Chirpoy Islands, Russia...........Orcas at last!

The two Chirpoy Islands are the remains of a partially submerged volcanic caldera which measures 8-9 kilometers wide. Arrival early morning, with high expectations of a Zodiac cruise around the coast of Brat Chirpoy in the afternoon, gave me time to hang out at the stern taking pics on a bright sunny day. 

In no time flat, excited voices were yelling "killer whales".........people rushed to the railings, cameras at the ready.

These were my first Orcas ("killer whales") and 

the pod was large. Moving through 

the water they were quite mesmerizing to watch...... 

......if you'd enjoy knowing more about orcas, go HERE.

Soon they were swimming away from the ship and we were 

advised to prepare for Zodiac cruising which would be our afternoon delight!

The scenery was spectacular, the water a little choppy, 

but the volcanoes, some steaming, and the 

bird life had us excited.....

Pic via Paula

.........however, this was also the day of my close encounter 

in a Zodiac boat......more on that next time!

My Friday 'six pics' at SuzAnna's Antiques......................

I did a quick whizz around SuzAnna's Antiques on Friday - saying "hi" to friends, picking up fresh farm eggs, and snapping these few pics of things that caught my eye before heading to the nail salon. Have to say, circumventing the world via plane, train, expedition ship, bus, and Zodiac boats, takes its toll on the old bod, especially hands and feet! A lovely manicure and foot soaking, whilst being massaged by a cushy leather chair, was definitely needed.

After all that I headed home, hung up my jacket.......

.....put the kettle on for a nice cuppa.....

......did a quick water of the garden pots.......

..........tied up some loose ends..........

......and wrote down a few reminders of things 

requiring attention in the coming days.........I'm so 

behind with almost everything in my life!

Above was my one purchase, dangling in one of the cute

recycled wooden buildings now available at SuzAnna's....

the three tiered wire storage basket, with nice 

patina, now hanging here at home in my gazebo as a 

'catch-all'. I'd like to use it in my kitchen but 

there's just no place to hang it without hitting our heads!

Yes, great to be home but lots of work ahead of me around the cottage during the coming months.

Also, lots more stories and pics to share from the recent trip..........working on them too.

....how does your garden grow?

Such a wonderful surprise when I arrived home last Saturday evening.........

the hydrangeas were in full bloom and unexpectedly abundant.

Due to gallons of rainwater, perfect temperatures, and 

earlier efforts with fertilizer........

I was welcomed by my garden favorites. Yesterday I 

worked outside for a few hours weeding, pruning and 

trimming other shrubs......then cutting a bunch of 

these beauties to bring into the house for the weekend.

Click pic to enlarge.

Linking to Claudia's A Favorite Thing Saturday at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I love how this blog party keeps going. I must admit I was unable to join in whilst on the recent Japan/Russia trip, due to Internet speed/cost when out in remote places in the world, but I'm back now and hope to catch up soon.