Sooke Potholes to Leechtown

It was a beautiful day for a long hike. We had been to Sooke Potholes before but never ventured down them Galloping Goose Regional Trail as far as Leech town so that was our goal. I love the Sooke potholes, the river is always changing and there are just so many beautiful bits of creation. 

 

We found so many little treasures along the way on the path and even more man made treasures once we reached Leechtown. 

The green in the forests always looks so fresh and clean. So many shades that give me a sense of new life, abundant growth goodness in our world. 

It truly is a lovely trail to hike along, open and wide. We make many stops to take pictures of all the life we find along the way. We even nabbed a couple of caches along the trail. 

And the calmness of the water at this time of year and the peacefulness it brings to all as we look down and follow it's path. 

Treasure after treasure we find in creation. Everything so different and yet so perfect. It is amazing that all of creation lives together bringing beauty to each other. If only people could live like this. The past two year this covid virus has caused so much division in people and anger. Just because we don't all agree doesn't mean we can't accept and still care for one another. Just as the moss and the stump are very different, they live giving life to each other. Trees grow on top of rocks, nursing stumps give new life, all living together in harmony with each other. 

The river cuts through the rock each year deeper and deeper creating small canyons and pools. It works its way downward to the ocean. 

Finally we arrive at our destination. It is the site of an old goldmining town and then later the area was also used to house loggers. It is good that places like this are there to remind us of the history and those that came before us. 

We found some old remnants from the days folks worked and lived here on the way back and stopped to have some fun. This is the site of the managers cabin. 

It was a great day, a fun adventure and one I will probably do a few more times. Everytime you go out into the woods things have changed and new treasures are found! 

 

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.