Nile Creek - Awesome hike!

 Each year for the past four years my friends have invited me to join them on their family overnight hike and camp. We've explored some great places, Cape Scott, Mount Albert Edward, Landslide Lake and last year our goal was Cream Lake but due to weather we stopped at Bedwell. Each hike has had it's challenges but taken us to some amazing places. 

Due to the fact that our trails and camping areas are over crowded this year on our island because of the covid pandemic we opted not to overnight this year. There have been reports of over 100 hikers on trails and beaches and tent pads crowded with people causing damage to our wonderful island parks. So instead we did a day hike. 

We chose Nile Creek which is a 12km hike in and back. It is now one of my favourite hikes. The trail for the first 3kms is well maintained, easy to follow and peacefully quiet among the trees. It felt so good to be out in nature and just leave the troubles of our world behind. 

The next three km's were more active with people as it passes under the 19A highway so many just hike from here. It followed along the Nile Creek where there are at least 8 - 10 waterfalls along the trail. 

The trail is muddy is places but still could be done at any age. We saw many people with young children swimming in the creek along the way. 

We climbed up the rope cliff and came to a huge lovely pool of water with a small hidden waterfall. 

No one was there so we went swimming. 

For years I have hiked to waterfalls and always wanted to swim in their lovely pools but never really had the opportunity but today it was absolutely perfect.

The water was clear and a bit cold but my body quickly adjusted and it was so beautiful. I could have stayed in there for some time and did while I waited for my fellow hikers to join me. There is something life giving about being in cool or cold water. It just renews a person's spirit allowing us to feel refreshed and energized to face whatever life throws at us. 

After our swim we chose to head back. There could have been one or two more waterfalls further up the hill but it was very warm out and we were ready to head for home.

The hike out went quite quickly and we managed to return to the vehicle with very little mud left on our shoes.

I will definitely need to do this hike again...maybe even this year!

Eastwood Park and Rosewall Creek

This past weekend I was back up in Comox again to dog sit while the kids all went camping. They do this yearly and I am glad they all enjoying getting together and having fun. I am glad I am able to help them out by looking after their dogs but I must say I do miss being there camping. 

Thankfully I had a good friend to come along with me and others to join us for the day. We did a 7km hike in the Eastwoods park not far from their home.

It is a wonderful forested area that is full of trails for folks to walk their dogs and explore. Every time I am in Comox I realize how much our valley is missing when it comes to forested trails that are accessible for all and close to home. 

On the way home we did a 10 km hike along Rosewall Creek which is another wonderful park that follows a stream. 

There is a nice waterfall at the end and lots of other small beaches that people can swim in. 

A good place to bring the young kids one day and let them get hiking and then enjoy a swim. It was nice to wade in the water as it was 30 degrees and a little warm for hiking. 

Took us around 2.5 hours with a few little stops. One day I need to return to do some caching ;). A great family trail or a place to just go and stroll and get away from it all. 

July Adventures

July started off with a few small adventures with the grandkids and friends. Always a good time to be with them especially over the summer when we can swim and go to the parks. 

Canada Day was of course rather quiet with no parade and no gatherings due to Covid but we made the most of it and went to feed the ducks and play at the park all dressed in our Canada Day shirts. 

We ended the day with a weiner roast over the fire. Sure missed the boys this year but they were unable to come. 

The next day we went down to the spit and had fun playing with the gooey ducks...very smelly creatures I found out afterwards. 

The kids had a great time watching them squirt up at us. Lots of laughter and squeals. 

Following that we were treated to a ride in Papa's boat which he sold to Garret and Sara this year.

 We went over to Tree Island just across from Union Bay. A lovely little island beach which was covered in sea shells. Lots of explore and enjoy. 

The tide went out rather quickly but thankfully we were able to move the boat further out and didn't get trapped there for the day. 

I really enjoyed being out in the boat again. I started riding around in my Dad's boats when I was around 2years old and I do love being on the water. 

I did a road trip with my parents to Lizard Lake to go and see the boys who were camping there. Was fun to see the little lizards in the water and in the bucket.   

It's a beautiful campsite and the perfect place for families to come and stay. 

Another hotdog roast was enjoyed around the campfire. 

The a few days later I took them up to Comox to visit with my daughter and family. It is good at 85 that they are both able to still get out and come on small adventures.

Then mid month my youngest daughter turned 30! It was celebrated with a girls day to the spa at the Kingfisher resort near Comox. The hydro walk was so refreshing and rejuvenating. 

It was nice to have time with my girls and share in lots of laughter as we sat under the waterfalls and walked the river walk. 

I made my daughter's favourite dessert for her birthday for the first time. My Mom has made it for years. 

It was good but apparently I haven't quite got it right yet but my little granddaughter sure enjoyed it. Hard to believe my baby is 30 but so very thankful that we get together and have so much fun. 

A busy start to a busy summer but everyone had good times. It is nice to have my family so close that we can share in adventures and I am able to watch my grandkids grow up right before my very eyes.