THE BEST OF SOOKE: TY COLLWYN RETREAT

Heading to Victoria for a jaunt or to the village of Sooke for a bit of fossil collecting?

Ty Collwyn Waterfront Retreat offers private, oceanfront, two bedroom cottages within walking distance from the heart of Sooke, on Vancouver Island. We are located just forty minutes west of Victoria; the capital city of British Columbia, Canada.
Our two cottages share wonderful ocean views of Sooke Harbour and the Juan de Fuca Strait; each with it's own deck and hot tub to soak away stress.

The grounds include a heated indoor pool, coin-operated laundry facilities, private dock, and waterfront with a fire pit, all surrounded by lush trees and an acre of grass area.

When you are not relaxing and enjoying your oceanfront view, take advantage of all that Sooke has to offer. Enjoy a scenic drive to our beautiful West Coast beaches, visit the Sooke Potholes, catch a wave surfing, go ocean kayaking, try a fishing charter, check out the Sooke Museum, walk along the wonderful Whiffin Spit, or travel any of the region's hiking trails on foot, rollerblade, or bicycle. There is so much to do!

Later, you can dine at the world renowned Sooke Harbour House Restaurant, famous Mom's Café, or create your own barbeque feast right on your deck.

BLUE PLANET | EARTH DAY 2010

Earth / Adopt Me

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

Earth Day has the power to bring about historic advances in climate policy, renewable energy and green jobs and catalyze millions who make personal commitments to sustainability - a billion acts of green – mobilizing the power of people to create change by taking small steps in our homes, our schools and our communities that add up to an enormous collective action. I'm making plans to better my neighborhood and my world. I'm raising seedlings to share the gift of life and a cleaner atmosphere. With every obstacle comes opportunity and right now, right here there is an unprecedented opportunity to build a new future.

Choose how you'll celebrate Earth Day, April 22, 2010.
www.earthday.net/earthday2010

ALCES ALCES: MOOSE

The moose is the largest member of the deer family. The genus and species of the moose are Alces alces.

Moose are found in northern forests in North America, Europe, and Russia. In Europe and Asia, moose are called elk. Moose are solitary animals who have a deep call and a strong scent.

They have a life span of about 17 years in the wild. If you ever have the pleasure of paddling the Bowron Lake Circuit, there are many great viewing spots which provide excellent photo ops for Moose.

Anatomy: The moose is about 7.5 feet (2.3 m) tall at the shoulder. Only the male moose, bulls, have antlers. The largest recorded antler spread is over 6.5 ft (2 m). The antlers are shed each year and regrow. Moose have hoofed feet, long legs, thick brown fur, a large body, and a droopy nose, and a dewlap (a flap of skin hanging loosely from the chin).

Behavior: The moose is an herbivore (a plant-eater) who spends most of the day eating. Moose prefer willow, birch, and aspen twigs, horsetail, sedges, roots, pond weeds, and grasses. They are excellent swimmers, strong runners and can turn on a dime. I've seen a Moose outrun a grizzly up near Barkerville on the Bowron Lake circuit.

Predators: The grizzly bear and man are the main predators of the moose.

Source: Enchanted Learning

AURORA BOREALIS