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Posts tagged ‘trails’

Nov 18

Heaven on Vancouver Island

My words here honestly cannot express the peace and magnificence of Vancouver Island, my uber-dream home. We took the ferry from Horseshoe Bay (just north of Vancouver), into Departure Bay (near Nanaimo).

Host to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers, and lakes — Vancouver Island accommodates habitats for a plethora of wildlife species. The island proper is large and sparsely populated (and we didn’t even hit most of it, in reality — let alone the Gulf Islands). Nearly half of the island’s population lives in the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria.

Thankfully, the island’s old-growth fir and cedar forests are well-protected. There’s nothing excluded for the lover of nature; Its ancient rain forests, rugged caves and beaches, leading down to crystalline bays of the Pacific (in which we were lucky enough to witness a whale’s spout … only) — the island’s beauty is unsurpassed.

The majority of our hiking expeditions were concentrated along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the region of the Coast Salish indigenous peoples. We drove up the West Coast, north from Victoria … and as we passed Sooke, most of our communications were lost. We stayed in a room among others rented by gruff visiting/working Russian fishermen — an interesting experience, to say the least. Itinerant working anglers are … interesting (did I use that adjective already?) folk. Perhaps they were simply in shock at seeing us board there, instead of at the B&Bs an hour north. But, we did learn from the locals that one needs special satellite service for one’s laptop (and for their TVs) … and even for cell phone service. As we were told: Feel free to hike out to the beach (through the woods) — at specific, ideal times — to access your cell phone service provider. Sure. A night-hike with the bears! At first we thought this was a grand joke on the Americans; but sure enough, on the far reaches of the beach we did get a bar or two, as if it mattered — heh. The hikes were astounding; the beauty of the forests leading down to the rugged oceanside, strewn with driftwood of all sizes; the small tree islands and caves dotting the landscape — we even found raw jade in some of these caves, before the water rushed in to cover up the remaining treasures. Although it wasn’t my first visit to the island, I was in tears leaving it this time around. I was profoundly impressed by the people who cared so very much for the land, and its care — unlike some of the parks and preserves I’ve visited in the United States, sadly (read: TRASH).

Besides the obvious hiking and nature excursions available at the abundant parks and nature reserves, I missed the opportunity to visit and tour any one of Vancouver Island’s many vineyards — more than two dozen on the island support a healthy wine industry. Cheers!

Vancouver Island also offers a rich, thriving art and craft community. Artists are drawn to the serenity and beauty of the island, but also to its rich history of Aboriginal arts and legends. By far one of my favorite artistic traditions — with their incorporation of animal, spirit, and nature — it’s actually eerily similar to the art of my own lineage, the Celts. The Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwakawa’wakw have lived in permanent settlements along the island’s shores and within its valleys (and in the general region) dating back 9,000 years. Their elaborate art, created over the centuries, celebrate life’s rites and passages. But their story of “extermination, enslavement, insulation, amalgamation” (as outlined in 1841 as a solution in “dealing” with the Native Peoples) — and ultimately, widespread death (an extreme understatement) with the smallpox epidemic — is one that must be remembered and closely studied by all (in North America at the very least).

Coming Up: Victoria, Capital City of British Columbia…

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Aug 29

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Mounts Botanical Garden

In a somewhat interesting section of Palm Beach resides the county’s oldest and largest public garden: Mounts Botanical Garden. The gardens cover a serene 14 acres, with 18 plant collections. Tropical and subtropical plants and trees from six continents make their home at Mounts with more than 2000 species, from cacti and succulent plants to edible herbs, citrus, palms, and exotic trees. Beyond the flowers and trees, there are butterfly gardens; herb and vegetable gardens (a favorite of visitors, mine included); lovely gazebos and arches dotting the trails; and ponds with aquatic plants and fish. The occasional plane roaring overhead is in striking contrast to the serenity of this space — the gardens neighbor the Palm Beach International Airport.

