Candian Geese surfing

After Victoria, we headed toward the west coast near Port Renfrew and Botanical Beach with extraordinary tidal pool critters and volcanic rock beaches. Now we're just north of Nanaimo and the area where we camped last night was right on the water and we saw a large group of Canadian Geese crossing the water from one point to another. They went in groups of 3 or 4 and were surfing along on the waves. It was super cute to watch them and if a bigger wave came, they would turn and face it and sail over the crest. So I guess Canadian Geese like to surf, at least when they are in Canada. ;)

While hiking in the forest near Botanical Beach, I heard that same bird with the piercing call that I had heard in the Del Norte redwood forest. It must frequent temperate rain forests. I thought it had one note that it used, but realized now that it was 3 at least. First a lower call, then a bit higher and only this time did I hear it's highest call - so 3 notes, that I noticed. The notes also sound very sharp and each one is elongated. I wonder what bird does this call. It's a haunting and beautiful sound.

Saw a most wonderful tree growing on a tree stump sticking out of a lake in the interior of the island, but not too far from Port Renfrew. Don't have photos downloaded yet, but will soon. A most magical tree it is...