Sunday, March 08, 2020

A Sunday in March



In the late afternoon light of a sunny day in March there is a bit of warmth to enjoy, particularly if the wind stays away. The potted daffodils on my outside table are fully in bloom, and the hyacinths are just opening. 


I just didn't want to stay indoors on this mostly sunny day, so after some texting and some face to face chatting after church, three-quarters of our family (the other quarter lives on the mainland) made a quick plan to have lunch together and go for a hike to Witty's Lagoon. 


It's not a long trail, but it heads down alongside a stream, then beside a waterfall, down some more, and levels out to follow a meandering shoreline that indents deeply in places. We cross plenty of squishy muddy spots, some with boards laid across, others without. In a couple of places bridges of various sizes span creeks. We wind in and out of the forest that smells so fresh, and notice the tiny green leaves sprouting everywhere. The children race ahead, then stop to examine something fascinating and we pass them, then they run to catch up and pass us again. 



Once through the trees, the forest opens onto a short walk across the foreshore with its tall brown grasses and a few deciduous trees, to arrive at the sandy beach where the sea beckons the grandchildren to play. Sticks of all sizes and shapes are scattered for the picking, good for prodding, digging, and trailing through the water. Miraculously, no one got wet.

In spite of the sunshine, the air was chilly enough that we were all glad for jackets, mittens, and hats.


While the children played, the adults stood around and chatted. Driftwood lies all along every beach on our shores, tossed up by the storms from the Pacific. I find it endlessly fascinating. Carved by time and water, driftwood comes in a myriad of sizes and shapes. 


Back into the forest for our return trip. Native arbutus trees stretch over the water to create a shadowed canopy.


Sitting Lady Waterfall is best seen from a distance, across the lagoon. Now in the spring there is plenty of water, but that trickles to very little in the dry summer. 


European settlers once farmed in the area, but the only remaining evidence of that are the old fruit trees that bloom beautifully in the spring, and rotting fence posts. The earliest farm, Bilston Farm, established in 1851, was left to grow wild for some time before being purchased and converted into a modern farm where lavender thrives.


And so we head back through the forest, up alongside the waterfall, and arrive at the parking lot. The drive home is a mellow one, and our minds and bodies are glad for the fresh air and exercise.

Now it's evening. Did you enjoy the longer lighter evening? I did. Roast chicken for dinner, and now a quiet evening of reading, and getting this blog post finished. How was your first Sunday of Daylight Savings Time? Or does your area not change time?

21 comments:

  1. A wonderful outing and a perfect spot to enjoy nature and all it offers. No changing of the time here. Have a good week. :)

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  2. Dear Lorrie,
    Thank you for taking us along on your wonderful outing. You described it so well and so beautifully...almost like being there.

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  3. I noticed that it was light until after seven o'clock last evening. We had a lovely day, and while we didn't have an outing, though we did eat lunch out after church, it was beautiful to have the doors open for a bit and enjoy fresh air! It's unusual for us to be able to do that in March!

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  4. I always love going on walks with you and your family. You find such beautiful things to take photos of, bedsides your wonderful family. I was so busy with my two youngest granddaughters yesterday, that I barely noticed the time change. I wish that the time would not change, and that they'd just choose one, and stick to it!

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  5. A walk with gorgeous scenery and family makes the World feel like a better place.

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  6. What a beautiful place to walk! I did enjoy the longer daylight last evening.

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  7. Sometimes last minute plans gel better than any others. How good to have time together outside walking an interesting trail.

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  8. I am reminded again of the beauty to be found in your corner. How nice to be able to get out there and enjoy it with most of your family.

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  9. It's amazing how much colder a day can be with wind kicking up, as ours has been lately. It looks like a wonderful impromptu family outing--sometimes the best kind! Beautiful photos!

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  10. I have enjoyed joining you and your family for this walk, even if only virtually . My first Sunday of daylight savings time was not great, because I am dealing with a head cold. But that too shall pass.

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  11. It always feels so joyous to be able to get out of doors once again and appreciate the emerging flowers and blossom. Farewell winter, and a big welcome to spring, but sadly we still have 3 more weeks to go before our clocks change.

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  12. Our time hasnt yet changed but I do look forward to it.
    So lovely to see these burgeoning Spring flowers really getting into their stride now.

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  13. Great shots, Lorrie!

    I heard that B.C. may stop participating in Daylight Saving Time?

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  14. I enjoyed the *second* long evening. The first one, I had to go to bed very early!!

    And very much loved going along on this invigorating outing with you.

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  15. A glorious walk, how god it feels to know that spring cannot be far away.

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  16. You were rewarded generously for getting out to enjoy the day. Love all the photos.

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  17. Nature is so beautiful and very healing in these times of stress and worries. I'm sure your grandchildren enjoyed all the sights and sounds. I am enjoying the longer evenings and eating dinner with light in the windows.

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  18. I’m so happy for Daylight Savings Time ...evening walks, up on time to see the sunrise ...color me happy! What a beautiful walk you took ... and what fabulous company you had!

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  19. Lorrie - how blessed you are to have your family near enough that you can get out for a walk! And it is so important to get kids outside and in touch with nature. Well done! I am enjoying the lighter evenings! Have a super rest of the week!

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  20. What a lovely way to spend the day. Yes, our time changes and it does mess up inner clock. Takes me about a week. I'm making a roast chicken this weekend. We are supposed to get cold and have snow. Have a wonderful weekend. Kit

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  21. What beautiful memories you made, Lorrie, beautiful photos too, your dinner sounds like a perfect ending to a perfect day.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Sue.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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