Englishman River Falls

This weekend I popped my Covid bubble and let my friend and hiking pal in. We had been social distance hiking and meeting at trail heads for two months but as there are no cases on our beautiful island we decided we could travel together until the number of cases come back up. 
So off we went to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. I haven't been there in about 12 years. The trail itself isn't that  long and so we were only an hour or two out in the woods. We even managed to find three caches along the way. 

We started out going to the Lower falls which are much smaller but so beautiful in their own way. There were people there swimming in the river even though it really wasn't all that warm. 

We then headed up along the trail to the large falls noticing some unique rocks formations along the way. I felt it really looked like the face of a monkey

There were lots of people along the path but there was also a peaceful presence. There is something about hiking along the riverbanks that I find give me a wonderful sense of peace. During this Covid time that feeling is so important to find. I am determined to not let this pandemic get the best of me!

We could hear the falls long before we saw them. They are huge and the noise is deafening as the water crashes down over them. 

We continued along the trail to reach the top of the falls and were delighted to find this calming place filled with Inuksuks that people had built. Here above the falls the water was quiet and a beautiful blue-green. A great place for snack break. I was so tempted to go wading but the thought of having wet feet in my socks is not very appealing. 

Heading back we took one last look at the falls and headed for the car and home. Our first outing was definitely a success and hopefully we can get many more hikes in before they lock us up when the second wave of the virus appears. 

Cumberland Medicine Bowls

Up in Comox visiting my daughter's family we headed out on a social distancing hike with some friends to Cumberland to visit the little medicine bowls.

 It is a huge area that was once a huge mining village. We headed up on the old roads and after a short distance came to the river. It was only a little creek really but beautiful all the same. 

I popped down and went down a trail to find the medicine bowls while the others stayed up top. I really wanted to see them as I had never been there before. There isn't much of a trail along the creek and I am not sure how far it actually goes. 

After a couple of minutes I came to this place of beauty. It always amazing me what water can do. How it erodes layers of rock over time an creates so many different and wonderful rock formations.  I could have stood there watching the water flow for some time but sadly had to quickly snap a few pictures and head back to the main road. 

This area is famous for it's acres and acres of bike trails. Thankfully there are many maps posted. We turned off on a black double diamond trail that had us going down some very steep sections but thankfully we all managed even the two parents who were carrying babies in packs. It was a fun hour hike and one I definitely want to go and do again and explore the many trails that are there. One could spend a whole day and I am certain would never be bored with the surroundings. There is also a disc golf course! 

It wasn't until we got back to the main road that I noticed that my young granddaughter seems to be taking after her Mom - out hiking with a Starbucks cup by her side. 

Mother's Day

Every six years I am blessed to share Mother's Day with my son's birthday. This year of course we couldn't all be together at my small place so I invited my parents over and my son and his son's as his wife had to work. We gathered on my small patio and shared in a meal trying to stay apart as much as possible.

It was good to see my son with his boys. He has three and he is an amazing Dad. He does so much with working full time and taking care of them every moment of the day. He just loves being a Dad as much as I have always loved being a Mom. Being a Mom is my greatest joy in life, although being a Nana may top being a Mom.  

Celebrating the mother's and women in our world is so important and a day that I always look forward to spending with my Mom. 

My Mom has been there for me and all of our family since day one. She was a stay at home Mom during our growing up years and there wasn't a day when there weren't wonderful baked cookies in our house for when we came home from school. She did so much for us all, always cooking and cleaning and volunteering at the school. Many neighbourhood kids hung out at our place because it was a good place to be and all were welcome. As the grand kids and great grand kids are added to our family my Mom continues to bake cookies for everyone and babysit and just be there whenever she is needed. A great role model for all of us. 

Even though I wasn't able to be with the three young Mom's in my life we were together in spirit. They are all great Moms and are there for their children just as my Mom was always and still is there for me. Thanks Mom and thank you to my daughters for always being three women I am so very proud of. 

Cowichan River and Small Things

Sunday morning and time for a hike along the Cowichan River. We decided we only had time to do a short hike as it was Mother's day and we had family commitments later on. We headed out on the Trans Canada trail again but this time turned off and followed part of the Cowichan River trail for a few km's
It's a beautiful trail but there were places where the river bank has washed away during the winter so it will take some work to reroute the trail Needless to say we had to do a bit of bushwacking. 

The Cowichan River is a beautiful river that flows down from Cowichan Lake through our valley and into Cowichan Bay. It is where I took my children swimming through all of their growing up years. The water is cold and fresh and every year the river looks a little bit different as it changes it's course with winter storms. 

As we hiked along I couldn't help but notice all the little fungi and flowers along the trail. I feel that these months of being home alone and not being able to get out has helped me to appreciate some of the smaller things in life and also realize that there are so many things we take for granted. 

 Along the trails were flowers, trillium, wild roses and dogwood, each sharing their colours and beauty with us. I love that the Dogwood is our province's flower. It's so wonderful to come across them growing in the forests. 

