My Boots n Me

Best Places to See in BC - Yellowhead Pass

2012-02-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Crossing the Continental Divide, the Yellowhead Pass
connects British Columbia
and Alberta.

The term "Yellowhead" originates
from an Iroquois-Metis trapper
named Pierre Bostonais whose
nickname was Tete Jaune in French.

Due to this areas gradual rise in elevation to
1,131 m (3,711 feet) the Yellowhead Pass
was considered
as a route for the Canadian Pacific Railway but
eventually abandoned for its
more southerly route The Kicking Horse Pass.

Besides being chock full of Canadian
history and legend, this
area is incredibly beautiful.
Lakes, river, streams and mountains
surround you as you make your way
through the pass.

My goal had been to find the
headwaters of the Fraser River.
The Gold Rush history of BC
has long fascinated me and I wanted to
see the source of the river that
had made British Columbia
the awe inspiring province that it is.
Though not able to see the actual source itself
the Continental Divide
separates the Pacific and Atlantic
watersheds.

I have reached my goal in this venture
and feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment
in my quest to photograph as much of the
Gold Rush historical routes that are
left.

Best Places to See in BC - Mt. Robson

2012-02-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

The highest point in the
Canadian Rockies is Mt. Robson.
Standing at 3,954 m (12,972 ft) high,
Mt. Robson is located in Mt. Robson Provincial Park.

The summit of Mt. Robson is usually
obscured by clouds, and indeed
after 3 separate trips to
get a glimpse of this rare sight,
I did get lucky early one
morning.

I've never met a mountain I didn't like,
and the view of Mt. Robson from
the Yellowhead Highway is pretty spectacular.
She's just ..... big.
I can only imagine what other secrets
her various faces hold,
as she is considered
one of the truly great
mountains to climb.
I'm happy taking in the views from
below.

Best Places to See in BC - Helmcken Falls

2012-01-31T00:12:00.000-08:00

Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park
should be a Must-Go-To-And-Gape-At-Open-Mouthed
destination for anyone either living in BC
or visiting here.
Helmcken Falls is a 141 m (463 ft)
waterfall on the Murtle River, and
is the fourth largest waterfall in Canada.

I'd heard so much about the ice dome that forms
at the base of the falls during the cold winter months here
in British Columbia. Had to see it for myself.

You really have to see this in person to appreciate the
size of the falls, and the dome itself, which can reach over
150 ft high some winters if it's cold enough.
I estimated this years dome to be roughly 100 ft high.
The sound of the Murtle River dropping down into this
dome is like nothing I have ever heard before.
A deep muffled roar are the best words I can use to describe it.
Our language is so limited when it comes to
evoking what is really happening when you first
are hit the sound waves from the falls.

I was lucky enough to observe and photograph the falls over
2 days and 2 very different skies.

The first day I met some ice climbers just coming out
of the bowl. Now that would be a spectacular way to
see and photograph this amazing feat of
Mother Nature.
The initial drop over the rim must be ... stomach churning
and adrenaline rushing all rolled into one emotion.
Fear of heights is not an option.

I think I am hearing another adventure about to hatch.

Best Places to See in BC - The Ancient Forest

2012-01-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

The only known temperate rainforest

to exist so far from an ocean
is right here in BC.

The Ancient Forest is located
113 km east of Prince George (on
highway 16 heading towards McBride)
and really has to be one of the province's
best kept secrets.
A walk through this trail in nothing
short of spiritual.

During the winter months the area lies
hushed and still within it's blanket
of whiter than white snow.
The sounds of a forest coming to rest can be heard
at every step along this magical trail.
Ancient cedar trees stand
silently and majestically over this
landscape. Truly a rare opportunity
to see, smell and touch Western Red Cedars
estimated to be between 1,000 - 1,200
years old.

I was overawed to be here after hearing
about this ancient land several months ago.

I still feel the spirit of this forest.
With her older-than-I-can-imagine
trees and life surrounding you on every step,
it is as I imagine life should be.

Best Places to See in BC - Barkerville

2012-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

Billy Barker struck gold on
August 17, 1862 near present day Barkerville.
The town of Barkerville was born to meet the demand of
other gold and dream seekers who
came to BC in search of fame and fortune.

My quest to research
British Columbia's Gold Rush
history and the men and women who
contributed to it's richly interwoven
history led me finally to Barkerville.

The Barkerville area of British Columbia
is an adventure unto itself to explore and enjoy.
The Gold Rush history of our province is evident everywhere.
Town and city names, streets and highways
bear the name of past explorers and adventures.

I can only imagine the hardships the
pioneer's of the past endured in their journey
this far north with only pick axe's and dreams of adventure.
The terrain can be brutal in the winter.
Snow and winds drive even the hardiest indoors
for months at a time.

Billy Barker was the Gold Rush's dream come true.
His mine produced over 37,000 ounces of gold.
In today's market that would be roughly
40 million dollars. Billy Barker's wildest dreams
came true.

Today the town is restored and can be visited
even during the winter months. I wanted to experience
what the pioneers would have endured during the
worst times of the winter. Barkerville did not
disappoint me.

Today with the aid of snow tires,
heated seats and 4 wheel drive vehicles,
it's hard to imagine the same journey by mule or horseback
along switchbacks and winding windswept passes.

British Columbia.
The land of adventure.

Best Places to See in BC - Tunkwa Provincial Park

2012-01-16T22:14:00.001-08:00

One of the most spectacular range land settings
in BC is the Thompson Plateau.
Tunkwa Provincial Park lies within this region
and offers beautiful open grassland, bogs, ponds, lakes and
big big skies. I never get tired of the sagebrush
and tumbleweeds here, summer or winter they
are indicative of this truly magnificent part of
British Columbia's landscape.

Nestled between the towns of Logan Lake and Savona
Tunkwa Provincial Park has some of the best
rainbow trout fishing in the province. Ice fishing
aficionados abound here in the winter months
when the lake is frozen over a foot deep
and the winds can make you dream
of fireplaces and hot toddies.

I've heard there's a herd of wild horses here.
Though this trip I wasn't lucky enough to
see them, I hear they are alive and
well and wintering the high plains
with plush coats
and wild spirits.

I think I heard their whinnies
in the wind ...
maybe it was the spirit of the plains and plateaus
of this wild and majestic region.

Best Places to See in BC - Jones Lake

2012-01-16T21:09:00.001-08:00

You absolutely cannot beat the view from
Jones Lake, BC.
Jones Lake, also known as Wahleach Lake, is located
25 kms southeast of the town of Hope, BC
and lies in the Skagit Range of the Cascade Mountains.

Not only are the views of Mount Cheam
impressive from here, there are 2 glaciers to
gape and eye pop over, too.
Both the
Lucky Four and Wahleach Glaciers
can be seen from the boat ramp.
Another spectacular place to visit and
enjoy in British Columbia.

Best Places to See in BC - Arbutus Trees

2011-12-28T21:06:00.001-08:00

Arbutus trees are
the only native broadleaf evergreen trees
in Canada.
They are usually found within 8 km's
of the ocean.
And breathtakingly beautiful.

Best Places to See in BC - China Beach

2011-12-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

China Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
is a spectacular place to let the essence of West Coast
seep into your soul.
Part of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park,
China Beach is on the west coast of southern
Vancouver Island.
I'd explored a lot of Vancouver Island in the past
but for some reason never made it to this area.
Fabulous ocean vistas with magnificent storm clouds roll past you as you
wander along the beach watching the thundering ocean waves
and inhale the scenery right out of a
fairy tale.
China Beach is a "must put on your list"
place to see.

Spend time here.
Let Mother Nature
infuse the sense of infinite time
and natural wisdom through you.
You will be forever changed.

Best Places to See in BC - French Beach

2011-12-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

One of the most picturesque beaches I have
seen on the west coast is French Beach
in French Beach Provincial Park.
Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca
French Beach is the epitome of the rugged
West Coast beach with her rocky shores,
beautiful driftwood
and gorgeous mountain backdrops.
Named after New Brunswick pioneer
James French who preempted the property
in 1885, French Beach is home to many
native species of plants and animals.
A good place for whale watching, too,
with Killer Whales and Grey Whales
making their way along the Strait.

Eagles echoed their haunting calls
as I wandered French Beach
glad that this gorgeous place is
now a provincial park.

Best Places to See in BC - Sooke Basin

2011-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Sooke Basin is located on southwestern Vancouver Island
in gorgeous British Columbia.
Sooke Basin drains into Sooke Harbor, which
in turns drains into the Juan De Fuca Strait.
A bike or car exploration around this
enchanting area of Vancouver Island
offers up some spectacular West Coast
scenery.

The 1790 Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper
gave Sooke Basin the name
Puerta de Revilla Gigedo
in honor of the Viceroy of New Spain
Güemes Padilla Horcasitas, Count of Revillagigedo.

There are four small islets in Sooke Basin,
one with the mysterious name of Deadman's Island.

With numerous islets and coves, beaches and bistros
the Sooke Basin is a wonderful place to
spend many happy hours wandering
and exploring.
Bring a camera and sense of adventure.
You won't be disappointed!

Best Places to See in BC - Sooke Potholes Regional Park

2011-12-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

One of the most enchanting places I visited on
Vancouver Island is the
Sooke Potholes Regional Park.

