Yesterday morning I went out early to discover for myself a hike I had heard/read good things about from others, like my friend and fellow blogger: Donna. This hike is also listed in a recent book purchase – Seaside Walks on Vancouver Island by Theo Dombrowski. I’ll let the pictures and the captions do the talking, from here:
A great place to dive in and start exploring the seaside walks. The author says there is a petroglyph of salmon to be seen on the walk! You know I am not leaving until I find it.View of the harbour city of Nanaimo, from the start of the seaside walk. It’s starting to get spectacular out here!Sandstone “carvings” all along the shore. Caused by salt crystals “growing” in the rock, according to a sign posted along the trail.On the hunt for the petroglyph, checking out some carved out sandstone. Wait, what’s that in the distance?!?!Could this rock be it?Success! Thank you, Theo Dombrowski. ๐More weird and wonderful sandstone.Yet another beautiful view from this trail.At the very point of it all.Watching the Tsawwassen ferry load, from my driftwood seat.Last look back as I round the point.And there she goes! Heading for the mainland.There is plenty to eat on this trail should you forget to pack a snack. Sometimes I feel like Nanaimo-area is just one big blackberry bramble… ๐Looks like it was a good hike. Someone’s feet had a lot of fun ๐Back home, watching Jack Point leave my feet (and sandals!)Very happy with this purchase so far! Hmmm…which walk should I do next? ๐
And how was your (Canadian) long weekend? Do tell!
That was intentional, Deborah. I feel (rightly or wrongly) that walking a relatively easy trail as close to barefoot as I dare will work and strengthen my feetโs muscles and tendons and help me recover from the drastic ankle injury I experienced in March.
I have! Iโve lusted after a pair of those Vibrams with the individual toes. However, as you may have noticed from the picture I have very long toes and from the reviews I read those wonโt work for me โน๏ธ. So, my cheapie Crocs are being employed instead!
Oh sure you did something exotic and fascinating and oodles of fun while I wandered aimlessly around a township park! Of course I realize our weekends aren’t meant to be competitions, but you win hands down. Petroglyphs are cool. Empty plays grounds, not so cool.
Hey, I enjoyed your empty playground post! ๐Thank goodness itโs not a competition โcos a lot of your posts would kick my blogโs ass, Ally Bean ๐๐
You sure picked the prefect place to retire! It’s beautiful there.
Crocs makes better sandals for hiking than you’re wearing in the photo—maybe not on sand for building ankles but for other places. I’m addictive to Crocs, have about 14 pair and I have the ones you have on. If you don’t shop their website, you should. I have an old pair of their summer cross-trainers that have great support and are open like a sandal. Most comfortable walking shoe I own and I have some cross-trainers that cost five times more than those Crocs.
My weekend included kayaking time on a stretch of the Rideau River inside the city on a hot, but not humid, day. No petroglyphs or BC ferries, though, nor the smell of salt water and kelp. Still, good to be outside.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Susanne๐ I missed out on any opportunity to get a kayak or SUP for this season. Every place (even online) is SOLD OUT. People are staying home and investing in watercraft this summer and I canโt say I blame them. I envy you your kayak time.
Our weekend included long walks to the different beaches. Where we played with the kidlets or read books once they had gone home. We did one trail bike ride. We had some much needed down time.
Love your hike but like someone else said my feet wouldn’t have survived in those shoes! I’d have hurt myself!
The scenery is stunning, Deb. Even if you hadn’t found the petroglyph, I don’t think you would have left unhappy. It looks like the sort of place that would put a smile on your face regardless of anything else.
Hi Deb – gosh I hadn’t realised there was a park/walk there … it looks beautiful. What a fun book to have got hold of … those salmon petroglyphs are staggering aren’t they – but quite honestly some of those rock formations could have been ‘carved statues’ … what a great geological area. Though as with the others I would have put sturdier shoes – but can see your point re strengthening up your ankle – hope it’s working. Take care … Hilary
Thank you, Hilary๐ I believe it is working. No complaints from the ankle after the walk…or after spending the afternoon of the same day swimming in the Nanaimo River ๐
Done! Added! Your newly healed foot should have no problem with 95% of this walk so long as you can avoid the tree roots and rocks on the path…you know, typical Bruce Trail stuff. ๐
Hi, Deb – Thanks for the shout out. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this walk. Your photography is stunning. ‘Seaside Walks’ sounds awesome. I look forward to reading about other hikes that you share from this book. See you Friday!
