On Finding Solitude

           Solitude is something I have always sought out- keen to be alone and quiet I was often perfectly happy sitting on the dock at the lake first thing in the morning or cycling through the back roads of the Okanagan Valley - often solo. Since moving to the city I have had to be much more vigilant about seeking out solitude- quiet- peace- both inner and outer. While I have yet to claim transcendence in my practice of seeking solitude there have been a few brief moments of sheer and utter blissed out quiet- one such moment happened a few weeks back on a visit to Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon.

            Smith Rock it's self is epic enough to make a non- believer believe in a greater power- obviously this place was formed with such great power and force that it took nothing short of a miracle- scientific or spiritual it matters not- this is a place of magic and power. While were were anything but appropriately equipped for hiking we took to the trails with relish and happy freedom- to be fair we stuck to the well traveled lower paths and did not attempt the more difficult ones- next time  with proper footwear!

          At a certain point in our adventure the Mr. and the Boy went off to do their own thing and my girl and I continued down the dry path- stopping every now and again to examine the flora- thankfully not running into any fauna! We rounded a corner in the path and a sudden silence descended on us- no other human in site- no noise save for the wind in the rock spires. This quiet beauty all encompassing and my girl became a little afraid- she is after all from the city.

       We quietly sat together by the river- watching the water slip past and after a bit she relaxed into the silence- the tensions releasing from her little body as she found the solitude we all need now and again. While we were not entirely alone we respected each other's silence- this normally chatty girl of mine seemed to tune into the silence intuitively- she just got it. This was but a few moments in a long day but when our time together out on the rock was up we climbed back to the path with much refreshed spirits. So happy to have begun the conversation between my girl and the beautiful silence of nature.

Hiking: Bowen Island

         One of our favourite places to visit is Bowen Island- I have written a few times about my love for this place- stepping off the ferry in Snug Cove always feels like coming home. I love everything about this place- how it feels so much like where I grew up- Bowen Island is everything I could possibly want. And so it is no surprise that when we need to get away from everything and just regroup this is where we head.

          The disconnect between life in the city happens almost immediately- the short fifteen minute boat ride encourages all our worries to stay behind at the dock. Walking through the town really is just like what I grew up with- roving gangs of free range kids on bikes, skateboards and foot. Our family of course heads straight for the forested trails that we love so- exploring and wandering as we go. Into the forest- quiet nature calling our names we follow the trail starting in town and head for Killarney Lake. A stop at the fish hatchery is always a must- bugs, snails, frogs, sticks and snakes- so much for the Littles to stop and take in.

          This visit was the first time we managed the loop to Killarney Lake and back- pausing for lunch in the fields by the equestrian ring- sandwiches in the sunshine. This year both our Littles are big enough to pack their own packs- for the most part of the day- Dad picking up the slack near the end of our hike when little legs get heavy. The trails to Killarney and around the island in general are quite easy for people of all hiking abilities- a nice easy stroll if one sticks to the trails.

          Of course there is so much in town to explore as well- down at the docks our favourite Shika is open for the season once again- stop in for a rice bowl or a cute plant. The ice cream stand is packed on a sunny day- we often opt for lemon slushies- a perennial fave. If one happens to hike up Bluebird Trail to Artist Square lots of cute shops and galleries can be found- my favourite Wren Boutique offering all sorts of goodness! Of course a stop at the smallest candy shop is a must and is often the bribe to walk just a little further- the promise of a sweet treat.

          Bowen Island is truly one of my favourite day trips- it has everything a person could ask for- great food- great coffee- a brewery- wonderful little shops and galleries not to mention all the outdoor space a person needs. The proximity to Vancouver and transit make this such an accessible place to visit- would arguably make for a tolerable commute into work! A full day spent outside soaking in the sunshine and forest is often just what our family needs- topping us off for another week in the city.

Hiking: Burnaby Lake

          We have some friends who are participating in a really unique family challenge- they have challenged themselves to cover 2015 KMs this year - 2015. As May is Friends and Family month they invited us along on their adventure- not only is it Friends and Family month but it was also friend Erin's birthday- perfect day for a hike. We headed to an area of the Lower Mainland that I have yet to explore- Burnaby Lake.