Cast your mind back thousands of years
to the age of glaciers. Now imagine
the slow movement of tons of ice and snow
carving out a path along this stretch of the landscape.
Large boulders were caught in depressions in
the bedrock and slowly twirled and ground their
marks to form bowl shaped holes. These holes eventually filled
with the rushing waters of today's Sooke River.
And Sooke Potholes was born.

Today, the Sooke River is home
to coho and chinook salmon as well as
a variety of water and shore birds.
Sooke River is the second largest river on southern
Vancouver Island. And definitely worth a visit.
She runs cold and clear as she tickles and drops her
way to the Sooke Basin and
eventually into Juan de Fuca Strait.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park is
easily accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
A short drive from Victoria will
put you in the heart of the park.
And some pretty spectacular scenery.

Best Places to See in BC - The Landscapes - The Light

2011-12-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

British Columbia is chock full of gorgeous scenery.
Let's face it, we have everything here from rugged mountain
vistas to cloud forests, from fabulous oceanscapes
to deserts and plains.

Watching the light can bring what would
otherwise be fabulous scenery to
something that can take your
soul and make it soar into infinity and back.

I have seen light that has brought tears to my eyes
and made me feel small and large all at the same time.
I have touched something I cannot explain
and have no words for.

This is British Columbia.
The land I call home.

Best Places to See in BC - Horseshoe Bay

2011-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

One of the most fascinating places to see in BC is Horseshoe Bay.
At the entrance to Howe Sound in West Vancouver,
Horseshoe Bay is home to the British Columbia Ferry Corporation.
The ferry system connects the mainland of British Columbia
with the gulf islands as well as Vancouver Island.

I've enjoyed watching the comings and goings of the various
BC Ferries for years. Strolling around the spectacular
setting of Horseshoe Bay with snow capped mountains
and the tang of salt air, you can well
imagine the excitement and anticipation of
travelers from all over the world as they
make their way to the various gulf islands
for further adventures and spectacular
British Columbia scenery.

The lucky ones are able to spots the occasional whale, dolphin
or seals as they ply the waters of the Strait of Georgia.

Best Places to See in BC - Mushrooms of the Forest Floor

2011-11-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

Some of the best places to see in
British Columbia are literally on the ground.
Our temperate weather makes the perfect
conditions for growing mushrooms.
Take this Candy Cap mushroom above.
Lactarius rubidus tastes like maple syrup when dried.
Mushrooms possess some pretty impressive names.

From the Shaggy Parasol to Honey Mushrooms,
Chanterelles and the Fairy Ring,
the Pacific Northwest embraces
hundreds of varieties of both edible and
non edible beauties of the fungus family.
Always best to take a mushroom expert along
with you if you intend on eating any of these
visual delights, since some varieties are both
exceedingly beautiful and exceedingly poisonous.
For me, the delight is in the finding these treasures
of the forest floor. Bringing back a photo or two
to inspire and delight others into crawling around
for themselves is a sheer joy.

Best Places to See in BC - Sumas Substation

2011-11-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

I can't take photos in British Columbia
without delving into her history.

I ran across the BC Electric Company's
Sumas Substation in one of my recent wanderings
around the countryside, and found out that
Sumas used to have a lake all of its own. Most of what
we drive on now used to be lake bottom.
Sumas Lake was drained in the 1920's.

The BC Electric Company had streetcars
that serviced Sumas from Vancouver.
Called the BC Electric Railway,
power for the cars was derived from Buntzen Lake
and Stave River power stations.

The Sumas substation is located on Old Yale Road,
which has an historical connection
to the Collins Overland Telegraph
Trail. I've spotted other parts of the Telegraph
Trail along my various BC travels and am now
able to put some of the pieces of this fascinating story together.

The Sumas Substation makes a great photo op for
any level photographer and a glimpse into our fascinating past
for any history buff.

Best Places to See in BC - The Changing Seasons

2011-11-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

You can't live in British Columbia
in the fall without being
enthralled with the change in seasons.
The blueberry fields turn a bright crimson colour.
Now add a touch of frost and it becomes enchantingly
beautiful. You need to see this for yourself to believe
the spectrum of colours swept at your feet
and caressing your eyes.
Take a walk anywhere and look around you, let nature
envelope you in her beauty.
You will be forever changed and enchanted
with this land I call home.

Best Places to See in BC - Alouette River

2011-10-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite places to
see in BC is the Alouette River
in Maple Ridge.
At any time of the year
this area is enchantingly beautiful.
Blue heron and woodpeckers are
abundant right now and can be
heard from quite a distance as
they call hauntingly in the fog.
The Alouette River is steeped
in ancient history, and if you
listen closely enough
the eerie call of eagles can
be heard in the distance.

The Spirit of the River is
alive and well.

Best Places to See in BC -- Autumn Colours

2011-10-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Autumn is such a special time of year anywhere.
Here in British Columbia, the colours can stop you in your
tracks and make you do a bit of jaw gaping.

You need to do nothing.
Look. And feel the colours
that seep into your soul with their
deep earth tones. This is the way Mother Nature
intended colours to be. Rich gold and yellow hues
gently mix with the red hues of a land resting
from the summers heat.

What can be wrong in a world
with this much beauty in it.

Best Places to See in BC - Colony Farm Regional Park

2011-10-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Colony Farm Regional Park
in Coquitlam never fails
to indulge my need to meet
Mother Nature up close.
I've been coming here for years now
and am lucky enough to pass this gem
on to others who know little of the area.
Birds and animals abound here and something
new awaits the nature observers at
every turn of the pathways.
Today I met a salamander
making its way to a waterway apparently
much better than the one it just left.
We spent a happy few minutes looking at each other
though I am sure I enjoyed the encounter more than
he did. He might have thought he was going to be lunch.

Best Places to See in BC - Anywhere in the Fog

2011-10-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

No doubt the summer is gone here in BC.
Our forecast is for ..... rain. And more rain.
I find this weather completely captivating.
The scenery changes into something
mystical and enchanting in the fog.
All you have to do is look outside and
see how the drifting fog envelopes
the hillsides and trees.
Mother Nature enshrouding our
world and making it something
ephemeral.
It just doesn't get any better than
foggy days here in BC.

Best Places to See in BC - Ashlu River

2011-10-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

One of the prettiest and wildest
rivers I have seen in BC is the
Ashlu River.
The Ashlu is northwest of Squamish and
is famous amongst white
water kayakers for its
rapid drops and canyon vistas.
All part of the drainage system for the
Pemberton Icefield
and emptying into the Squamish River,
the Ashlu River system is rugged and beautiful
and a must see for anyone wanting to explore the
beauty of British Columbia.
The adventures are endless.

Best Places to See in BC - Clendinning Provincial Park

2011-10-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Clendinning Provincial Park is
30,330 hectares of wilderness beauty
located 200 km north of Vancouver,
British Columbia.
Getting here can be quite the adventure.
What is here is nothing short of paradise.
Old growth trees stand majestic
sentinels to river valleys,
waterfalls and steep granite peaks.
The rhythms of time seem to stand still
here. To experience this area
is to touch a part of life as it stood
thousands of years ago.
The lands of Clendinning Provincial Park
drain into Clendinning Creek, which
is a tributary of the Elaho River.
A totally magical place here in British Columbia.

Best Places to See in BC, Burns Bog Weeping Fungi

2011-09-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Those of us living in British Columbia
are used to seeing the many varieties
of fungi that grow on trees. I've found
some books that list over 4,000 varieties.
I get confused after a couple of dozen.
Wandering around Burns Bog
I found this "weeping fungi" on a tree.
I've never seen anything like it.
You could actually see the droplets growing larger.
They were sticky, too, not watery like you
would expect from "tears".
I found out, after snooping around on the internet,
that drops form on the mushrooms when they
go through a period of rapid growth.
The plant worlds equivalent of human
beings sweating during a workout.

Mother Nature continues to fascinate me.

Best Places to See in BC Burns Bog

2011-09-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of the best places to see in
British Columbia is Burns Bog.
I visited Burns Bog in April and wanted
to see what it looked like in fall.

In a word, magical.

The soft purple and whites of late blooming
flowers gently fall towards the
still waters that slowly drain the bog.
There is a soft quietness to the air
that speaks in autumn tones remembering
summertime's heat.
Insects still chirp and sing their songs
and small birds flit around you as you
amble through the green enshrouded pathways
at Burns Bog.
I can't wait to see what she looks like in
the winter time.

Best Places to See in BC, Finn Slough

2011-08-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Finn Slough is located the south end
of No. 4 Road in Richmond,
British Columbia.
Finn Slough's history dates back to
the 1890's when a group of Finnish
settlers moved here to become
fishermen of the Fraser River.
Several homes and buildings still exist
at Finn Slough, and I met some very friendly
felines out enjoying the summer evening.
Access to the tiny
island is via an old wooden draw bridge
which can offer some quite picturesque views
of the waterway. However, once
on the island access is limited to the
boardwalk and a small pathway with
no view of the slough. Best
bet is to stay along the roadway and hope
for a glimpse of the charming rustic buildings
between sweetly scented blackberry bushes.

Best Places to See in BC, Old Growth Trees

2011-08-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

I've traveled a fair bit in BC.
Documenting the province has
become a passion of mine. Some call
it an obsession.
The one thing that stands out for me
above all others are the old growth trees.
They're getting harder and harder to find.
No doubt there are some left.
I think it's extremely important to document them
photographically.
Where they are located will remain with me.
I can keep Mother Nature's secrets.

