The Office

The ravens nested early this year, and, to my dismay, in the neighbours tree. Humph. Deer Fern Bed and Breakast is on a quiet, country road, so sitting on the road side is not an issue. With camera poised, parking myself on the road side, I waited patiently for the raven fledglings to hop from branch to branch, hoping my lens could capture these youngsters. Yes, I snapped dozens of photos. Parents and one fledgling. Off to the office to download and see my treasures. Looking up, into the trees, sitting in a comfy chair, this million dollar view was right in front of me. This fledgling calling for the lunch brigade. Lunch did not arrive till much later. Just to let you know, these kids can fly. I suppose they are not strong enough to do long distances, so they stay close to home and stay high in the trees (some trees are 200'). In a few weeks, we will see them dancing in the sky.

It's Not, But Could Have Been

Watching from Deer Fern BB, tugs and log booms float effortlessly along the coast line. With the help of binoculars, we can see hundreds of seals sunning themselves on the booms. Once the boom reaches the mill, the seals slide off and catch the next raft of logs. This picture is not on the Sunshine Coast boom but rather on Pier 39 in San Fransisco. If I could take a photo in Gibsons, I am sure this is what it would look like. Peace, serenity and happy faces all around, that includes us. We realize, once again, that we live in the most beautiful part of the world. It is wonderful to come home, it begins to be difficult to leave home too.

Repeat Guests

Welcome back to Deer Fern

(Ocean View) Bed and Breakfast.

We supply items to make your own bed on a clean, support beam free from water drips. 2 private baths (outdoors only) delicious and fresh bugs, slugs and worms any time of day.

Housekeeping includes changing your bath water and 24/7 crow watch.

Welcome back.

Breakfast Firsts

Guests from the UK sent this photo. Having prepared hundreds of breakfasts over the years, I have yet to take a picture, so, this is a first. Breakfast is served in your suite overlooking Georgia Strait (the sea). A cherry wood breakfast trolley is rolled in, adorned with fine linens, silver cutlery, new and retro dishes. The tea pot holds the heat of your favourite tea and a pitcher of 100% orange juice wakes up your taste buds. This savory breakfast is made with black forest ham, roasted red peppers, finley chopped green onions, cheddar cheese, homemade bread, then pulled together with a custard (blended with sweet basil and snappy spices). A parfait of fresh fruit, french vanilla yogurt, crunchy granola, slivers of unblanched almonds and a hint of blackberry syrup to finish. There are two things you expect from a Bed and Breakfast. A good night sleep and a delicious breakfast to start your day. Deer Fern Bed and Breakfast in Gibsons, BC, Canada

Cat Food

We took two days away in Vancouver city. Time with family, time for shopping and time for a walk in the park. I lived in Vancouver for 47 years and never really appreciated the diverse wildlife in Stanley Park. In a matter of one hour, we came across swans (sitting on nests), ducks, turtles, massive carp in the lagoon and this little guy munching on cat crunchies beside a park bench. Our raccoons (the ones at Deer Fern BB) are very wild and aloof. This one just sits and enjoys the flavour of the day. They are still wild and those teeth, my goodness..those teeth, nothing to tangle with. Finally, I could sit down and take a picture without the raccoon scurrying off into the forest. I wonder what their fur feels like? Rough and grainy or soft and silky. I may never know.

Running

This is Cocoa. A little 13 year old Tortoise Shell gal. We adopted her from the SPCA just a few months ago. She is as close to perfection as any cat could be. We don't know why her owners gave her up, however, she was clearly loved for her entire life and we reap the wonderful benefits of her affection. She has room to run in our home (indoors only, she is not allowed outside, too many coyotes, eagles and sorts that would love a snack). She really does run. No kidding. Its a happy, playful run that one would expect from a toddler. She is collecting her well deserved pension, soaking up the afternoon sun and just being the wonderful cat she is.

Dancing

Walking with a girlfriend along the Ocean Beach Esplanade, steps from Deer Fern, we happened on a marvelous display of eagle courtship...we think. They blended in with the rock and seaweed, the pictures difficult to see. Their dance lasted only minutes, however, what a show. A rare glimpse of eagles on the ocean. Every day we see something so magnificent, how lucky are we to be living here.