         In my opinion Burnaby is better known for it's shopping malls and condos than hiking- Burnaby lake is a bit of an anomaly. Located just off Highway 1 I didn't even know it existed- I always assumed the swath of trees we cruise past on our way out of town was in fact wind screen for warehouses- not the case. We were all pleasantly surprised to find basically a forest in the middle of the city- Burnaby Lake is the largest lake in the Lower Mainland- with over 10 KMs of trails, equestrian facilities, archery range as well as being adjacent to the Rugby club and sports fields.

         Home to an abundant amount of wildlife we encountered Canada Geese with their babies, turtles, slugs, Sandhill Cranes, Sand Pipers even a good sized frog. We saw lots of evidence of the beavers that call the park home but evidence was all we saw- no beavers in sight. With lots of explore this easy, flat hike kept the Littles engaged and going for the most part- a few falls and plenty of band aids ensured they did the entire loop mostly under their own steam.

         I will admit- the idea of hiking in Burnaby was not exactly my cup of tea- I balked at the idea that we would essentially be walking on sidewalks- I was convinced that this hike would indeed be just like Stanley Park- over run with tourists. I will be the first to admit I was wrong- Burnaby Lake is a little slice of heaven! The perfect easy hike for anyone- strollers and Grandparents alike- the 10 km loop is full of beautiful distractions as well as pit stops. The nature House features a butterfly garden and interpretive centre full of cool stuff like salamanders to engage visitors of all ages- along with well maintained washrooms. I would recommend this little oasis to anyone wanting an escape from the busy trails of downtown- oh and did I mention the free parking!

         We are so happy we got to be a part of our friend's 2015 in 2015 challenge- getting outside and hitting the trails is our jam!  Overall the entire day - including a stop at Deer Lake post 7-11 break- was 13.50 KMs hiked. Thank you Fowler Family for making us a part of May's Friends and Family Challenge- glad we could walk some Kilometers with you!

Family Day Hike

             Yesterday was Family Day here in British Columbia- it was with great excitement that the Littles realized Daddy had the day off work.  After a crazy birthday weekend with lots of friends and family we decided to head to the forest with some friends to stretch our legs and breath in some fresh air. With the fog hugging the shoreline and a light drizzle falling we hit the trails on the North Shore at Lighthouse Park- our not so Littles taking off on long confident legs- stretching to find their own way.

          Slogging through mud- so much mud and so many puddles we encountered several other folks who were out doing the same thing as us- when on the Wet Coast you just have to get outside whenever you can- no waiting on fairer weather for it may never come! What I love about hiking on the coast is how friendly people are when an encounter happens on the trail- everyone saying hello- many people commenting on our little hikers. Looking back on this time last year the kids are much more confident hikers than they were- unafraid but still cautious.

          The group fell into many different pairings along the way- sometimes all the kids were together- other times one kid to a parent- I love the moments with my boy- the quiet moments on the trail where we talk- he tells me things when we are walking side by side. Little trailside confidences- I hope this never changes.

          Hiking with kids has many ups and downs figurative as well as literally on the trail- of course there are moments of whining and complaining- someone steps in a puddle- two or three times in a row and has wet feet- someone is hungry- someone is poking someone else with a stick. At the end of the day though a day spent in the forest with friends is never a bad thing- especially when it ends in adult beverages and french fries for the kiddos! Shaking the city off for an adventure on the trail- full of fungus and eagles- wearing hoodies in the middle of winter- we are a bunch of lucky people- West Coast is the best coast!

In The Nest

            The cold weather arrived with a gust the other night- actually several gusts- all night long- our first real storm of the season sent umbrellas inside out and patio furniture scattering. I am feeling that once the clouds part we will see snow dusting the North Shore mountains- it's just that time of the year. With the less than delightful weather I have been pushing myself to stay active outside- which can be tricky because I would rather spend my winter curled up in the corner of the sofa next to my knitting basket.

           So much can be said about self care and for me it is so easy to just hibernate- spend my days inside where it is warm and dry- my inner bear really likes this behaviour. I've been around this old sun enough times to know better though- my mental health is always better when I am breathing the fresh air and stretching my legs. Striving to find that balance between the cozy nest that is our home and the bracing elements which always give me a clearer head is hard and something that does not come easily to me.