Oh my. I actually read your title as โHitting Jack Potโ instead of โHiking Jack Pointโ, assuming that finding the salmon petroglyph was the jackpot. Maybe itโs time to go to bed? Anyway, wonderful walk and I think you hit the jackpot by moving to Vancouver Island.
Hi Deb, I immediately made a note of this book. Did you buy it in a bookstore or online? We lived in Nanaimo for one year, although that was 28 years ago. I faintly recall seeing the Petroglyphs. We did a LOT of exploring that one year. Even with a 7 and 10-year-old in tow. Yes, spectacular! The sandstone carvings are always amazing. I greatly appreciate the photos you share. I think I mentioned to you before, Deb, how it never grows old. xx
Thank you, Erica๐ I have been to the carvings in Petroglyph Park as well. The book was an Amazon purchase and there are companion volumes. I also purchased Popular Day Hikes on Vancouver Island, by the same author.
I’ve missed you Deb and your hiking adventures!
So glad for this chance to catch you with you on your blog again. And on a trek through such a beautiful part of your new home. It really is quite stunning! The rock formations are just incredible!
Gorgeous photos! I love all those sandstone formation ~ the designs created as do incredible. The Petroglyph is pretty cool too… so large and in good shape. Wondering how far this walk is from where you live? Lucky you having Iโm assuming faulty easy and quick access to such gorgeous nature. Great ya ring a resource book which yields treasures.
Thank you Peta๐ The walk is about a 20 minute drive from where I live, and coincidentally Joanne, Donna and I are going there this morning to walk it again!
I am surprised you did that in sandals not sneakers or boots, but it was a lovely walk with gorgeous views, and there was a salmon petroglyph!
That was intentional, Deborah. I feel (rightly or wrongly) that walking a relatively easy trail as close to barefoot as I dare will work and strengthen my feetโs muscles and tendons and help me recover from the drastic ankle injury I experienced in March.
I hope it works!! Have you thought about getting a pair of the barefoot running shoes? Or ruled them out?
I have! Iโve lusted after a pair of those Vibrams with the individual toes. However, as you may have noticed from the picture I have very long toes and from the reviews I read those wonโt work for me โน๏ธ. So, my cheapie Crocs are being employed instead!
Oh! I didn’t know they weren’t good for people with long toes. That would rule me out too. Your solution I hope works!
So far so good. No complaints from my wonky right ankle ๐. Thank you Deborah๐
๐ YEAH!
I love the petroglyphs and am glad vandals haven’t destroyed them yet.
I couldnโt find any signage on the trail pointing to them. Perhaps that is why? Thanks, TG๐
Oh sure you did something exotic and fascinating and oodles of fun while I wandered aimlessly around a township park! Of course I realize our weekends aren’t meant to be competitions, but you win hands down. Petroglyphs are cool. Empty plays grounds, not so cool.
Hey, I enjoyed your empty playground post! ๐Thank goodness itโs not a competition โcos a lot of your posts would kick my blogโs ass, Ally Bean ๐๐
Oh my! ๐คฃ
Hey Deb! Thanks for taking us on your walk this morning. The photos were lovely, refreshing and cool. And definitely worth dirty feet! ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy๐ Of course I am in 100% agreement๐
Very cool pictures! I can’t believe you did that in sandals. I would have stubbed my toe, tripped and somehow did major damage! All you got was dirty!
Thank you, Kate๐ Walking in those flimsy sandals made me extra cautious๐
You sure picked the prefect place to retire! It’s beautiful there.
Crocs makes better sandals for hiking than you’re wearing in the photo—maybe not on sand for building ankles but for other places. I’m addictive to Crocs, have about 14 pair and I have the ones you have on. If you don’t shop their website, you should. I have an old pair of their summer cross-trainers that have great support and are open like a sandal. Most comfortable walking shoe I own and I have some cross-trainers that cost five times more than those Crocs.
Thank you, Jean๐ Iโm going to check out the Crocs website for those shoes you mentioned.
Those sandstone images are amazing. Definitely worth the walk. Glad you are enjoying your retirement.
Thank you, Suzanne๐ That I am!
My weekend included kayaking time on a stretch of the Rideau River inside the city on a hot, but not humid, day. No petroglyphs or BC ferries, though, nor the smell of salt water and kelp. Still, good to be outside.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Susanne๐ I missed out on any opportunity to get a kayak or SUP for this season. Every place (even online) is SOLD OUT. People are staying home and investing in watercraft this summer and I canโt say I blame them. I envy you your kayak time.
Our weekend included long walks to the different beaches. Where we played with the kidlets or read books once they had gone home. We did one trail bike ride. We had some much needed down time.
