Moving with the Sun

With perfect weather yesterday, I decided to challenge myself, and go exploring. With my fearless companion, I headed out across the rocks at low tide. Here, Lucy strikes a pose, while waiting for me to hoist her down the rock.


















We saw brilliant starfish nestled in amongst the kelp-strewn stones.









After crossing the rocky cove, we had to scale a rock wall. This might look easy, but I had to find solid handholds and toeholds, and be careful not to fall or twist an ankle or knee, or slip on a dodgy rock. I always carry a handheld radio, but I don't ever want to have to use it to call for help.













Spring flowers are popping up everywhere. Nestled in cracks, or riddling a grassy area, they shoot up and bloom wherever they can. This "Indian Paintbrush" found a rock depression right at the edge of the cliff.











I'm not sure what this plant is, but it's a lovely wine shade. I think it's a type of lily. If you know what it's called, please leave a comment.










From the top of the hill, where the Spanish fort once stood, we gaze back across to the station. 

Rather than go back the way we came--which would take us to the right--I decided to go left at that log jam in the central depression. We edged our way across those dark rocks and then crossed another logjam on the east shore of the island. Lucy scampers across the logs--I wasn't quite that nimble.

Chasms and gorges cut through the rocks. Unfortunately, we came to a dead end, and had to backtrack in order to climb our way out and up to the station.

When we arrived back home, our first group of hikers was relaxing on the patio. The lightstation is usually the last landmark on the trail. This group had come in via Air Nootka aboard a floatplane and were waiting for the rest of their party to arrive before boarding a water taxi back to Gold River. They'd chosen a great week. Excellent weather, even a couple of bright hot sunny days! Experienced hikers, they'd also hiked the West Coast Trail. This trail, they agreed, was shorter (only 4-5 days), but more technical, and more rugged (less facilities, like toilets). For a taste of the Nootka Trail, read this article. It wasn't written by our hikers, but the writer had a similar experience and took fabulous photographs.

Beginning in late June, the Uchuck III picks up hikers at the dock below the lightstation. For more information on making connections while hiking Nootka Sound, check Get West.

Courtesy of pbkiteboarding.com

Just now, I was visited by two guys who were kite-sailing, and had camped overnight on the dock. I don't know much about this sport, but gather it looks something like this:


As the days grow longer, and the sun shines stronger, more and more visitors frequent this giant ocean playground.