Cruishank Canyon with the Girls

About ten years ago my friend and I hiked Cruishank Canyon. It is a long 22- 24 km hike but the beauty along the way makes it so worth it. I was thrilled that my daughter and her friend were going to hike and and invited myself and my other daughter a long. Although it is all gradual I had forgotten that it isn't perfectly flat. We started off hiking through Paradise meadows along the boardwalk which is a wonderful family friendly place to bring people of all ages. 

Reaching Battleship Lake we stopped for our first break along the way. This is the place where I sometimes turn around if doing a short day hike but today we would venture further on. This lake is long and wonderful and a place where the birds love to hang out and be fed. 

There are so many colourful plants along the way. The last time I hiked it was in late fall the colours were more vibrant with the reds and purples but still there were some colourful flowers along the way. 

The trail continues on and on and on and then you come to this place. It is my favourite place along the hike. You cross the creek and enter into the flatter zone where people have place inuksuk's to mark the way. I am not sure why it is my favourite spot but it definitely is. 

The canyon itself is long and deep. The cloud cover wasn't too low but low enough that once again I could not see Mount Albert Edward. A mountain I hiked a few years ago and that on a clear day can be seen from this view point of the canyon. Ah well maybe another time! 

 

Heading back we returned taking the same route  until we came to the turn off to the canyone. From there we took the northern trail. Shorter but muddier and more elevation gain. It's not my favourite way to go but when you are not the one leading the hike you need to follow where they go.

Along this muddy trail up above the lake we were swarmed by black flies for about an hour which reconfirmed my belief that you are better to travel both out and back on the east side of the lakes. Never again do I want to go on this pathway. 

As we neared the trailhead we were dragging in energy. It had been a long day and on completion we had hiked for around 8 hours. Two hours longer than I am comfortable with but still so very thankful that I was able to this hike one more time. 

I am not sure I will ever do this hike again but I am pretty sure it will remain one of my favourite day hikes. It's long but not huge elevation and as long as you take your time it is totally doable and enjoyable. Every time there are different things to see along the way. Thanks girls for a most enjoyable day! 

Forest Museum

A fun day at the Forsest Museum with all seven littles. They love going there to ride the train and play at the playground. I am always so thrilled when I can get all seven of them together as it only happens a few times throughout the year.

It is such a wonderful spot in our community and a great place for families. The kids never seem to tire of going there. 

We took lunch and just relaxed and visited while the kids played. Of course it is a busy time with 7 kids all under the age of 8. 

Even though it has changed over the years it is wonderful to bring my grandchildren to a place where I came as a child and my children came as children. Three generations of riding the train and looking at the old logging equipment. 

Sometimes we walk back through the forest but mostly we ride the train! It's such a scenic little trip through the forest and over the trestle on the lake. 

Each child brings their own personal gifts to our gatherings and I can't imagine not having them all there no matter how hectic it may get. I may be a bit prejudice but I do feel that they are all very special little individuals and I love having them all close by on the island. 

 

Lizard Lake

 Our first family camp this year was at Lizard Lake on the way to Port Refrew. 

It's a great place to camp with kids. Once again we lucked out and arrived early enough to grab a group site. It's a nice, quiet place where we can let the kids all run around and not have to worry too much. 

The Cole family came for the first night with the rest arriving on the Friday. The weather was fantastic although it was in the midst of a huge heat wave. Thankfully it was cooler out there than it was in town. 

Patiently waiting for his cousins to arrive and the real fun to begin! Which it did! 

The lake is great for swimming and anything else. The kids had brought their canoe and paddle board so we were able to explore the rest of the lake this year. The boys love to catch the lizards and then let them go. 

We all went swimming in the mornings and then spent the afternoon hanging around the campsite. The kids also went swimming in the evening. The little ones had so much fun being together and playing. I managed to go out in the canoe with Adam and the boys. It was a bit scary when they leaned over to see the lizards!

Mom and Dad were even able to come down to the lake and watch the kids swim this year so that was just great. The love being around the great grandkids and see them all having fun. 

I had brought lots of paper and felts so much time was spent in the shade with the older kids making their own little books. 

The hit with the little ones was of course the bubble machine.

Meals as always are shared affairs and we enjoyed some really great breakfasts and dinners. It's great having Mom and Dad there along with their camper as it makes washing up really easy. 

We tried to do an afternoon hike but the heat was just too much so we only made it part way this year. The kids were really good sports about it all. 

It was an awesome weekend and I am so thankful that my kids all get along and that the littles are so close in age that they love to play together and enjoy the same interests. 

Evening time is a time where lots of stories are read before the little ones get tucked in. Sometimes it does take a while before they all settle down.

Hopefully we will go again in the fall!