Splashdown

The smooth water of the Burrard Inlet at high tide.

Back to the beach today, it was beautiful, glassy almost oily looking water, ripples from a passing boat and slight breeze.The sun shone and I needed my sun-specs, the sky was blue blue blue and the sea was almost like glass. When we came on Monday it was quite choppy but the tide had just peaked so might be the lull between in and out. I saw the pesky bald eagle but I was mid settling Etta so couldn't grab my camera. Soon my pretty soon you will be emblazoned across a future post. Good news is that it flew to the island again so am pretty sure I shall have chance to catch it later. This is the spot, somewhere in those trees my bald-headed friend is laughing at me, But as the saying goes, she who laughs last laughs longest. I must say he did make a perfect picture soaring over the bay, black wings outstretched and white head and tail gleaming in the light. A worthy opponent.

Looking across the Burrard Inlet to Belcarra Regional Park from Barnet Marine Park 

I sorted the car parking this time *preens* and parked near the trail that brought me right down to the right place. Etta sniffed and tugged with excitement. I feel kind of bad because usually when we get in the car we are going somewhere exciting but tomorrow she is off to the vets and I am pretty sure the look of betrayal will be intense. However today might just make up for it. The water is so clear by the shore, I am looking forward to rockpool hunting, finding crabs and shells and little fish and such, wetting my feet and fingers in warmer weather.

Our Siberian Husky Etta looking very white against the sea.

Our white Siberian Husky still clean for the moment

We met two lovely ladies almost as soon as we hit the off-leash area. A human called Helen for me and another 6 month old pup for Etta. Indie is a husky cross and they were perfectly matched in size, temperament and energy. Helen and I spent an hour and a half talking while they tussled, paddled, chased sticks and generally wore themselves out. 5 hours later she is still wiped out, barely able to lift herself up to move spot when I do.

Siberian Husky and Husky Cross having fun on the offleash area at Burnet Marine Park

Siberian Husky and Husky Cross rough and tumble at Barnet marine Park offleash area.

Here they are engaging in what to me looks very much like no holds barred fighting. But as there is no blood, no tears and no whines and whimpers, and as they are more than happy to go at this for hours I have to believe what I have been told, that it is just good old playing. Chasing each other up and down the beach, into the water and out, up the slabs of rock and back their energy is boundless. they were very welcoming to another 6 month old girl, the gorgeous golden labrador called Pearl who brought her entourage of dad and two kids.

Dogs having fun at the offleash area in Barnet Marine Park. 

The mischievous pair ganged up on old Pearl but she bore it very well and the constant motion was a sight to see. Pearl is grounded there and we never found out the other dog's name. Dog-walking is incredibly social, you meet the dogs and owners and strike up the most interesting conversations. Unless, as sometimes happens, the owner doesn't understand that dogs like to socialise and hurries past. I know that sometimes there's a very good reason but it hurts Etta's feelings when she can't meet new buddies and, like all mammas, I am protective. I keep saying I am still a cat person but am starting to wonder.

Playing in the Burrard Inlet at the Barnet Marine Park dog offleash area

At one point we had around 6 dogs all tussling into the water, happy and friendly as they bounced around. They have a stunning sense of smell and Indie was very interested in the treats in my pocket.

Dogs love being officially offleash in Barnet Marine Park

All good things have to end, at least in winter, come the summer I think you might find me on the beach with a book and the dog lolling and running as the mood takes her. So I will just tell you about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers who came just before we left. The owners had three of them, an older dog, a middle aged one and a puppy. If that is not one of the cutest things you ever saw I don't know what would be. Well the middle dog went swimming into the cold water after the floating sticks the owners brought and Etta was tantalised.

Our white Siberian Husky experiencing the sea at Barnet Marine Park.

She still hasn't quite 'swum' but she is much more comfortable now getting wet, hopefully that might spill over to bath time. Hehe hope springs eternal and all that. So many dogs, labradoodles, goldendoodles, a gorgeous malamute, a double doodle!?! and a little scottie that was totally the alpha dog of his little pack that included two much larger dogs. It's not size it's attitude!

This crow, one of many birds you can see in Barnet Marine Park overlooking the Burrard Inlet

I am sad we can't go back tomorrow but this Quality Surveyor will be ensuring all remains in good order til I return. I am not sure how long after her operation it will be until Etta will be back to normal but as soon as she is I will be there stalking the eagle, watching the water, meeting more new people and dogs and most of all snapping things that please me.

I hope this little tale has pleased you, please let me know in the comments section.

Thanks for reading x