Monday, March 08, 2021

A Little Escape

 



Campgrounds are open in our area, with precautions in place, and they are already full. We took our little Escape trailer (caravan) to Nanaimo for a week of rest and relaxation. I confess that my expectations were very low. I didn't want to be cold, and wasn't certain how comfortable the trailer would be. I need not have worried - it was warm and cozy. We enjoyed mostly good weather with chilly mornings, a bit of rain, and some lovely sunshine. The view above was our view for 5 mornings - high tide where the Nanaimo River estuary meets the sea. 


And this was the afternoon view at low tide (from a slightly different angle) where the river and sea curve their paths through the mud flats and grassy banks. In the distance several large cargo ships lie at anchor, perhaps awaiting loading at one of the local sawmills or pulp mills. 


The river estuary is home to many, many birds. On a gravel bar, a group of young bald eagles, watched over by an adult, were tearing at some unknown prey. A very brave crow looks like it is scolding the impassive eagle who looks as though he could make short shrift of the saucy crow. 


Early signs of spring were everywhere. Tiny unfurling green leaves, catkins, and even early pink rhododendron blossoms acted as harbingers of the season. 


We took a number of hikes during the week - twice to the Cable Bay Trail and Joan Point to see the current at Dodds Narrows. Once at slack tide when boats can safely pass, and once when the current raged. We sat on a rock with our thermos of hot tea and watched the water boil and churn. Several groups of sleek sea lions had a wonderful time riding the current, then diving and swimming upstream again to do it all over again, just for fun. You can just see the head of one sea lion in the photo above. 


Out of the main channel, this quiet cove looks almost tropical. Don't be fooled - the water is extremely cold, and a sharp wind made us glad for gloves, wind-proof jackets, and toques. We saw a Great Blue Heron standing motionless on the rock there. We were as quiet as could be and watched him for some time, but then he caught wind of us and lifted off with a slow beat of his wide wings to a more remote perch. 


We read books, ate well, drank tea, and came home rested. This week is also a vacation week for my husband, and we were planning a trip to the mainland to see my parents, but the restrictions are still in place and we are staying home. 

I'm looking forward to catching up with my blogging friends over the next few days. 

30 comments:

  1. I envy you both your caravan and boat for all those lovely little escapes. I can imagine being cosy in the caravan with that amazing view. B x

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  2. A perfect way to escape without going too far. In such peaceful scenery I'm sure you found time to relax.

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  3. Oh what a beautiful place, and what a tonic a week there would be. I had to Google Nanaimo to see where it is - and now I know! The sea lion popping up his head is a great shot, and so cute. Great photos, thank you.

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  4. stunning photos, a wonderful place to relax and restore

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  5. It sounds like the perfect vacation! What a lovely place your live in.

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  6. What a lovely get away! I'm glad it was restful. So much beauty in the world, thank you for sharing this corner of it with us, Lorrie.

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  7. Your break away sounds perfect. The sea lion made me smile. Away in nature like that is a great way to recharge. How fortunate you are to have such pleasant weather this time of year.

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  8. How wonderful to get away. Because you did and because you shared the beautiful pictures, I feel as if I have had a wee getaway, too.

    That eagle truly is forbearing.

    May you have another opportunity soon to visit your parents.

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  9. How wonderful to have a little get away. We are in need of one too...I guess we all are. Love your photos and I feel calmer just reading your description of your week in nature! Hugs!

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  10. Wonderful to have places to get away to that aren't far from home. Nowhere for us to go since we live in a very small country that borders places I don't really want to travel to. We are under an evening curfew for the next month. The never ending restriction of our current circumstances that change often because people just can't control themselves and use common sense. Certainly sounds like you had a peaceful time. Loved the crow picture. They sure are cheeky little birds. :)

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  11. Lorrie a lovely vacation in what to me looks like a piece of paradise. Enjoy your week and the signs of spring as they arrive.

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  12. Thank you Lorrie for sharing your vacation photos - very peaceful.

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  13. Sorry you are not able to get away to the mainland to visit your parents. The holiday you have just experienced was a delight to see, an Island paradise, surrounded by beauty.

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  14. You are lucky to escaped!

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  15. Oh how wonderful to "escape" the boundaries of home and get away to see such lovely scenery, the water and the birds. I don't recall you mentioning a caravan before, only the boat.
    Sorry you can't head to the mainland to see your folks - just hope all's well with them and that things open up for you soon.
    Spring is almost here - enjoy each day dear Lorrie.
    Mary x

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  16. I always feel as if I'm there with you on these excursions to the beautiful places around you. You're like the best kind of travelogue where I always feel serene after reading and looking at these. I think you could call yourself a photo journalist, among many other things!

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  17. I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
    Lovely that you could have a few days away and fully enjoy reading books, eating well, and drinking tea, finally returning home rested.
    Sounds bliss.

    All the best Jan

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  18. What a pleasant get-away. Lovely pictures. I can't imagine a crow being so brave (stupid) to harass an Eagle.

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  19. Having a little escape away from the home means so much currently. I am so pleased that you both enjoyed a few lovely days together surrounded by glorious scenery and accompanied by lots of wildlife - what a tonic.

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  20. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the week. Any time spent with a loved one has got to be special.

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  21. What great views you were afforded during your getaway. Glad the weather and all was better than you expected. Those crows really are brave around Eagles. I've seen them chasing and skuawking at them in the sky. Hope your husbands second week of vacation is a good one, too.

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  22. Beautiful Photos! That water does look tropical. You are a bit ahead of us. We still have snow around, but it is melting fast and the river is high. I love your heron story. They are so prehistoric

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  23. What a lovely vacation!

    I didn't realize that B.C. was still under restrictions.

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  24. Lorrie - it is obvious you had a restful and enjoyable get-away. Sometimes starting out with low expectations is a good strategy!!!

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  25. How lovely for you! We've still snow, but anticipate spring!!!

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  26. Such a good way to get away from the pressure of life's responsibilities to relax and refocus. I hope you get to legally visit your parents soon. =)

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  27. Don't we all need a little escape now and then . . . a time to step away and refresh? You saw some beautiful and fascinating things in the great outdoors!

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  28. Wonderful photos. Your getaway in a cozy camper, feels like reading a good book on a chilly evening.

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  29. What a wonderful vacation! Such a beautiful spot. I am getting ansy to have a road trip. Take care and have a great weekend. 😊 Kit

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  30. You were fortunate to be able to go away a few days to enjoy nature in a cozy camper! It is the best way to travel these days.The winding river Nanaimo is a beautiful sight to see.

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