AQUARIUM SURPRISE

Yesterday afternoon we took the boardwalk over to the second building at the aquarium. This boardwalk allows visitors an excellent view of the salt marsh without disturbing the vegetation or animals.

Further along the trail we were surprised to find these bridges high above our path.

It looked like a set from a Robin Hood movie but in fact was the most impressive rope course I've seen to date.

Opened just two years ago it is a popular destination for school groups and teenagers in the area.

I wonder if I could build this back home?

Always something new to learn when one travels.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

VIRGINIA BEACH AQUARIUM

Today was cool and overcast so we headed to the aquarium.

The first room highlighted life in the marshes and had a number of bird species enjoying the feeders.

Of course the larger tanks housing local sea creatures were most impressive. The sharks and otters moved too quickly but these turtles moved gently across the glass and were easy to photograph.

Walking through the glass tunnel was amazing with views from all angles as the fish swam by.

There were volunteers throughout the aquarium ready to explain the display and answer our questions. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

Watching the string-rays being fed was exciting as they became very frantic even before the food was available; they just knew it was time for lunch.

This is a place that easily takes a day to properly enjoy maybe two.

We will be back.

HALLOWEEN RUN

Yesterday was the Halloween Run in Virginia Beach.

Over 7,000 runner passed us along the boardwalk.

The first group through were those pushing strollers.

Once across the finish line food and drink were available for the runners.

It was well organized and the crowd was quickly fed and serviced.

Even with 7,000 runners on the beach it wasn't crowded.

Some sat by the water........

others enjoyed the live music .......

and I enjoyed seeing all the costumed runners.

By twelve we decided to head home and walked the beach in our bare feet; felt like I was getting a pedicure.

Today they are calling for 20-30 mm of rain. Looks like a pool day to me.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

MONSTER RUN

Last night was the Monster Run, a one mile run for kids in Virginia Beach.

Everyone received a medal for finishing.

Whole families participated.

It was well organized and everyone who crossed the finish line had their name announced.

Many were dressed in costumes, some quite impressive.

We had a bird's eye view from our balcony.

This morning their is a 10 mile race passing along Atlantic Avenue in front of our condo.

Time for breakfast then outside to enjoy the fun.

Thanks for stopping by.

NEW FENCE

Yesterday this fence was erected in front of our condo. It appears to be designed for crowd control.

It includes this observation platform possibly used for judging contestants or announcing the results.

Curious, I checked on line and discovered there will be a Halloween Race tonight, finishing in front of our condo unit. Guess you could say we will have front row seats.

There is another race on Saturday further down the beach so watch for some race pictures tomorrow.

Just back from our morning walk. Thanks for stopping by.

SURFING

Yesterday's forecast called for rain, a prefect reason to visit the aquarium but first we needed some groceries.

By the time we returned to the condo the sun was out and our plans switched from aquarium to a beach day. The water was still rough but the temperature was 23*C perfect for some time in the sun.

(Click on photos to enlarge them)

Not sure if you can spot the surfers in the above photos but we counted over fifty enjoying the waves and warm weather.

Our beach is long so there were far more surfers than we could see or count.

By nightfall it looked ominous again and we thought a storm was brewing. We saw lots of lightning but didn't get any rain.

Today looks promising with warm winds and sun in the forecast. Guess we will need more sunscreen soon.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

START THE DAY

Watching the sun come up and ....

the fishing boats leave the harbour is a great way to start our day.

VACATION TIME

We have returned to Virginia Beach for some time in the sun. Yesterday was 25*C and the beach was busy. This is the view from our balcony at 4 pm.

There were a number of jet-skis zooming up and down the shoreline, doing jumps and flips all afternoon. Not sure if it is a competition or just a club gathering. They left a lot of gear on the beach so I suspect they will be back again today.

We are enjoying these summer like fall days here by the ocean. Today will definitely be a beach day.

UPDATE 7 a.m.

 Sunrise at 6:30

CONDUIT PLANTERS

It's been a perfect fall day here in the bush, perfect day for brothers and sisters to get together and do some planting. In the past they always had to work close to the ground, sometimes on their knees. Not good as one ages.

Paul came up with a brilliant idea .......  a conduit planter. This device opens a hole, and then you simple let the seeds slide down into the depression already made. Brilliant, no bending, no getting down on your knees.

It is also much faster.

Before the gang arrived Mary baked tarts and scones and also cleaned out two raised garden beds. It has been a busy productive day.

SALSA

Mary is busy making salsa.

The tomatillos Mary picked last week were peeled and sliced.

Onions were added along with ....

spices and peppers.

This was then brought to a boil and left to simmer for a while.

Now we just need to find bottles for it all.

Today we need to clear our gardens and get them ready for winter.

Always something to keep us busy.