Sprintime in the Forest, British Columbia Style

Another spring has arrived in British Columbia.

I'm constantly enchanted wandering amongst 

Mother Nature's green explosion.

There are so many hues and shades that

it really defies the imagination.  Just

when you think you've seen all

of them she comes up

with another.

The calming and healing effects of

merely being close to nature cannot 

be overstated or taken for granted.

Go into the new spring forest 

and come back feeling renewed

and overjoyed at merely being.

Best Places to See in BC - Kitmat Sitka Spruce

I can't get enough of the old growth trees in 

British Columbia.

Standing at the foot of this gigantic 500 yr old 

Sitka Spruce tree in Kitimat, BC

was totally awe inspiring.

This tree is the oldest known living organism

in the Kitimat Valley.

It was registered at the largest living

sitka spruce tree in BC in 1983.

It measures 50.3 meters (165 feet -- really!) tall

and 3.4 meters in diameter.

You have to imagine what this tree has seen

and been through in it's lifetime.

The age of quiet and solitude, explorers to

British Columbia, storms and unbearable 

weather changes, then dodging the cut of chainsaws

and logging. 

The feel of the bark under you fingers is rough and

textured, weather worn and vibrant.

Full of life and living.

I can only imagine what the next 

500 years will bring her.

Best Places to See in BC - Stuart Lake Pictographs

On the eastern side of Stuart Lake 

in British Columbia, Canada

are some pretty amazing pictographs.

I was lucky enough to have an idea where to

look for them from some very nice

people from the Murray Ridge

Nordic Ski Club.

Situated on a rock face of the cliffs overlooking

Stuart Lake, you can well

understand how this location

must have had some significance

the people from our past.

Not only is it beautiful and serene

but must have been rich in wildlife

and fish from Stuart Lake.

Another British Columbia moment

that I treasure.

Best Places to See in BC - Stuart Lake

Stuart Lake is one of the prettiest lakes I have 

visited in BC. Both the

Fort St. James National Historic Site

 and the town of Fort St. James

are situated on the lake near the outlet of Stuart River.

Stuart Lake is 66 kms long and 10 km wide.

In the winter months the cross country skiing

track is put in on the lake by the Murray Ridge

Nordic Ski Club.

You can ski for miles on the lake with the sun

shining on the pristine landscape,

the air crisp and clean,

and views of the distant hills and mountains

as a backdrop. Stunning to say the least.

I can't wait to see Stuart Lake in the summertime.

Things to Do in British Columbia -- Enjoy the Weather

You just can't beat British Columbia

in the sunshine. 

Clear skies and temperatures in the mid 20's C

today.

Doing any activity outside is a pure joy,

from sight seeing the local mountains,

taking a nature walk, 

or sitting in the shade enjoying 

the back yard garden.

Whatever you choose to do in 

British Columbia, this

weather can bring you pure joy

and some pretty impressive vistas.

Sandy Island Provincial Marine Park, B.C., Canada

Sandy Island Provincial Marine Park
is situated in the Gulf Islands of
British Columbia, Canada.
You need to get here by boat, which is part
of the adventure.
I can't even begin to describe the beauty here.
Her essence is raw and untouched.
Winds sweep across
the grasses and caress
you with the taste of sea salt.
Birds by the hundreds swoop and
play in the tides, crabs scuttle
around your feet as you carefully
step around them, not
wanting to harm a single living thing
in this Eden.
I never spent nearly enough
time here, and I feel
her spirit is calling me back.
Something I can't ignore.

A special place on earth
that Mother Nature chooses,
for some reason, to share with
the few who are lucky enough to touch her.

Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada

Colony Farm Regional Park in Coquitlam, B.C., Canada is stunningly beautiful in any weather. It happens to be eerily fascinating in the fog.

I have written about this gem before. I still keep returning to her to discover more of her secrets. Like the otter than now live in her waters and have photographers venturing out in any weather trying to catch a glimpse, and maybe that rare photo, of the sleek animal.

There are birds galore here ... today I watched
a Blue Heron hunched over in the fog, eyes trying to bewitch fish to come for dinner. Ducks fluttered and quacked their annoyance at me for disturbing their peaceful morning. Hawks soared lazily overhead watching the whole scene unfold.

There are several km's of walking trails here, as well as a new bike rental and tour company. The Coquitlam River winds her way through on the way to the big blue Pacific Ocean.

I like the peace you can find within the big city. You are a heartbeat away from nature, and a blink away from some spectacular wildlife viewing. You might even catch the otters watching you!