Parksville Wetlands walk

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.

Parksville Wetlands Walk
Great trails for dogs

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!

wetland meadows
wetland meadows

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.

railroad tracks
old railroad tracks

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.

Enchanted forest
Enchanted forest

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!


Islandhosting.com

Enos Lake hike

Enos Lake hike 3
Enos Lake hike
Enos Lake, Nanoose

Nature time this week included a Enos Lake hike in Nanoose on Vancouver Island.  Easy to access the trail and the hike to the lake is around 30 minutes.

Enos Lake Hike 2
Easy hike downhill

The trail is downhill to the lake and is in good shape.  Not many people were present which was a real bonus for enjoying the quiet nature.

Enos Lake Hike 3
A healthy beaver pond on one of the side trails

We took the wrong turn on the trail and ended up by a large beaver pond that was buzzing with insects!

Common whitetail dragonfly
Common whitetail dragonfly

There were lots of the Common whitetail dragonflies flying around.  They are amazing fliers and fun to watch.  During the heat of the day we were lucky the mosquitoes were scarce!

Enos Lake Hike Lily Pads
Water lilies (Nymphaeaceae)

Lots of frogs were croaking as well.  They would probably love to hang out on these lily pads.

Enos Lake nature path
Enos Lake nature path

We found the right path to the lake.  It is a bit more challenging with lots of exposed roots from the large Douglas Fir and Red Cedar trees.  It’s all downhill to the lake from here!

Enos Lake hike ravine
Winding our way down the deep woods ravine to Enos Lake

I really love the nature in these deep woods ravines.  Lots of big trees and knarley landscapes.  We see glimpses of the lake below now.

Enos Lake hike 3
Enos Lake

A beautiful lake in nature is uplifting and spiritual.

Go play outside!

Little Qualicum Falls hike here!





 

 

Shelly Creek Adventures in Nature

Shelly Creek adventures in nature bike jump

 

Shelly Creek Adventures
Shelly Creek ravine
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
Shelly Creek flowing down to the ocean

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.

Maidenhair fern Adiatum aleuticum
Maidenhair fern Adiatum aleuticum

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.

Shelley Creek bike jump
Shelley Creek bike jump

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!

Jack Russell Shelly creek
Jack Russell Shelly creek

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.

Similar post Ghost Pipe plant here

Turkey tail mushrooms

 

Moorecroft Park Nature

Moorecroft Park Nature
Moorecroft park views
Moorecroft park views

A beautiful day for a short hike at Moorecroft Park!  The ocean and mountain views are magnificent.  Spring is in the air.

Moorecroft Park ocean view
Ocean views

On the Eastern side of Vancouver Island this park offers views of the British Columbia mainland and Georgia Strait.  Great place for kayaking or paddle boarding.

Rocky shore Moorecroft Park
Rocky shores

The shores and beach is very rocky making it a great place to warm up in the sunshine.  Also a great place to find some privacy and serenity.

Enos Lake hike here

Arbutus tree
Arbutus tree

Many Arbutus trees are present on the shoreline.  This indicates some major wind in the winter months.  Today there is a slight breeze which is perfect to check out the inland trails.

Spring forest moss
Spring forest moss

Throughout the forest bright green moss envelopes the ground.  After a wet winter this moss is doing very well.  The deep forest is so peaceful.

Moorecroft Park map
Moorecroft Park map

Moorecroft Park is easy to hike and there is a visitor map right at the parking lot.  Take the time to visit this small but beautiful natural park on Vancouver Island.

Englishman River blog here

 

Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls vibes
Little Qualicum Falls trail
Snowy trail in to Little Qualicum Falls
little qualicum falls

A short but slippery hike in to Little Qualicum Falls.  Beautiful green shades contrasted against the snow make you feel like you are in a fantasy world of nature.  It is extremely quiet today until we turn a corner and start to hear the falls.

Little Qualicum falls spring
full view of the falls

A slight mist in the air helps create a vibrant scene of water cascading down a rocky gorge.  Truly an elemental nature experience.  A person could be mesmerized for hours staring at all this lovely water.

Little Qualicum Falls vibes
Elemental water vibes

The closer you look the better it gets.  You can really feel the spirit of the deep forest waterfall.  It is a special healing experience hiking into this gem of nature.  Nature is the mirror image of spiritual reality.

Little Qualicum Falls closeup
waterfalls closeup

We really enjoyed this short deep forest walk to the Falls.  There are longer walks you can take if you wish.   This park is very easy to access and the parking is great.  I recommend it to anyone who loves nature.  Please check the link below for more information on the park.

Provincial Park info here

Play “Deep Forest Chill” on Spotify!

Vancouver Island beaches here!