An older man travels over sea and land in quest of new adventures
The Wharfinger’s Zuchinni
“Just walk on by and take that floppy-eared, skinny-flippered creature with you. Jack is fascinated with the temerity of these seals.
Suddenly the evenings are noticeably shorter; and cooler. The morning light comes a little later each day. A few days ago we had a lovely warm rain. After our dry smokey weather it felt grand. That is despite all the wetness of Shearwater which I’ve sworn I was so fed up with. The crickets chirped on through the downpour just as they do now that it has dried again. Suddenly we’re in mid-summer. There is a mild sense of the distant yet approaching winter. We savour the beauty of each day, and it’s fading flowers, knowing nothing is forever. Part of the fascination is knowing how fleeting the moment is.
On the morning tide. This derelict, capsized sloop was towed in to the boat ramp during the night. It was later dragged ashore and put on a trailer. Hopefully it will sail again some day.Drifting and dreaming. a long passage northward with smoke obscuring the horizon.I passed this beautiful boat while delivering another vessel to a shipyard in Campbell River.The Dream. A soft focus image to portray the sense of glassy water and low visibility.Crossing The Bar. Northbound from Comox requires a circuitous route across a shallow bar and around Cape Lazo. There’s a sailboat ahead on the starboard bow.Fishing for pinks. It is a time of harvest and bounty. Coho salmon are spawning and provide feisty sport for fly fishermen. They’re out there in their chest waders from first light to last.Crows in a weeping willow. Their dry rasping calls are an anthem of midsummer.Look up. A view from my table in the pub.Ah summer! The Blackfin Pub in Comox has an amazing panoramic view.
There is an abundance of fresh produce. Even the wharfinger’s flower box has a tumbling wealth of vegetables. The tomatoes are ripening and the zuchinni is ready. Happily adopting the lazy spirit of the season I’m posting this blog as a photo essay. See you at the beach. I’ll be under the Corona umbrella.
The Wharfinger’s ZuchinniComing down. What better way to chill out in the evening than a flight in a home-built Sopwith Camel replica?Jack and Fred row back from the beach. Jill took this shot of us returning from our dawn patrol.Jack and Jill on the beach at low tide.Jack’s Bliss. A tidal pool is all he needs for day-long self amusement.I can’t get enough. the views on the sandy northern tip of Denman Island amaze me.Beach Apples This old apple tree, rooted in sand, manages to still bear fruit!
 “A little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.” —John Mayer
Fred is a slightly-past middle age sailor / writer / photographer with plenty of eclectic hands-on skills and experiences. Some would describe him as the old hippy who doesn't know the war is over. He is certainly reluctant to grow up and readily admits to being the eternal dreamer.
He has written several books including two novels, 'The Keeper' and 'Storm Ecstasy,' as well as 'The Water Rushing By', 'Sins Of The Fathers', 'The Magic Stick', as well as an extensive inventory of poetry, essays, short stories, anecdotes and photographs.
His first passion is the ocean, sailboats, voyaging and all those people who are similarly drawn to the sea. He lives aboard 'Seafire' the boat he is refitting to go voyaging, exploring new horizons both inner and outer. This blog is about that voyage and the preparations for it. In spite of the odds against it, the plan is to sail away this fall and lay a course southward. If you follow this blog your interest may provide some of the energy that helps fuel the journey.
Namaste
Contact him at svpaxboat@gmail.com
View all posts by Fred Bailey
4 thoughts on “The Wharfinger’s Zuchinni”
Hi Fred, enjoying your pictures of our home town. Our daughters grew up playing on the beach at Henry Bay. What a Vista. Happy you are enjoying the beautiful Comox Valley.
I’ve been on a road trip with our youngest daughter through Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting my roots, relatives, family reunion and enjoying that big open sky.
Your so right in with your description of the weather. Fall is in the air.
Lovely photos, all! Enjoyed the post and found many of the landscapes to be great mood shots. One thing I will take issue with though: I think if you look closely you’ll find those are long English or Japanese-type cucumbers, not zucchini. The little spines on the fruit give away their identity. 🙂
Hi Fred, enjoying your pictures of our home town. Our daughters grew up playing on the beach at Henry Bay. What a Vista. Happy you are enjoying the beautiful Comox Valley.
I’ve been on a road trip with our youngest daughter through Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting my roots, relatives, family reunion and enjoying that big open sky.
Your so right in with your description of the weather. Fall is in the air.
Karen Kristensen
Happy Trails. Fred
Lovely photos, all! Enjoyed the post and found many of the landscapes to be great mood shots. One thing I will take issue with though: I think if you look closely you’ll find those are long English or Japanese-type cucumbers, not zucchini. The little spines on the fruit give away their identity. 🙂
Now here’s a girl who knows her fruit and vegetables!