Challenge #2

Here we go! Off to Piper's Lagoon for the challenge. I went on Tuesday.... the weather was cool but it was quite nice out. The tide was in - the tide was in all week in the daylight hours. It makes the lagoon itself look nicer but does cause some hiking problems.

First, a view across the lagoon.

Then out to the parking lot and a walk across the spit? Causeway? At any rate, to get to what was originally an island, I imagine, there is the walk along the path with the beach on one side and the lagoon on the other.

This is the path. The tide being in is a big problem for me. I am 70 and do not have the best balance. If the tide were out I could walk below that rock on the left of the picture over to the rest of the park. But with the tide in, the only way to get there is over that very large rock. I did that several years ago, worrying all the time that I would fall and break a leg or worse, and wondered how long it would be before someone found me. Imagine lying in a heap, giving out faint cries, "Help! Hellllllp!"


Piper's Park has many of the Garry Oaks. The Garry Oak ecosystems are endangered. Only 5% of BC Garry Oak ecosystems are in wild areas. Generally in BC these oaks are only found on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island and the nearby smaller islands. These trees grow in a twisted form. Very photogenic!

At the end of the path lies this old oak. It seems to be still alive - just resting.

Behind the old tree is a big rock, but not as difficult to climb as the other. Climbing this hill in the spring is a pleasure, as the slopes are covered with wild flowers. At the top is my very favourite park bench, with a million dollar view and shaded in summer by the lovely old oak.

So I sat down for a bit of a breather. This is the view.... Ahead to the south is Gabriola Island and on a rare clear day you can see Mt. Baker.

Back down to the path. The wind is cold and from the north. This lady has found a place out of the wind to read her book.

I know - for wild flowers they aren't much - but beggars can't be choosers on November first!