Wind, rain, and the unfortunate hand of man
will make these magnificent trees a thing of
memory and legends in times to come.
To be close to one of these trees is to touch
our past. It's who we are.

I have no idea how old this particular tree is.
The privilege to stand in the presence
of such age, beauty and grace is life changing. It makes you
want to draw all that is precious in life close to your
heart and protect it forever.

Best Places to See in BC, Peaches and Creme Falls

2011-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

I knew I'd found a truly magnificent
place in the world the minute I laid on eyes on
Peaches and Creme Falls.
Part of the Elaho River Complex
near Squamish, British Columbia,
Peaches and Creme Falls literally took my breath away.
I stood in open jawed wonder looking at her
veil of mist and moss enshrouded rock before I came to my senses.

She drops 210 meters in 7 different steps.
The last step (pictured above) is mist covered and
laden with moss and tiny orchids that thrive in
this wet West Coast waterfall environment.
I can't bring you the sounds and smells from
Peaches and Creme, I wish I could.
The whole experience was mystical and
peaceful in the shadow
of a mighty and elegant lady
known as Peaches and Creme.

I can't wait to go back.

Best Places to See in BC, Maude Frickert Falls

2011-08-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Maude Frickert Falls comes upon you
in a flash. Her 87 feet
of thundering water can be heard
from quite a distance along the Squamish Main Road.
Being able to stand this close, literally overtop of
a magnificent waterfall that drops into
the Elaho River is truly an awe inspiring
experience. The spray can quite honestly soak you
right through. I had to try it out of course.
On a hot summer's day it's an amazing
experience.
Though I haven't been able to find out any history on
the naming of Maude Frickert Falls, I want to believe
she was an adventurous pioneer who stopped here
to enjoy a few minutes of Mother Natures splendor.

Best Places to See in BC, Vulcan's Thumb

2011-08-17T20:06:00.001-07:00

Vulcan's Thumb
is a 2290 meter high
conical volcano.
Situated between
the Pemberton Icefield and
the Squamish River, Vulcan's
Thumb stands out amongst the
other volcanic peaks in the Mount Cayley
volcanic field
by her rugged sheer walls.
All part of the
Pacific Ring of Fire,
Vulcan's Thumb has
added her name to my
list of impressive sights to see here
in British Columbia.

Best Places to See in BC, Mt. Fee

2011-08-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

My first glimpse of Mt. Fee
literally took my breath away.
Part of the Coast Mountains in southwestern
British Columbia, Mt. Fee is a volcanic peak
Part of the Mt. Cayley volcanic field which lies
between the Pemberton Icefield and the Squamish River,
Mt. Fee is 2,162 m (7,093 ft) high and
has 2 main summits.
Her rugged appearance is due to
glacial erosion over thousands of years.
Mt. Fee is not an active volcano,
her history of eruptions is unknown.
She is none the less a truly magnificent sight.

Best Places to See in BC, Ponder Creek

2011-08-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful little creeks
I have seen to date is Pondor Creek.
Starting her life in the Coast Mountains north
of Vancouver, Pondor Creek is
a nature lover's dream
come true.
Pondor and Peach Creek both empty
into the Elaho River complex, which in turn
becomes part of the Squamish River.
Fish and wildlife abound here,
peace and serenity are met with the
burbling sounds of Ponder Creek
as she starts her journey to the sea.

British Columbia never fails to
both astound and amaze me in
her beauty and hidden secrets.

Best Places to See in BC, The Elaho River

2011-08-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

I've just recently heard about the
Elaho River in British Columbia. And of course
I had to go check it out for myself.

After spending several days in the
area I have to admit to being overawed
at the gigantic beauty of this whole region.
The Elaho River is a tributary of the
Squamish River which originates
at the Pemberton Icefield.
In places the Elaho is gentle and
sublime. In others she is wild and
virtually untamed.
She is one of the foremost rivers in
BC for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
She is a beautiful shade of turquoise which
means a glacier fed river.

Seldom am I
short for words to describe the beauty
I have been privileged to see.
This is one of those times.

Best Places to See in BC, Little Harrison Lake

2011-08-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Another one of my all time favorite places to see in
British Columbia is Little Harrison Lake.
I have been on a quest to photograph as much
of the Douglas Trail in BC that remains.
Part of that history is Port Douglas.

Little Harrison Lake connects to Harrison Lake
via a channel and was navigated by steamboat
during the Gold Rush in the 1850's.
Gold prospectors and miners would ply their way from
New Westminster up the Fraser River to
Harrison River, across Harrison Lake to
Port Douglas. Then began their overland journey.
The tenacity and endurance of these
early settlers of our province is astounding.
Today this area seems remote and is, undeniably,
wildly beautiful.
In the 1850's it must have seemed
daunting and dangerous.

I can only imagine what those early gold seekers
felt as they navigated their way through this land of
eagles and waterfalls, mountain lakes
and the ultimate in natural beauty.

Best Places to See in BC, Tipella

2011-08-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Tipella, British Columbia
sits at the northern
end of Harrison Lake. An incredibly beautiful
location with Coast Mountains as back drop
to the Lillooet River gently flowing
into Harrison Lake.
One of the tributaries of the Lillooet River
is Meager Creek, which came to
the worlds attention last year when
a catastrophic landslide
forced the evacuation of many people.
I don't think Mother Nature is very
happy with us for damming her creeks and rivers.
She has a way of eventually fighting back, and
slowly, sometimes dramatically,
regaining what man has taken for himself.
For now, this area is quiet, and the beauty and
charm of this area continues to enchant and enthrall me.

Best Places to See in BC, Tynehead Park, Surrey

2011-08-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey
is another of those gems on my
Best Places to Visit in British Columbia list.
The Serpentine River flows gently through the
260 hectares of forest, meadows, and wildlife habitat.
I spent a nature filled afternoon here wandering the
many paths and trails,
taking in the fish hatchery and and butterfly garden.
Squirrels and several varieties of birds flitted about
enchantingly, and the fresh smell of summer in
the forest was intoxicating.
Watching the play of light on the forest floor
as the river gently splashed onward on her journey
to renew life
is nothing short of soul renewing.

Best Places to See in BC, 20 Mile Bay, Harrison Lake

2011-07-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Harrison Lake is one of the best lakes to see in British Columbia.
She is
37 miles long and 5.6 miles wide.
Every square inch of this enchanting lake
has her own special beauty to offer.
On my journey to discover and explore
Port Douglas, I stopped for some nature bonding time
at 20 Mile Bay. The views up the Harrison Lake
are enchanting and constantly changing. Loons greeted my
quiet contemplation of lake life, and a family
of Canada Geese were teaching their young ones
the art of bungee jumping off logs along the water, without
the aid of a bungee. No babies were hurt in the process, but
I can only image the heart stopping first leap of faith from dry
land into the big wide world of water.
It was very hard to tear myself away from this peaceful and
soul renewing bay.
But other adventures awaited me.

Best Places to See in BC, Harrison Lake

2011-07-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

My journey to photograph the Gold Rush history of
British Columbia has led me to places that
I knew little of.
Take Harrison Lake.
I have known it from my various trips to the Harrison Hot Springs
community. But I had just barely explored her
incredible grace and beauty until traveling along
the entire west side from Harrison Hot Springs to
Port Douglas.
Not for the faint of heart or those without four wheel
drive vehicles, the road literally turns into creek beds
in some sections.
The views are totally stunning.
The wildlife is abundant and unfettered by the
few of us that venture into their peaceful and sublime space.
There are so many waterfalls and plants, mountain vistas
and peace waiting to be experienced here that I need another lifetime
to explore and savor it fully.
For now,
I have touched the spirit of this land along the great Harrison Lake.

Best Places to See in BC, Fort to Fort Trail, Fort Langley, BC

2011-06-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Besides being stunningly beautiful,
the Fort to Fort Trail in Fort Langley,
British Columbia is chock full of history.
The trail links the Fort Langley National
Historic Site to the original site of the
Hudson's Bay Company fort in Derby Reach
Regional Park.
Every curve and twist of the trail has something
to offer the walker, jogger or cyclist.
Views of Mount Baker and Golden Ears Mountains
offer a backdrop to Brae Island, the Bedford Channel
and the Fraser River.

Mother Nature is alive and well here, song birds
seem to be offering up their joy over the springtime sunshine.
I was lucky enough to glimpse a Kingfisher on his swooping patrol
of the river. Herons were standing knee deep in
vigilant watch for lunchtime fish snacks.
The sights and sounds of spring are intoxicating
and much welcomed along this beautiful part of
British Columbia.

Best Places to See in BC, Brae Island Regional Park

2011-05-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Brae Island Regional Park is a gorgeous spot
along the Fraser River in Fort Langley, BC.
I must have driven by this gem
dozens of times and never paid attention
to the signs.
Filled with the sights, sounds and smells
of a British Columbia springtime,
the park is easily accessible for all.
A 4.2 km walk takes you to
Tavistock Point which
offers views of the Coastal Mountains
and the Fraser River.
A truly wonderful way to spend a couple
of hours of Mother Natures essence.

Best Places to Visit in BC, The Moyie

2011-05-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

The Moyie is located in beautiful
Kaslo, BC.

Originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railway
to work their "All Canadian Water and Rail Route" to the Klondike,
the bill allowing this railway link to be built never passed
the Canadian Senate. The Moyie was then shipped
via rail to Nelson and began her service on Kootenay Lake.

She plied the waters of Kootenay Lake
from 1898 to 1957, carrying passengers
and freight to various points along the lakes shore.

