific Trail.

When the rain really started coming down we retreated to our suite, piled on the king bed and watched movies. Bowser enjoyed a doggy massage courtesy of Mommy.

On departure day, we woke up to blue skies (naturally). 😉

We hit the Rainforest Trail on the way out of town, to go back to the place where the kids got married.

Bowser didn’t understand why we had to stop here but he was a good sport about it, anyways.

Bowser has turned out to be quite a good little traveller.

We hope you enjoyed the recap of our little winter getaway.

Rock on,

The WB

The Sunday Schnauzer – Winter is Here

On February 9, 2025February 6, 2025 By Widow BadassIn Adventures with dogs, Bowser the Schnauzer, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors31 Comments

This week we finally received ~~a shit ton of~~ some snow here on Vancouver Island.

Those snowy *chaps* mean a hosing off with warm water once Bowser gets back inside.

Stay tuned for next week when we will return to our regular programming (+5C, and rain). 😁

Stay warm and safe this weekend!

Rock on,

The WB

Stars and Sea Stars – A West Coast Experience Part Three: The Activities – Night Skies, Zodiac Tours, Hiking

On November 19, 2024November 17, 2024 By Widow BadassIn Adventures in Retirement, Bamfield, Good Times, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors22 Comments

Welcome to Part Three of this series about my recent visit to Bamfield, to stay at Outer Shores Lodge. You can find Part One here, and Part Two here.

While our days were spent in and on the water, the clear nights were for observing the skies while listening to Sara and Jon talk about the universe and point out what we were seeing. Fascinating stuff!

Crappy night sky photo taken with my phone, to give you an idea…

Using the *Stellarium* app on my phone, and pointing it at the sky to show me what stars I was looking at.

Another option for guests at Outer Shores was a tour of the local waters, hosted by Scott. I was lucky enough to get to experience 2 of these rides! During our tours, Scott shared his knowledge of the area including showing us ancient village sites, and of course the local flora and fauna. Including whales! Humpback whales were spotted on every boat ride!

Scott took us to see “Moan-ah”, the whistle buoy we can hear (faintly) from the Lodge. Fun! Love his sense of humour.

We spent a lot of time observing the hundreds (if not thousands!) of sea lions hanging out on the rocks and cavorting in the water.

Pardon the blips in the video. I was trying to zoom in closer. Listen to Scott sharing his knowledge of these massive creatures.

Scott took us through stunning rock formations.

Scott, Jon and I were talking about kayaking through this natural hole in the rocks. They were only joking though, right? Right??? 😬 I mean, there were some serious waves happening!

Another activity I really enjoyed was exploring West Bamfield. Scott took me on a walk to Brady’s Beach the first day there and I enjoyed it so much I went back on my own later.

Brady’s Beach is well-signed and easy to find.

I was obsessed with capturing the heron.

While I was exploring the beach, a group of my fellow Lodge guests came kayaking by.

I also visited the West Coast Magic Park.

Including a phone of the wind. I had never heard of this before, but I can see how this would provide an outlet for people experiencing grief and loss.

And the tiniest artist’s studio I have ever seen.

I also enjoyed walks along the boardwalk along on the east side of West Bamfield, facing the inlet.

Always a good idea to be reminded of the neighbours.

In one little garden was this sign. I wonder if the cougars and bears had any part to play in the length of these cat’s lives. This is just one example of the multiple signs along the boardwalk, detailing the history of West Bamfield.

Whew! This post turned out to be quite a long one, and if you made it this far I hope you enjoyed the visual tour of West Bamfield and surrounding waters.

Stayed tuned for Part Four, the Wrap Up!

Rock on,

The WB

Stars and Sea Stars – A West Coast Experience Part Two: The Activities – Shore Walk, Kayaking, Snorkelling

On November 9, 2024 By Widow BadassIn Adventures in Retirement, Bamfield, Good Times, Roadtripping, Sea Kayaking, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors21 Comments

See Part One, here.

Shortly after arriving at Outer Shores Lodge, I asked Scott if there was an agenda or schedule that would be followed each day and he answered that each morning at breakfast he would come up with a list and time for activities based on the day’s weather, tides and people’s interests. We would be free to join in or do our own thing. A show of hands was needed for certain activities that were limited by gear availability or space and those were repeated throughout the day so all 13 of us could partake if we wanted (e.g. kayaking, boat outings). I really appreciated the easy-breezy and casual-ness of it all! It immediately relaxed me.

Each day went something like this:

6:30 am Cold breakfast (granola, yogurt, fruit bowl) was set out by the beverage station (always stocked with coffee, tea, cold beverages and 3 jars kept topped up with homemade cookies!).
8:30 am Hot breakfast is served.
Morning activities
12:00 pm Lunch is served.
Afternoon activities
At some point in the afternoon, delicious snacks (like Outer Shores Lodge’s flapjack bars!) magically appeared at the beverage station.
5:00 pm Appetizers were laid out. Did I mention the cold drinks at the beverage station included beers and coolers as well as soft/non-alcoholic drinks? Wine was also available upon request.
6:00 pm Dinner is served, with a choice of two wines. Usually accompanied by Scott entertaining us with some of his vast knowledge of the area and its history, plus some suggestions for our group as to how the following day could unfold, activity-wise.
Evening – various activities depending on weather, availability of people (e.g. outdoor talks on the night sky, musical entertainment or subject experts brought in, etc.).

Some people started their day at the property’s natural cold plunge pool (bottom left corner), followed by a visit to the Lodge’s steam shower or hot tub.

Shore Walk – the first morning Scott took us on a low-tide walk right outside the lodge, showing us the natural wonders at our feet and explaining the tidal eco-system in funny and immediately graspable ways.

We saw so many beautiful sea stars on this walk, as well as many crustaceans and other sea life.

Kayaking – The Lodge has 6 kayaks for guest use. A guide must accompany you if you want to leave the inlet (insurance requirement); otherwise you can take them when you like and explore the inlet on your own.

The Lodge supplies its guests with 12 foot Delta kayaks, for our kayaking pleasure!

Some of my group getting ready to leave the inlet and go exploring. We saw a mama black bear and 2 cubs when we visited a salt marsh! I didn’t take any more photos as I’d forgotten my waterproof phone case for this trip and was getting a bit nervous I could drop/lose my phone.

Snorkelling – the Lodge provides a full range of gear for snorkelers who didn’t bring their own. All 13 of us geared up and went into the water at the same time – from the youngest among us up to the octogenarians!

Here is a photo of (almost) all of us, ready to explore the underwater world just a few steps away. Sara Ellison is in the front wearing the red weight belt (her husband Jon Willis – fellow astrophysicist and snorkeler – is behind her). Photo by Scott Wallace

Here’s some underwater footage I shot with my GoPro. There was a bit of wave action pushing me around!

Still smiling at this point – started to feel queasy from all the wave action shortly thereafter so I headed to the nearby kelp forest, where it was a bit calmer (next video).

Some video of the crabs hanging out in the kelp.

Lucky me! Sara Ellison photobombed my video.