Thursday, September 29, 2016

A small dose of Paradise Meadows...a "vitamin" that's good for body, mind, and spirit.


The place we call "Base Camp 1", Vancouver Island, is incredibly beautiful. It's 460 km in length and around 100 km in width, at its widest point. At 32,000 square kilometres, it is the largest island off the west coast of North America. It's big, it's wild, and much of it requires serious self-propelled travel. We've been "islanders" (admittedly, still "incomers") for almost fourteen years...and, in terms of exploration, have barely scratched the surface.

There are, of course, reasons. Sea kayaking, our first love, has drawn us to the salt water, exploring the seascapes. For ten of those years, our vocations were more than full time...but they were a labour of love. Since "retirement", we've spent a significant period working in the UK, another labour of love. 


It's a fact of life, isn't it...you just can't do everything. But you can try. ;)

A few days ago, we were introduced, by a friend, to a very special place...Paradise Meadows, the sub-alpine meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park. It's in the high country, familiar to those who love to ski, hike, and mountain Bike at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, just a little west of Comox. It was such a magical day, I didn't even think to take many photographs...now that's the kind of "distraction" I like. :)



The thing is, life can "turn on a dime". Time, allowed to pass, unexamined and unexplored will pass...unexamined and unexplored. As Annie Dillard says, and as is so often the theme of this blog, "We are here on the planet only once, and (we) might as well get a feel for the place."


"Getting a feel for the place", this amazing planet, is time well spent. It fills our bodies, minds, and spirits with one of the most important nutrients of all...Vitamin N. "N", of course, stands for "Nature". 


Note to self: Don't let a day go by without taking, at the very least, a small dose of the very best "vitamin" of all - Vitamin N. Mmmm.

Of course, a large dose is even better! :)


7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful place D & J, almost otherworldly. There must be an active wildlife study programme as the bird in your image has a colour ring? A dose of Vitamin N really should be just what the Doctor orders for everbody!

    Warm wishes to you both

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ian, yes, there are very dedicated programs throughout the Island...and the birds do look rather fashionable. ;) Warm wishes from us both.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Mmmm...ours too, Linda! Thank you for ensuring that we took our vitamins that day! :) Warm wishes.

      Delete
    2. Can see why you also like "Base Camp 2" as the similarities are clear to see on your excellent photos of "Base Camp 1", that is mist, water,trees with Lichen and green vegetation. Yes "Blue Sky Scotland" is calling. I need more of your N and less of my N which stands for "nosh". Best wishes to both.

      Delete
  3. Hi Mike, there are, indeed, lots of similarities - mountains, the sea, magnificent vistas, and now...the rainy season. Ah but when the sky is blue, in both places, it is a magnificent blue. :) Warm wishes, see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Duncan,
    I just reviewed your oceanpeace web site. It was so neat to follow your trip with your long term pal around Salt Spring Island. Friendship as we age becomes more valuable and words can sometimes be hard to find to express how valuable friends are to us. I have many happy memories of paddling and camping, with my dear friend Richard, on the West Coast.
    I truly enjoy all your pictures of you and your travels as I read through and enjoyed your comments . I did find that I can relate to a lot of what you said. As Kayaking is still a major part of my life, moments on the water , with waves and wind to feel the true essence of life in all its glory. Many thanks for your blog.
    Life is better on the water Don McAfee.

    ReplyDelete