Luckily we brought both the good gear and the good attitudes to this rainy day hike.I wore my bear bell, just in case (not needed on this hike, fortunately).Today’s hike.Part of THIS trail (old sign).Now known by this name.We went in search of this.Known as “The Abyss”. Apparently caused by an earthquake in the 1940s.It’s quite deep but not very wide. However, sometimes small dogs fall into it and have to be rescued.Donna, photographing The Abyss.There were many other stunning sights and views, even in the rain and mist.Closeup of arbutus bark.Arbutus berries.I think this is called bristly beard lichen.Beautiful foliage. So many shades of green.Misty view of Nanaimo and the Salish Sea.Tansy.Donna capturing the view looking east from the ridge.Hawthorn. We were also this dripping wet during our hike. I’m so glad we got out on this trail, despite the wet weather.
You guys obviously live by a different philosophy than me. My thoughts on hiking or doing anything else outdoors – there are too many beautiful days to be outside on a lousy one. Looks like a nice walk. The bark sort of looks like the inside of a pomegranate.
Rain is the equivalent to the cold. You have to dress for it and then it’s manageable. You have captured some amazing photos! Partial to that arbutus bark. I’ve never seen it that colour in my visits to the coast.
The water on the tree and dreariness of the day really make the bark pop! I did not do anything to the photo except wave my phone’s “magic wand” over it when I edited it. Thanks, Bernie
Am fascinated reading your captions – so many things I’d never seen, especially arbutus bark! Is this all on “your”island, or do you have to ferry over to the mainland? Good job you had the right kit.
The arbutus is a tree that is found on the west coasts of North America, including on the island. It is also called a madrone tree. I love them. Thanks, Del
Sometimes rainy-day hikes are the best … and this one clearly fell in that category. You know I like a good abyss
btw – they changed the name BACK to the Trans-Canada. Go figure. I could have told them that the first change was a bad idea. Glad they finally figured it out too
Great info, Joanne. I’ve been following their current website which has been using the name Great Trail. They are likely just trying to confuse me (easily done)!
You mean they had changed it away from Trans Canada trail?? I guess we are always the last to know in Sask! I went by a section of it this summer and it had the original name. I hadn’t even heard that they had switched it out for a while. Can you imagine how much that cost us as tax payers…..
Gorgeous photos as always, but I am quite taken by the arbutus bark. I’ve never heard of the tree nor seen photos of the bark before but it is quite stunning.
And you guys think Australia is dangerous! A bear bell…
Hehehe! The black bears here on the island are supposed to be quite shy, so the bell is useful as it warns them to stay away. Now, on the mainland it’s grizzly bears as well as black bears and the bell just tells them supper is coming closer. Thanks, AJ
Ooh, I really enjoyed your hike! Some fantastic scenery out there. Rainy days can offer some lovely walks and hikes, unless it’s pouring down. And the moodiness of rainy days makes some good photos too.
We saw a beautiful madrone we spotted on our hike yesterday in the S.F. Bay Area where we live. I was hoping to send it to you, but I guess that’s not possible. I also like the huge crack in the huge rock formation–although it was disconcerting to think about dogs falling in!
That bark is extraordinary – it looked like a patchwork quilt. Your photos of the nature are absolutely lovely – I particularly liked the one where you captured the rosehips(?) with such enormous drips.
You are a trooper. Rain keeps me indoors but I’m a wuss!
Life is too short to be kept indoors by rain where I live!
Thanks, Kate 
Fascinating – Trees and Plants we don’t see here .
Happy Autumn
Ian
Thank you, Ian
Same to you! 
You look pretty well prepared for this one Deb. That arbutus bark is something else. Does it peel off?
Leslie
The bark appears to shred and peel naturally. Makes for a beautiful trunk! Thanks, Leslie
That was a fabulous trail (despite the rain). You are an AWESOME hiking partner. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure!
Me too! I believe you said there will be tea and treats involved, or am I just thinking wishfully?
Thanks, Donna 
There will absolutey be hot beverages and treats involved. You can count on it!
Ah but do you suppose she will and you create those treats Deb?
I hadn’t thought of that for this hike. But its a very good idea!
Whoops – what did I start!!
