On Getting Out There – A Meditation

We forget sometimes the everyday power and ordinary wonder of immersing ourselves in the natural world. It’s a possibility, an opportunity, that is nearly always available to us. Authentic experiences of nature don’t require an epic excursion into the wilderness for days on end, into apparently pristine surroundings where all evidence of human incursion has been elided. The true magic is that, no matter how much urban we try to impose on the natural landscape, there is still wild all around us.

January 24, 2016 1

Coastal Life at Patricia Bay

One of my favourite places on the peninsula to hang out for an hour or two is Patricia Bay (Pat Bay to us local folk). For a small cove area with a roadway running right alongside it, there's an astonishing array of wildlife and activity to be found at the water's edge. Combine this with phenomenal sunsets, and the place pretty much can't be beat. There's also an incredible amount to be learned by taking the time to relax, sit a spell, and observe the goings-on of coastal life in the bay.

April 14, 2012 0

I Think I Just Saw A Toucan! Local Birding Checklists

Being new to the world of birdwatching, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds there are. There are just so many, both hanging out in the bush or on the beach waiting to be identified, and on the pages of the birding field guides. It's hard to sort out just what I might be looking at, and what the odds are that I'm seeing a particular bird, given the area and time of year.

April 11, 2012 5

Hidden Gem: Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary

Today I want to point you in the direction of a super accessible local park that you may not have heard too much about. Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary is right in downtown Sidney, and while definitely an urban park rather than a wilderness one, it boasts some pretty fantastic ocean vistas. My favourite way to check out the view and the birds there is to head out onto Resthaven Island, a little point of land that's separated from the mainland by an itty bitty channel (and joined by a short and sturdy two-lane bridge). There's a well-maintained loop trail there - it's actually a municipal park, a narrow one that skirts the edge of the island.

January 30, 2012 3

Ask Away! 10 Key Vancouver Island Forums

If you've got a particular outdoor activity in mind, sometimes the best thing to do before heading out is ask advice or snag some tips from the local experts. Here are a few suggestions for Vancouver Island discussion forums covering various outdoor adventures and activities. If you're wondering about trail conditions in a particular area, or looking for a great kayaking destination, these are some great places to start.

January 25, 2012 4