It’s sprinkling as I leave the boat to go paddling, but I can see clearing all around, and sure enough, by the time I reach English Camp, the rain has stopped.

I spotted a small blue heron fishing on the beach.  He was so intent on getting breakfast, that he paid me no attention at all.

I landed my kayak and set out to see what I’d missed yesterday.  This totem was interesting, but has nothing to do with the English Settlement. It was dedicated by the Lummi and Saanich Nations in 2016, and depicts traditional reef net fishing, which was practiced by the Coast Salish people.

Once the Pig War dispute was settled, the Royal Marines departed.  In 1875, William and Mary Crook laid claim to the property through the Homestead Act provisions.  They started living in the buildings left by the British.  They had lots of buildings to choose from, since there were about 28 buildings in all.  Eventually, however, William and Mary Crook’s son, Jim Crook, built a beautiful home on the property.  That home, unfortunately, like most of the buildings, has not survived.

This afternoon, I heard an airplane engine.  I grabbed my camera and was able to get photos of the floatplane that I photographed yesterday taking off.  It’s scary how they take off between boats.