In the steady continuation of datecations with my Canadian love, I spent the first part of 2017 basking in the glory that is British Columbia. Gladly the incessant rain abated within a few days after my arrival and we got a few days of unreal, crisp sunny weather. We took full advantage of this and managed to snowboard under blue-bird skies, hike through the dripping Red Cedars that characterize the Pacific Northwest, and sea kayak around Gabriola Island.
The wonder of Vancouver, as an outdoor enthusiast, is that for a city of over 600,000 people, nature surrounds and nearly engulfs the glass and steel cityscape. Three ski resorts within thirty minutes not to mention Whistler, just under two hours away. Ocean on two, or three sides of the city depending on where you are. Ferries that run daily taking you to the gulf islands or Vancouver Island proper. Needless to say, I'm in love with it almost as much as I am with Megs.
The moment I would like to share was a sunset walk that we took to the waters edge on Gabriola Island. We headed to a spot that Megs had been to before, a spit of land that becomes an island when the tide is high. The sun was setting and we were off; the walk was surreal. The cedars grew close together, making the forest floor a mono-crop of moss. With each step, the moss would pucker, swallowing our feet. Our ramble followed animal trails that meandered through this green and rust red world. A sound caught my attention to our left and as I turned the image brought The Wild Things promptly to memory. A Scottish highland cow, with huge curving horns, and a long wavy coat to match the trees peered at us with a baby by its side. The cow proved to be benign, content to watch us as we hopped over logs towards the ocean that we could perceive through the thickness of the trees.
We crossed the threshold of the forest to the placid ocean dotted with islands. The sun was beaming on the snow capped mountains across the Strait of Georgia. The sky was immaculate, not a cloud to be seen and the alpenglow rising pink off of the rugged treeless peaks in the distance. An eagle flew overhead and ducks bobbed quietly. The speed of the world slowed as the fading sunlight crept up the mountains.
The moment glistened with serenity. We sipped our teas and contemplated the magic that the vista brought. The combination of mountains and ocean is abrupt, wilderness in essence, yet its allure is undeniable. So beautiful that sucks the words out, replacing it with a sense of calm wonder at the beauty of this world. Moments like these, especially when shared, are gems that nestle into our hearts for safe keeping. Our walk back was giddy and silly, I felt I was humming from the awe and of course our furry friend was there to watch us pass.
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| Photo Credit: Megs |
The wonder of Vancouver, as an outdoor enthusiast, is that for a city of over 600,000 people, nature surrounds and nearly engulfs the glass and steel cityscape. Three ski resorts within thirty minutes not to mention Whistler, just under two hours away. Ocean on two, or three sides of the city depending on where you are. Ferries that run daily taking you to the gulf islands or Vancouver Island proper. Needless to say, I'm in love with it almost as much as I am with Megs.
The moment I would like to share was a sunset walk that we took to the waters edge on Gabriola Island. We headed to a spot that Megs had been to before, a spit of land that becomes an island when the tide is high. The sun was setting and we were off; the walk was surreal. The cedars grew close together, making the forest floor a mono-crop of moss. With each step, the moss would pucker, swallowing our feet. Our ramble followed animal trails that meandered through this green and rust red world. A sound caught my attention to our left and as I turned the image brought The Wild Things promptly to memory. A Scottish highland cow, with huge curving horns, and a long wavy coat to match the trees peered at us with a baby by its side. The cow proved to be benign, content to watch us as we hopped over logs towards the ocean that we could perceive through the thickness of the trees.
We crossed the threshold of the forest to the placid ocean dotted with islands. The sun was beaming on the snow capped mountains across the Strait of Georgia. The sky was immaculate, not a cloud to be seen and the alpenglow rising pink off of the rugged treeless peaks in the distance. An eagle flew overhead and ducks bobbed quietly. The speed of the world slowed as the fading sunlight crept up the mountains.
The moment glistened with serenity. We sipped our teas and contemplated the magic that the vista brought. The combination of mountains and ocean is abrupt, wilderness in essence, yet its allure is undeniable. So beautiful that sucks the words out, replacing it with a sense of calm wonder at the beauty of this world. Moments like these, especially when shared, are gems that nestle into our hearts for safe keeping. Our walk back was giddy and silly, I felt I was humming from the awe and of course our furry friend was there to watch us pass.
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