Mount Benson was shrouded in a gray mist as we headed south for an adventure. Sitting shotgun as the navigator, I was jittery from excitement for this hike. Calmly laughing at me was my driver, Sharron, who had invited me along to check out this water fall that she wanted to write an article on for the Beacon. Every month she writes the Trek On column. Having just found out about these falls she was eager to check them out.
Precipitation was gently falling as we pulled up at the trail-head for Ammonite Falls on Benson Creek and contemplated the start of the trail which promised to get us muddy. Once started down the trail it was easy-going through a large mature stand of pines. Scant undergrowth suggested sightings of wildlife but alas there was nothing to see.
Half an hour of walking brought us to a fire pit at the top of the falls. A short walk along the bank brought us to a steep embankment to which is secured a long rope with knots tied in every 2 1/2' to help steady your decent down the muddy embankment to the edge of the creek. We both had mud covering out pants and hands with dirty water running up the sleeves of our jackets.....or at least mine! Reaching the bottom was a highly rewarding full on view of one of Nanaimo's highest water falls.
"Rauchelle, why don't you go across to the other side and stand beside the falls so I can take a picture of you?" At first I thought Sharron might be joking, but after rolling the bottom of my pant legs up and receiving no apology for such a crazy suggestion, I plunged right in with boots on. It was cold!!!!! Fortunately the water was not deep at the top of the rapids so it was a quick jaunt across. The falls had turned the rock on the other side to a slippery smooth obstacle which would have taken forever to navigate if not for a rope someone had strung along the side of the bank allowing me to traverse the rock up to the very bottom of the falls and then up and behind them. Standing with a wall of water crashing down in front of you from above, with a 30' wall of rock behind was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. The power and threat in the falls was beyond description.
Back on the other side we damply scaled back up the bank and headed out, chatting along the way. It was very nice to be able to go for an adventurous hike with someone who is fit, willing, good natured and can keep up a conversation all while walking at a good pace.
By the time we got back to the car we were wet and dirty, but happy as all get out. One more local treasure discovered and enjoyed with a friend.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Karaoke .... Good Bye Tyler, You Will be Missed
A couple days ago Lexi decided that I had to go to karaoke at the Crown & Anchor with her and some friends. It was Tyler's last chance at karaoke before moving back to Alberta so everyone was coming out kind of as an impromptu going away party. Four young female baristas, a couple locals, and a fair number of guitar students made for a hilariously fun evening! A couple of the guys got started right away making a list of songs for Tyler to sing, both ones they knew he likes, and more that they just thought would be hilarious to see/hear him sing. Tyler is such a fun, easy going and enthusiastic young fellow, so he just laughed and thought it was a great hoot being called up every second song with no idea what the heck he was going to have to sing. He certainly was the best performer that whole night and had the largest fan crowd out of everyone who stood to sing.
I found a fellow Nickle Creek enthusiast in Mike (guitar student) while at the same time finding out that Paul (another student) has lived his whole life in ignorance of that wonderfully talented group. House of Tom Bombadil was mentioned, discussion of the roots behind that particular strain of music was explored, and talk moved on to other strains of music generally considered more popular.
I might say that one of the highlights of the whole night was listening to a song by Frank Sinatra being sung by a young grease monkey in terribly torn jeans and an "Iron Maiden" t-shirt. That was such a complete surprise I really didn't know what to do but sit and listen in stunned silence.
The night went long but fun and I won't say what time we left, but the doors to the bar were all locked for quite some time before we got our lazy butts off the picnic bench and removed ourselves from the vicinity.
I found a fellow Nickle Creek enthusiast in Mike (guitar student) while at the same time finding out that Paul (another student) has lived his whole life in ignorance of that wonderfully talented group. House of Tom Bombadil was mentioned, discussion of the roots behind that particular strain of music was explored, and talk moved on to other strains of music generally considered more popular.
I might say that one of the highlights of the whole night was listening to a song by Frank Sinatra being sung by a young grease monkey in terribly torn jeans and an "Iron Maiden" t-shirt. That was such a complete surprise I really didn't know what to do but sit and listen in stunned silence.
The night went long but fun and I won't say what time we left, but the doors to the bar were all locked for quite some time before we got our lazy butts off the picnic bench and removed ourselves from the vicinity.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Weekend in the Water
The weekend was so busy there was no time to write any posts here, so I'll play catch up.
