Day 4 - Trestle Bridge and Raptors
Hi everyone, Its Madeline and I’m writing todays blog post.
This morning we started off with saying goodbye to Bowker Hall. We did a quick clean up before jumping in the van and heading to Nanaimo. On the way, we stopped at the Kinsol Trestle Bridge. It was a short walk to the bridge, which was made fully of wood and very tall.
The views from the bridge were really pretty and we headed to the bottom and spent some time at the stream. We skipped and climbed rocks. A few of us even went swimming in the stream in our clothes, as we hadn’t planned on swimming.
Due to a longer than anticipated stay at the Trestle Bridge, we had to cut our Duncan visit short. We were still able to jump out and take pictures with the many totem poles. We could have spent more time there, but it was still fun!
Next we headed to “The Raptors”, and got to experience an up close and personal afternoon with many birds of prey. Elizabeth’s grandma, Lily, had come to say hi as she was on the Island, but ended up staying with us for the whole experience, which was a great surprise. We got a special tour of the facility and did a “Hawk Walk”, which meant we went into the forest and a Harris Hawk named Paul fly from one group to the other, landing on our hands. It was so cool!
After that, we got to hold three birds of prey including Sven, a Great Grey Owl; Emmy, an American Kestrel; and Fraction, a falcon hybrid. The birds were so cute. They pooped, roused and ‘blessed’ us but overall were very calm while we held them.
Before we left, we were even able to see a flying demonstration with a bald eagle, a different Harris hawk, a different bird I don’t remember the name of and a peregrine falcon. They flew right over us, so close we had to duck and during the demo, some wild turkey vultures flew over our heads.
Lastly we also fed some Black Vultures, named Atticus and Mortimer, some dead chicks. Though it was a little yucky, it was super cool to be a part of that experience. The whole thing was super fun and it was supposed to last 2 hours, but we got an extra hour and a half!
Before heading to the hotel we stopped at an outdoor market and did some shopping. Once we arrived at the hotel, we unloaded, packed lunches and ate bacon Nanaimo bars that were good, but honestly below expectations.
Overall it was another amazing day and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Love you family,
Madeline
This morning we started off with saying goodbye to Bowker Hall. We did a quick clean up before jumping in the van and heading to Nanaimo. On the way, we stopped at the Kinsol Trestle Bridge. It was a short walk to the bridge, which was made fully of wood and very tall.
The views from the bridge were really pretty and we headed to the bottom and spent some time at the stream. We skipped and climbed rocks. A few of us even went swimming in the stream in our clothes, as we hadn’t planned on swimming.
Due to a longer than anticipated stay at the Trestle Bridge, we had to cut our Duncan visit short. We were still able to jump out and take pictures with the many totem poles. We could have spent more time there, but it was still fun!
Next we headed to “The Raptors”, and got to experience an up close and personal afternoon with many birds of prey. Elizabeth’s grandma, Lily, had come to say hi as she was on the Island, but ended up staying with us for the whole experience, which was a great surprise. We got a special tour of the facility and did a “Hawk Walk”, which meant we went into the forest and a Harris Hawk named Paul fly from one group to the other, landing on our hands. It was so cool!
After that, we got to hold three birds of prey including Sven, a Great Grey Owl; Emmy, an American Kestrel; and Fraction, a falcon hybrid. The birds were so cute. They pooped, roused and ‘blessed’ us but overall were very calm while we held them.
Before we left, we were even able to see a flying demonstration with a bald eagle, a different Harris hawk, a different bird I don’t remember the name of and a peregrine falcon. They flew right over us, so close we had to duck and during the demo, some wild turkey vultures flew over our heads.
Lastly we also fed some Black Vultures, named Atticus and Mortimer, some dead chicks. Though it was a little yucky, it was super cool to be a part of that experience. The whole thing was super fun and it was supposed to last 2 hours, but we got an extra hour and a half!
After saying goodbye to Lily and the birds, we finally headed to Nanaimo! We went to dinner at Troller’s Fish and Chips, where our server was so kind I wanted to adopt him into our family (it’s a long story…).
Before heading to the hotel we stopped at an outdoor market and did some shopping. Once we arrived at the hotel, we unloaded, packed lunches and ate bacon Nanaimo bars that were good, but honestly below expectations.
Overall it was another amazing day and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Love you family,
Madeline
WOW - you are all so brave holding those birds! Sounds like the Raptor experience was one to remember. Madeline, sorry to hear the bacon nanaimo bar didn't meet your expectations. I can't wait to hear your story about the server at dinner!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a busy day
ReplyDeleteThat trestle bridge looks impressive! Sorry that you didn't get the full totem pole experience in Duncan, but it sounds the trestle bridge was worth the extra time. And thanks for including my mom in your Raptor experience.
ReplyDeleteLove you too Madeline! So glad you had fun. Seeing the birds sounds like an amazing experience! Can’t wait to hear more about the server you want to adopt!
ReplyDeleteThat Trestle Bridge looks amazing! We have them here in Kelowna as well but I have yet to visit them. Celeste, we’ll go together and you can give me a comparison š
ReplyDeleteI bet swimming would have been so nice if it’s hot there!
I loved re as ing about the Raptor experience!! How many people can say they’ve done that!!
No, Celeste, you may not have a pet hawk when you get home so don’t even ask. Haha
Patsy here - those birds are gorgeous!!! You guys are lucky to have had that amazing experience! Can't wait to hear more about your adventures when you get home. The trestle bridge walk looked beautiful and worth the extra time. Looking forward to hearing and seeing about your adventures tomorrow. Love you lots and miss you more!!!
ReplyDeleteLooking pretty fancy Ungoy. I’m surprised the bird wasn’t afraid of you. Looks like you are having a great time. Lucky you with the whale watching. Your sister says hi (I think) and we can’t wait for you to get home already.
ReplyDeleteI’m commenting on behalf of Dave and Leah. Claire-Dad says ‘cool’ and Leah says ‘sounds like fun’ with two thumbs up. Madeline, I’m not surprised about the bacon Nanaimo bars, I think the classic would be the best. BUT, you would expect being in Nanaimo that they should be better than average! Loved the pictures with the birds, owls are my favourite and they were huge. Another exciting day, thanks for the recap Madeline!
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ReplyDeleteSeems like you had another full day. The leaders are keeping you quite busy with interesting and fun things to do. You all must be having good time and enjoying the trip. Swimming in the stream would be fun and help to cool you off. Can’t wait to hear what else you do while you’re there. Oh Kiera, I noticed your Dad wrote you. Easy to tell because there’s only one Ungoy in that group and that would be you. Love you honey and hope you’re having a good time.
Caroline! Did you know Uncle Stu, Tyler and I ate at Troller’s in May? Did you see the world’s biggest hockey stick when you went through Duncan? Of course the owl was my favourite bird of prey since I love owls so much! It is so cool that you got to “hold” them. Can’t wait to read about your next adventure! ❤️ Auntie J
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