I am always amazed by the beauty and strength of the mushrooms and am quite content to leave them where they grow. They are one of my least favourite foods and I am certain the ones along the trail are not edible. 

It's always fun to find them growing on the trees and old logs. They seem to just pop out among all the greenery. 

It was a great hike and a nice way to start off Mother's Day. The Cowichan River is one of favourite places to be. The sounds and sights are just so renewing to my spirit. A good place to renew and reboot and prepare for whatever life brings to us. 

Breaking free during Covid

They have finally lifted some of the restrictions so I am back seeing my family and getting out on some hikes. I know we will be eventually back in lock down so I am making the most of this time. 
First thing was an outdoor family gathering so that everyone could meet Evan. 
Sara and Garret came down for the day and we met at Amy's house outside where the kids could play and we could social distance somewhat. 

It was great to finally all be together again. I finally had all seven of my grand kids in the same space. Times are so precious when we are all together. 

The kids had so much fun playing in the yard and on the slide but most importantly the Great Grandparents got to meet their newest great grandson. 

It's been really hard for the elders of our family and community as to protect themselves from the virus they have all been staying home and apart from other people. I have been doing their grocery shopping and for two months was pretty much the only person they saw. 

Although we needed and still need to stay apart to keep ourselves physically safe we also have to think of our mental health and the tole it is taking on folks. 
We had such a good two hour visit and then we left so that others could come
 and meet him as well. Doing what we can to be together and yet keep everyone safe. 

Easter of 2020

It's almost Easter, one of my favourite holidays. We gather for a big turkey dinner and most years I make a bunny cake for dessert. Fun for the young ones to see and eat. 

Then for Easter breakfast they come to my place and Nana hides eggs out in the backyard for my grandkids to find. They each have their own coloured basket and find that colour of egg. They may get the odd candy in the eggs but mostly they are filled with healthier choices. Now that there are 7 of them I am not sure what will happen as the eggs only come in six colours!

This year though....it's gonna be very different. 

Our world is trapped indoors with a virus running rampant among the people of this world. We are social distancing and self isolating to try and avoid the spread and the strain it puts on our hospitals and workers. Most people are now working from home, churches and businesses are closed. Streets are rather quiet. 

It's been a long hard month with not seeing my grand babies and my children. It's even harder on my parents who have been trapped at home seeing none of their friends and not being allowed to do their own shopping. The elderly are the most vulnerable so they need to do what they can to stay safe. Thankfully I am able to do their shopping and drop it off once a week and visit with them on the porch or go for a walk.

Now I have to confess I have gone on one social distance hike with a friend and it was great. We stayed six feet apart and enjoyed being outdoors. Most of the people we saw were doing the same and there was great respect shown. 

I also met with my daughter's family from up island twice to exchange some items and enjoy a walk, six feet apart and a tailgate picnic. Her babies are both under two so they are easily contained and don't try to run to see Nana. It has been hard not being there to help them with their newborn who is now a month old. I am missing out on so much but I am thankful I get to see them from a distance. My other grandkids, well the two older ones understand but the three year olds don't so I haven't been able to go on any outings with them. 

I have seen them to chat once or twice though in their vehicle and we are getting much better at video chats. I am sure it is even harder on them that it is on me and for all the parents out there, it's gotta be tough. No playgrounds are open, no parks and no friends can come over.

It's definitely a different world out there and we will be living like this for at least two more months. Thankfully here on the island there are very few people with it and mostly only 1 or 2 new cases a day which is good news for us all. It's very hard on people's mental health, such a sense of aloneness. 

It's important that we all do our part I guess as hard as it is. I still walk every day and will continue to do the odd hike even though they are closing most of the parks and trails. Thankfully the CVRD hasn't closed the local ones yet.  It's a shame that a few people have to ruin it for everyone but that is what is happening. 

So this Easter, well I will just relax at home and think back on the past Easters and smile with good memories. We will pray that next year we can all be together again and share in the fun and not just virtually. Staying home keeps us safe and that is what matters - that we are all still her next year to celebrate!

Welcome Evan!

Thirty years ago when I was expecting my third child I had a boys name picked out, Evan. However I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. She just gave birth to a wonderful little baby boy and named him Evan.  As I am welsh Evan is a family name and I am just thrilled to have it continue on in our family.

As each little life enters my world I continue to be amazed. The whole process of creation is a mystery in many ways. It's marvelous how two people can come together in love and create a family. The birthing process is a miracle on it's own. Thankfully my daughter is blessed with easy births - although I am not sure any birth is actually. We were glad that both my older daughter and I could be there for the birth and support them. 

Evan is my 7th grandchild and very well could be my last. They are all so precious, each with their own personalities. Evan met his older sister when he was only a few hours old and the bonding began. They will be wonderful siblings together and keep Mom and Dad very busy. 

I look forward to getting to spending time with Evan as much as I can. Thankfully he is only a couple of hours away. So much to be thankful for in my life. 

I truly am very blessed!