She played an integral part of
British Columbia's silver mining history, and today is
the worlds oldest intact passenger sternwheeler.

The Moyie is a National Historic Site of Canada
and sits proudly along Front Street in Kaslo.

Truly and unique part of British Columbia history
and not to be missed on any trip through the Kootenays.

Best Places to Visit in BC, Kaslo Village Hall

2011-05-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Village Hall in
Kaslo, British Columbia
was built in 1898. It is only one of two
wooden municipal buildings still in use
as a seat in government in Canada.
Kaslo has a rich history in the silver mining
era of British Columbia. A walk along her
tree lined streets with views of the Selkirk
and Purcell mountains in the background
brings echoes of the past skidding
across your imagination.
Historic buildings abound, interlaced with
the bustle of the upcoming Kaslo Jazz Festival.
Local banter is mixed with the quiet lap of
Kootenay Lake.
Truly a unique and special place to visit, and savor,
in British Columbia.

Best Places to Visit in BC, Kaslo

2011-05-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

The best places to visit in British Columbia
end up being total gems.
The village of Kaslo is located on the western shore
of Kootenay Lake.
Richly interwoven with British Columbia's
silver mining history, Kaslo was incorporated
on August 14, 1893, making it the oldest
incorporated city in the Kootenays.
Kaslo nestles between the Selkirk and Purcell
mountains. With her tree lined streets, historic
buildings, stern wheelers and natural beauty,
Kaslo should be on everyone's list of Must See
Places in British Columbia.

Best Places to Visit in BC, Kootenay Lake

2011-05-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

Kootenay Lake is 90 miles long
and bounded by the Selkirk Mountain range
on the west and the Purcell range to the east.
It is part of the Kootenay river system
that drains in to the Columbia River.
The whole area around Kootenay Lake
is incredibly beautiful and has a wild,
waiting-to-be-explored feeling to it.
Small towns dot her shores, many with
well kept historic buildings, paddle wheelers,
and heaps of history.
Kootenay Lake is also
home to the famous Kokanee salmon,
not to be confused with the famous Kokanee
brew.
Taking the time to explore and savor the
whole area could take a life time.
I am working on it.

Best Places to Visit in Vancouver, Burns Bog

2011-04-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

One of the best places to visit in Vancouver is
Burns Bog.
I became intrigued with bogs after visiting the
Shorepine Bog in the Pacific Rim National Park
on Vancouver Island.
What struck me the most about both of these bogs
was how clear and fresh the air seems to be.
You can feel it with every breath, it's just ...
clean. Crisply clean, you have to experience it
to understand the feeling.

Burns Bog covers about 40 sq kms, or about
one quarter of the district municipality of Delta.
Burns Bog contains 24 species of mammals and
150 species of birds, and is a domed peat bog.
Amazing life within our city.
The light filtering through the trees
gave Burns Bog a feeling of primordial eeriness
the day I was there. Totally beautiful and definitely
worthy of several return trips to catch her
in all her seasons and moods.
I am hooked.

Sandon, BC

2011-04-12T10:01:00.001-07:00

Sandon is located on highway 31A
between New Denver and Kaslo
in the Kootenays region of British Columbia.
She was known as the Monte Carlo of
North America in the 1890's silver mining
era, with 28 saloons, 3 breweries
and 29 hotels.
Sandon has an interesting past,
and an even more intriguing present.
She was nearly destroyed - twice, once by fire in 1900,
once by a wash out in 1955.
Later, Sandon had to endure treasure hunters
and artifact seekers who successfully dismantled
most of the community.

During WW II Sandon interrned over 1,000
Japanese-Canadians.

Since 1970, volunteers have been working to
restore Sandon to reflect her glorious past.
Over 60,000 visitors a year come
to see a part of British Columbia's history.
Set amongst the Selkirk Mountains, she is
regal and elegant.

I spent several hours exploring Sandon in a raging
snow storm, which only added to the mystery.
I think I heard the distant
tinkle of a harpsicord being played.
Or was it only the wind in the trees?
I will return to discover more
of her secrets.

Rosebery, BC

2011-04-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Part of Kootenays rich
silver mining history includes Rosebery.
On the east side of Slocan Lake and
north of New Denver, Rosebery
was named for the 5th Earl of Rosebery.
Back in the day of silver mining, Rosebery was considered
one of the best harbors
on Slocan Lake.
Barges and sternwheel steamers
docked here, meeting trains that were
servicing the various silver mines in the area.
The railway was called the N & S Line
after the towns of Nakusp and Slocan.
The Galena Trail follows part of the old railway bed.
Hiking or skiing along the trail today, you can well imagine
what the area must have been like with the hustle of miners
and the hiss and hoot of the steam locomotives echoing
off of the distant mountains.

British Columbia is full of majesty and history.
I am still exploring and learning.

The Galena Trail, BC

2011-04-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Kootenays should be on
everyone's list of Top
Places to Visit in British Columbia.
Besides being packed with history,
the Kootenays is home to some pretty
spectacular scenery.
The Galena Trail is part of the
old railway bed of the CP railway.
This part of the railway was built in 1895 to access
the local silver mines in the Slocan Valley.
The 13 km long Galena Trail runs from
Rosebery to Three Forks, and is great
for hiking, mountain biking, and
cross country skiing or snowshoeing
in the winter months.

Shalalth, BC

2011-03-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Shalalth, British Columbia
is today one of the communities
of the
Seton Lake Band
of the Lillooet Nation.
Shalalth has gone through a number of
changes in her lifetime.
Part of British Columbia's Gold Rush history
and the Douglas Trail, she was later
an Oblate mission in the late 1800's.
Becoming known as "the Mission",
the term still exists today as the
mountain pass between Seton and Carpenter Lakes.
(see map)

Today, Shalalth is home to the
Bridge River Power Project.
Three dams, four powerhouses
and a dam all make up this huge project.
I had no idea.

During WW II Shalalth
was used to inter Japanese-Canadians.

Best Places to Visit in British Columbia, Seton Portage

2011-03-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

British Columbia's Gold Rush era
was the time of legends, dreams
and some pretty innovative people.
Seton Portage, or Short Portage
as she was to become known, was the site
of men, women and every type of
gold mining equipment imaginable
plying their way to the gold fields.
Though documented history is rare
on the Portage, the figure of
30,000 men at a time using this
small spit of land to cross between
Anderson Lake and Seton Lake is repeated in some writings.
I can only imagine what life must have been like
in the 1800's along this gorgeous
stretch of the Douglas Trail.
The mountain scenery is spectacular, the lakes
are ephemeral.
Did the gold fevered men and women
take the time to stop and look in awe and wonder
at their surroundings? Or were they so intent
on their quest for riches that they became
impervious to their surroundings.

I do know that this area today is chock full
of incredible scenery and history. An area to come
back to over time and savor the many faces
she puts on for her visitors.

Slowly time etches away history,
but the hopes and dreams live on
in all of us.

Seton Portage Provincial Historic Park, BC

2011-03-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Seton Portage Provincial Historic Park
is located at Seton Portage, BC.
Commemorating the
first railway in the
province of British Columbia,
the park is situated between
Seton Lake and Anderson Lake.
The area is part of the
Douglas Trail, used during
British Columbia's gold rush
during the 1800's.

Seton Portage River, BC

2011-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Joining Seton Lake with
Anderson Lake in British Columbia,
Canada is Seton Portage River.
Part of British Columbia's
Gold Rush history,
this area was used by
gold seekers in the18o0's
seeking their fame and fortune.
Part of the Douglas Road
or Douglas Trail, it connected
travelers from British Columbia's
coast to the interior of the province.

Seton Portage, BC

2011-03-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Situated between Anderson Lake
and Seton Lake in British Columbia
is Seton Portage.
(Map located here)
Part of the Douglas Road used
during the Gold Rush era
in British Columbia,
Seton Portage was the land connection
between the the 2 lakes, and
was traversed by
a 3 mile mule drawn railway.
From Seton Lake, it was
another 5 mile overland journey
for the gold seekers to reach Lillooet.

The journey must have been arduous.
The views - astounding.

D'Arcy, BC

2011-03-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

One of the best adventures in British
Columbia is to follow the various
paths of the gold seekers.

D'Arcy, on the shore of Anderson Lake,
was founded during British Columbia's
Gold Rush
and originally called Port Anderson.
Steam ships plied the waters of
Anderson Lake taking gold hunters
across the 21 km's to Seton Portage.
Then across Seton Lake and on to Lillooet,
the hardy men and women made their way to the
various gold fields of British Columbia

I am still awed at the lengths
that gold seekers went to follow their
dreams. This area is rugged and
totally beautiful. To explore it today
is not for the faint of heart. The roads
are narrow and crumbling in some parts, winding
and twisting along mountains that seemingly
drop into the very depths of the lakes.
Traversing it during the 1800's
on horseback, by foot or even
by bicycle must have been a totally
hair raising experience.

Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park, BC

2011-03-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park
is located 90 kms north of Whistler.
Taking Highway 99 north from Whistler,
the road splits at Mount Currie marking the route
to D'Arcy or the Duffy Lake Road.
The road to D'Arcy is called
the "Portage Road", (see map here) which wasn't obvious why to
me until I started putting
pieces of geography and history together.
During BC's Gold Rush, D'Arcy was known as
Port Anderson. Port Anderson was part of the
Douglas Road transportation route connecting
the Fraser River to the Fraser Canyon
via lake transport, portages, etc.

