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Wednesday 5 July 2017

The middle

Our recent visit to Belmont Park, Prince Edward Island, was a day spent with our granddaughter, Caitlin, who is four years old. 



Caitlin is now the middle child in her family, after the birth of her brother Owen. This was her day with her grandfather and I, accompanied by the family dog, Georgie.




Belmont is a day-use park which is never crowded. It has a lovely beach,  


 


playground, picnic facilities, washrooms and is well maintained. That day, there was a breeze which helped keep the mosquitos at bay, while swallows danced overhead.


It was low tide when we arrived so we could explore the beach. Numerous jellyfish were stranded. 


 


We walked along and Caitlin led the conversation, which usually came back to,”What’s this?” as she explored the beach.


Before we had lunch, a group of young people, dressed in waders, approached the beach, walked into the water with a net, catching something in its mesh. Thinking this was a new fishery I was unfamiliar with, I approached them and queried their purpose. 


 



They were part of the CAMP program run by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada. It is an on-going project which is tasked with sampling the flora and fauna of the shores and estuaries around Prince Edward Island, parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Such monitoring is vital to the continued health of our marine environment.


Meanwhile I took a few minutes to walk along the forested part of the shoreline while Caitlin played in the sand. Many trees are precariously perched, 


 


as if attempting to grow horizontally along the bank. 


 


Stormy seas or wind will one day topple these beauties as it has other trees.


 


After lunch, as the tide is returning, Caitlin and I walked along that same shoreline, though not under the dangling trees. We looked for a talking rock, a rock big enough for us to sit on, where we could chat and watch the scene before us.


 


She liked the idea of the rock as a talking place and found several where we could sit and chat as we moved along the shoreline. 


One of Caitlin’s favourite games that day was Ready, Steady, Jump. She tried to leap higher with each successive jump. After each attempt, she said, “Again,” as I repeated the three words. Poppy took lots of photos and Caitlin has looked at them numerous times since then. 


 


Simple pleasures make wonderful memories.

Caitlin may be the middle child now but she is as treasured as she's always been.

 

29 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

A 4-yr-old, a dog, and a park by the sea. Sounds good.

Shammickite said...

I'd love to walk along that beach with you all!

DJan said...

Love that last picture! She's quite a jumper, all right. I enjoyed the walk along the beach with you. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

That last photo is adorable!

Tabor said...

One of the best ages!!

Bill said...

Thanks for taking us on a wonderful walk. The last photo is Priceless!

Elephant's Child said...

The final photo has me smiling from ear to ear. Brilliant.
Add the emotional attachment? An absolutely AWESOME photo.
And I loved walking, and talking with you too.

Marie Smith said...

What's better than a stroll, and a chat on a beach, EC?

Marie Smith said...

We llove that photo too, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Four is a precious age for sure, Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

Caitlin loves her jumping photos, too, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

She is an athletic child though she is tiny, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

We'd love to have you with us, Shammickite.

Marie Smith said...

All the best things, AC.

Silver in AZ said...

SO adorable!

Rick (Ratty) said...

I think that's the first time I've ever seen a blogger post a picture of a jellyfish. Interesting.

Ginnie Hart said...

How absolutely PRECIOUS and educational for all the kids, no matter how young or old. I love these outings, Marie, and think I could easily fall in love with Georgie as well!

Anonymous said...

Caitlin is so sweet and I know she is a joy!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh my gosh Caitlin is so adorable Marie.. I love the idea of a 'talking stone' ☺ you are so lucky to be able to spend so much time with her..

Debbie said...

you are right about those memories!!! sounds like a wonderful camp for kids who are interested!!!

Marie Smith said...

Yes, she is, like all little children.

Marie Smith said...

I'll llook for a swimming one another time, Ratty.

Marie Smith said...

Georgie and the grandkids make for a perfect day, Ginnie.

Marie Smith said...

She is a treasure, Mildred.

Marie Smith said...

We are very fortunate to live near our grandchildren, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

I'm not sure if the young people were employed or not. I would have loved that kind of experience as a youth!

Mage said...

Yes, a lovely spot, but Oh, that last photograph is wonderful.

Barbara said...

Caitlin is the same age as my youngest Grand Girl. They are so energetic and inquisitive. Hahaha. She completely wears me out - mentally and physically.

Marie Smith said...

I know, Barbara. Where do they get the energy?