#154 Aug 2017 Machines that Move Us!

Machines move us in many ways. Aircraft move people and cargo. They also move our spirit of wonder and amazement.

The Canadian Snowbirds performed over White Rock beach.

Even the gulls wanted into the action.

The acrobatics enthralled hundreds of beach visitors.

How close are the jets?

Amazing coordination!

The aircraft formation was exciting.

Everyone was waiting for the heart.

We learned that there are two jets forming each side of the heart.

A beautiful, thrilling evening as The Snowbirds bid us farewell.

Ralph obtained after hours access to the BCIT Simulation Lab. That moved us in a very different way.

Lindsay and I took turns “driving” a Mining Bulldozer. That was a moving experience!

Step by step operating instructions are displayed on the front screen.

The entire assembly moves as the controls are operated. The floor shakes!

The rear screen shows where you have driven.

We also “drove” an articulated truck.

A view of the shop floor gave us perspective of some of the equipment used to train apprentice technicians.

 

Ralph introduced us to the VCC Tool Room where he frequently substitutes.

In 2013 BCIT built a room around a Man Engine.

Multiples of this engine can move a cruise ship’s propeller or a ship’s diesel-electric propulsion plant.

The engine was built in Germany and donated to the BCIT Marine Program. Under terms of the donation the engine cannot be activated.

At night the massive size of the engine can be appreciated. Notice the perspective of the man doors on each side of the room.

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#153 Jul 2017 On Eagle's Wings

Ralph has worked for several weeks this summer. When I work on the same days we both get up at 5:30 so I can have the car. We leave home just after 6 AM and drive along Highway 99 where it parallels the shoreline of Mud Bay and farmland. There are rewards for getting up early.

On top of a transmission tower there is an eagle’s nest which is occupied every year. From May to July I took hundreds of photos. I enjoyed each morning as Ralph drove at highway speed and I craned my neck and camera to catch the eagle family.

This spring was extra special as there were two eaglets in the nest. By late June we could clearly see both eaglets. An adult was always nearby keeping watch.

 

At times an adult could be seen in the nest with the eaglets.

The eaglets ventured out of the nest and cautiously observed the world around them.

 

They tested their wings.

By early July the adults were farther away at times. They watched from power poles but always facing towards the nest.

By late July the nest was empty. We look forward to seeing next year's eagle family.

#152 Jul 2017 The Lazy Days of Summer

Summer in all its glory! 

For months we look forward to summer and most years it seems to disappear too quickly. Not this time. Every photo has brilliant blue sky with only occasional clouds.

White Rock’s East Beach calls everyone to explore the water and sand or soak up the sunshine and ocean view. It doesn’t get better than this.

 

We can dream about whatever adventures we might find at the end of the railway tracks but the fish and chips and ice cream are beckoning across the road.

In Kwomais Point Park we wandered along a path at the edge of the cliff and found butterflies and flowers.

Then the path opened up to a stunning view of the ocean.

On the return path we found a labyrinth designed for contemplation, either walking or sitting.

The Abbotsford Berry Festival was fun to wander around and check out various local vendors.

 

Along a side street Ralph found his next ride to work!

Owning an RV is like owning a house except some of the challenges are very unexpected. The latch on a “basement” compartment broke. The lock is very secure from tampering on the outside with no access to repair it.

Fortunately it happened on the one and only compartment with a pass through from the other side of the RV. Voila! Here comes Ralph from the other side!

He couldn’t take a deep breath but he could open the door and repair the latch.

And there he goes again!

 

Peace Arch RV Park has beautiful gardens and an outdoor pool. 

The flowers always call my camera.

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