Mom n Daughter Kayak Evening

My daughter and I both love to kayak. Normally we have gone to Maple Bay with friends etc. This time however we decided to have a Mother Daughter kayak evening. We have never just gone the two of us. I usally go with my friends and she goes with hers. Tonight though was very special. We went to the estuary in Cowichan Bay. A place neither of us had paddled before. As a child on road trips I would often look down at all the different water ways where the two rivers come into the ocean and wonder what it would be like to explore the area. It was just as wonderful as I had always imagined. I shall let the pictures tell the story of a quiet peaceful paddle.                         

 

Camping Maple Grove

We managed to go camping one more time with Mom and Dad with the Hamilton family. The Bercier family did show up for the Saturday which was great as it gave the kids some fun time together down at the water. 

This time we went to Maple Grove out in Youbou. Once again we lucked out and got two wonderful sites side by side. We had a trail joining the two sites so it really was like having one big site. This campground has a few different little places to access the beaches. 

We played some cards at night and had friends come to visit on Friday night before the other family showed up for the day on Saturday.

There is one large beach and a couple of smaller beaches in little bays. The main beach is rather rocky but the one bay was complete sand. It was so sandy that when you walked in the water you would sink up to your knees. This was my favourite beach as it was quieter and more peaceful.  

 Mom and Dad were able to get down to the beach each day and watch the kids play so that was wonderful. I am so thankful that my kids love to camping with me and my parents...taking the old folks along with them. 

 

Gathering around the picnic table and sharing in a meal is always something that I truly enjoy. It is a time when we share what we have brought and everyone is giving and kind. Food is always important to me and especially when I am on holidays so I love all the camp food. 

  

 

The time goes by so quickly when we are out camping near the water among the trees. In this Covid time there is nothing better than getting away from it all. Being out among the trees refreshes and restores us and gives us the strength to return to the "real" world of work and life. 

I am so thankful that here in the valley we are surrounded by trees and forested trails and quite a few campgrounds. 

The kids always love finding new places to explore and play hide and seek in. Nana is not always the easiest person to find though but they persevere and usually can find me. 

The sunsets at the lake are amazing and the swings on the beach aren't  too bad either. it was wonderful to go down there in the evening and just take it all in. 

 

I could have sat down there all night watching the water, it was just so peaceful and beautiful. Mother nature never disappoints us and you never know what beauty you may find in an old log. 

 The fire pit did drag me back as that too is wonderful to sit and gaze upon. 

It was an amazing weekend and one I hope we can do again next year. It was a wonderful campsite and one I would recommend. Lake Cowichan is a huge lake and does get very busy in the summer but with luck you will find the perfect spot as we did.

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!