go play outside – Ecotones

July 10, 2019June 21, 2024

Parksville Wetlands walk

It was a wonderful summer day to have a Parksville Wetlands walk. A great place to enjoy many different species of plants, animals and fungi.

A short distance to the trail head we passed through rolling meadows with hard hack blooming. There is a gravel trail to walk on that changes into a soft forest path as you enter the main trail. Also there is a sign so you know you are in the right place!

Over the railroad track and into the forest we go. No trains are running on this track today but maybe one day the train will go by as it use to.

The Oceanspray was blooming and the white flowers were draped everywhere on the paths. I felt like I was in a magic forest. It was very enchanting.

Beautiful red columbine flowers were also in bloom. They are vibrant red in color so they really stand out.

Wetland Flowers — Red Columbine and Oceanspray blooms

In conclusion, I am very thankful for all these day trails in the Parksville area. Easily accessible and a great place to find peace and serenity. Chill out time in nature is important to body, mind and soul.

Also Enos Lake hike here!

May 18, 2019July 12, 2024

Sebastian Beach

Sebastian beach

Coming back from a trip to Nanaimo we stopped at Sebastian beach. The blue colors were spectacular and the view was magnificent.

An easy beach to walk and lots of shells and rocks to beach comb. There are private homes on this beach but many are well hidden behind greenery and beach logs.

Also this beach area would be a fantastic place to kayak or paddle board with some gentle waves hitting the shore today. The water is fairly shallow on the beach side which would be good for kids. A little deeper out and the swimming is great! Be careful on the rocks which are very slippery when wet.

I love to walk on the sandstone rocks with all their wonderful patterns and shapes. On one side you can look deep into the ocean and if you are lucky, see some sea creatures.

Sebastian Beach North Views — views to the north

Views to the north Courtenay area are clear and spectacular. You will definitely be amazed by all the nature vibes.

In conclusion, take a quick trip to Sebastian beach next time you are near Lantzville on Vancouver Island. Besides the beautiful views it is a nice location for a coffee break or a picnic.

Enos Lake hike blog here!

May 19, 2018February 3, 2019

Shelly Creek Adventures in Nature

SHELLY CREEK ADVENTURES IN NATURE

I love to hike in Shelly Creek ravine close to my home. It is peaceful and quiet even though there is a major highway and city nearby. A few steps from the concrete city and you are immersed in the deep forest ravine of Shelly Creek. The air is fresh and the ground is soft for a lovely hike in the woods. Go play outside.

Shelly Creek has a large volume of water that flows down to the ocean in the winter. During the summer months the creek disappears underground for most of the summer. Because of this there are only a few areas that pool with enough water for fish habitat.

Many interesting plants and fungi grow in the creek area. Maidenhair ferns (Adiatum aleuticum) are very green and pretty. They are found very close to the creek which would indicate the need for moisture.

Throughout the ravine are remnants of the old mountain bike trails. The above bike jump is situated very high above the ravine. Some of the jumps have been repaired in the last year but they still need some work before they are usable. It would have be great to watch the riders use these jumps and get some air time!

Shelly Creek adventures in nature would be no fun without a canine companion. Russell is always in the creek when the weather is hot or when it is not!

In conclusion I hope you find your little local nature hide away and enjoy the healthy benefits of Mother Nature.

Florencia Bay Beach

Happy Weekend Big Beach nature photography

Florencia Bay beach

Located in the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island is a beautiful piece of nature called Florencia Bay beach. A short walk in to the beach brings you into a natural paradise of sun and sand. I have been visiting this beach for many years and it is still very untouched and natural.

This beach is very easy to walk and is surrounded by trees, sun, and surf. What more could you want in life?

Listening to the sound of the water breaking in on the shore is very relaxing and clears your mind. As humans we sometimes think too much. Calming the mind is important to your health and happiness.

Florencia Bay beach driftwood man — Driftwood man

Lots of driftwood washes up here and some artistic folks enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to create their masterpieces. I was very impressed with the above Driftwood man. He stood tall on the beach and appeared as a watcher of all activities. I have seen similar driftwood creatures on other beaches but this one is exceptional.

Surfing at Pacific Rim National Park here!

Florencia Bay beach go play outside — Go play outside

This is a perfect beach for a long walk when the tide is low. There are lots of interesting shells, rocks, and sea creatures to be seen. In addition this is a fantastic beach to go play outside!

I hope you get a chance to visit your favorite beach this weekend. Nature soothes and heals the tired human soul. Above all, being beside or in the ocean is my zen place to be.

I am very grateful to all of you who visit my blog. I am very happy to share my experiences of nature with you. Please comment and share with your friends. Thank you very much!

November 2, 2017August 10, 2023

Nature waterfall

nature waterfall

Nature Waterfall

Englishman River nature waterfall fractal. A beautiful place to get lost with someone you love!

Hiking in the fall is wonderful time to be in nature. Seeing all the colors of the deep forest puts me in a total chill out state of mind.

Elphin saddle mushroom — Elphin saddle (Helvella lacunosa) mushroom

This is my forest hike meditation and it keeps me mentally alive to help face the challenges of life. Try it sometime and find some peace of mind.

Englishman River Falls nature photography — Englishman River waterfall

Englishman River in the summer here!

In the same fashion please watch this YouTube video I made of the Englishman River Falls. Enjoy the electronic music and psychedelic waterfalls! Please subscribe to my channel too!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

I am very grateful for your support!