Travels With Picasso

Another day, another scenic hike. This took us to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, just a few miles south of the Little Qualicum River we visited the other day. In addition to the falls, the trail meanders through an old forest roughly following the route of the river. After a brief lunch we began at the upper falls.

This rather unusual water fall plunges from a wide, flat rocky spread into a narrow crack and beyond our vision. This is a deep gorge.

On the other side of the bridge the water flows out into a deep, relatively calm pool.

After crossing the bridge we entered the forest trail down the river to the lower falls. However, due to the cliffs the trail stays back in the forest and one doesn’t get to look down into this narrow slot. We just enjoyed walking among the trees.

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We particularly love the arbutus with their papery red bark and wood. Sometimes trees fall and when they do they leave a giant dent in the fence that protects us from the cliffs.

As usually, I enjoyed photographing the little things along the way.

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The lower falls are also dramatic due to the fact that they are hidden from view by a large boulder wedged in the narrow canyon. We could hear the roar behind this rock. Note the level of the water behind the rock, then see the difference in front. There’s a big drop there!

The pool below the lower falls reflects beautiful emerald green and provides refreshment to adventurous swimmers.

Of course the primary goal of our adventures is to be together, and so we are!

Paul

One day we took a trip over to Little Qualicum River Falls Provincial Park. Each time we come to this place we discover new things to see. The trees change, the light comes from different angles, new plants surprise us, and different flowers bloom. This trip was no different.

The river and the falls are the main attraction.This trip we ventured to a vantage point to which we had never been. It turned out to be prime viewing for this triple cascade.

However, as many of you know my eye is drawn to the small beauties around the larger landscape. The cliffs and forest around the river provided many subjects for my camera.

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Jean is always nearby.

And I sometimes get a selfie!

Just down the road from the falls is Cathedral Grove, a magnificent stand of old growth cedar and fir trees. The oldest trees here are 800 years and going strong despite surviving a massive forest fire 350 years ago. The grove was ravaged by a wind storm a couple of years ago and some of the trails have just been reopened. Walk among these elders and listen to their murmurs. Perhaps you will learn something.

Jean stopped to listen.

So ended our day among the forests of Vancouver Island.

Paul