This weekend I went for a walk in the rain, then sun, then rain… It seemed like the weather was changing every ten minutes, but that’s not unusual for this time of year on Vancouver Island. Not far away from many of the other sites I’ve been to, there’s The Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society, which is located at Charters Creek. There is a nice trail that runs nearby on a mini-islan of land surrounded by the creek. The creek is lined with moss covered trees, like many of the trails are around here.
From about mid-October through late November every year, these waters are thick with bright red coloured salmon, returning to spawn. At this time of year, the spawning salmon aren’t present, but there is an abundance of birds, bugs and other wildlife around. The water is still running quickly with all the spring rains; bubbling and churning as it flows over the rocks.
Rich green moss covers everything from the tallest trees to partially submerged rocks. If it stands still for any length of time, it is covered by moss.
Walking the trail was very relaxing. Not another person was around, despite the easy access and close proximity to town. The only sounds besides the chirping of the birds and soft babble of the water was the scuffing of my shoes on the pathway. At times it almost felt like walking through a painting.
Before long the rain started to pick up and I decided to call it a day. I headed back across the bridge for now, but I am sure I will be back soon… Maybe even in the fall when the salmon are running.
Wild Drake Photography 