Pat arrived late Friday night, we got up early Saturday morning and got to the dive shop shortly after they opened. Rented a few pieces of gear, drove out to China Creek, boiled under the sun as we put our gear on, then dropped down and explored a small tug boat at about 40' where we saw giant Red Sea Urchins then continued to the wall where we explored down to 60'. Saw huge California Stichopus (Giant Sea Cucumber), a pale yellowish/brown Slime/Cookie/Bat Star (not sure which), Sun Stars, Rockfish, a few Ling Cod, and then right at our turn around point we swam under a large school of Stripped Perch. We inspected the old sunken telephone booth, but what's left of it is pretty dilapidated. Of course since we had to go through Alberni to get home we HAD to stop at J 'N' L's for onion rings and an everything burger (grease fix!!!).
Late that evening we drove down to Blueback Bay (Tyee) in Nanoose and did a night dive. Phosphorous was amazing to see! Don't really remember much about the dive other than the fish being bright colours due to the flashlights. To be honest, I was too busy trying to stay calm, and attempting to enjoy the swim so it wouldn't be ruined for Pat by me freaking out at the immense vastness of dark nothingness.
Sunday morning we slept in (or at least I did) then made a mid morning dive back at Tyee. The SDI and PADI groups were doing their open water classes, but we got in just as they were getting most of their gear down to the shore, and I THINK we were out before they even got their first dive of the day in.
At about 20' following the chute down, I found a very small animal that I can't seem to find anywhere in the internet, so have no idea what it is called. It was about half an inch long, same in width, and swam with a flying motion somewhat a mix between a stingray and butterfly.
We followed the chute down over the Eel Grass to the rocking horses, then turned down along the wall at 60'. Spent some time cruising around exploring all the different fish and sea life in the crevasses and under the kelp along the wall until I started to feel the chill of the deep water in my wet suit, so we worked our way back along the wall at a shallower depth.
Passing back over the chute heading to the west wall we passed a Red Crab moseying slowly along. There were many Grey Brittle Stars but they all went jumping and scrambling out of his way. His lumbering presence did not seem to disturb the Frilled Anemone stationed in his path though.
On our way back toward the beach we skirted around the Eel Grass bed and found Anemones, Crabs, and a beautiful Alabaster Dirona.
Back home the family was heading off to the lake so I joined them with my fins, mask and snorkel so Zander and I could go exploring out by the islands. Over all was an amazing weekend!
Pat arrived late Friday night, we got up early Saturday morning and got to the dive shop shortly after they opened. Rented a few pieces of gear, drove out to China Creek, boiled under the sun as we put our gear on, then dropped down and explored a small tug boat at about 40' where we saw giant Red Sea Urchins then continued to the wall where we explored down to 60'. Saw huge California Stichopus (Giant Sea Cucumber), a pale yellowish/brown Slime/Cookie/Bat Star (not sure which), Sun Stars, Rockfish, a few Ling Cod, and then right at our turn around point we swam under a large school of Stripped Perch. We inspected the old sunken telephone booth, but what's left of it is pretty dilapidated. Of course since we had to go through Alberni to get home we HAD to stop at J 'N' L's for onion rings and an everything burger (grease fix!!!).
Late that evening we drove down to Blueback Bay (Tyee) in Nanoose and did a night dive. Phosphorous was amazing to see! Don't really remember much about the dive other than the fish being bright colours due to the flashlights. To be honest, I was too busy trying to stay calm, and attempting to enjoy the swim so it wouldn't be ruined for Pat by me freaking out at the immense vastness of dark nothingness.
Sunday morning we slept in (or at least I did) then made a mid morning dive back at Tyee. The SDI and PADI groups were doing their open water classes, but we got in just as they were getting most of their gear down to the shore, and I THINK we were out before they even got their first dive of the day in.
At about 20' following the chute down, I found a very small animal that I can't seem to find anywhere in the internet, so have no idea what it is called. It was about half an inch long, same in width, and swam with a flying motion somewhat a mix between a stingray and butterfly.
We followed the chute down over the Eel Grass to the rocking horses, then turned down along the wall at 60'. Spent some time cruising around exploring all the different fish and sea life in the crevasses and under the kelp along the wall until I started to feel the chill of the deep water in my wet suit, so we worked our way back along the wall at a shallower depth.
Passing back over the chute heading to the west wall we passed a Red Crab moseying slowly along. There were many Grey Brittle Stars but they all went jumping and scrambling out of his way. His lumbering presence did not seem to disturb the Frilled Anemone stationed in his path though.
On our way back toward the beach we skirted around the Eel Grass bed and found Anemones, Crabs, and a beautiful Alabaster Dirona.
Back home the family was heading off to the lake so I joined them with my fins, mask and snorkel so Zander and I could go exploring out by the islands. Over all was an amazing weekend!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Busy but Fun Day
"Tabitha, go wake Uggie up."
