For much of the month, the weather was consistently inconsistent as the forecast repeatedly proved to be useless. We watched the skies, venturing out between showers and thunderstorms to hike, run, and play tennis. By the end of July, summer was finally in full swing and we were enjoying hot, sunny days. |
Last year our plum tree produced approximately 40 plums; this year we picked over 450 from the same tree! Apparently aggressively pruning it worked well. It has certainly paid off, too. Since we had so much fruit ripe at the same time, we began to share our plums with friends and neighbours. After delivering one bucket, we were given fresh tomatoes, carrots, beets, lettuce, and a cucumber. Another delivery yielded a homemade jar of jelly. Finally, sharing still more plums helped result in us being given free tickets to the opening day of Sunfest Country 2016.
Lisa and I explored the Pacific Marine Route, driving the loop from Mesachie Lake to the island's West Coast, down along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Sooke, and then returning via the Trans-Canada and Hwy. 18.
Our neighbours generously gave us complimentary day passes to attend the first day of Sunfest 2016; we once again saw Bucko & Toad perform, this time followed by The Roadhammers, and then Neal McCoy.
Having been to Lakeview Ranch on Thursday, we discovered that we'd be more than satisfied with the views available from outside the paid checkpoint, so I returned to watch Carrie Underwood perform for free.
Lisa and I went to see Dierks Bentley close Sunfest 2016 and thoroughly enjoyed the free show.