11 November 2025 – A story balanced on five stones in the water — and a much happier story than the one painted in 11 words on that alley shed door, in my previous post.
It’s a bright fall day. We are hoofing our way along the False Creek Seawall, no end point in mind, just the pleasure of hoofing along.
Then we stop in amazement, to stare at the stepping stones out to Habitat Island.
Usually, practically always, the stones look like the way they look in this Parks Board photo:
a spine of bone-dry vertebrae, on a mounded bed of gravel that, even at high tide, still offers a narrow path for those who’d rather not hop the stones.
Ahh, but, this day is not at all as-usual.
This day follows the super moon (Beaver Moon) of November 5, and therefore it offers us a super tide.
Like this:
We watch, fascinated, as the living beings on five of those stones — human and canine both — make their Go? Stay? decisions.
Fixed stones, active stories.
Left to right:
- on stone # 1 – Red Slacks waits, while…
- on stone # 2 – Small Dog hesitates, not at all sure he wants to leap to…
- stone # 3 – where Dad / Baby Duo look toward…
- stone # 4 – where Reluctant Toddler turns away from…
- stone # 5 – where Loving Mum is tugging his hand and try to coax him forward.
And, all around, the larger context: marine vessels (False Creek ferry, private boat, kayaks); a couple of people already log-lounging out on the island; and even a soaring gull.
It all works out. Small Dog makes the jump; Reluctant Toddler finally trusts Loving Mum; and Red Slacks is rewarded for her patience. Everybody makes it to the island.
We, on the other hand, keep walking the Seawall instead, and end up on Granville Island. Where we do our own prowling for a bit, and then ride a ferry all the way back east.
WALKING WOMAN 
Bronlima
/ 12 November 2025The photo comes alive, the frozen moment becomes unfrozen!
icelandpenny
/ 12 November 2025Thank you for that! It was my hope, to bring that moment alive. It was quite a sweet process to watch: Ms Red Slacks being so nicely patient, just waiting, while dog and child worked through their fears and with support took the next step and made the crossing.
restlessjo
/ 12 November 2025It’s a fabulous capture of one of my nightmares. I used to love stepping stones and bounce gleefully across. Then age and balance issues crept in, with that lack of confidence that has you frozen midpoint. Joyful to watch somebody accomplish what I no longer can xx
icelandpenny
/ 13 November 2025So glad to have triggered memories, and a joyful reaction!
Rio
/ 13 November 2025I have been learning about the structure of a story and this as compelling a begining! I have no doubt they will all safely get to the island as you have said, but will there be tears, a wet foot, or two, or four? And what of someone watching, reminising about a lower tide and their former youthful confidence…
Great picture! Just love it!
icelandpenny
/ 13 November 2025I love his, Rio: this frozen moment as the start of a story. But whose story? You’ve got me wondering what was going on in two minds: one, Red Slacks Lady (is she patient or impatent? what does this family scene trigger in her mind?(, or Little Black Dog (left to navigate those scary big jumps for himself, while the parents care for the children — is he excited, or worried?), What fun.