Love your hike but like someone else said my feet wouldn’t have survived in those shoes! I’d have hurt myself!
Sounds like a heavenly weekend, Bernie! Thanks for sharing๐
The scenery is stunning, Deb. Even if you hadn’t found the petroglyph, I don’t think you would have left unhappy. It looks like the sort of place that would put a smile on your face regardless of anything else.
Thank you, AJ๐ You are correct. Even without the petroglyph, this walk checked all the boxes!
Hi Deb – gosh I hadn’t realised there was a park/walk there … it looks beautiful. What a fun book to have got hold of … those salmon petroglyphs are staggering aren’t they – but quite honestly some of those rock formations could have been ‘carved statues’ … what a great geological area. Though as with the others I would have put sturdier shoes – but can see your point re strengthening up your ankle – hope it’s working. Take care … Hilary
Thank you, Hilary๐ I believe it is working. No complaints from the ankle after the walk…or after spending the afternoon of the same day swimming in the Nanaimo River ๐
Yes, yes, yes. Add this one to the list!!! This is the kind of walk that would lure me back over and over again.
My weekend? Wet. The good news … I didnโt have to water anything ๐
Done! Added! Your newly healed foot should have no problem with 95% of this walk so long as you can avoid the tree roots and rocks on the path…you know, typical Bruce Trail stuff. ๐
Bah – rocks and tree roots are standard fare ๐
Thanks for sharing your walk. I thoroughly enjoyed it – and my feet even stayed clean! (Kudos for walking in sandals ๐)
Thank you, Kim๐ Happy to let your feet live vicariously through mine ๐
Hi, Deb – Thanks for the shout out. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this walk. Your photography is stunning. ‘Seaside Walks’ sounds awesome. I look forward to reading about other hikes that you share from this book. See you Friday!
Thank you, Donna๐
Oh, man. Now I want a driftwood seat! ๐ – Marty
It was suprisingly comfy ๐. Thanks, Marty๐
Oh my. I actually read your title as โHitting Jack Potโ instead of โHiking Jack Pointโ, assuming that finding the salmon petroglyph was the jackpot. Maybe itโs time to go to bed? Anyway, wonderful walk and I think you hit the jackpot by moving to Vancouver Island.
Thank you, Liesbet ๐ Hitting the Jack Point Jack Pot would have made a lovely and catchy title as well! Wish Iโd thought of it ๐
I can hardly stand all this gorgeousness! I wish I could teleport to this place.
I hope I never take it for granted. I donโt think I will.
Hi Deb, I immediately made a note of this book. Did you buy it in a bookstore or online? We lived in Nanaimo for one year, although that was 28 years ago. I faintly recall seeing the Petroglyphs. We did a LOT of exploring that one year. Even with a 7 and 10-year-old in tow. Yes, spectacular! The sandstone carvings are always amazing. I greatly appreciate the photos you share. I think I mentioned to you before, Deb, how it never grows old. xx
Thank you, Erica๐ I have been to the carvings in Petroglyph Park as well. The book was an Amazon purchase and there are companion volumes. I also purchased Popular Day Hikes on Vancouver Island, by the same author.
I’ve missed you Deb and your hiking adventures!
So glad for this chance to catch you with you on your blog again. And on a trek through such a beautiful part of your new home. It really is quite stunning! The rock formations are just incredible!
Thank you, Ju-Lyn๐ Yes, it is very stunning here just about everywhere you look!
Enjoy the exploration & family time! Keep safe & well, Deb!
Thank you Ju-Lyn. Same to you๐
Deb, I definitely have to do this hike! As Donna would say, you can do a different hike everyday and not run out of options for a long time.
Jude
You wonโt be disappointed when you do this hike, Jude! Thanks ๐
Gorgeous photos! I love all those sandstone formation ~ the designs created as do incredible. The Petroglyph is pretty cool too… so large and in good shape. Wondering how far this walk is from where you live? Lucky you having Iโm assuming faulty easy and quick access to such gorgeous nature. Great ya ring a resource book which yields treasures.
Peta
Thank you Peta๐ The walk is about a 20 minute drive from where I live, and coincidentally Joanne, Donna and I are going there this morning to walk it again!
Amazing scenery – Vancouver Island has to be on my bucket list for when travel is a thing again.
Definitely! Thanks, Jo๐
Magnificent photos and what a great (successful) trek. Cheers!
Thank you, Pam ๐
This hike is one of my favourites.
Deb
I can see why!
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