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.
A very thought provoking post. A good reminder to make the most of every day. That looks like a beautiful walk. B x
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as you feel last week I had bad news a couple of our friends have both very advanced cancer and I know but I realised that life can change in a second so i decided to flew to Dubai in January to visit my grandchildren and son even if my health is not very good at the moment. I have two months left to get better. Your pictures are always beautiful and you are lucky to live in such a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteVos billets de blog sont toujours intéressants, réfléchis et nous font prendre conscience si besoin était, de la chance que avons d’être en bonne santé, de pouvoir se mouvoir sans difficultés quand on prend de l’âge, d’avoir une maison confortable et accueillante.
Lorsque nous allions en forêt, chaque automne pour la cueillette des champignons, mon mari et moi - il ne peut plus en raison de problèmes de dos - j’aimais ramasser toutes sortes de "trésors" de la nature : lichens, mousses, pommes sauvages etc et j’adorais humer les odeurs de la forêt, repérer les écureuils et écouter les chants des oiseaux. Maintenant je me contente de notre jardin.
Je ne suis pas croyante comme vous, mais je crois en la vie qu’il faut savourer chaque instant, ouvrir les yeux sur les beautés qui nous entourent car comme vous le dites, tout peut basculer en un instant.
Profitez bien de vos promenades et portez-vous bien.
Hélène 🌹
I am so sorry to hear about your neighbour! I like how you embraced every little thing along your hike. Things happen in life that are reminders to make the most of each day and you do that even on the dreary days.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Life IS precious, especially if you can find your place, your home, your comfort, your points of refreshment and revival to keep you as alive as you can be
ReplyDeleteOh Lorrie, I am so very sorry to hear about your friend and neighbor. Yes, reeling probably isn't even a strong enough word for what they are feeling but I have none better. It's essential we grab onto every second of our lives that we can and spend them in the best ways possible. Your hike looks demanding but oh, what beauty you saw and shared. Sending all good wishes for a good week.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your neighbour’s passing. Life is fragile and precious! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful reminder, dear Lorrie. Your photos are beautiful. I am sorry about your neighbour's passing. We need to treasure each and every day and the people in our lives, because we just never know when we will no longer be able to do this.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a lovely Sunday hike. Challenging though.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful walk, and a touching reminder of how precious life is.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your neighbour and what a shock for the family.
Wishing you peaceful days and cozy moments ahead.
How sad about your neighbour ♣️ We've just lost a friend, life can end just like that. He had cancer but we didn't know. His wife sent us an invitation to a memorial service next week.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you're leading such a wholesome life.
Sandwiches outdoors sounds really good.
Amusing fungus 🙃😀
Life is a gift... I take this words with me and agree. Yes it's very sad about your neighbour. We forget often that our days are limited here on the earth. Life is a gift each day.
ReplyDeleteThe mood here on this post is amazing. I enjoyed reading again very much.
Greetings by Heidrun 🍁 🍁 🍁
A rugged hike with rewarding views. What a sad time for your neighbors. May God comfort them and all of you. None of us know the 'day appointed for us'.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully written reflection — your words capture both the quiet magic of nature and the fragility of life so vividly. I felt as if I was walking the coastal trail with you, sensing the forest floor, the salty air, and the strength that rises from moving through such a landscape. Your awareness of every detail makes the day feel alive on the page.
ReplyDeleteThe shift from the joy of the hike to the shock of your neighbor’s accident is deeply moving. Life truly does change in a moment, and your compassion for his family speaks volumes.
Your reminder that life is precious — in its beauty, its unpredictability, and its fleeting gifts — resonates strongly. Even the heron balancing on the kelp seems like a quiet symbol of this delicate balance.
Thank you for sharing these honest and tender thoughts. They stay with the reader long after finishing.
Life is indeed precious, and it's good to take time to realise that.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful country side, rich with nature and the views across the water breath taking.. sad about your neighbour, his wife's life changed in a such short time, poor woman.
ReplyDelete