Tabitha toddles out to the six man divided tent where Maret, Zander and I have been sleeping for the past number of nights. She carefully and quietly steps through the door to the side which Zander sleeps in, puts her hand gently on his shoulder and says; "Uggie get up"
He doesn't move for a second, then groggily drags the edge of his sleeping bag up higher around his chin then pulls the hood down so he looks like he is snug in a giant cocoon. Tabitha moves closer and softly wraps her arms around his head in a loving hug. He groans and peaks one eye open at her then rolls over. She has a twinkle in her eye as she leaves the tent then. She has accomplished her mission; "Uggie" is now awake.
With the process of waking Zander up safely out of the way, plans for the day can continue. He and I drop by the coffee shop for London Fogs, then head to Nanaimo for some outdoor gear. We checked out the new Outdoor Warehouse (good store, got a skirt), found the new location of Valhala Pure (didn't get anything), Nanaimo Dive Outfitters (again, didn't get anything, but got some questions answered and will be back there tomorrow morning), Value Village (two shirts and a pair of shorts) and last but not least Alberni Outpost (bought an amazing Osprey day pack). The whole day was slightly hot with the van warming up quite terribly sitting in all the parking lots with too little time between stops for the air conditioning to do any good. But the company and conversation was the best I could ever ask for. Every word spoken was heart felt and honest.
Back home, the evening is beautiful so took Maret for a quick bike ride down to the liquor store and Tomms grocery and had the opportunity to test my new pack. Yes it fits quite a bit in it! 2 litre bottle of Pepsi and a 6 pack to be precise, and only half full at that! Think I will be very happy with this purchase.
Now I just have to wait for my friend and coach Pat Landals to get here tonight. Tomorrow he and I will go scuba diving!!! Can't wait!!!!!!!
Tabitha toddles out to the six man divided tent where Maret, Zander and I have been sleeping for the past number of nights. She carefully and quietly steps through the door to the side which Zander sleeps in, puts her hand gently on his shoulder and says; "Uggie get up"
He doesn't move for a second, then groggily drags the edge of his sleeping bag up higher around his chin then pulls the hood down so he looks like he is snug in a giant cocoon. Tabitha moves closer and softly wraps her arms around his head in a loving hug. He groans and peaks one eye open at her then rolls over. She has a twinkle in her eye as she leaves the tent then. She has accomplished her mission; "Uggie" is now awake.
With the process of waking Zander up safely out of the way, plans for the day can continue. He and I drop by the coffee shop for London Fogs, then head to Nanaimo for some outdoor gear. We checked out the new Outdoor Warehouse (good store, got a skirt), found the new location of Valhala Pure (didn't get anything), Nanaimo Dive Outfitters (again, didn't get anything, but got some questions answered and will be back there tomorrow morning), Value Village (two shirts and a pair of shorts) and last but not least Alberni Outpost (bought an amazing Osprey day pack). The whole day was slightly hot with the van warming up quite terribly sitting in all the parking lots with too little time between stops for the air conditioning to do any good. But the company and conversation was the best I could ever ask for. Every word spoken was heart felt and honest.
Back home, the evening is beautiful so took Maret for a quick bike ride down to the liquor store and Tomms grocery and had the opportunity to test my new pack. Yes it fits quite a bit in it! 2 litre bottle of Pepsi and a 6 pack to be precise, and only half full at that! Think I will be very happy with this purchase.
Now I just have to wait for my friend and coach Pat Landals to get here tonight. Tomorrow he and I will go scuba diving!!! Can't wait!!!!!!!
Bosses
"Life must be a balance between quality and quantity." ~Sheila Hutchison
I firmly believe that I could never in all my life have two greater people to work for than Darrel and Sheila. They both are encouraging, fun and a pleasure to work with. Both of them are good at reading people and encouraging others to do things otherwise thought impossible to do. I know that my life has changed from having them in my life.
4 years ago Sheila was hired on as manager at the coffee shop where I worked. She changed the whole place around, business skyrocketed, and I learned more skills in a shorter period of time than I thought possible.
3 years after moving across the country I ended up back in my old stomping ground. Darrel and Sheila are now the new owners of that old coffee shop, and I am blessed to be hired back into the cafe family.
Do they have quality in life? Most definitely. And they share it! Encouragement, fun, laughter, wine and fine food. (And good quality coffee)
Quantity? Yes again.
I firmly believe that I could never in all my life have two greater people to work for than Darrel and Sheila. They both are encouraging, fun and a pleasure to work with. Both of them are good at reading people and encouraging others to do things otherwise thought impossible to do. I know that my life has changed from having them in my life.