           My new goal or challenge every week this winter is to document the delightful surprises I find on my urban hikes- juxtapose them against the splendid coziness of home and be celebrate the extreme differences. To be honest this little challenge will not be all that hard- not only do we live in a beautiful place but lets be honest the elements in Vancouver are not all that harsh! A fun game I will make of it all indeed- tricking myself into a fun fall adventure!

           As the days get darker and the earth starts to fall into slumber I notice like most animals our family wants to tuck into home more and more- drawing in closer to the light. I love this time of year-  when the veil is thin- this is truly the season for relaxing- slumbering and recharging.  I'm bringing lots of yummy textures into our living space- warm, nubby blankets from Mexico- fuzzy pillows- of course the lovely texture in my knitting basket- all encouraging us to cozy into our den.

A Peek At Our Weekend

         Our weekend was predominantly a grey and soggy one- typical of "Wet" Coast weather- the bonus is that things are warming up considerably- enough so that layers are being shed and adventures are happening outside again! This weekend we chose to explore a piece of Pacific Spirit Park that we had never been to before but had driven by many times and it was so worth the stop! Just past our favourite stomping grounds- Spanish Banks- is a small parking lot at the top of Acacia Beach- the trail runs through the trees beside the water and on to Wreck Beach.

         The trail was quite mucky after a solid week of rain but we were all properly attired for a stroll in the rain forest- after a season of heavy use both the Littles are sporting duct tape on their gum boots but they are still holding up and doing the job- keeping little feet dry for a few more weeks! Very few people were out on this section of the trail- definitely no nude sun bathers at Wreck Beach- just a pair of eagles, a dog walker and us.

   
         The eagles were by far the coolest part of our hike and I am sorry I didn't have my big girl camera with me- we saw a nesting pair- one caught a fish and flew with it right over our heads up into the trees where it sat and feasted. We walked quietly along the trail hoping to not disturb it but when we got under the eagle's chosen roost we were obviously too close for comfort and off it flew to a higher perch. While we are lucky to see eagles on a regular basis I had never seen this before- it was quite the sighting!

        The thing about hiking with the kiddos is as they get older they feel free to express their opinion- so the opinion was expressed yesterday that perhaps not all of us wished to be hiking. After a week spent hopping from friend's house to friend's house I felt it was important to have a little quiet family time with just the four of us- outside- in nature. Trying to find that balance we are striving for in our life- trying to explain that to a six year old is tricky- they have no need of balance in their opinion- why not just stay inside another day and play Legos! Does it need to be said that a fair amount of complaining was issued the entire two hours we were out?

          Being at the edge of the forest and the sea soothes my soul- even if the busy city is not too far away- the beauty of Pacific Spirit Park is that the hustle and bustle seem words away. While I do love a visit to more standard beaches designed for swimming I never find that calming- it is only on deserted stretches of rocky shore that a level of quietude is reached- which until we can get out of town and sit by a camp fire will have to do!

Field Trip: Larrabee State Park

         Ever since we returned home from our holidays at Christmas our family has been bit by the travel bug- obsessively checking travel deals and seat sales- planning for the coming year- right now however we are smack dab in the middle of the school year. So we do the next best thing- start venturing a bit further afield for little day trips- hoping the change in scenery will scratch that travel itch! This weekend the sun was finally breaking through the clouds and so we decided to head over the boarder and check out a park in Washington state that friends had suggested to us- Larrabee State Park just outside Bellingham.

         No day is ever perfect but this was as close to perfect as we could ask for- once the Littles stopped bickering and noticed there were lots of cool things to explore things went pretty smoothly. The Boy has decided he wants to rock climb so much of his time was spent on the gentle sandstone cliffs surrounding the beach- with the Mr. close at hand to spot- of course! It amazes me how this boy has grown- not just physically but emotionally- over the past month or so- he is much more willing to try new things and to tackle bigger challenges- like rock climbing- he has fallen and gotten back up- my not-so- little guy!

         The sandstone at Larrabee is amazing- mini caves carved out of the stone by the relentless power of the waves- making the perfect hiding spot for boys! Both of our Littles found special spots to curl up in- they played with other kids- exploring tidal pools and watching for seals- which we did see! Starfish and shells are always exciting business- again joining other kids down on the beach to "rescue" starfish that had been washed up.

