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!

Plants of Central America

Bougainvillea is such an odd name for such a beautiful plant. I never get tired of seeing all the various shades and colours of this flower in all its glorious settings. There are hotels and resorts borrowing its name to describe their properties. Understandably.

There are a lot of plants here that are used for medicinal purposes. Everything from a reported cure for cancer to treating skin conditions.

I've even discovered a whole branch of science I never knew existed. Ethnobotany, which studies the relationship between plants and cultures. When I look at the intricacies of life and its inter reactions, I feel humbled and proud all at the same time. And develop a hunger to know more about this incredible world we live in.