I have to tell about this place where I spent my vacation last week.
It was great. The first day we were there, we grabbed our canoe and launched it into this beautiful river estuary. The tide was high and the shoreline was as rich a green as you’d find anywhere. We explored this verdant environment with Canada geese and ducks keeping us company. At one point we paddled around this island from the shaded side into the sun and came upon hundreds of Canada geese sunning themselves on the shore of this little island! Literally a hundred or two.
Prior to this we had crossed the main river channel and into a side channel that once was an industrial site with practically no wildlife or natural value. You’d never know that now. It is beautiful. The green, wooded shore reflected in the mirror-like surface of the slough. The whole area had been replanted with native vegetation after a joint community effort led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
What an impressive community to have banded together to recreate such a beautiful spot. They must be proud.
Too soon our estuary paddle had to come to a close as the evening sun set behind the mountains. But not before we discovered this creek channel that we thought would end after every twist and turn but only to discover it kept going. What fun.
We followed up our estuary paddle with a day at this beautiful sandy beach. The tide was out and we took in the nature program then set up our chairs on the beach and built a massive sandcastle. We then swam in the ocean and watched as the incoming tide crept up on our castle. Eventually, the gentle waves began lapping against its walls. Before long it began to collapse which is always the best part. After our picnic dinner we took in the evening nature program. What a lovely day.
Our third day trip was fantastic as well. We drove about an hour and a half away to these caves we knew about. They are so much fun because they’re easily accessible and don’t go too deep. So you don’t need too much caving expertise and our kids could just be let loose to scramble around exploring all the nooks and crannies. Just bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes and some clothes that can get a little muddy and you have hours of fun.
Later in the week we then took in this outstanding museum that allowed us to get to know the history of this special place.
Yes, it was a great community to spend a vacation. And, of course, you recognize that we stayed home in Campbell River revisiting the Campbell River estuary, Miracle Beach, Upana Caves and our own museum.
Might go back sometime soon.
