Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Peace, Silence, Solitude

 


"Peace, silence, solitude. The world and its noise are out of sight and far away. Forest and field, sun and wind and sky, earth and water, all speak the same language."
Thomas Merton

Our view for a few days - the Nanaimo River Estuary with the Strait of Georgia beyond and further back, the snow-capped Coast Mountains of the mainland. 


We kayaked up the river until the current grew so strong that as fast and as hard as I paddled, I stayed in the very same spot in the river. Then, the delight of turning around and drifting downriver, idling watching the early signs of spring on shore.


Mr. Canada Goose was extremely leery of this camera-wielding human who drifted rather close to his feeding mate. I paddled away after taking the photo so as not to disturb. Seeing life from the perspective of a kayak at water level is very different than being on land. It's more "up close and personal". 


On our first afternoon, the sun shone so warmly and we sat outdoors watching bald and golden eagles drift and soar. It was an airshow of the natural kind. One eagle did a number of barrel rolls, effortlessly turning wing over wing in the air. A flock of either Trumpeter Swans or Snow Geese flew over, long necks stretched northwards, before landing on the mudflats in the estuary to rest for awhile. The Golden Eagle in the tree, seen above, is so well camouflaged. 


Another hike took us on a six-kilometre loop around Westwood Lake, created when a small hydro project was built many years ago. Tall, denuded trees stand perfectly reflected by the clear water below.


A turtle suns himself on a mossy log, unaware of the world at large, concerned only with his own little environment. We're finding the peace and silence of the natural world calming to our own minds and souls amid the chaos of the world. Our days are simple and easy, filled with nature's beauty, books, and each other's company. 

Wishing you peace amidst the storms.

17 comments:

  1. Hi Lorrie,

    These are great pictures! How good it is for you and your husband to escape from the craziness of our world right now. I think getting away into nature and away from civilization is about the only way to do that right now. It's just bad news and unpleasantness everywhere we turn. I like your pics of the geese and the turtle (with his reflection in the water). :) Enjoy yourselves and stay safe.

    Warm hugs,

    Denise

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  2. Out in your kayaks you have complete peace, silence and solitude. It's a rare thing in this busy noisy world.
    I like the picture of the tall bare trees reflected in the water. And the turtle too.

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  3. What a peace-filled time you had there on the water. It really is different when you are in a canoe and at that level everything looks so different.
    I hope you have a wonderful night- xo Diana

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  4. Thanks for sharing these amazing views.

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  5. I cant imagine anything more healing than a few days of peace and beauty.

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  6. Thank you for this gentle, and very peaceful post Lorrie - we feel the same - thank goodness for Mother Nature's gifts which are freely offered to each and everyone of us.

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  7. Beautiful post. The contrast of the tanker in the distance with the kayaks at water's level is thought provoking. Thank you for sharing a wonderful momement in Nature

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  8. How wonderful to spend time in such a peaceful and natural environment. The birdlife is so exciting - to see eagles, swans and geese is fantastic, as is that great big turtle. Happy times.

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  9. A perfect post! Thank you so much!

    🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼

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  10. Enjoy and thank you for taking us with you, for a bit.

    🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼

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  11. Stunning pictures! It looks like a wonderful place to get away from it all.

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  12. Lorrie, what a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing it with us. As always, your photographs reflecting your unique perspective are amazing (and I don't use that word lightly).

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  13. Your time in nature sounds perfect. The animals make all feel right with the world in spite of the turmoil that exists.

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  14. You found some wonderful peaceful spots. Love the photos you took.

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  15. Lorrie - I am glad that you are finding some peace, and precious time with each other. Savor it.

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  16. Hi Lorrie~

    Oh my goodness, your photos really inspire me, they are just beautiful! What a great way to spend the day!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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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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