Monday, February 08, 2021

Monday Musings: A Walk to Tod Inlet

 


I went on a lot of extra walks last week.  On Wednesday I got to carry little Cora in a wrap on my front while walking with her older sister Iris and my youngest daughter. Walking with a 20-month-old is a lesson in curiosity. Rocks, plants, and mud puddles are all fascinating and require serious study before moving on. Especially mud puddles! 

On Thursday afternoon I walked with my eldest daughter and her daughter. Lots of talk about books and reading ensued. 
On Friday I walked with a friend on the loop around the airport - 10 km. Lots of talk about life, make-up, retirement, travel, and more. 

On Thursday morning I started out on a walk with a friend, but she was called away shortly after we started, so I carried on alone. The path to Tod Inlet is an easy one and follows a creek that feeds into the inlet. At this time of year it's full of water rushing noisily downwards over boulders and fallen logs in a  hurry to get to the ocean. 


The forest is a million shades of green with moss of all kinds covering trees, rocks, and dirt with softness. 


Here Copper Wire Moss (pohlia nutans) grows like patchy hair on a bald rock. 


I was completely alone at the Inlet and utter peace enveloped me. I watched a gull duck and splash through its morning ablutions. Two white sailboats turned slowly on their anchorages. A black crow cawed overhead and two pairs of Common Mergansers drifted aimlessly about the inlet. 

This inlet, now so quiet, was once the site of immense industry as Portland Cement was manufactured on what are now the grounds of nearby Butchart Gardens. Docks and loading facilities here at the inlet were the means of transporting the cement to market. All that's left are a few crumbling building foundations, and these cement pilings.

I love the lines of these pilings and the way they have weathered over the years. I take photos of them almost every time I come to the Inlet. They are an intersection of nature and human industry, and a reminder of how quickly nature reasserts itself when left alone. 


On shore many of these old pilings, never used, rest in long rows, becoming more and more covered by moss each season. Children clamber over them and walk along their length. This tree began as a small shoot between two of the pilings and as it grew more insistent with age, began shifting the angle of the pilings. In the battle between static and dynamic, dynamic wins every time. 


Fluffy seed pods will soon be replaced by tiny bright green leaves as the seasons cycle again. The tides ebb and flood, winter ends and spring appears. Walking in the natural world is life-affirming and restorative. As the world heaves in turmoil, creation steadies me. Soon it will be time to plant seeds and garden, then water and weed and harvest, and so we come round again, in the grace of God. 

For this week, there are more walks planned, but also other things - baking and sewing. Reading, too, and I will soon share the books that have kept me company recently. Have a wonderful week. Stay warm and cozy as I see there are many places with frigid temperatures just now. May you see the beauty of each day. 

25 comments:

  1. Lovely scenes. Yes, in my world, outside walks would require many layers and frankly, be no fun. I try to see the beauty from in my house.

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  2. Beautiful pictures and descriptions. As I read, a voice in my brain wonders...I hope she writes a book; what would it be; a mystery; beautiful writer.

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  3. Lovely that you have more time now to walk out with your family in the week. Your solitary walk looked fascinating with so much to see. Sounds like you are getting the hang of retirement already. I look forward to your book post. Have a good week. B x

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  4. What lovely photos! It sounds like you are having fun. 😊 Kit

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  5. Lorrie, as you say about the “world in turmoil,” your words sustain me. Such beautiful descriptions! Take care.

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  6. I love to see small children enjoying muddy puddles particularly when left to their own devices which usually ends up with them jumping up and down - what fun. The weather is suddenly frigid here but no snow unlike the eastern side of the country.
    It is surprising as the flowers are still opening up regardless and bringing much needed colour - hellebores, iris and snowdrops.

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  7. Lorrie, I've just spent a rather lovely half hour catching up with your posts and I'm now feeling very calm, thanks to your words and images. Like you I find great benefit in being in the natural world and I think that one of the reasons I am finding this lockdown so much harder than last year's is that I can't spend so much time outdoors. I find your photos very soothing. Also like you, I miss being with my family very much and am grateful for the digital technology which allows me to "be" with them in a different way. Happy Retirement, I hope you find a new routine before you become fed up without the old one. x

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  8. Beautiful photos! I so miss seeing people!!!! We do not visit with anyone right now. We would love to go see our friend Mike, and hike with him, but it is just too cold. It would be a 50 minute drive, and a 2 minute walk!!!! Hoping for warmer weather soon.
    There is not a sign of green ANYWHERE. Its all snowy here

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  9. Looks like you're settling into retirement life nicely!

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  10. How wonderful to have so many opportunities to walk with some great companions! Beautiful photos from your solitary walk. Everyone around here is talking about the cold temps that are predicted the next few days. We'll be finding some indoor activities.

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  11. So wonderful that you are able to get out and enjoy the beauty with great company at times. Your descriptions are a delight with the uplifting photos, a joy to visit your blog.

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  12. It sounds like you have had a lovely first week of retirement! I must seek to learn from you!

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  13. Dear Lorrie,
    All that beautiful green looks so wonderful to me. It's very grey and cold around here. I'm looking forward to your book reading list. Have had to resort to reading "A Gentleman in Moscow" twice. It was worth it.

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  14. What a beautiful, beautiful place to walk..... Oh my!!!! How lucky you are, to have such a place, near enough to get to.

    I look forward to hearing the titles of books you have enjoyed! Always looking for new possible reading suggestions. -smile-

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  15. I missed walking today so I'm happy to read your post and go with you! There are so many shades of color even in winter like you said! Enjoy your week!

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  16. It sounds like your retirement is off to a wonderful start.
    There is so much beauty to be found in your corner. I'm so glad you share it all with us. A beautiful, calming post.

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  17. What lovely walks you were able to enjoy. I don't think I've ever seen Copper Wire moss. It's very interesting moss.

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  18. I'm going to save the picture of Copper Wire Moss and hope that I might get to see some in person one day!

    Thanks for taking us on your wet winter walk.

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  19. There is something so beautifully peaceful to me about moss. This time of year it grows in between the pave stones in our garden. I just love it. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  20. Lorrie - you may have retired, but your photos and your prose remain unchanged, and I am grateful for that. I laughed at your description of walking with a 20-month-old. Never a fast process, but it brings so much joy to see the curiosity. A good lesson for us all!

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  21. What a beautiful walk. Happy you can walk with others. We are not there yet, staying quite isolated most of the time.

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  22. Excellent website! I adore how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am questioning how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. Looking for more new updates. Have a great day!

    Read More:- Satta King

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  23. I love going on walks with you . . . even if it is only through blogging. Your photos always touch my soul, I love how you find beauty in the simplest of things, things others pass by without noticing.
    You're a blessing :)

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  24. Your description of the seasons is so elegant with a longing, but a sense of security in the rhythm. I appreciate your insight about "In the battle between static and dynamic, dynamic wins every time." Something to think about for sure.

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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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