The gardens were hit especially hard by the dual impact of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, but reopened to the public in early 2005. While 150 trees were lost, more flowers were planted and the ensuing growth has proved healthy.

Mounts was conceived as a 3.5-acre county site for pasturing 4-H horses, and was named for Palm Beach County’s first assistant agricultural extension agent, Marvin Umphrey “Red” Mounts. A native of Oklahoma and 1925 graduate of the University of Florida, Mounts was hired to educate farmers in modern farming methods. The gardens continue to draw on experts for their educational programs due to their association with the PBC Cooperative Extension Service, and affiliation with the University of Florida. A leader in providing horticultural and botanical information related to South Florida’s unique plants and environment, Mounts hosts a variety of events and programs, including plant sales, festivals, workshops, and auctions. The Garden Shop at Mounts further offers a wide range and hard-to-find selection of books geared to the region’s gardening, wildlife, and environment.

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Aug 19

Nature’s Walking Meditations

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

We don’t need the pressure of others, or of media to spur our self-doubt — especially during times of change or shifting perspectives. The mind races, the body follows suit, and worry and fear blossom exponentially. “What did I do wrong?” “What if I missed X opportunity?” “What direction should I go?” “What can I do to do more?” Of course, thousands of years of spiritual practice reminds us to MEDITATE. As one who has been accustomed to such practices for the majority of her life, I’ve realized that this is at times, easy to do…and at others, simply not possible. During those more spastic times, I walk. Aimlessly. We’re lucky (thank you!!) to have nature preserves nearby, so when I’m in these moods I force myself outdoors, with my camera — even in the torrential heat of South Florida summers. If you have a park nearby, go to some trees; just sit near the natural elements. Nature, and by effect walking on the earth below, can be a magnificent grounding exercise when these wingy-dingy thoughts and moods take root in the psyche. And by meandering, observing the wildlife — by focusing on something other than worries, the mind *blanks* — something I would not achieve otherwise, sitting cross-legged calmly on a pillow. When the mind finally empties of the infuriating fear and self-doubt, the inner voice peeks through, and conservations flow unencumbered. Listen — these can be the best moments, akin to waking from a dream-state. By the end of the walk, I’m brimming with gratitude for the for the sheer relief of the shift of perspective. And if I’m lucky enough, I’ve come out of it with some interesting ideas. ☀

From oneindia living: The Tao Way of Journeying – Short Story

Tao means ‘the way’ A short Tao story reflects the truth.

A young man who wanted to take a look at the statue of Lao Tzu, the Tao master, set out one night on his embarkation. The statue was atop a hill, a hundred kilometers away and the path to it was rugged and risky to embark in the night. Hence after having gone a few kilometers he decided to wait until day break to pursue with his journey.

As the young man sat by the roadside, an old man came by and made enquiries. He then persuaded the young man to go along with him, to the hill, promising rest whenever he wanted to.

The young man agreed and the two set off on the journey. The path was beautiful and the old man readily agreed to rest whenever the young man wanted to. The two then reached the hilltop where the statue of Lao Tzu stood. A sense of utter fulfillment brimmed the young man’s heart on his mission being met.

The old man stoked, “Get up. What are you resting for? The journey is not over. It does not end with this. The path is beautiful. You will have to pursue it. There is nothing called the goal, but only the path!”

A short story that kindles the spirit of Tao in all spiritual seekers.

A most beautiful path in Riverbend (Jupiter, FL)

Aug 16

More People Are Walking the Woods!

How nice to see a flourishing return to the natural world. Whether it’s the continued state of the economy that’s forcing us to do so — who wants to drop $50 on a simple outing any longer? — it doesn’t matter. Take a walk; be happy in the beauty that surrounds us; or go hug a tree…. It’s good for the soul, as well as that of the green kingdom.

Appalachian Trail sees record number of hikers
By Merlyn Seeley, Appalachian Trail Hiking Examiner

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