Joy

One of the joys of this trip - other than the camaraderie and the relatively warm temperatures - is the abundance of wildlife in the Intracoastal Waterway. Winter is Canada is bleak and animals have sensibly chosen to either fly south or to sleep through the winter snug in their dens. The plethora of birds and other wildlife we have seen thus far is a delight for all of us. 

The variety of birds includes pelicans, herons, cranes, storks and other wading birds - certainly too many to identify. Watching the pelicans ungainly dive into the water hasn't lost its appeal.  There is also an abundance of the once endangered ospreys. Nests can be seen in trees, on pylons and on many of the channel markers.

We have seen loads of dolphins, including having a couple briefly ride alongside the boat. The fish must be plentiful to provide food for so many of these large mammals. Rather camera-shy, though. 

Sadly the plentiful supply of fish that Peter refers to have so far managed to evade and avoid the snares laid by Mr. Murfet. This has led him to spending a kings ransom on new equipment that must surely guarantee us a fish supper some time soon?
Weather yesterday and today has been pretty awful. Non stop rain, windy as well. Lots of time spent shut away. Need to avoid cabin fever! T