Storms and Sunshine

There are those events in life that bring pain and storms – storms of emotions that are challenging to navigate through, even with the help of a compass. As we move through the storm, we may not see the clearing ahead. We forget the calm after the storm because we’re doing everything we can in…

Ripple Rock Trail – Vancouver Island, British Columbia

The Story of Ripple Rock Ripple Rock, or “Old Rip” as it was called – was one of the most “notorious marine hazards in North America”. The twin-peaked rock in Seymour Narrows took many ships and lives. In 1958, the largest man-made, non-nuclear explosion in history removed the rock, allowing for safe passage. The Trail…

Vancouver Island, British Columbia – Strathcona Provincial Park – Alpine Trees and Meadows

We’re in The Alpine “We’re in the Alpine now,” is a common observation as hikers make their way up a mountain. The terrain starts to change because of increased elevation; it becomes sparse with beautiful meadows and trees that grow differently – they are shorter, twisted and gnarly. Strathcona Provincial Park Turning off the Inland…

Half Marathon Goal – Postponed to 2021

Half Marathon My goal was to run the Valley Harvest Half Marathon, on Sunday, October 11th, 2020 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. 21.1km. However, I won’t be in Nova Scotia for the marathon, so I had to withdraw. Rethinking Goal – New Half Marathon As my husband and I transition from British Columbia to settle in Nova…

Fishing Trip Part VIII – Vancouver Island, British Columbia – The Wild West Coast of Canada – Smoke From United States Wildfires

Last Day – Hecate Cove We enjoyed breakfast, then packed up to head back to the marina at Port Alice. Smoke from the U.S. wildfires had given the appearance of fog over the cove. Boat Ride to Rumble Beach Marina, Port Alice The boat ride back felt like we were traveling through an eerie, mystical…

Fishing Trip Part VII – Quatsino Sound, Vancouver Island, British Columbia – The Wild West Coast of Canada – Sea Otters & Harbour Seals

Playful Sea Otters These adorable marine mammals were a highlight of our fishing adventure! They were all over the place within Quatsino Sound, and such a delight to see! Harbour Seals Harbour seals were seen as much as sea otters. Some were sunning themselves on rocks, others randomly popping up from the depths of the…

Fishing Trip Part VI – Hecate Cove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia – The Wild West Coast of Canada – Black Bear in the Apple Trees

When we first arrived to our rented fishing cabin in Hecate Cove, our neighbour – a resident of the cove, told us to be careful – a large black bear was frequenting the apple trees in the area. This large, rather fat black bear made two appearances, that we were aware of, to climb the…