I love that arbutus bark. Hiking in the rain is a very different experience from sunshine. Everything looks, smells, and feels different.
Very true, TG! There is something calming about being out on the trail in a light drizzle. If you are properly kitted out, that is
. Thank you 
You guys obviously live by a different philosophy than me. My thoughts on hiking or doing anything else outdoors – there are too many beautiful days to be outside on a lousy one. Looks like a nice walk. The bark sort of looks like the inside of a pomegranate.
Everyday is a good day to be outside is my philosophy. Thanks, Suzanne
Rain is the equivalent to the cold. You have to dress for it and then it’s manageable. You have captured some amazing photos! Partial to that arbutus bark. I’ve never seen it that colour in my visits to the coast.
The water on the tree and dreariness of the day really make the bark pop! I did not do anything to the photo except wave my phone’s “magic wand” over it when I edited it. Thanks, Bernie
Mother Nature is a beautiful artist. That bark looks like a mosaic.
She certainly is. And a great landscape designer too. Thanks, Jean
Am fascinated reading your captions – so many things I’d never seen, especially arbutus bark! Is this all on “your”island, or do you have to ferry over to the mainland? Good job you had the right kit.
The arbutus is a tree that is found on the west coasts of North America, including on the island. It is also called a madrone tree. I love them. Thanks, Del
Ah – madrone! That name I recognise. Thank you, Deb. Agreed that they’re marvelous
Lovely photos. That tree bark was fabulous.
Yes, it was! Thank you Rivergirl
Sometimes rainy-day hikes are the best … and this one clearly fell in that category. You know I like a good abyss
btw – they changed the name BACK to the Trans-Canada. Go figure. I could have told them that the first change was a bad idea. Glad they finally figured it out too
Whoa, it’s hard to keep track with all these aliases for this trail!!! Thanks, Joanne
Great info, Joanne. I’ve been following their current website which has been using the name Great Trail. They are likely just trying to confuse me (easily done)!
I think they’re just confusing everyone!
You mean they had changed it away from Trans Canada trail?? I guess we are always the last to know in Sask! I went by a section of it this summer and it had the original name. I hadn’t even heard that they had switched it out for a while. Can you imagine how much that cost us as tax payers…..
Great images and hike. I loved the fall foliage and bare trees. Gorgeous!!
Thank you, Deborah
I really enjoyed them too.
I love a rainy walk, especially in the autumn. I’m sure it smelled wonderful!
That abyss was so cool.
Yes, it was! There is something about being in the woods in the rain and yes, the smell is wonderful especially in the autumn. Thanks, Kari
Beautiful pictures. That bark is amazing looking! – Marty
Yes, it is! Thank you, Marty
Gorgeous views, aside from The Abyss. That gave me shivers!!
I’ve not heard of using a ‘bear bell’ before. I like that idea.
I should probably carry bear spray as well…I really never want to have to need it though! Thanks, Suz
Amazing!!!
Thank you, Tracey
Gorgeous photos as always, but I am quite taken by the arbutus bark. I’ve never heard of the tree nor seen photos of the bark before but it is quite stunning.
And you guys think Australia is dangerous! A bear bell…
Hehehe! The black bears here on the island are supposed to be quite shy, so the bell is useful as it warns them to stay away. Now, on the mainland it’s grizzly bears as well as black bears and the bell just tells them supper is coming closer.
Thanks, AJ 
Ooh, I really enjoyed your hike! Some fantastic scenery out there. Rainy days can offer some lovely walks and hikes, unless it’s pouring down. And the moodiness of rainy days makes some good photos too.
Yes, that is so true about the “mood” in rainy day photos! Thanks, Susanne
We saw a beautiful madrone we spotted on our hike yesterday in the S.F. Bay Area where we live. I was hoping to send it to you, but I guess that’s not possible. I also like the huge crack in the huge rock formation–although it was disconcerting to think about dogs falling in!
Thank you, Susan
That bark is extraordinary – it looked like a patchwork quilt. Your photos of the nature are absolutely lovely – I particularly liked the one where you captured the rosehips(?) with such enormous drips.
Thank you very much, Debs
I love the beauty to be found in the natural world and do my best to capture it.