I love my early morning walks the best. Not because it’s cooler or even quieter, but because I’m always amazed at things I see and can photograph. I can be attracted to gardens or store-fronts or even a simple bloom that must be photographed or it’s gone forever.

The deer population had been quiet–meaning unseen–on my walks, although the gardeners have remarked how much of their gardens had been treated as a buffet for the four-legged wildlife. Much as I sympathized with munched upon gardens, I marvel at their survival instincts. I wasn’t quick enough or close enough to photograph a Mama Deer with her very young triplets or another family with their new twins. On another early morning walk, I did see several young bucks taking their chances being hit with an errant golf ball. I think the second guy felt no one would hit him among the trees. . . .

I enjoy spotting the unusual among the garden plants in stranger’s gardens. I admire the creativity of so many who do their best with very little.

These were handpainted plates mounted on a worn fence and tucked behind some lavendulas and tiny daisies. Another fence had ‘musical roosters’. I recognized the sax-playing bird on another owner’s property but had never seen the guitar playing buddy. His guitar isn’t clearly seen as he’s turned the other way. . . .

Since I was exploring lanes and side streets I wasn’t familiar with, my walking route was rather convoluted. The short street I was walking on took me back to the water view, which changed constantly.

The centre art piece is called “Cosmos” and is one of the newly installed 2025 Oak Bay Street Art at McNeil Bay. Cosmos is likke a giant pinwheel and often caught spinning by the sea breezes. The “Copper Bird” is an art piece from 2021-2022. It was an amazing sight when caught by the sunlight.

Signs always fascinated me. It can say so much with only a picture or a few well chosen words.

The last photo is a well-worn sign with a faded raven and the words, “The Coven.” It intrigued me as no one was in and the sign on the door simply stated “By Appointment Only.” As a writer, my brain was buzzing a million miles a minute. Was it really? Could it be? Rest easy my friends. It is a very clever marketing ploy by a trio of creative and professional hair stylists. . .

It’s true that if you stand still and keep looking up, people will stop and look up too–even if there was nothing you were actually looking at! BUT, there have been times when I would have missed completely moments like the following:

You don’t have to get a crick in your neck looking up. You can also look around and see some pretty entertaining things.

Everyone makes their home their own. I’m convinced the first is a retired fisherman. The second homeowner has a gate that is distinctive and marks the garden and home behind it as his. AND even the gnome’s home has his comfy bench to sit on to enjoy his early morning coffee. . .

Another fun walk to almost end my week. I feel very blessed that photographic moments are there for my camera to capture. No matter which direction I walk, the opportunities are present–you only have to see them.