There are
2 different turn offs along Portage Road
for Birkenhead Lake, both well marked. The first road
does not offer lake access this time of year. The
second road is passable with snow tires.
The views are astounding.
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing
and cross country skiing are all possible during the
winter months
at Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park.
The Bear Trail and Lake Shore Trail
are accessible for hikers and
bikers in the summer months, too.
Definitely a must see destination in
British Columbia.

Best Places to Visit in BC, Slocan Lake

2011-03-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Slocan region of British Columbia's
Kootenay district is steeped in history.
Known as the "Silvery Slocan" this
region was part of the silver rush during the
1890's to 1900's.
The Slocan River drains Slocan Lake,
which flows through the Slocan Valley
and in turn meets the Kootenay River a few miles
above the confluence of the Columbia River.
I know, it's confusing. The map here might help
out.
Once you visit this area it all starts to make
perfect sense.
During the 1940's, Canadian
people of Japanese descent were
interred in the north end of the
Slocan Valley. Amongst them
was David Suzuki.

Valhalla Provincial Park lies to the west of
Slocan Lake. The Valhalla Range offers incredible
mountain vistas and scenery.
With the abundance of wild life,
drop dead scenery, and even
ghost towns,
the Slocan Valley could take a lot
of further exploring on my part.

Upper Saddle Mountain, BC

2011-03-16T22:34:00.001-07:00

The Kootenay's region of
British Columbia has fast become
one of my favorite places to photograph.
After departing the Needles Ferry across
Lower Arrow Lake, the
mountain views become more
and more dramatic.
Exploring here during the winter
awards you more treats than you
can possibly digest in a few hours.

The vistas are simply stunning. Snow and fog
envelope the mountains in cloaks of down.
And give us glimpses of
their tree clad sheer faces. You could
honestly spend all day looking at one mountain,
the mists change constantly and add a feeling
of mystery to the whole experience.
Saddle Mountain and Upper Saddle Mountain
lie south of Nakusp, and the hike
up Saddle Mountain to the lookout offers spectacular
views of the Arrow Lakes.

Mother Nature never fails to impress
and surprise me, usually at the same time.

Needles and the Lower Arrow Lake Ferry, BC

2011-03-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Continuing eastward along Highway 6
in British Columbia's Kootenay region,
you come to the Arrow Lakes district.
The Arrow Lakes are actually part
of the Columbia River.
Riding the ferry from Needles to Fauquier
across the Lower Arrow Lake,
you can see the
Monashee Mountains
on the west side and the Selkirk Mountains on the
east. Stunning actually.
Steeped in history, the area offers
up many tales and mysteries.
The cemetery is the only thing that is left of Needles.

The ferry has been operating since
1913 and the original was built by
local farmers using old car parts.
A map of the area
can be viewed here.
This cable ferry ride is free.

Monashee Mountains, BC

2011-03-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Monashee Mountains are part
of the Central Columbia
Mountain Range in British Columbia.
Like most people, I have trouble
trying to understand the boundaries
of the various mountain ranges, districts, and areas.
Where do the Kootenays start exactly?
Are the Monashees part of the Kootenays?
Leaving the confusing details behind,
the Monashee's are beautiful.
In the wintertime, they are a treat for Mother Nature
seekers.
I've never seen a mountain I didn't like. The Monashee's
are no exception and offer the adventurer
trails, parks, peaks, rivers and creeks
galore to explore and experience.

Located between Vernon and Revelstoke,
Monashee Summit is accessible by car along
Highway 6.
Taking a tour through the Kootenays
should definitely include a look at the Monashees.

Top Places to Explore in British Columbia, Myra Canyon

2011-03-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

One of my top places to visit and explore in BC
is Myra Canyon.

I wasn't able to cycle the Myra Canyon
Kettle Valley Railway route last summer.
Life got busy and time just slipped away.
Fortunately, on my latest trip through the
Okanagan Valley, I had a chance to visit
this amazing place.
If this is the only site you mange to visit
when you are in the Okanagan, you won't be
disappointed.
Not only are the views from this historic site
spectacular, the idea that they were built
in the 1880's and then rebuilt after
a devastating fire in 2003
destroyed many of the trestles
is astounding. Human ingenuity
never fails to amaze me.

I can't wait to get back to this area
and do some more exploring. The photo
opportunities are endless. Picking a single
image to represent what I saw and felt
is impossible. One of those
You-Have-To-Do-It-Yourself
experiences in life.

Top Places to Visit in British Columbia, Kelowna

2011-03-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

One of the top places to visit in
British Columbia is Kelowna.

Kelowna sits on the shores of Okanagan Lake
in the Okanagan Valley region of
British Columbia.
Kelowna means "grizzly bear" in the
Nsyilxcan language.
Lake Okanagan is the
home of the Ogopogo.
Be it fact or fiction, everyone loves
a great monster mystery.

Also home of the William R. Bennett
bridge, it is only one of eight floating bridges
in the world, and the only of of its kind
in Canada.
Made of pontoons and fixed structures,
this bridge truly is a thing of beauty.

I wonder what the Ogopogo thinks
of the new pontoons.

Big White, BC

2011-03-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed finding beauty
in the unexpected.
The highest mountain in the Okanagan Valley
is called Big White. At
2,315 m (7,595 ft), she is truly magnificent
and ephemeral in the wintertime.
The Big White Ski Resort is built around the summit of
Big White Mountain.
The ice climbing tower is
a thing of beauty on Big White.
Worth the trip to gasp, "eeww" and "aahh"
over. And if you're feeling
really in shape, give it try to reach the top.
Quite the winter adventure.

Skaha Lake, BC

2011-03-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the most beautiful places
in the world get overlooked because of their
proximity to the more celebrated locations.
Take Skaha Lake in the Okanagan
Valley region of British Columbia.
She sits south of bigger and much more famous
Okanagan Lake. The lake of the Ogopogo legends.
Who doesn't love a good elusive monster mystery.

Skaha Lake is part of the Okanagan River, which is
a tributary of the Columbia River. The Okanagan River drains the
Okanagan Valley east of the Cascades. And the Cascades
are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Lake Skaha certainly plays her part in the bigger picture
of British Columbia's geology and geography.

And she is a beauty. In the wintertime, she
is gorgeous.

New Destination Hot Spots in British Columbia

2011-03-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

My Boots 'n Me have returned
from new adventures
in the Kootenays
and the Canadian Rockies.

New destination hot spots
and my favorite places to visit
are being listed on this site.

Mother Nature is so amazing, the
adventures continue.

The Rocky Mountains

2011-02-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

Experiencing the Rocky Mountains
for yourself can be
a life altering experience.
By experiencing, I mean not only seeing them,
but living in and with them.
Seeing them firsthand, again, for me,
was nearly overwhelming.

I gave up saying "oooh my gosh" and "wow" and just left my mouth
hang open in awe. Saved a lot on
the jaw muscles.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Filled with hot springs, snow storms,
and some of the bluest skies I have ever seen.
My adventures here allowed me to touch a
part of her spirit and respect
her moods.
For this, I am forever changed.

Kennedy Lake, BC

2011-01-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of lakes on Vancouver Island,
and by far one of the prettiest is Kennedy Lake.
Kennedy Lake is the largest fresh water lake on
Vancouver Island.
It is also an important salmon spawning habitat
for sockeye salmon and trout.

The Northern arm of Kennedy Lake is
called Clayoquot Arm.
Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park
is located on the western shores of this arm,
and is a protected area from Vancouver Island's
logging industry.

Kennedy Lake was named after
Sir Arthur Edward Kennedy
who was appointed governor of
Vancouver Island in 1863.

Kennedy Lake offers
some beautiful vistas from the
Pacific Rim Highway (Highway#4) that hugs
her southern shores. The whole
area here is steeped in nature at her finest.
Huge trees are a common sight along
the drive, and resident eagles offer
the visitor their haunting cries
echoing through the mountains.

A true paradise, one that
needs to be savored over time and
many more visits.

Cathedral Grove, BC

2011-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

There has been endless articles and
photos published about Cathedral Grove
on Vancouver Island.
I was not prepared to be totally
awed and overwhelmed by the
sheer size of the magnificent trees there.

They are huge ... you have to see this for yourself
to appreciate it. I spent a full
day in some very cold frosty
weather, just looking up. My photographer
inner self did not know where to look
next. My Mother Nature inner self
felt totally at peace with this environment.
Hard to come away with just 1 photo
to explain the whole range of emotions
that Cathedral Grove inspires within me.

Robertson Creek Hatchery, BC

2011-01-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery
is located along Great Central Lake Road
just off of the Pacific Rim Highway.
Producing millions of smolts yearly,
the Robertson Creek facility
is the most successful hatchery on Vancouver Island.

A smolt is a young salmon, 2 - 3 years old, that
has undergone changes to enable it to migrate from
the fresh water to the salt water of the Pacific Ocean.
The Robertson Creek hatchery produces
coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead trout
smolts.
When you stop to think about it, here
is an animal that can adapt to several different
environments over it's lifetime.
The migration from fresh water to salt water alone
is an arduous journey filled with
all kind of dangers, from hungry eagles
to otters and seals waiting for a snack.

Then, the whole adventure begins again
when they are ready to spawn back from
the ocean to their birthplace.
From
salt water back to fresh water, they brave rapids,
hungry bears
and many other hazards to
lay eggs and begin their cycle of life all
over again.
Pretty amazing.
Mother Nature never fails to astound me.

