Fog covered the landscape on Sunday morning, but by midday it had burned away into intermittent sunshine. Clouds moved in batches across the sky for the rest of the day, with bits of bright light here and there. A spur of the moment outing was planned.
We stopped and picked up some sandwiches on our way to East Sooke Park. There are many trails to choose from, but our favourite is the Coast Trail that winds along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Seascapes and forest scenes provide a wide variety of views to admire.
Mushrooms are rampant just now. All sorts of fungi dot the forest floor, from the tiniest little buttons to enormous spreading ones. I know little about fungi other than I find their shapes interesting.
Our hike took about three hours, including a stop on a rocky cliff overlooking the water while we ate our sandwiches, and other, shorter stops for photography or simple admiration of the views. This is not a casual walking trail. There's a fair bit of scrambling on rocks, ups and downs, and one must watch out for tree roots sprawling across the path. Or, as in the case above, to duck one's head under a fallen tree.
I was very conscious of my senses as I walked on Sunday. The scent of the decaying forest floor mingled with resinous fir and salty air. Wind whistled in the trees and waves slapped against the shore. Up went my legs as I clambered on rocks where my hand, seeking balance, felt its cold smoothness. I felt strong and very alive.
Life is a gift. I believe that beyond this life there is another life, rich and full. But what I now know is this fleeting existence on our beautiful Earth. And it is precious. Last week one of our neighbours, a lovely, friendly man who chatted with everyone, was working on his roof, lost his balance, fell, and died three days later in hospital. It's been a shock. His wife is reeling, as are his grown children. Life can change in an instant. I've been thinking of them and praying for them often, as well as offering what practical support we can.
So. Life is precious. And full of curious things, such as the heron in the photo above, standing perfectly balance on a tangle of bull kelp some distance from shore.
It was good to be outdoors on Sunday. Today, on the other hand, has been a dreich day, dreary and wet. How cozy to be indoors with the fires going, the lights on, and pleasant work to do. I'm puttering away on a few projects for Christmas and hope to begin baking soon.
Wishing you lovely days of warmth.
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