4 years ago Sheila was hired on as manager at the coffee shop where I worked. She changed the whole place around, business skyrocketed, and I learned more skills in a shorter period of time than I thought possible.
3 years after moving across the country I ended up back in my old stomping ground. Darrel and Sheila are now the new owners of that old coffee shop, and I am blessed to be hired back into the cafe family.
Do they have quality in life? Most definitely. And they share it! Encouragement, fun, laughter, wine and fine food. (And good quality coffee)
Quantity? Yes again.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Plans? What plans?
This morning the cat's owner came and picked him up. Kind of disappointed. Had the most awesome name picked out for him and all the kids liked it too. Gyro. Like a gyroscope.
Work was HOTTTTTT! Only if I stood in front of the fan did I stop sweating. There has been no breeze to speak of all day. Hasn't been one since yesterday. The big forest fires in the interior are creating enough smoke that it has drifted down across the sound and blurred out the sun. It was a blazing orange ball that could have been mistaken for the moon, it looked so ghostly. Noticed walking home that you couldn't see the other end of the four-lane north of Bowser even when at the Northdown turnoff. Now THAT is some intense smoke!
Work was crazy so I didn't get out till quite late, at which point I then had to rush home to grab a bike so I could meet up with my friend Lizzy from Victoria. We had a lovely chat and walk around the Wildwood park.
When I got home from the walk, I realized just how stupid I had been in my rush out the door. I took neither cellphone, house key, money or identification. So when I got home and everyone was gone with all doors locked, I couldn't call them to find out where they were, couldn't get in without a key, couldn't bike down to the liquor store to grab some breezers with the money and I.D. that I DIDN'T have.
So I went down to Deep Bay instead. Believe it or not, it's the first time I've been down there since moving back to the Island. It used to be my absolute favorite spot to bike to years ago. Would ride 22k round trip just to watch the masts rock back and forth on the waves. The docks are very crowded now even though there are new wharfs added on. Mostly pleasure boats, even on the private side which used to harbor mostly fishing and federal boats. Overall 'twas a very nice relaxing bike ride.
Now I am home, had a shower and am about to watch a chick flick. Just us girls! Kids down, guys gone to town, life is good!
Work was HOTTTTTT! Only if I stood in front of the fan did I stop sweating. There has been no breeze to speak of all day. Hasn't been one since yesterday. The big forest fires in the interior are creating enough smoke that it has drifted down across the sound and blurred out the sun. It was a blazing orange ball that could have been mistaken for the moon, it looked so ghostly. Noticed walking home that you couldn't see the other end of the four-lane north of Bowser even when at the Northdown turnoff. Now THAT is some intense smoke!
Work was crazy so I didn't get out till quite late, at which point I then had to rush home to grab a bike so I could meet up with my friend Lizzy from Victoria. We had a lovely chat and walk around the Wildwood park.
When I got home from the walk, I realized just how stupid I had been in my rush out the door. I took neither cellphone, house key, money or identification. So when I got home and everyone was gone with all doors locked, I couldn't call them to find out where they were, couldn't get in without a key, couldn't bike down to the liquor store to grab some breezers with the money and I.D. that I DIDN'T have.
So I went down to Deep Bay instead. Believe it or not, it's the first time I've been down there since moving back to the Island. It used to be my absolute favorite spot to bike to years ago. Would ride 22k round trip just to watch the masts rock back and forth on the waves. The docks are very crowded now even though there are new wharfs added on. Mostly pleasure boats, even on the private side which used to harbor mostly fishing and federal boats. Overall 'twas a very nice relaxing bike ride.
Now I am home, had a shower and am about to watch a chick flick. Just us girls! Kids down, guys gone to town, life is good!
Late last night the kids came home from the neighbor's place all excited because there was a stray kitten in the back yard. The neighbor is terribly allergic to cats, so the kiddos caught the little fuzz ball and brought him home. A few calls were made with no luck at finding the original owners, so after playing with the cat for an hour past bedtime they made a bed for it in a cardboard box and left it in a protected corner of the porch. This morning when Uncle Shawn got up it was still there so he let the little thing inside. As of right now the children have all played with it and the poor thing is fast asleep on Annalee's lap.
Somehow I doubt that the kitten's owners will ever be "found". Seems the O kids have their first fuzzy pet! Woohoo Auntie Lisa! Aren't you so excited?
Somehow I doubt that the kitten's owners will ever be "found". Seems the O kids have their first fuzzy pet! Woohoo Auntie Lisa! Aren't you so excited?
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