Great Central Lake, BC

2011-01-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

Great Central Lake in
British Columbia is located
approx. 16 kms northwest of Port Alberni
along the Pacific Rim Highway.
I admit to knowing very little about
this beautiful Vancouver Island lake before
I started exploring the area.
In typical Canadian fashion, Great Central
Lake does not have flashing neon billboards pointing
the way to her. She is marked simply
by a sign along the Pacific Rim Highway, Great
Central Lake Road.
And great she is.
Home to numerous kinds of fish including
steelhead trout, she is also the
starting point for hikers
accessing Della Falls.
Della Falls is the highest waterfall in
Canada.
In 1899 prospector and trapper Joe Drinkwater,
named the falls after his wife Della.
Apparently Joe did some mining near the falls, and
there is evidence of an aerial tramway that he
built still in existence.
I know, an amazing adventure waiting
to be had. I'm on it.

The weather was cold and frosty when I was here,
and thoughts of kayaking along the
lake and hiking to Della Falls in
spring fill my inner sense of adventure
and discovery.

Sproat Lake Petroglyph's

2011-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island
is home to some pretty impressive
petroglyph's.
These ancient rock carvings fascinate me,
the minds and hands that created them
hold an almost mystical charm.
The petroglyph's I visited in
Nicaragua are also assumed
to represent sea creatures, some
more strange and exotic looking than the next.

The ancient's way of showing us
the animals and people
that inhabited their world
are slowing fading with the effects of time.
Fortunately, photography offers a more
permanent record of these carvings.

But nothing can replace seeing
them in their own environment
with the primordial cry of an eagle echoing
off the rocks.

Sproat Lake, BC

2011-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

A trip to Vancouver Island and a
drive along the Pacific Rim Highway
is not complete without a stop at
Sproat Lake.

A quick 10 minute walk along Sproat Lake's eastern shore
brings you to some prehistoric petroglyph's.
Petroglyph's have always fascinated me, the various
shapes and figures carved by ancient artists long ago
explain their world
and creatures that inhabited it. Some
resemble the stuff of scary nightmares.

Sproat Lake is also home
to the Martin Mars Water Bombers.
These flying tankers are really
an incredible sight to see. I had no idea
they were as big as they are.
The world's largest scooping water bombers,
they are used to fight fires, including some of
British Columbia's forest fires.
The Martin Mars base was closed for tours
when I was there, but will
definitely be on my "to do" list for the next trip.

Cameron Lake, British Columbia

2011-01-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Cameron Lake on
Vancouver Island is not only a beautiful lake,
she is also home to a mysterious unknown
creature.
Named the Lake Cameron Creature,
she was first spotted in the 1980's. For years, local
residents have reported seeing
a massive creature that rises
to the surface and then disappears.

The Pacific Rim Highway follows
Cameron Lake's south shore. The drive
offers some stunning vistas
of snow topped mountains reflected
in Cameron Lake's gentle waters.

I never saw the creature on my wanderings past
Cameron Lake. Mother Nature likes
to guard her mysteries and secrets close to
her heart, and share them with the
deserving. For now, I am happy
to let the mystery remain.

Mt Arrowsmith, Vancouver Island, BC

2011-01-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Mt. Arrowsmith is the highest
mountain on Southern Vancouver Island at 1817 meters,
or 5962 feet for those of us who think
in Imperial measures.

The Somass River flows gently along
her icy way to the Alberni Inlet
in the above photo. Bald headed eagles
were warily scanning the river for their next meal
while seals splashed and dove in the frigid water
as I watched enthralled and thrilled to be able
to share a moment in
the cycle of life here.

I can't explain what it
is about this area of Vancouver Island
that continues to draw me back time
and time again. It abounds in a
natural beauty that is beyond mere words.
To experience it for yourself is
up there on the Bucket List of
life's things to do. An honour
and privilege shared by many,
and understood by few.

I went on a journey of
discovery. In the end, the
island was discovering me.

Golden Ears, British Columbia

2010-12-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

The Blanchard massif, which consists of
Golden Ears, Edge Peak and Blanchard Needle
(from west to east respectively) is commonly
known in the Lower Mainland as Golden Ears.
Whatever you choose to call her, in today's
photo, she is seen in a glorious coat of fresh snow
shining in all her splendor.

Every once in awhile Mother Nature
comes along and totally floors
you with her jaw gaping beauty.
After what seems like weeks of wet, rainy,
grey British Columbia weather,
the last 2 days have been overwhelmingly
gorgeous.
I saw many people looking up in amazement
at the freshly snow covered mountains with a backdrop
of crisp blue skies that faded to a spectacular pink and mauve
sunset.

No doubt it's cold in Vancouver, minus 3 Celsius for us is not the norm.
But who would trade these to-die-for mountain views with the
night skies' Milky Way just a hands reach away
for anywhere else on earth.

With the long range forecast for clear skies
and sunshine, I can only imagine
what other adventures Mother Nature
has in store.

Big Horn Sheep, British Columbia, Canada

2010-12-29T08:42:00.000-08:00

British Columbia is home to some
of the most magnificent animals on earth.
The Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep are
difficult to spot on the steep hillsides and
cliff faces they favor. Their richly coloured brown
coats and white rumps blend perfectly
into the surrounding landscape.

The males, or rams, have some pretty impressive horns
to show off. The larger the horns, the older the ram.
The keratin in the horns grows like the rings on a trees,
laid down a layer at a time. That is, if you
get close enough to count them.

I was perfectly happy watching this herd
from a distance, since it was mating season
and the males seemed a bit grumpy and
not at all happy watching silly people with
cameras poking around their harems.

Sadly, these incredible animals are
under threat from both habitat
encroachment and hunting. I actually
found more information on Big Horn Sheep from
hunting sites on the internet than I did
wildlife management or conservation sites.

I can not even imagine what our
world would be like to loose these
truly amazing animals.

Red Bridge, Keremeos, BC

2010-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

There are very few covered bridges in Canada and
Keremeos is home to one of them.
I've never seen a covered bridge before and
profess to not even knowing British Columbia
was home to one.
The Red Bridge in Keremeos spans the
Similkameen River, was built in 1907 as a railroad
bridge, and is used today as a highway bridge taking
traffic to the Ashnola Valley.
The Red Bridge can be seen from quite a ways along the highway if
you know where to look. Well, I am pretty snoopy
when it comes to traveling, and have a look at
everything-everywhere. I don't want to miss
anything that might be interesting. I must be very annoying
to travel with.

There is an interesting plaque at the
bridge describing how the original 5 bridges were
used during the heydey of mining in the area.

The Similkameen Valley has become a fast favorite
of mine. It's incredibly beautiful,
full of history and has untold mysteries
waiting to be discovered.

Hedley, British Columbia

2010-12-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

One of the most amazing weekend trips
in British Columbia is to Hedley.
Hedley is located 38 kms (24 miles)
from Princeton along the Crowsnest Highway.
Known for it's gold, Hedley
is nestled at the foot of Nickel Plate Mountain.
There is a Mining Museum here that is
worth a wander through.
Though tours of the Mascot Mine had closed
for the season when I was there,
it is definitely on my to do list for the coming year.
As I wandered through part of our British Columbia
heritage, I was trying to imagine
what the miners and their families had to face
in the early days of Hedley, all in the pursuit of
the yellow fever called Gold.
For centuries before gold fever,
the Snaza’ist mined ochre and chert here.

The whole Similkameen Valley is full of secrets and legends
waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its wineries,
one of the few Aboriginal vineyards in the
world is located in the valley. Called
Nk'Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep), the
band has a long history of growing grapes.

I am discovering more and more about
British Columbia every day, making her truly a
great lady worthy of the time spent to know
her beauty and myths, mysteries and adventures.

Snowfall and Record Low Temperatures in BC

2010-11-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Winter has paid British Columbia a visit.
But wait long enough, and it will completely change, again.
It was in the minus degrees Celsius. I lost track
at how much below it finally got to. I think
when you are cold, how much "even colder"
can you get?
But the beauty still remains, even when
you are plowing out the driveway and digging
yourself out of ditches, there
remains a kind of camaraderie and kindred spiritness
with everyone here that is facing the same challenges.
The coastal mountains remain stunningly beautiful
as Mother Nature pays us her wintery, snow kissed visit.

Adam's River Gorge, BC

2010-11-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

A "must do" on your favorite places to
visit in
British Columbia weekend trips
should be the Adam's River Gorge.
The Adam's River
runs through
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, and connects
Adam's Lake with Shuswap Lake.
There are several well maintained trails here to help while away
the hours and absorb Mother Nature at her finest.

The Gorge is famous in BC amongst white water
aficionados, and the sight of tons of water
crashing through some pretty narrow
rock walls is nearly heart stopping.
If you want to look at the gorge and not chance the
roller coaster water ride, it's
an easy 30 minute hike along the Upper Trails route.
Parking is available in the raft pull out area just
past the Squilax Anglemont Road Bridge.

British Columbia is certainly heaven on earth.

Enderby Cliffs, BC

2010-11-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have never been lost so much
as "geographically challenged" at times.
Finding Enderby Cliffs was one of those times.
Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park
is a hikers dream come true.
The cliffs are actually volcanic rock,
the park has old growth Douglas Fir trees,
the area leading to the park is low grasslands
that is a photographers dream true.
The park is located
located 19km (11.8miles) northeast of Armstrong, BC.
Three trails can be hiked here, rated from easy to difficult, the
Reeves Lake trail being the easiest and the Enderby Cliffs
trail is difficult.
I wasn't able to hike these trails on this outing,
but Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park
is definitely on my "go back and explore further" list.

