Gifts

Out on a short geocaching hike yesterday by the Kosilah River. It is one of three rivers in our valley, the smallest and the coldest! I have rarely swam in this river but I have to say it is the most beautiful of the three. It is snow fed from the mountains and is so crystal clear. 

Looking downstream to where we would be hiking

Looking upstream

We were hiking along old logging roads and finding a set of caches based on Star Wars...it was great fun and mostly they were easy to find. Geocaching is a lot like finding treasure or little gifts in among the forest. I am always thankful for the people who hide the caches because without them this wonderful outdoor activity would not happen. 

My favourite Star Wars guy

It takes time and effort to place the caches and to monitor them. Geocaching is what has gotten me out hiking and finding new places to explore. Without the caching maps I would never have found so many of the trails that I have explored. The caches are gifts to me and many others as they give us the gift of searching and gets us out in nature, finding new places to explore. 

Our lunchtime spot

When we arrived at the river it's beauty beckoned me. I love swimming in the rivers, having their cold water wash over my body. I was very tempted and I warned my friend that if we came to a deep pool I may not be able to stop myself from "baring all" and jumping in!

Sun shining beautifully on a Maple leaf , Canada at it's best!

We sat and had our lunch along side the river. We just absorbed the beautiful views and the wonderful sounds of the water. Here was another gift for us to enjoy. Nature's gift. Time of solitude out alone in the forest, miles from everyone. The sound of the water rushing down over the rocks was relaxing. The birds chatting back and forth added to moment. It would have been a beautiful place to meditate.

Ferns growing out of a Maple tree branch

 The trail ended but we continued to "bushwhack" downstream looking for a couple more caches. Along the way we continued to be touched by the beauty that surrounded us. It was so quiet in the forest and gave us a time to just be, to listen and to absorb. In today's noisy society and busy world these quiet moments in the forest are such a gift. 

In among all the green ferns there was colour!

As we traveled down the river we did eventually come to a wonderful deep pool of water complete with rope swing. Did I do as I had wanted? Nope! While sitting having our lunch enjoying the solitude, up across the river, a vehicle went by and then sadly another. We weren't as far into the forest as we had previously thought and I was very thankful I had controlled myself and not given in to my desire. It might had been a very embarrassing moment.

So inviting!!!!

This was my last day to hike in our beautiful Canadian forests for at least a month or so. I am so thankful for the gifts in my life. The gifts of friendships with hiking pals who are always willing to explore with me. The gifts of a family who raised me to respect and love the outdoors which I was able to pass onto my own children and soon their children. Most importantly are the gifts Mother Nature continues to surprise and delight me with hike after hike. What a wonderful gift our island is!