      Incidentally Larrabee State Park is almost 100 years old- having been founded in 1915. A picnic and BBQ shelter as well as very clean bathrooms and a bandstand are in the main grassy field of the day use area- along with a small but very fun playground structure! We took a look around the campsites and they look really quite nice- well set back from the road- we did notice though that similar to Porteau Cove- a train runs right by the campground. Hiking and mountain bike trains run through out the park, a quiet, shallow bay offers prime marine viewing for kayakers- there really is something for everyone.

          Days like this are balm for the soul- moving our bodies outside in the fresh air and sunshine- a rare gift at this time of year on the West Coast. Often when life in the city gets overwhelming I start to day dream of times just like the ones spent at Larrabee- plotting and planning our next close to home family adventure! At least until school is out!

Where the Mountains Meet the Ocean

 
      We went on an adventure this weekend to the place where the mountains meet the ocean- on a skinny strip of beach at the edge of Howe sound- where the hummingbirds danced what can only be their mating dance and a robin searched for worms- sea gulls riding up- draughts and the air throbbing with the sounds of Spring. We sat beside a stream and the Littles threw rocks and dug holes while I knitted a few rows in a tiny hat for a friend- each row knitted with love, Spring and sunshine beside a stream at the edge of Howe sound.

     Sometimes we (as a family) forget that what we need to survive is space and air and quiet- I forget that the sound of water is balm for my soul- instantly relaxing us all. We spent the day dreaming what a simpler life- outside the city- could be like- dreaming of our future- laying plans and writing it in the clouds. Coming home we are all a little changed- a little introspective- more energized- each tiny step we take is together down our path.

Sunday Stroll

       This weekend our Sunday Stroll almost did not happen- a combination between people feeling under the weather and the actual weather. We had planned on re-visiting the Reifel bird sanctuary however the fog- which came and went and then came back again with no warning- made any bird viewing almost impossible. It was decided we could save our visit to the bird sanctuary for another- much nicer day- and so we scrambled about trying to figure out a very casual and close hike- which turned out to be more of a walk.

       We were already out in the city of Richmond- which is relatively close to Vancouver- and decided instead of a complicated hike we would hit one of the many and very accessible trails that run through out the city. We settled on the Middle Arm Trail which is located just behind the Olympic Speed Skating Oval( River Road) and runs along the middle arm of the Fraser River- the length of the entire trail runs 38 km but we just tackled a portion of it.

     I will admit that I was a tad hesitant about this hike- the whole idea of our Sunday Strolls are to get us out of the city and here we were settling for an urban hike in the middle of a busy city. Yet peace and nature and community surrounded us on our hike- wildlife was plentiful and viewed from various viewing platforms along our walk. I think the best part of our afternoon was the amount of people we met who stopped and said hello or just smiled and waved at the kids who ran willy nilly down the trail.

      It was thanks to this willy nilly running that we stopped at a place we had never explored before- The Boy bailed and had full on road rash all over his wee hands- some water and band aids were in need. Luckily the Richmond Speed Skating Oval from the 2012 Winter Olympics was our closest venue- now a bustling community centre they had the appropriate first aide supplies we needed and we got to experience a beautiful building.

      In our exploration of the facility we stumbled upon some beautiful public art- Water Sky Garden by Janet Echelman 2009- is a beautiful addition to the Richmond Olympic Oval. Massive netting suspended over tranquil water gardens interlaced with bright red bridges- water circulating in the ponds- it is a beautiful piece- especially in the fog with a light breeze blowing gently making the netting sway. Peace and tranquillity existing along side the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets- tucked around the corner from the front of the building you would never know there is a busy road right there- it was so quiet.

      This is a hike I would do again- it is easy and accessible- the Littles had a great time running down the safe path and exploring all the points of interest as well as spotting birds and airplanes. Richmond has an extensive network of these trails running through out the city and we most definitely want to check out more. The fresh air was exactly what we needed to clear our own fog surrounding our heads, the ocean air in our lungs making us feel freshened and ready to tackle a new week!