Craigellachie, British Columbia

2010-11-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

One of the most inspiring sites in British Columbia
worth visiting is Craigellachie.
Pronounced "cray gal' a key", this site is
named after a village in Scotland, the home of
Sir George Stephen, the first president
of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Situated on the Trans Canada Highway
between Revelstoke and Salmon Arm,
Craigellachie is the site of the Last Spike.
For those history buffs, the Last Spike was
driven into the railway bed on
November 7th, 1885 by Donald Smith, who
himself was a Scottish born Canadian
fur trader railroad baron. The Last Spike
completed the Canadian Pacific Railway route
from eastern Canada to the Pacific.

I was surprised at Craigellachie. I was expecting
huge billboards, large advertisements to Canadian
ingenuity and fortitude.
What I found was very understated, very reserved
and so perfectly Canadian.
I found an incredibly beautiful setting amongst
newly snow covered mountains.
A stone monument featuring various
rocks from every Canadian province, and
some wonderful Canadian volunteers that
were keeping Craigellachie clean and beautiful.
I found Canadian spirit alive, well, and very friendly
set in an awe inspiring natural setting.

As I turned to leave Craigellachie, fittingly,
a train rumbled past me, on her way to
parts unknown, on an adventure like myself, to
discover parts of a province and country
I have come to love and call home.

Adam's River Salmon Run, British Columbia

2010-11-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

One of the top spots in British Columbia
for viewing the Sockeye salmon run
is the Adam's River.
The sight of millions of the beautiful
red and green Sockeye salmon
fighting mightily to gain the upriver
advantage over each other is
almost overwhelming.
This year the salmon run was broke all kinds of records .
Though I missed seeing the main run,
the sheer numbers of Sockeye spawning
during the month of November left me in no doubt
about the records being broken this year.
Sadly, the salmon die here after they
have braved the ocean and river hazards
to return to their home waters to lay their eggs.

I was able to get up close and personal
with one Sockeye in particular, I honestly believe
we made eye contact.
I admit to feeling awe and sadness all at
the same time for these beautiful
fish that have braved so many dangers in
a world that is seldom understanding
nor forgiving.

Map of the Adam's River
area can be found on this link.

Adam's River, BC

2010-11-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Another one of my favorite travel destinations
in British Columbia is the Adam's River.
The Adams' River is one of the most
important areas in British Columbia
for sockeye salmon spawning.
Adam's River is located
a few minutes drive past Chase, BC,
and well worth the trip from Vancouver.
The whole area is steeped in history
and charm, natural beauty and
jaw gaping scenery.
The Adam's River was named
after Secwepemc First Nation's Chief
Sel-Howt-Ken, who was christened
"Adam" by Catholic missionaries.

I had long anticipated my journey to the Adam's River,
the mystery of the sockeye salmon run
this year in BC has become something for the
history books to write about.

I was not prepared for the sheer impact
that Mother Nature had in store for me.
I think you could spend a lifetime in this area and barely
glimpse the treasures that await you.
The moody skies and changing weather patterns
this time of year are magical.

The scenery - other worldly.

Exploring the Gold Rush Trail -- Bridge of the 23 Camels, Lillooet, BC

2010-10-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Gold Rush in British Columbia, Canada
saw many inventive, wild and wacky ideas.
One of those were ... camels.
23 camels were brought to BC in 1862
by John C. Calbreath (or Callbreath, spellings vary.)
He decided that camels could carry heavier loads for longer distances
than donkeys, mules or horses, and were
more sure footed. And besides, everyone knows
camels don't need much water. Right?

Camels are tempermental critters at best.
And a wee bit cranky when the mood hits them.
These particular 23 camels had the habit of
biting mules, oxen and even men.
Well, really, it's a hard life carrying loads
at the whim of miners, I'd be snarly, too.
What's a camel to do?

Camels hoofs are perfectly adapted for
walking the sands of deserts, and also
perfectly adapted for kicking things.
It's been reported that the
camels were even fitted with ... shoes for
walking over the rough trails and jagged rocks
of the Gold Rush trails. I kid you not.
A camel kicks, give it shoes to kick harder. But I digress.

The sight of the double humped bactrian camels
caused many kerfuffles, too. Horses bolted at the mere sight
of them, and apparently their smell was, well, smelly.
By 1864,the experiment a failure, the poor animals were turned loose to
forge for themselves.
Henry Ingram saved three of the camels,
and "Lady", the last surviving bactrian,
died in 1896 (again, dates vary in the literature).

The bridge at Lillooet was
dedicated to these
illustrious, often misunderstood, animals.

Boom Boats, Fraser River, BC, Canada

2010-10-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

Boom boats are used in
the forest industry in British Columbia, Canada
for sorting logs right in the water.
They act like miniature tug boats,
are highly maneuverable, and
a total joy to watch
darting and zipping
amongst enormous logs, sorting them into
booms, which in turn are towed by huge tugboats to
sawmills and wood processing plants along the Fraser river.
These tiny boats have the ability to turn on a dime and
take water over their decks, making
them highly entertaining to watch, especially
on a rainy afternoon.
I haven't had the privilege to
ride on one yet, it's one of those
adventures that is on my to-do list. My list keeps
getting longer instead of shorter.

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Exploring the Gold Rush Trail - Lillooet, BC

2010-09-26T22:00:00.001-07:00

Lillooet, BC, is considered to be
Mile 0 of the Cariboo Wagon Trail.
I had originally assumed that the Gold Rush
Trail started somewhere near Hope or Lytton, or
perhaps even New Westminster.
Certainly there are names that you could associate with the Trail
in all of those cities, Cariboo Road, Prospect Point
and Smugglers Cove being amongst them.
History is full of twists and turns and
convolutions that need sorting out in ones mind to
make sense of the big picture.
I now come to think of the Gold Rush in
British Columbia as the "Gold Rush Adventure."

The actual Gold Rush in B.C. started in 1858, the Cariboo
Wagon Trail was constructed by the Royal Engineers from
1861 onwards.

Many hope filled prospectors landed in Victoria, New Westminster, or any number
of way points along the way.
They needed to find provisions and supplies to make
the arduous journey into the gold fields of Barkerville, and these
cities met their needs.

Lillooet became the first major stopping point
for the prospectors on their journeys to the gold fields.
Water navigation was possible to ports like
Yale and Port Douglas, after that, it was
the overland routes.

It seems that the actual "Gold Rush Trail"
is not was I have originally perceived it to be.
The "Trail" is actually several different routes,
pathways, wagon tracks, and roads to adventure that
the original prospectors used.

Exploring the Gold Rush Trail - The Fraser Canyon

2010-09-20T18:52:00.001-07:00

You cannot come away from any exploration
of the Gold Rush Trail unchanged.
The staggering vistas of sagebrush and
broken dreams, tales of heroism
and folly are enough to engender
a new appreciation for both Mother Nature and
the human spirit.

Both men and women were drawn to this area
for the promise of unlimited wealth and riches.
Many hundreds would settle along the route to
establish roadhouses, dance halls, farming communities,
cattle ranches and supply lines for the Gold Rush contenders.
They literally changed the face of the land.

To fully understand this time in our provinces' history,
I needed to see and understand the land.
As a photographer,
I have been drawn to the essence of the land,
its spirit,
and what it means to the people who live on it and with it.

The Fraser Canyon is as vast as it is beautiful.
The Fraser River plunges through the
ancient rocks of the Coast Mountains,
creating a myriad of canyons and gorges.
She is completely awe inspiring.
Hanging on the verge
of sheer drop offs with your knees turning watery from
vertigo, Gold Fever seems a far distant
affliction.

Exploring the Gold Rush Trail - The Lytton Ospreys

2010-09-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

My aim in exploring the Gold Rush Trail
in British Columbia, Canada
was going to be about the scenery of
this stunningly beautiful part of the province.
It very quickly took on a new life
once I started to talking to the people
who live there.
Their indomitable hearts and spirits
are touching in ways that exists quite rarely in
our world today.
The story of the Lytton Ospreys
is one of those tales of human passion.

Ospreys usually mate for life.
They nest in cliffs and ledges,
far above the hustle of cities and human life.
This pair of ospreys, nesting
right at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson
Rivers, are probably descendants
of the pair of osprey that have been returning
to this area for eons.
Then along comes man, building railways and roads,
power lines and noise.
The osprey adapt, building their nest in the
power poles amidst high tension wires with the
scream of the railway engines and the
nearby buzz of human habitation in the background.
Along comes some very caring and
concerned power line people and local citizens.
In goes a new nesting pole close to the original nesting site,
an exclusive "Osprey Pole" just for them.
Amidst the kerfuffle of train whistles and
passing cars,
you can hear the cries of this particular pair of
osprey echoing through the canyon walls.
Their haunting cries echo past glories of a species that
has adapted to change and human encroachment on
their otherwise pristine environment.

Their essence prevails, touching
my spirit in ways I cannot describe.

Their story needs telling.

