Call it goat.

The desire to write oozes out. Fingers quiver; heart flutters.

I picked up a style guide this evening. I wanted to read. I was overcome by the urge to write.

It’s a Sunday. I thought I would leave this day a family day. You know, be present today, write tomorrow. Couldn’t resist.

Today consisted of a nice, slow start. That and a hearty breakfast. We mucked up our hashed browns in an under seasoned skillet. They were, thankfully, recovered by searing in another pan. Oh, yes, there was coffee. Two doubles, actually.

Today was a park day. Parksville Community Park. When we arrived in the afternoon we were surprised to find the annual Van Isle Shriners Show & Shine in full swing. It was, by midday, winding down. We stole parking and ventured out. Truly amazing collectible vehicles on show. 1929 Ford Model A’s and the like dotted the field. Loudspeakers, prizes, people milling about. In the distance, la spiaggia. The beach awaited.

The tide was out no less than two kilometres in Parksville Bay. Beach goers dotted the sands in all directions. Tents, beach umbrellas, gleeful toddlers and families enjoying the tide pools and sun. We opted to walk the boardwalk passing the Island Farms ice cream stand toward the Beach Club Resort and back.

Lounging in the shade near the children’s water park and snacking on blueberries and freestone peaches was just the start. Goats were next.

Goats On Roof. Yes, you heard right. An outright attraction and longtime mid-island stopover, Coombs Old Country Market (OCM) followed. Having changed much over the years, the OCM still offers trendy snacks and international treats, cheeses, ice cream–all kinds o’ fun.

Yes, we spied some goats on the green roof of the market. Never fails to impress. Again we needed food. I’m beginning to see a cycle here . . . We grabbed a baguette, Cave Aged Gruyere and some Hot Calabrese Salami. Snack, anyone? We perched under some chestnut trees near Billy G’s Doughnut Shop and munched. Washed it all down with another large–gulp–Canadiano. Local honey in the mix. Splash of cream, splash of milk. Dreams.

See? I told you. Goats. And you didn’t believe me. We braved the market stand too and drove home with local Chilliwack corn, a case of blueberries and mushy apricots. Tomorrow’s breakfast.

Call it a day. To top it all we rode our bikes lazily up and down the street under the setting sun. Sounds pretty rural, doesn’t it? No secrets here. I’m sure your summer fun is just as picturesque. Summer is here. I dare you to make the most of it.