A sea kayaker's "snow day" on Canada's very own Pacific Island...

Here on Vancouver Island, Canada's very own "Pacific Island", we (normally) enjoy a mild and "Mediterranean" climate. Islanders are sometimes known, in fact, to tease (affectionately, of course) the rest of the country about how it's possible to paddle, hike, and cycle - twelve months of the year here.

Well, most of the time...it's been snowing for three days now. So, while Joan began the lengthy chore of shovelling the driveway, "Spartan" and I took the opportunity for a little photo-op. He's a magnificent British-style kayak, designed and built by Nanaimo-based Robin Thacker, and looks just as good on the snow as on the water! :)

Spartan also sports some great graphics, courtesy of Leonie at "Art and Sea" in Oban, Scotland.

Spartan, looking a little more "mango" than he really is.

The Mäori spiral-koru symbol, on either side of the bow is rather special. Looking like an "eye", it represents an unfolding New Zealand fern frond and symbolizes perpetual motion, growth, strength, hope, tranquility, and peace. It also speaks to "awakening" and new beginnings in life. Every time, we paddle, or discover a new trail in the Canadian or Scottish hills and mountains, fresh discoveries always unfold.

Mäori "koru" symbol.

The Celtic triangle, on both sides of the stern and on the foredeck, is also known as a Triquetra (meaning triangle) representing various triplicities, such as land, sea, and sky or the traditional Christian term for the mystery of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Peace, love, and happiness is another. The Celtic knot can also represent the inter-connectedness of all living things, on this fragile planet which we share. Truly, we're all in this together, the symbol is a constant reminder of that.

Celtic triangle on the stern and foredeck.

The Celtic "wave", well, it's just fun and it certainly is appropriate along the waterline of a kayak!

Celtic wave along the cockpit.

Spartan, always ready for an adventure.

A Greenland paddle...feeling very much at home.

Lunch on the deck? Um, not today.

I find that if you spend sufficient time, on these important kayak "photo ops", the very big job of shovelling the driveway somehow gets done. ;)

OK Joan, now we can load up the boats and get them on the water!

Seriously though, I did help with the snow removal...but now, two hours later, it needs shovelling again! So...whatever happened to our Mediterranean climate? Hmm...