Re - energising!

We slept like the dead! Our gracious hosts Sheila and Jim ( friends of Marg's brother) made us so comfortable and welcome.  

Jim made us a magnificent breakfast and we sat out on the deck watching the sea and the passing traffic.

A tugboat passed towing a huge quantity of logs bound for the mill - ferries criss crossed the water way and a quantity of small fishing boats floated around. There was no beach to speak of rather a rocky shoreline strewn with logs which had escaped log barges. To see a tugboat dragging a log jam is less common now - often logs are transported in barges which holds the logs and automatically unloads them by tilting and releasing.

A number of Turkey Vultures flew overhead keen to feast on baby seals and seagulls calling a tiny island off the shore home. They were smaller than I imagined but obviously powerful and patient hunters. Eagles also circled competing for food. Cormorants lined up like small statues with wings spread to dry occasionally dived off the rocks seeking food. 

Marg did hear a deer did slip by during the night.

We conquered driving on the " wrong" side of the road but missed the turn off to Graeme's and consequently had to do a u-turn.  Again we missed the turn - another u-turn! It's hard to drive when you are laughing hysterically! We parked the car resolving to walk for the rest of the day.

The forest is really beautiful on the island! Houses are nestled amongst trees with gardens blending seamlessly with the forest. So far we have seen very little open land.

There are plenty of walking trails - we followed a small track meandering through tall, tall trees with an understory of ferns,  lichens and hanging mosses. There has been little rain over the past few months so the forest seemed quite dry. The trees are so tall and straight, some with a huge trunks. 

This walking trail forms part of a nature reserve in the traditional territory of the

Snuyenwumx First Nation. Filled with mature trees it is a sacred place connecting people with their ancestors. The energy of the land is strong here and people are asked to feel the connectedness of all things. Signage is in the First  Nation language as well as English.

We are very aware of an incredible stillness in the early evening. There isn't a breath of wind and no bird song at all. Traffic sounds have died away and the light is quite golden and clear.

We found good coffee- hurrah!