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.

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