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Thursday 4 August 2022

On the breeze

From late spring to early autumn, it is common to see sailboats in the bay at Summerside. This past weekend, a sailing race from Summerside to Charlottetown made for an interesting morning on the boardwalk as well. While we missed their sail past the lighthouse, we enjoyed watching the boats in the Northumberland Strait as they headed for the Confederation Bridge while we walked in our favourite location.





Meanwhile, one boat was headed in the wrong direction. Before long, it turned around and caught the breeze which brought it close to the others.





However, it was the last one to sail through the Confederation Bridge.





My husband and I weren’t the only spectators that day. Yellowlegs kept a one-legged vigil along the shoreline, 





though on occasion they just couldn’t take the excitement and averted their eyes from the vessels. Later, we noticed some decided to sit it out entirely.





There are always distractions along the boardwalk. That day, we noticed a sunflower, probably from a seed dropped by a bird or squirrel. Every year at least one seed from bird food survives the animals and bursts forth to meet the sun.





As we walked, a Downy Woodpecker was busy among the trees. It is the first one we’ve seen this summer, though they are common in the autumn.





Other boats not competing in the race sailed past the lighthouse too. 




It is easy to see the curvature of the earth while watching those boats head toward the mainland across the Northumberland Strait. As they dip below the horizon, only the top of the mast and sail are visible. 





And as always, some lucky creatures can sail on the breeze any time. 





Note:


The photos of the sailboats were taken with the Nikon 83 optimal zoom. They aren’t great.



31 comments:

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

What a fun and interesting race, it would be fun to be a crew member on one of those boats!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Marie,
I always find looking at sailboats glide so relaxing and beautiful. You've shared some wonderful photos. I am happy to find out the name of the woodpecker. I kept seeing it pecking away at trees but it looked to small to me to be a woodpecker. Now I know. Thanks

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Going the wrong way? That would be me in my boat!

Sandi said...

So beautiful!

Anvilcloud said...

Your photos are a success, for they tell the story that you want told.

Velva- Evening with a Sandwich said...

Your posts really reflect where you live.... the beauty, water. I find your posts to be very relaxing. Your blog is soulful and comforting. As always, thanks for sharing with us.

Velva

Beside a babbling brook... said...

I can feel the breeeeeeeze!

And need it today, a hot one.

:-)

πŸŒΏπŸƒπŸŒΏπŸƒπŸŒΏ

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Your views are beautiful, I can see why it is your favorite place to walk.
I like the shot of the sailboat going past the lighthouse, the Yellowlegs and Downy Woodpecker. Pretty sunflower! Take care, have a happy day!

Debbie said...

i enjoyed the images of the sailboats, they are such pretty boats. and the "one-legged vigil" what a great way to describe that picture!! i see them here but have not seen them lately!!

gorgeous sunflower and picture of the woodpecker!!

Pam said...

Always loves seeing your pics. I have never been on a sailboat....I think it would be fun.

photowannabe said...

I love watching the sailboats but that water is a bit too choppy for me.
Beautiful sunflower. I think I need to plant some for next year. They are one of my favorites.
Glad you had one yellow leg for company..too cute.
I have got to get out and take a few photos.
The archives are a life saver though.
Sue

Zimbabwe said...

It looks so cool there with all that water. Love the woodpecker. Cheers Diane

Ruth Hiebert said...

That must be a magical sight. I think sailboats are so beautiful.

DJan said...

What a fun bunch of pictures. Love the yellowlegs watching the goings-on. :-)

Helen said...

Your boardwalk offers so many surprises.
On a hazy day, the sunflower radiates so much sunshine!

The Furry Gnome said...

As always, a great walk! Amazing to see the curvature of the earth.

Joanne Noragon said...

A good day: sailboats, flowers, birds, repeat.

William Kendall said...

You wonder what the birds think of the boats.

Red said...

I only sailed once and I really liked it. Imagine sailing on a prairie lake and liking it.

Ginnie Hart said...

To be so close to the water for whatever is going on there has got to be a treat for your eyes, Marie. We have a photoblog friend who lives on PEI and she, too, has so much to share related to water, flora and fauna! As the Dutch say, you must always be "short of eyes!"

Maebeme said...

Lots of activity on, over, and beside the water. What a wonderful place to walk.

The Padre said...

I Disagree, The Photos Are Fantastic - Such A Delightful Post - Have A Wonderful Weekend My Dear

Cheers

Liz Hinds said...

I would call that windy not breezy!
How amazing to see the curvature of the earth like thta.

margi said...

It must be nice to feel the breeze while sailing on those sailboats.

Sherry's Pickings said...

wow that is one heck of a bridge! i wonder how long it is? seems enormous. love the woodpecker! and the sunflower.

HWIT BLOGG said...

Lovely pictures from the seaside! Beautiful!!
Love from Titti

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

I love to watch sailboats. I find it so relaxing. In fact, I always come away from your blog feeling much more relaxed that beforehand.

Barwitzki said...

Oh, I felt good :-))) Thanks for the nice post.
A wonderful area you live in... the sea and boats are something very beautiful... for me it's a feeling of vacation.
Warm greetings to you.

John's Island said...

Hi Marie,
Clicking and opening up Island Musings is always a pleasure. You never fail to delight with your photography. The sailboat races are so interesting. I always get out the binoculars when I see them out in Puget Sound. The Yellowlegs … wow, how do they get that other leg folded up so completely to be out of sight? It’s always interesting to see the Confederation Bridge. I love your comment on the sunflower. So many interesting things in this post. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
John

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Hi Marie: I just saw your name in the comment section of another blog, and it occurs to me that your posts have not come into my email recently. I will have to check and see whether somehow I have been unsubscribed. It's a bit of a mystery! David

baili said...

sounds an intriguing event in such bright and beautiful days dear Marie :)

i loved the details how you defined them so nicely specially the curvature of the earth ,then i looked carefully and tried to imagine what it like to see from above or within .
sunflower found it's way out from the underground and looks so happy :)
hugs and blessings!