Tag: #newhikeoftheweek

There Are No Bad Days Hiking…

On By Widow BadassIn Good Times, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors, The Great Trail49 Comments

…only bad gear and bad attitudes.

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.

Rock on,

The WB

Giving Thanks Today

On By Widow BadassIn Good Times, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors30 Comments
For witnessing sunrises like these
For clouds reflected in lakes
For warm, comfortable footwear
For views from the path
For the sun lighting up the changing leaves
For experiencing new hikes
For finding new trails
For beautiful wooded pathways
For big trees and moss-covered branches
For someone to share the mysterious woods with
For visiting my first hatchery
For beautiful, musical spawning streams and rivers
For witnessing the annual chum salmon run
For learning more about the salmonid species that inhabit the rivers and seas
For gorgeous views everywhere I look
For fish tacos and Jarritos at Tidal Tacos
For sneaky, cheeky birds eyeing our lunch
For friends, both near and far
For the beauty of a Vancouver Island autumn
For Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends

For life and for health; for everything!

Rock on gratefully,

The WB

Silent Saturday – Cable Bay Trail and Dodd Narrows

On By Widow BadassIn See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors41 Comments

Now that Summer 2021 is firmly in the rearview mirror and my second fall on the island is in progress, I have decided to make it a goal to explore 1 new-to-me trail per week. Earlier this week I headed out to experience the Cable Bay Trail (and Joan Point Park and Dodd Narrows) in Cedar. Cable Bay Trail is apparently one of the top-ranked forest trails on Vancouver Island. And Dodd Narrows is known for sea life (sea lions and orcas) frolicking in its strong current. (Unfortunately no frolicking during my hike, which occurred at high tide…only 1 lonely sea lion seen although many were heard!) Here are some photos of this walk. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Cable Bay Trail pathway

Conjoined trunks

Rock carving

Hole in base of tree

Knobby trunk

Blue Tooth Fungus

Woodpecker buffet tree

Arbutus trunk

View from bridge

Sun through the trees

Mossy maple trunk

Looking back at Nanaimo
Sandstone and sea

Boat entering Dodd Narrows
Boat leaving Dodd Narrows
Sun on sea at Dodd Narrows

Banana Slug

Sun through the trees at Dodd Narrows
Back home. Après hike beverage because hiking is thirsty work! 😜

Rock on,

The WB