Exploring the Gold Rush Trail - Lytton, BC

2010-08-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Lytton, British Columbia, Canada
sits at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers.
(The Thompson is the darker blue river in the image above,
the Fraser, the lighter grey colour)

I wanted to walk through some deeper history of
British Columbia, and follow the
Caribou Gold Rush Trail.
With such fantastic names like Horsefly,
Likely, Gold Bridge and Cache Creek, I knew this
would an area that would not only be a trip through
British Columbia's history, but quite possibly,
a trip further back in geological time.

It draws on your spirit and sense of awe
that such wild, rugged areas were merely hindrances to overcome
in their drive to find wealth and riches.
I wonder if the prospectors took the time to
experience such incredible beauty that the whole area has to offer.

Today, there are several driving routes you can
take to tour the paths and adventures that the
gold miners and hope filled entrepreneurs experienced
from bygone days.

Lytton is along the Caribou Gold Rush Trail,
and was a stopping place for prospectors to replenish
both their supplies and waning spirits.
There was originally a First Nations village here
called Camchin, the meeting place,
and Lytton is one of the oldest continually settled
communities in North America.

She's a truly beautiful and wild area of British Columbia.
Peregrine Falcons abound here.
At the junction of #12 and #1 highways (across from
the old hospital, you can park here and walk across #12 just before the bridge,
look for 3 poles that have been erected),
the hydro company has erected a utility
pole for a nesting pair of falcons.

I was told by a native woman that the falcons come back every year, and
have for many decades. They are part of the heritage here,
and their haunting cries can be heard echoing along
the canyons walls and city streets of Lytton.
The city inhabitants know these falcons, know how many chicks have
been laid, how they are progressing and when they fledge from
their nest. Their lives are somehow intertwined
with the rhythms of nature.
It's all so perfect.

Pemberton Valley, BC

2010-07-15T07:53:00.001-07:00

Pemberton Valley, BC
is one of those places that
you keep finding yourself drawn back to.
She is situated in a valley of
spectacular agricultural land,
and has only been accessible by car
since 1975.
People here are real life friendly, time seems
to stand still as the bees lazily buzz
around you in the heat.
The smell of life is everywhere.

Local fare abounds, including popular
The Pony, which has been famous amongst
backpackers and outdoors enthusiasts
for years for their larger than life cookies. What's
not to like about cookies.

The summertime here offers some pretty spectacular
hiking, horseback riding, golfing,
and just about anything else you can dream up.
I like strolling around feeling the place, living
it in through the sights and sounds
she chooses to share with me as the hours pass,
and life slows to a pace that is gentle and nostalgically sweet.
The smell of fresh mown hay is intoxicating.

Mount Currie, Pemberton Valley, BC

2010-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Driving through the Pemberton Valley
on a summers day is nothing short
of magical.
The dusty, pungent smell of fresh mown hay
jockey's for position in your senses
with the ancient cry of eagles.

The name Mount Currie is shared by both a
community and a mountain, and was named after
John Currie, who settled here in 1885 with
his Lillooet Indian (Lil'wat Nation) wife.

Mount Currie, the mountain, is
part of the Coast Mountains
in British Columbia.
There are pictographs on some of the mountains here
dating back 2,500 years.

Mount Currie, the community,
is agricultural and located
within the Pemberton Valley.
Some of the homes date
back to the 1817's and still stand today.

You can feel the history as
voices of long ago peoples whisper
their legends within the rhythms of life
lived through the land
as eagles lazily keen overhead.

Record High Temperatures in Vancovuer, British Columbia for July 7th, 2010

2010-07-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Record high temperatures
hit Vancouver and the Lower Mainland today.
After what seems like weeks of being
under water with grey skies, rain and cold weather,
the sun is a very welcome respite.
The forecast is for even warmer temperatures
during the week, peaking on the weekend.
The city of Squamish reached a
sizzling 35.0 C today.
For the Fahrenheit people, that
is 95 F.
Toasty to say the least.
White Rock surpassed it's old record for
high temperatures dating back to 1929.

Time for a nice cold brewskie or two.
I think I'll put my feet in the tub of ice that
are cooling them off. Who cares about
social niceties.

Derby Reach Regional Park, Langley, BC

2010-07-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Derby Reach Regional Park
in Langley, British Columbia,
sits on the original site of the Fort Langley
trading post.
There are black cottonwood trees
located in the park, which you can
enjoy on your Fort-to-Fort Trail walk or cycle,
along with some pretty spectacular views of the
Golden Ears peaks.
I've been told that the road along Derby Reach
Park, Allard Crescent, is the oldest existing road
in British Columbia.
You can well imagine the people from the past
slowly wandering along this road in paradise,
taking in the views and dreaming of the
plentiful life to come.
With the sounds of songbirds and the whisper
of wind through the cottonwoods,
you are also transported back in time to
dream your own dreams.

Crippen Regional Park, Bowen Island, BC

2010-06-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Crippen Regional Park
on Bowen Island, BC
is home to some pretty incredible
looking trees.
A quick 20 minute ferry ride
from Vancouver brings you to
this idyllic island paradise.

Wandering through Crippen
Regional Park brings you to another
level of island life, one
draped in moss and history.
The island is named for
Captain John Bowen, who was considered
a pirate. Honest, I don't make this kind of thing up.

He was born in Bermuda, and
sailed with the likes of George Booth
and Nathanial North.
Their stories alone could fill
many volumes worth of swashbuckling legends
and pirate tales.

The trees whisper their ancient secrets
of glories past and tranquil splendors of the present.
I am drawn back over and over again to hear their
breathless whispers of legends.

Bowen Island, BC

2010-06-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

Bowen Island is a quick 20 minute
ferry trip from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in
Vancouver, BC.
In 1791, the Spanish explorer Narvaez
named the island "Isla de Apodaca."
She was renamed again in 1860 after
Rear Admiral James Bowen.

Crippen Regional Park is a
gorgeous spot for walking, wandering
and nature gaping. Amazing trees here, well worth
a slow walk through her paths.
I was lucky enough to see 2 baby owls,
hooting their curiosity at me from the shadows
of an overhanging branch.
Though I'm not sure who was actually
more curious, the owls won the "staring and
head bobbing" contest, wings down.

History abounds here as well, and is proudly
displayed for visitors and islanders alike.

Bowen's' artisans and artwork are
truly unique and inspirational. Many happy hours
can be spent wandering the various galleries, boutiques,
and studios.

Port Kells Heritage Trees, Surrey, BC, Canada

2010-05-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Sugar Maples trees along 188th Street
in Surrey are part of the Port Kells
Heritage Trees.
There are 12 of these majestic beauties
lining the street, and their history alone
is worth taking time to explore.
Port Kells, in northeastern Surrey, BC,
was founded by two Irish pioneers,
both bearing the name of Henry Kells.
The two Kells men, later related to
each other by marriage, intended to
form a freshwater port along
the Fraser River in late 1800's.

The Sugar Maple trees were planted
along the former Erickson Road, now 188th Street,
by Mr. Erickson. Though
little archival history can be found on
Mr. Erickson, I think he would be
proud to know the trees he planted so many
years ago are protected and loved, and
stand in stately splendor overlooking
a truly spectacular view.

Petroglyphs, Indian Arm Provincial Park, BC, Canada

2010-05-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Indian Arm Provincial Park
in BC, Canada
is home to some truly unique
petroglyphs.
The area was traditionally used
by the Coast Salish First Nations
for their hunting and fishing grounds.
The whole area is alive
with the sights and sounds
of life, from the haunting cry of water birds
to the happy bark of Harbour Seals
basking in the afternoon sunshine.
She is magical
and ephemeral
in her natural beauty oft times
shrouded in the mists of cloud and legends.
The petroglyph's are an added
bonus, adding to her
hauntingly mystical charm.
I, for one, will be
back many more times to sample
what she chooses to share with me.

Britannia Heritage Shipyard, BC, Canada

2010-05-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Britannia Heritage Shipyard
located in Steveston, BC, Canada
is truly a unique step back in time.
Steveston was the world's busiest
deep water fishing port
at the end of the 20th century, dotted
with 15 fish canneries, hotels, saloons,
and gambling dens.
Her boardwalks reflected the voices of
Japanese, Chinese, Native Indian,
and European immigrants, as well
as sailors from around the world.
The Britannia Heritage Shipyard
is now a National Heritage Site.
There is a cannery, boatyard, net loft and restored
residences here.

As you slowly wander along the boardwalk,
you can hear
the cries of seagulls, eagles,
and hushed echoes of the past.
Or was I only imaging the past
cries of fishermen who loved the
sea and make their homes along
her shores?

Cool Globes, Science World, Vancouver, BC

2010-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Biking along the Vancouver Seawall is always
an adventure.
Currently on display at Science World
are several one ton globes
that are simply amazing.
Called Cool Globes, they have been ingeniously designed
by artists, children and community groups
depicting their own unique solutions
to global warming.
Beautifully set against the backdrop of
our gorgeous city and snow capped
mountains.
Add a bike ride along the seawall, and
it just doesn't get any better than this.

Seawall, Vancouver, BC

2010-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

The walk along the Sea Wall in Vancouver, BC, Canada
is a treat in so many ways.
Part of the seawall along False Creek
stretchs in front
of the Olympic Village , with
sights of buildings precariously leaning
in optical illusions, to views of the stunning
North Shore mountains sprinkled with
their new dusting of fresh snow.
Biking it, walking it, jogging it, or roller blading it,
the Seawall is a must-do adventure.
Check out the Inukshuk
along the shoreline,
some with ingenious rock angles
and architecture.
Each is unique and special.
Like British Columbia.